what is the ultimate touring guzzi?

[bpreynolds]

All relative, of course, to the individual doing the touring.  I've owned 5 1100 Californias, a Stelvio, a Griso, and now a 2V Norge.  If yr obviously talking out of the box comfort I would probably say the Norge.  For me the Stelvio is/was phenomenal (though I hated the stock seat) but the Norge fairing creates a better pocket of still air if you want that kinda thing.  Kinda neat touring amenities too like the electronic adjustable windshield, heated grips, etc. 

[Johncolleary]

Stelvio NTX

[donn]

While I actually love my Norge for touring (I have multiple IBA rides with it) If I were going to do serious years long touring my choice would be a big block tonti frame with a cushy seat and huge ammo can bags and the big fairing.  Effortless to ride, easy to fix, roomy and comfortable.  I used to have a '70s G5 and I really miss it.

What happened to the Windjammer?

My California II came to me with G5/SP manual, so I gather they're pretty closely related.  Quite the touring barge, and I've wondered whether some of the changes from the G5 were made with the Windjammer in mind - just little things like the handlebars and the front crash bar.  It's sad that this ultimate design was sort of a reference for the California Vintage whose inadequacies started this thread.

[sbaker]

I have toured on both the NTX and Norge.. The Stelvio is very comfy, and since the Norge and Stelvio share the same engine/tranny/CARC they bring on power about the same. I like the Norge for the every so slight tuck position as opposed to the Stelvio's more 'legs dangly' position. But both are capable touring bikes...

For all "intensive purposes" is a personal choice.... Mine is the Norge...

As far as looks / design the Norge turns more heads ..... :)

[Gliderjohn]

Quote from shaker:

As far as looks / design the Norge turns more heads ..... :)

My Norge turns some heads then they come over and compliment my nice "BMW".
GliderJohn

[PJPR01]

The Norge is the more wilder beautiful Italian sister to the well behaved and predictable German BMW R1200RT, both of them phenomenal bikes...just spent a couple of days touring the California coast on a rented Bimmer - great fun, outstanding touring bike in all aspects as well, just not as much engine feedback, but all in all a very well balanced and wonderful tourer.

Curious to see how I feel once I get back on the Norge in a couple of days and head to John Day after spending 2 days riding the R1200RT.

[blackcat]

Stelvio 8V with cast wheels and "Norge-style" bags.

Mechanically the same as the NTX.

I wish they would have imported this bike without bags.

[nick949]

It depends on your vision of touring.



Stelvio? Sure. Norge - perhaps not.

Nick

[atavar]

It depends on your vision of touring.



Stelvio? Sure. Norge - perhaps not.

Nick

I would not mind taking the Norge on that road, but it would be slower going than on a Stelvio..