Norge or Stelvio for cross US & back trip?

[usedtobefast]

Towards end of August I need to be in Virginia, I live in California. 

The CA -> VA trip will need to be "knock it out" style but the VA -> CA return trip can be leisurely explore all sorts of fun roads & areas.  And solo trip, no passenger.

So the idea, buy a bike, prep it, do ride, when get home then sell it.  Target budget for purchase is the $5K - $8K range, could go up to $10K if I had to.  And looking used, not new.

My first thought was a Honda ST1300.  Super reliable, real mile muncher. Only negatives are some very hot air/frame from radiator/motor and fairly heavy bike.  And for some reason you can get really clean ones for ~$4500 with around 20-25K miles.  So buy it, new tires, service, and off I go.  Sell it for probably same price I bought it for when I get back.

Not interested in any BMW, just don't trust them. 

In my searches I ran across some Yamaha Super Tenere 1200s.  Don't know a lot about them, but most seem to have large hard cases, shaft drive, 2014+ had cruise control, way lighter than an ST1300, not as good of wind/weather protection.

So from Moto Guzzi there is the Norge or Stelvio.  Not really interested in the 1400 California.  I have a Griso, so I'm familiar with the drive train and power characteristics. 

Of the two, I just feel Stelvio for me.  This is a big adventure for me and that bike just seems to match up.  Not logical on that thinking. 

But, I've read about some Stelvio issues and I really need a bike that can do ~8K miles, day after day of running, with zero issues.  Don't want to be posting on here with a "please help me, I broke down" thread.     Also read some Norge odd issues, so same concern there.

Another bike I like the idea of is the Honda VFR1200X.  Big issue is you just can't find them.  Shaft drive, V4, super smooth motor.  Probably like this a bit more than the Yamaha Tenere.

Not a fan of FJR's or Concours, so skipping them.  Goldwings and such just too darn big for me.

So if I go with logic, very hard to beat the ST1300.  But that is also kind of boring.

If I go with emotions, big green Stelvio feels like a winner. 

Any other bikes to consider?  Thoughts on the Norge vs. Stelvio?  Thought on an MG for this type of trip? 

Thanks

[randy yocum]

I own both a 2007 Norge ,and a 2012 Stelvio NTX I love them both,either one is a great traveling machine,500-600 miles days piece of cake.Very comfortable ,more power then you will ever need.The push rod Norge gets better mileage but requires premium gas or it pings under load passing and such,The Stelvio will run on kerosene with no complaints,so cheapest fuel you can find.Maybe less miles per gallon verses cheaper gas per tank evens things out?They are both great bikes.

[Zoom Zoom]

I've had both. I still have the Stelvio. Flat seat allows a little freedom of movement that I could never have on the Norge.

John Henry

[Kiwi_Roy]

I would be looking for a 2 valve Norge no need for the power and complexity of the roller tappets or just take the Griso with a Corbin seat.

[Motormike]

On a long trip like that one, the big fuel tank on the 2nd Gen. Stelvio would be hard to beat.  Of course, the ST1300 has a large fuel capacity as well.  Neither has cruise control, which I consider a minus on a trip with a lot of interstate miles.  I've ridden the big 1300, and found it ungodly heavy and rather boring. The electric windscreen was nice.  But the Honda would almost certainly be trouble-free, and the easiest to find used in your budget. Since you're not planning on keeping the bike once the trip is over, I don't think you should rule BMW's off your list.  The big GS1200 Adv has the range, comfort and features you'd like on a long ride.  Besides, you're only asking for it to hold together for 9 or 10,000 miles.  Even a BMW can do that! (well, most of em...)

[Dave Swanson]

Without knowing from experience, I would guess the ST would be somewhat easier to sell after the trip than either of the MGs.  I am assuming that there are a few more potential buyers for the ST out there. 

I always wondered how the Norge and ST1300 compared.   

[blackcat]

I always wondered how the Norge and ST1300 compared.

I've only ridden twins and the few times I've ridden a late model Honda, I found them to be completely uninteresting. If I have to rev the shit out of the engine to hear it, then I don't want it.

I would consider buying a used late model Road King unless your return trip involves extensive hairpin turn roads.  Plenty of dealers if that is an issue, and it will be easier to resell than most of the mentioned bikes, but if it wasn't for the resell issue I'd buy the Stelvio.

[pyoungbl]

I had both a Norge and Stelvio.  My big tank Stelvio took me from Virginia to California and back with no issues at all.  I even had it loaded down with camping gear since we camped for a week in CA.  The trip out was a 6 day blast, much of it on US 60, then on US50.  The trip home was more northernly through WY but ended up on the slab through St. Louis and home.  That latter part of the trip was in torrential rain where the weather protection of the Stelvio seemed almost as good as the Norge.  To compare the Norge to Stelvio I'd stress that you sit down into the Norge 'pocket' but sit on top of the Stelvio.  I found the Norge to be much hotter on my knees than the Stelvio.  You will really appreciate the 8.5 gallon tank on the Stelvio.  Plan on installing a rear tire at some point on your trip.  The hot pavement will cause the rear to wear much faster than normal.  Resale of a Guzzi is something we all know about.  You can pick up a lightly used big block for a great price.  After your trip you can probably get most of that back since the bike has already depreciated so much.  It will just take a long time to find a buyer.  Oh, don't forget that the Stelvio came with tubeless tires so it's much easier to fix a flat on the highway.

Peter Y.

[Lannis]

Fay and I have done a couple of cross-country trips (and to Nova Scotia, etc) on our '09 Stelvio.

We get about 200 miles out of the 4.9 gallon tank, which is enough for us.   It has more room on it than any other bike we've ridden, more horsepower than we need, always runs cool.  7500 miles on the rear tire, 15,000 on the front.   With the updated map, 48 - 50 MPG.

We'll probably use it for our next such trip; I can't think of anything that would work better.

Lannis

[MotoG5]

Owned a Stelvio NTX for seven years and took several long trips on it with out issue. It was for me a great bike for touring. The market for used NTX is very soft so you should be able to find one well with in your price range. But as has been already noted selling it could be a slow process.

[TN Mark]

I would consider buying a used late model Road King unless your return trip involves extensive hairpin turn roads.  Plenty of dealers if that is an issue, and it will be easier to resell than most of the mentioned bikes, but if it wasn't for the resell issue I'd buy the Stelvio.

Best advice by far yet. The used market is plentiful and the bike is a lot of fun to own and ride. What better way to tour the US than on a US original. Plus it will be WAY easier to sell after your trip. As you know, selling just about any Guzzi can be a chore.

[coast range rider]

I had both a Norge and Stelvio.  My big tank Stelvio took me from Virginia to California and back with no issues at all.  I even had it loaded down with camping gear since we camped for a week in CA.  The trip out was a 6 day blast, much of it on US 60, then on US50.  The trip home was more northernly through WY but ended up on the slab through St. Louis and home.  That latter part of the trip was in torrential rain where the weather protection of the Stelvio seemed almost as good as the Norge.  To compare the Norge to Stelvio I'd stress that you sit down into the Norge 'pocket' but sit on top of the Stelvio.  I found the Norge to be much hotter on my knees than the Stelvio.  You will really appreciate the 8.5 gallon tank on the Stelvio.  Plan on installing a rear tire at some point on your trip.  The hot pavement will cause the rear to wear much faster than normal.  Resale of a Guzzi is something we all know about.  You can pick up a lightly used big block for a great price.  After your trip you can probably get most of that back since the bike has already depreciated so much.  It will just take a long time to find a buyer.  Oh, don't forget that the Stelvio came with tubeless tires so it's much easier to fix a flat on the highway.

Peter Y.

[ken farr]

I have done that trip, ENJOY!!
I did that trip on a B1100, a naked Norge, and not any issues at all.

kjf

[bad Chad]

May be no concern,  but the rear set pegs bend the knees more than I like for long hauls on the Norge.

[Bert Remington]

If you find a Norge without the MG side cases, I think that is an advantage for two reasons.  First, you might be able to negotiate a lower price.  Second, the MG side cases are fussy to operate and really don't have much usable capacity for their size.  H&B and others provide better alternatives.  And you can keep the side cases for another motorcycle when you sell the Norge (into a difficult market).

If it comes with the Givi/MG top case, keep it.  Otherwise, buy the rear mount brackets on eBay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/08-Moto-Guzzi-Norge-1200-rear-back-mounts-bracket-bars/272993306005?hash=item3f8fab4595:g:yl4AAOSwUM5aPVB9) and put a Givi mount and top case on it.

Best wishes on your trip.

[ridingron]

If you want trouble free but warm, go with the Honda 1300. Honda dealers do not carry parts for the 1300 any more than any other of their bikes. There are a couple of sites/forums you could get help from.  If you're concerned about the bike, how can you enjoy the ride? If I was going Honda, I would pick up an ST1100. A 50K mile bike can be had for ~$2500. Miles are irrelevant  on these bikes. Get a post '96 with ABS if you can find one. Change the oil, coolant, brakes and tires and don't worry about the bike.

I would take the Stelvio over the Norge. Do all the after factory fixes and enjoy the 8 gal. tank range. Stop and buy gas when you want to not when you have to.

   Best advice by far yet. The used market is plentiful and the bike is a lot of fun to own and ride. What better way to tour the US than on a US original. Plus it will be WAY easier to sell after your trip. As you know, selling just about any Guzzi can be a chore.   

If the used market is plentiful, why would it be easy to sell? The reason the market is plentiful is because there are so many for sale (not selling). High miles kills a Harley resale.

[Motormike]

If the used market is plentiful, why would it be easy to sell? The reason the market is plentiful is because there are so many for sale (not selling). High miles kills a Harley resale.

True this is.  Nobody wants a Harley with more that 20,000 miles on it because the market is flooded with nice, low- mileage examples.  Ducati's the same way.  People think a Ducati is worn out if it has more than 10,000 miles on it. (Hint: it's not.)

A Road King or a Stelvio will have tons of character and charm on a long ride.  The Honda, meh, bullet-proof but boring.  To some, reliability is all they care about.  I never could get past that "Jetsons flying car" exhaust note.

[flip]

I kinda hate to mention a British bike on a Guzzi forum but have you considered the Triumph Trophy 1215 triple? I have no 1st hand experience with them...yet. They look like a great traveling bike and the prices seem reasonable.

[Lannis]

I kinda hate to mention a British bike on a Guzzi forum but have you considered the Triumph Trophy 1215 triple? I have no 1st hand experience with them...yet. They look like a great traveling bike and the prices seem reasonable.

The Trophy is our OTHER transcontinental touring bike, partnering the Stelvio.  Fantastic bike, fully equipped with all the modern farkles, 132 horsepower yet gets over 50 MPG on the highway, comfy for two big people, the stock luggage hauls a ton of stuff.   Always a tossup between taking the Triumph or the Stelvio when it's time to hit the long blue highways!

Lannis

[LongRanger]

You said no BMW’s, but there are plenty of nicely worn R1100RT’s out there available for a song. I wouldn’t hesitate to ride one coast to coast and back. Avoid the R1150RT and you would likely have no issues.

[s1120]

I think the bugaboo is that you want to sell it after... By the time you buy the MG, spend the time and money sorting it for the trip, and riding it for 10K miles.... I would hate to then need to sell it, and sitting in it all the time it takes to do so. As for as easy...  I ditto a nice road king..  Easy to buy, and if its nice, they sell OK. It would be a fun ride for sure...  The Honda ST is also a great idea. Pretty cheap to get into, and odds are can sell for what you got into it later. A little bland.. But more exciting then a gold wing. If I was planning in keeping it after, Im really starting to like the Stelvio's. Cool bike, and while I have not been on one yet, they look like they would fit my 6'3" size better then a lot of the Guzzis do.

[s1120]

Funny...  After writing this I checked Marketplace and found a nice looking one about 10 min from me!!!  Nice price also!!


https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2476847502627873/

[Dave Swanson]

Funny...  After writing this I checked Marketplace and found a nice looking one about 10 min from me!!!  Nice price also!!


https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2476847502627873/

Looks good and roller conversion done too!

[s1120]

Looks good and roller conversion done too!

I know..  Sadly Im not in the market. Looks like a darn good value!!  Im even more shocked that there is another MG within 50 miles of me!!!

[Huzo]

You’re agonising over this unnecessarily mate.
Well sorted  2 VPC Norges are thick on the ground over there. Just get one, do the startus and greasing work then ride it locally for a bit to spot any issues.
Then bugger off.
Really 15,000 is not a massive trip, it’s one set of Pilot 5’s.
If you take away the excitement of the Guzzi and buy a stone BMW or a plastic Honda, when you get home and feel brave again, you’ll feel like the bloke who had his first kiss with his sister, really easy and no spice.
I did Europe 2015 on a GS BMW because I didn’t have the balls to take a Norge to Nordkapp and I had a leaking seal and blown fuel pump on that trip.
Following year I went back on my Norge and the tools did not see the light of day after 20,000 km.
This is an exciting venture you are embarking on, so you don’t want to feel like you spent your honeymoon night with your pyjamas on....
Do the scary thing and take a Guzzi, you’ll never hear the end of it if you don’t...
What could possibly go wrong..?

[inditx]

The Trophy is our OTHER transcontinental touring bike, partnering the Stelvio.  Fantastic bike, fully equipped with all the modern farkles, 132 horsepower yet gets over 50 MPG on the highway, comfy for two big people, the stock luggage hauls a ton of stuff.   Always a tossup between taking the Triumph or the Stelvio when it's time to hit the long blue highways!

Lannis

I’m a Guzzi guy but having owned a Triumph 1200 Triple, it was hands down the best touring bike for me. Can get one for a good price too.
inditx

[PeteS]

Having done quite a few cross country trips going back to the '60s I would vote for a middle weight dual sport or "adventure" bike. Minimal fairing as it will still be hot in August. Dual sport because the best scenery will be off the beaten path. Lighter is better.

Pete

[Huzo]

Okaaayyyy then.....
Have fun.
Seems to me like some blokes here extol the virtues of a Guzzi then shy away when there’s a half decent trip on the cards.
If you do not do the trip on a Guzzi, your post ride report will be missing something you wish was there.
Your choice.

[kingoffleece]

You could fly to Buffalo, buy my 2014 Norge that's been serviced by Hamlin from day one, and not have to "bang out" your eastern portion of there trip.
Just sayin.............. ....and I'm well in your price range.

[usedtobefast]

Thanks for the ideas so far!

Seems like a Stelvio is getting the most votes. 

The ST1300 is just so darn practical.  And I found one with 6,000 miles on it, $4500, short drive away. 

Only decent Stelvio I'm seeing (within practical driving distance) the guy wants $9000 for it!  ouchie!

Harley Road King?  Hum, I've rented two Harley's in the past and been way under impressed with them.  Can't imagine having to ride one for that long.  Maybe I should go test ride one to double check my dislike of Harleys. 

The Triumph Trophy SE, had not even thought of that one.  Did some reading, seems like a Triumph version of the R1200RT.  Nearest decent used one is a mega drive away from me thou.

And good point on the weak resale of a Moto Guzzi post trip.  But since I'm buying used, and will add <10K miles, if shouldn't be a big financial drop, just might take a while to find a buyer.  I'd be happy with something like buy for $7500 ish, sell for $6500 ish.  (Or buy at $7K, sell at $6K)

Maybe a nice used reasonably priced Stelvio (not too far away) will pop up.  There is one in Colorado but that is 1200 miles away. 

Any other ideas/suggestions, please post away.  Thanks!