Differences

[Gliderjohn]

For those of you here that have more engineering minds and/or experience than I do help me understand the differences here. The SP fairing I have mounted on my T-3 (Minus the lowers) and the Norge were to my understanding both wind tunnel developed so why the radical differences between the two let alone the current V100?
GliderJohn

[normzone]

Not an engineering comment, but from my point of view two different times, and the different factors include fashion, the willingness of the organization to invest in and promote the unit, and the complexity of the available mounts.

If theoretically both could achieve the same level of rider comfort and fuel economy, then the simpler, older model would be more cost effective.

Yeah, it all comes down to fashion. 

[blu guzz]

Also, consider the competing bikes at the time each was made.  Earlier T series was competing with simpler faired bikes such as BMWs.  Norge competing against Goldwing and BMW RT and LT with much more extensive fairings.  My first BMW R100RS had a simple fairing with no storage pockets and was not even finished on the inside.  My 04 RT was highly finished, electric screen and much heavier.

[moto]

... The SP fairing I have mounted on my T-3 (Minus the lowers) and the Norge were to my understanding both wind tunnel developed....
GliderJohn

Pete Roper thoroughly debunked my idea that the wind tunnel might've been used for the development of a screen for the Griso back around 2005. He asserted it was long since abandoned.

I think that is probably true, especially because the wind tunnel was designed for small grand prix bikes and would be unsuitable for large touring machines.

Regardless, I think we know the answers for streamlining racing machines and touring machines. Dustbin fairings for the former and those big ugly ones that Harper's brought back to life for the latter. The ones with the big pocket to allow air to pass through behind the windscreen. Neither type can be sold to anyone besides maniacs, I think. No offense to any maniacs here. So manufacturers sell something that people want instead of something that's optimized.

I think style and rider gullibility go to answer your question. We are left with lots of different choices and we have to decide what works best for us. Could be worse. Could be living in the Soviet Union.

Could be wrong.

Moto

[Oca Grassa]

Different missions for the bikes mentioned. The Norge is a sport tourer, with a bit more emphasis on the touring side of things. As such the large fairing really does a job of keeping the rider out of the wind blast.

I can’t comment on the others, as I’ve not ridden them. I know I tend to park the Norge in summer as I prefer the extra wind from my naked Monster to help keep me cool on those 100+ degree days.

The Norge just doesn’t allow enough air flow past that huge fairing (comparitively) to keep cool on those hot days. In winter though, it’s much appreciated. Other bikes, with different mission statements have smaller fairings that protect well when the rider tucks behind them. Those allow more airflow when the rider is more upright. Same as my more sporty machines.


As to wind tunnel development being abandoned…..I don’t know, I don’t work at MotoGuzzi. However, it’s pretty clear to me the Norge was designed using wind tunnel data…otherwise it wouldn’t be as effective at protecting its rider

[Gliderjohn]

Different missions for the bikes mentioned. The Norge is a sport tourer, with a bit more emphasis on the touring side of things. As such the large fairing really does a job of keeping the rider out of the wind blast.

I can’t comment on the others, as I’ve not ridden them. I know I tend to park the Norge in summer as I prefer the extra wind from my naked Monster to help keep me cool on those 100+ degree days.

The Norge just doesn’t allow enough air flow past that huge fairing (comparitively) to keep cool on those hot days. In winter though, it’s much appreciated. Other bikes, with different mission statements have smaller fairings that protect well when the rider tucks behind them. Those allow more airflow when the rider is more upright. Same as my more sporty machines.
As to wind tunnel development being abandoned…..I don’t know, I don’t work at MotoGuzzi. However, it’s pretty clear to me the Norge was designed using wind tunnel data…otherwise it wouldn’t be as effective at protecting its rider

The Norge protection is great with or against the wind but crosswinds are another matter. Riding in any significant crosswind won't effect handling much but will curl over and dope slap the crap out of your head which becomes very annoying. It also feels more upset in semi turbulence than the T-3. Is great in rain however. Got caught one time without rain gear in a heavy downpour that only lasted for about three or four miles but slowed traffic down to around 40 MPH. When through it only the top of my helmet, last couple outside fingers of each glove and the top of my shoulders were somewhat wet.