Decision Time

[holabird]

Hello, I am new to the group today so this is my first post.  Be kind.  I am trying to decide between a 2007 Norge with 14,000 miles and a 2009 Stelvio with 50,000 miles.  I have confirmed the Stelvio has had the tappet rework done.  What are some must does that should have been done on the Norge?  I dont like it has only 14,000 miles.  I'm sure sitting that much has not helped the bike.  I've owned over 50 bike but this is my first shot at a Guzzi.  I will ride 99% street so dont need an ADV bike but the Stelvio can be a great pavement bike also.  Pricing is the same.  Thoughts?  thank you

[TN Mark]

The 1200 8v motor is like an intoxicating gem. The 1064 Norge motor is nearly bulletproof, but also perhaps a bit boring.

I had a 2009 Griso 1200 8v. Loved the motor. Glad the one you’re looking at is updated. At that mileage, if it were going to grenade itself, it already would have.

[Tkelly]

I would buy a next edition Stelvio,bigger gas tank and many improvements.Norge is great except for seating position.

[Dave Swanson]

Hopefully Huzo chimes in.  He has over 200,000 kilometers on his red 2V Norge.    Best is to get a decent test ride on both.

[fotoguzzi]

I can’t speak to the Stelvio but doing any kind of work on the Norge is not simple, just to change the air filter means fully removing the fairing which is a task in itself and the gas tank. Putting the fairing back on is an even more extreme frustration. Everything in there is a very tight fit, getting to the inner spark plugs is a pita.
Does that one have a port hole to get at the dip stick? Otherwise it’s hard to even check the oil. Too much Tupperware for my liking.
If you decide on the Norge inspect all the fairing mounting spots, they can be easily broken or cracked.

[SemperVee]

 Biased here... 2 Norge owner, todays Norge about to turn 50K.  As I aged this Norge lower along with the EV is a alot easier to throw a leg over and the riding position just feels right..      I have ridden both Stevios and they are just too tall especially with bags for me but they are comfy on the road.  Prefer the Norge as is loves fast curves...
Only thing that matters is "What talks to ya"....

[kingoffleece]

You'll need suspension work on the Norge.  The rear shock was way soft.  Look at the center stand to see if it's worn from touchdown.
Front forks will definitely need refresh.  I've worked on plenty of them.  Lots of owners neglect this.

Biggest issue I had with my 2014 Norge was it was just much too hot for northeast summer riding.  Early spring and late fall it was perfect.

[SemperVee]

You'll need suspension work on the Norge.  The rear shock was way soft.  Look at the center stand to see if it's worn from touchdown.
Front forks will definitely need refresh.  I've worked on plenty of them.  Lots of owners neglect this.

Biggest issue I had with my 2014 Norge was it was just much too hot for northeast summer riding.  Early spring and late fall it was perfect.

Correct about all of the above.  I have a Matris fork spring kit in mine and Heli-bar riser HB's and the shock does need replacement.. No bike is perfect for everyone.  He forgot that the windscreen needs replacement also which I did on both with a Calsci tall.  Stelvio is not perfect oem either. No bike is.

[kingoffleece]

Didn't forget.  Just lazy today!
And the bodywork traps heat and beats the crap out of the rear brake fluid.  Changed mine every year and it was half cooked every time.  Also has hydraulic clutch that needs servicing.  Most likely time for a new timing belt also due to age.

[Rebochi]

    That era of push rod 1200 motors had a high rate of oil pump failure, If I was buying one I would change the oil pump out of paranoia.    there is a old thread on this site that covers the oil pump problem, other than that the engines are long lived.

[Huzo]

  I dont like it has only 14,000 miles. 

If it had 114,000 miles, guys would be saying it was too “worn out..” 
Buy the Norge.

[Huzo]

The 1064 Norge motor is nearly bulletproof, but also perhaps a bit boring.

Boring…?
That must be why I got sick and tired of mine after 100,000 km in Europe AND 130,000 km in Australia.
Buy the Norge.

[Huzo]

I would buy a next edition Stelvio,bigger gas tank and many improvements.Norge is great except for seating position.

Unless you have stupid big long legs and you’re 6’2” then I cannot understand what the hell y’all are talking about.
Buy the Norge.

[Huzo]

Hopefully Huzo chimes in.  He has over 200,000 kilometers on his red 2V Norge.    Best is to get a decent test ride on both.

Yep, you got your wish old mate…
You are correct on the test ride, I recommend 140,000 miles over 18 years and you’ll be able to decide if you want it…
Buy the Norge.

[Huzo]

I can’t speak to the Stelvio but doing any kind of work on the Norge is not simple, just to change the air filter means fully removing the fairing which is a task in itself and the gas tank. Putting the fairing back on is an even more extreme frustration. Everything in there is a very tight fit, getting to the inner spark plugs is a pita.
Does that one have a port hole to get at the dip stick? Otherwise it’s hard to even check the oil. Too much Tupperware for my liking.
If you decide on the Norge inspect all the fairing mounting spots, they can be easily broken or cracked.

The air filter comment is unadulterated garbage.
Tank off, 10 minutes.
Filter out 5 minutes.
Fairing doesn’t get touched.
Inner spark plugs are piss easy when you do a service.
Replacing the fairing after doing the filter is easy because you actually didn’t take it off…
Get the Teo Lamers dip stick extension and you can check the oil in 30 seconds. I ordered mine two minutes after I got the Norge and received it in one week.
Buy the Norge.

[Huzo]

You'll need suspension work on the Norge.  The rear shock was way soft.  Look at the center stand to see if it's worn from touchdown.
Front forks will definitely need refresh.  I've worked on plenty of them.  Lots of owners neglect this.

Biggest issue I had with my 2014 Norge was it was just much too hot for northeast summer riding.  Early spring and late fall it was perfect.

My front forks have never been touched. All I do is change the oil with Bel Ray every 20,000 km (11 times).
Take the pre load up on the rear shock, it will not alter the “softness”, but it will not bottom out.
I put a Nitron in mine at 60,000 km and it’s still there.
I have never touched the centrestand while riding…Never.
The sun shines in Australia sometimes and also in Southern Italy and I didn’t have an issue.
Buy the Norge.

[Huzo]

Didn't forget.  Just lazy today!
And the bodywork traps heat and beats the crap out of the rear brake fluid.  Changed mine every year and it was half cooked every time.  Also has hydraulic clutch that needs servicing.  Most likely time for a new timing belt also due to age.

The clutch fluid is the one that suffers most, change it every 20,000 km.
Mine must be the only Norge out of Italy that does not have a “timing belt…”
I wonder what spins the camshaft and oil pump…? 
Perhaps it’s the chain ?
Buy the Norge

[Huzo]

    That era of push rod 1200 motors had a high rate of oil pump failure, If I was buying one I would change the oil pump out of paranoia.    there is a old thread on this site that covers the oil pump problem, other than that the engines are long lived.

Now THAT is correct. Red ‘07 Norges are in and around the suspect period.
I put a new one in mine at 200,000 and the old one was good. But I would check that.
Buy the Norge.

[Huzo]

Here’s the thing..
If you have legs like an NBA basketballer then get the Stelvio.
That Norge you’re looking at is damn nice.


‘Reminds me of this one…







There are some well documented issues regarding lack of proper greasing of some components ex factory, that are easily remedied and fun.
An easy update to the starter motor circuit is also well covered here.
There is nothing that you will conceiveably need to do that is any issue. I have a post on here called “Norge service schedule” and if you follow it you will have covered everything.
Ask any questions you like.

[Tkelly]

I used to be 6 2 but my legs are the same length as they always were.For me the bucket seat doesn’t work.

[holabird]

Just found out the tires on the Norge are 11 years old.  There goes another $400 into the bike.  Thanks Huzo for all the insight.  It is appreciated.

[Dave Swanson]

Just found out the tires on the Norge are 11 years old.  There goes another $400 into the bike.  Thanks Huzo for all the insight.  It is appreciated.

Ah, but this way you get fresh rubber on your fantastic new to you Norge.  No better way to start your long Norge relationship! 

[inditx]

Here’s the thing..
If you have legs like an NBA basketballer then get the Stelvio.
That Norge you’re looking at is damn nice.


‘Reminds me of this one…







There are some well documented issues regarding lack of proper greasing of some components ex factory, that are easily remedied and fun.
An easy update to the starter motor circuit is also well covered here.
There is nothing that you will conceiveably need to do that is any issue. I have a post on here called “Norge service schedule” and if you follow it you will have covered everything.
Ask any questions you like.

I’m a little slow but I think Huzo is saying buy the Norge….
inditx

[Huzo]

The 1064 Norge motor is nearly bulletproof, but also perhaps a bit boring.

Maybe the 1131 cc one he is looking at will be more to his liking ?
That extra 67 cc can make all the difference.

[Dave Swanson]

After reading through this thread I want my Norge back!   

[Huzo]

After reading through this thread I want my Norge back!   

I will never sell mine.

[SIR REAL ED]

I've read this thread several times.

If only Huzo would get off the fence and tell us which bike he prefers.

Reading between the lines, he seems undecided.

Which is unusual, since normally he is a wee bit opinionated.....

C'mon mate!  Tell us what you really think!

[Huzo]

I've read this thread several times.

If only Huzo would get off the fence and tell us which bike he prefers.

Reading between the lines, he seems undecided.

Which is unusual, since normally he is a wee bit opinionated.....

C'mon mate!  Tell us what you really think!

Well….?  Ahhhhhh
I used to be indecisive, but now I’m not so sure.

[Huzo]

Does that one have a port hole to get at the dip stick? Otherwise it’s hard to even check the oil.

More uninformed comment.
This is the thing that makes all that redundant.

[Luap McKeever]

I had an '09 Stelvio once and loved it. Traded it for a 2012 that I didn't like as much. I became a fan of the 4V setup pretty quick with that bike. The 6 gallon tank was nice too. It handled great on both pavement and dirt. It's heavy, so only light off-roading for me. It was my first ADV bike. If you end up with that, you will want to find some dirt backroads to just lope around on. To me that's almost as fun as running down the highway in the twisties. There's so much to see that I otherwise wouldn't have on the highway.

One thing you left out is your height. The Stelvio seat height is going to be a couple inches taller than the Norge so if you're under ~6' tall, that could be a problem. I'm exaclty 6' and couldn't completely flat foot it until I had the seat cut down a bit.

I'll not knock the Norge at all. I've ridden them and they are fantastic.  If it were me and since the Stelvio has already been sorted, well maintained and includes all the awesome luggage, I'd probably do that. Of course price comes into play too.  The Stelvios are very easy to work on as well and with the growing lack of dealers, learning to work on and maintain them yourself is imperative. 

Either way you go is a win. Just depends on some variables. If you have the chance to test ride both, do that. But don't just ride them around the block.