New 2014 Norges going for a song

[canuguzzi]

If you want a brand new 2014 Norge, now might be the time.

Look around, if your quote is over 12 or over, that is too much, they can be had for less just for the asking.

The Norge is one of the most capable STs out there, smooth, fast and reliable. The Norge is the stealth tourer that does everything with a subdued competence that give you a Joker grin every time you get on it.

There are quicker, faster, heavier and gimickyer butnnone but all that in one package to be any better.

Face it, you can be the one watching a Norge go by and saying Wow! or you can be the one riding it and screaming Weeeeeee!!!!!!!

[MGrego]

Yes, there are some good deals out there.

I got a favorable price on a used 2012 Norge this past summer witha little over 3000 miles.  It's a flat tappet engine, so I'll be upgrading with the roller kit soon.  I'm also planning on making a few other modifications I've seen described on this forum.

Thanks for all the good information --

[kmartin]

Pro Italia has one for 10K. 
I just rode one last week (not there) for the first time, expecting to buy.  I loved it except for the leg cramps I got as soon a I climbed on.  Wonderful ride but I couldn't live with the leg room, and I'm not a tall guy.  What a shame.  I had to take a Stelvio home.

[Lannis]

Pro Italia has one for 10K. 
I just rode one last week (not there) for the first time, expecting to buy.  I loved it except for the leg cramps I got as soon a I climbed on.  Wonderful ride but I couldn't live with the leg room, and I'm not a tall guy.  What a shame.  I had to take a Stelvio home.

My story too.

Lannis

[Bill Hagan]

Pro Italia has one for 10K. 
I just rode one last week (not there) for the first time, expecting to buy.  I loved it except for the leg cramps I got as soon a I climbed on.  Wonderful ride but I couldn't live with the leg room, and I'm not a tall guy.  What a shame.  I had to take a Stelvio home.

My story too.

Lannis

No problem for me. 

Tho hardly near-NBA height (70-71 inches, depending on time of day, etc.!, with a 30" inseam), I simply find the moderate fetal position to be rather appropriate for riding above my competence level -- tho not the Norge's.

I really do like that espresso & grappa livery, but sigh, not likely for $ome time, no matter how reduced.  Sure hope this helps clean out some inventory.

Bill

 

[kingoffleece]

I bought a 14 for a song-as described.  A custom seat raised by 1 1/2 inchs solves the legroom thing quite well as I would have replaced the seat no matter what.

[canuguzzi]

Not specific to MG, the makers of motorcycles don't do enough to build in adjustability for riding ergos. Often the things like seats, handlebars and would work well if they could be adjusted even slightly.

I have two seats for the Norge and sometimes change up. A single seat isn't the answer, adjustability it.

Few ofnus would buy a car if we couldn't adjust the seats and steering wheel positions. While more bikes have some adjustments for seats it is still not common. A bit of work in that area would do a lot to sell bikes.

[jackson]

I came within a gnat's ass of buying a new 2014 Norge a couple of weeks ago but after reading through a lot of threads, I decided that I didn't want to roll the dice that I wouldn't get one that may have some of the problems that I read about.  I have no interest in pulling my bike trailer for a five hour round trip to the dealer to sort out a bike that should have come fully sorted from the factory. After a couple of sleepless nights, I decided to pass and bought a different brand.  No doubt about it: The Norge is a gorgeous bike.

[canuguzzi]

I came within a gnat's ass of buying a new 2014 Norge a couple of weeks ago but after reading through a lot of threads, I decided that I didn't want to roll the dice that I wouldn't get one that may have some of the problems that I read about.  I have no interest in pulling my bike trailer for a five hour round trip to the dealer to sort out a bike that should have come fully sorted from the factory. After a couple of sleepless nights, I decided to pass and bought a different brand.  No doubt about it: The Norge is a gorgeous bike.

What threads did you read? Maybe some other forum?

There aren't any problems with the 2013 or 2014 model years and about half of the 2012 model year. All the threads you might be referring to were very clear about the flat tappet model years.

Maybe you could clarify what problems you were referring to?

[jackson]

@Norge Pilot
Several owners have posted within the last few months re. buying new Norge models and the bikes leaving them stranded.  Problems were either factory design problems with wiring or screwed up by improper PDI.  No way to know which since dealers & factory point fingers at the other.  I'm a huge fan of MG but no interest in having to troubleshoot and repair stuff on a new bike OR trailer it back & forth to the dealer who is 2 1/2 hours away (one way in good traffic). 
The threads are on here.  Here's one where others also had problems: http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=77385.0
I didn't bookmark the others because I read all that I needed to read to make a decision.

[k99]

Oh Norge Pilot, you are an evil one.  My bank account tells me it hates you right now.  I just bought two new Guzzis in a year's time and you've got me wanting another one.  I was originally thinking of waiting until next year for a leftover 2015 Stelvio  (I love that blue one) but $10k before dealer fees for a new Norge is a crazy good deal.  The metallic brown on the 2014's is a very subtle and classy looking color that is definitely growing on me.  So the question is Norge now or Stelvio later?  Good thing I'm flying out on a business trip shortly so I can 't make any rash decisions until I return.

[Bill Hagan]

@Norge Pilot
Several owners have posted within the last few months re. buying new Norge models and the bikes leaving them stranded.  Problems were either factory design problems with wiring or screwed up by improper PDI.  No way to know which since dealers & factory point fingers at the other.  I'm a huge fan of MG but no interest in having to troubleshoot and repair stuff on a new bike OR trailer it back & forth to the dealer who is 2 1/2 hours away (one way in good traffic). 
The threads are on here.  Here's one where others also had problems: http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=77385.0
I didn't bookmark the others because I read all that I needed to read to make a decision.

I hear you and understand.

That said, I am so smitten by Mandello maidens that I'd buy a new one in a heartbeat.

And, FWIW (and I mean that, tho it is worth something) my brother has had no issues that I can recall (NPI!) with his (second) 8v Norge, an espresso & grappa beauty.

Now, back to the Moto Grappa, where my Norge patiently waits for me to come down and remove some tupperware to install the thingamabob I found on the floor after declaring victory in reassembling with "no leftover parts."  Sigh.

Ciao ...

Bill

[cognosticator]

Riders Hill in Dahlonega GA has a 2014 -0- miles for 11,295 + tax

[ohiorider]

I was fortunate to run into a fellow rider at a bike shop a few years ago who had just that week traded his 1200 Sport on a lighter weight Ducati.  During the course of conversation he mentioned still having the Corbin saddle he had purchased from another Norge or Breva 1100 owner.  I expressed interest, but asked if I could ride it for a day to see if it would work for me.  No problem 'ride it for a week if you want.' 

I rode to his home, put the Corbin on the 1200 Sport, and told him I'd call him next day, and either bring him a check, or return the saddle.  Halfway into the 40 mile ride home on the Ohio Tpke, I'd already decided ..... call him tonight and let him know I'd be bringing him a check next day.  He gave me a terrific deal on this nearly new saddle.

The Corbin isn't that much higher than stock, but it is flatter than the Sport's, firmer by far, and wider, which in a round about way increases seat to peg distance.

Because I'm short, I do most of my local riding with the stock (almost) saddle, but for a trip, it's off with the stock and on with the Corbin.

If any of you Norge owners live close to Hudson Ohio, I'd be happy to let you try the saddle on your bike to see if it would work for you before you plunk down cash with Corbin.

http://corbin.com/motoguzzi/mgnrg7.shtml

[canuguzzi]

@Norge Pilot
Several owners have posted within the last few months re. buying new Norge models and the bikes leaving them stranded.  Problems were either factory design problems with wiring or screwed up by improper PDI.  No way to know which since dealers & factory point fingers at the other.  I'm a huge fan of MG but no interest in having to troubleshoot and repair stuff on a new bike OR trailer it back & forth to the dealer who is 2 1/2 hours away (one way in good traffic). 
The threads are on here.  Here's one where others also had problems: http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=77385.0
I didn't bookmark the others because I read all that I needed to read to make a decision.
comments

End of the quoted post.

My comments below.

While you've already decided to guy something else, I'd like to use your post to clear up some misconceptions or misunderstandings in the hopes that others reading might make informed buying decisions.

First, forums are the wrong place to go when making a deciding decision about buying anything, unless you know the people saying stuff or they have well reasoned comments that you can verify against other unbiased information.

The PDI has nothing to do with the inherent quality of reliability of the Norge, just as it wouldn't be with any other bike. If a shop doesn't set the bike up properly, while it can affect how the bike perform and and a poorly executed PDI can result in a poorly performing bike, that can happen with any brand and any model of bike regardless of price.

It is partly the responsibility of the buyer to do more than blindly go in, buy a motorcycle and then abrogate all other responsibility to the dealer. That means before handing over your money, checking service references, talking to the service manager and even asking to see the training certs for the factory training the techs have.

Failing to do that makes one a fool who will be taken time and time again and then blame everyone else or the manufacturer for something the buyer can actually check on and do something about to prevent a bad experience.

If the price is great but the service isn't up to par, there is nothing wrong with buying a bike at one dealer and getting it serviced at another. Going with the flow only insures you get hosed.

Then it comes to actual problems. There will always be reports of problems, all brands and models included. It is a disservice to oneself to read a forum, see a report of a problem and based on that conclude everyone will experience that problem unless it is proven to be that way. While the flat tappets are a now known problem and likely to happened to the models of the 8V that have them, it affects only those models so avoiding that issue is pretty simple.

Then, beware of single reports as they are often regurgitated and recycled over and over again. What was an isolated problem becomes the ubiquitous issue of the day. It isn't reality, not even close.

For the model years 2013, 2014 and on, if 2015s are out, there are no systemic problems that make the Norge unreliable or less suited than any other ST for the job intended.

Startus interrupts is actually a very minor thing, easily avoided but then again, owners go many thousands of miles and never experience it. My Norge hasn't had the problem but you know, I maintain my Norge as it should be and that includes the battery. I do not try to save pennies to eek out the last remaining charge capacity out of a battery anymore than I'd try to see how long I could go without an oil and filter change before the engine ate itself. I do carry the fix should it happen but then I also carry some Velcro and a credit card which take up more space.

If you aren't prepared to either maintain a motorcycle or pay someone else to do it for you, might I suggest a lease on a Prius?

When it comes to dealers, it is true that they aren't exactly plentiful but then most show stopping failures happen a long way away from a dealer, regardless of brand or model. One deals with those things IF they come up and as these are all motorcycles, not being prepared is another reason to get that Prius and stick to city roads where tow trucks abound.

I have said over and time again, just because something happens to one person or even some, that doesn't mean it happens to everyone unless we're talking about dying. You might notice, I sure have, that many of the problems reported happen to the same people over and over.  The first thing they do is start screwing around with the engine, the transmission and often end up with a mess. Then they run to the forum because that is where the fool who told them to use 10w30 in their Norge hangs out and now they need help diagnosing the noise the engine is making. The same applies to a lot if things, lots of advice, often from those who never really did it themselves or better yet, they come out with:

"I don't own a Norge but ..." which is about as inane as getting advice from a lumberjack to fix a toaster. Yet this happens a lot and people read it and go " yup, sounds good, I'll pour some of the 10w30 in my Norge and add a jar or vaseline because some unknown person said so. The result is a thread about some huge problem.

Many problems are also half stories because few people will admit to doing what some fool told them to do based on nothing but a guess or they just leave out the most important aspects of what really happened. Yeah, their electrical system got fried, right after their nearly dead battery gave up the ghost and they plugged a high voltage feed into it to jolt the battery into submission. Now they are crying about bad wiring and asking help with getting their 1500 watt riding suit working again.

If one makes an buying decision based on forum chatter that isn't verified or based on the experiences with a dealer, chances are they will over and over again make lots of bad decisions because they are led around and tend to go with the flavor of the month.

Just remember, misery lives company and when one person complains about something, right or wrong, self inflicted or not, legions will embrace it and pound it into fact.

Also be wary of reports by engineers and self proclaimed gurus. Unless they are willing to post their credentials, they don't know more than the kid in shop class who figured out righty tightly lefty loosely. On this forum, we are gifted with good, knowledgeable people and the ones to heed when they speak are all easily verified as to who they are and what they know and can do and so far, none of them claim to work for NASA.

In then end, the Norge is reliable and is a world class ST machine, capable to take anyone and their excess anywhere without breaking down. The engine is marvelous, the styling is simply beautiful and elegant and the competence as good as any other ST.

To avoid any misunderstandings , this is not personally directed at the poster but I just used that post to illustrate how perceptions can be formed in the absence of facts when it comes to the Moto Guzzi Norge.

I wish more people had them, then I might actually see one other than mine outside of a showroom.

[Travlr]

Any chance they are blowing them in preparation for a new touring bike in the fall?

Mike

[kirb]

Pro Italia's email blast... (deals on every MG...check out that 1400 price!)
Norge GT 1200        Mahogony Brown     $16,190              $9,990

Griso 1200                Silver/Black               $12,990            $10,990

CA 1400 Custom      Black                         $15,490            $10,990

CA 1400 Touring      Black                         $18,495            $13,990

V7 Racer 750            Chrome                     $10,495              $7,990

[rocker59]

That's one heckuva price on that Norge.

Something tells me the Norge will soon be following GRiSO to the great beyond.

[Bill Hagan]

That's one heckuva price on that Norge.

Something tells me the Norge will soon be following GRiSO to the great beyond.

Hmmmm.

maybe I should rename the "Moto Grappa" the "Great Beyond." 

Bill

[jackson]

@Norge Pilot:
Wow!  I simply posted why I didn't buy a Norge when shopping for another bike a couple of weeks ago.  You really don't need to "inform me" about buying motorcycles since I've been riding since 1969, have owned over 45 motorcycles and have ridden somewhere around one million miles on two wheels.  I've also performed my own maintenance on every bike that I've owned.
You may choose to make buying decisions with YOUR money but I will make my own decisions based on my own criterion.  If you don't like that, then we can agree to disagree but you really shouldn't attempt to talk down to me (or anyone else on this forum) like you're talking to a five year old.
I NEVER said that the Norge was a bad machine; in fact, my post was rather short re. my decision.  It's obvious to many of us that you really love your Norge and I'm truly glad to hear that you are a happy Norge owner.  Life is full of choices and we all make decisions for our own specific reasons.

[ohiorider]

That's one heckuva price on that Norge.

Something tells me the Norge will soon be following GRiSO to the great beyond.

Even so ................... both bikes have enjoyed several years of production.  Not sure when the 1100 Griso was announced in Europe, but a Wiki article provides these dates for:
- Griso 8v:          Introduced at GMG Sept 2007
- Norge:              Introduced in Europe in 2005
That's a relatively long run for bikes these days.  Except for the new Bonnie that's been in the US since 2001. 

I can't imagine Guzzi throwing the $$ at a new sport tourer, when the one they now have is perfectly fine, as is the GRiSO,  aside from the fact that neither bike is marketed and supported very well (obviously there are regional exceptions) therefore the low sales numbers and heavily-discounted left overs.  We all love the format (V twin/driveshaft/etc)  But how can a company expect revisions or totally new designs based around this format alone to improve their sales?  They're only preaching to the choir, and the choir isn't very large.

[canuguzzi]

I didn't inform YOU about anything. I made it perfectly clear the post wasn't personal to YOU. Can't help if you couldn't read that.

I said it twice in my comments, it wasn't directed to you but others because you said there were problems you didn't want to deal with. I correctly pointed out that problem with a dealer, for whatever reason doesn't bear in the fundamentals of the bike unless they are truly design or manufacturing problems.

Sorry but when you say things like you did, casting questions about the reliability of the Norge based on PDI, that needs to be addressed or other people might accept your comments being related to the basic reliability of the Norge, which in effect is what you did.

There are no factory problems with the wiring. If there were, everyone would have the problem, they do not. Many Norge owners go tens of thousands of miles with no more than routine maintenance and something's that might break, which can break on any bike.

I read your reasons for not buying a Norge, did you? That you didn't buy none doesn't matter to me. Saying it has problems you can't describe or can't point to as a systemic problem to the model required correction.

I hope you are happy with your choice. Hopefully, if some dealer buggers it the blame doesn't go the the basics of the bikes manufacture or that a single post on some forum makes you decide you bought the wrong one.

No worries, if I am wrong, jump on me, others have. I either shoot back or see they know more than me. In used to think MGs were the king of the repair bill too, I bought a Norge and itbhas been stone reliable. It blew a rear seal, so have thousands of other bikes and it got fixed under warranty. It was crappy when it happened but when someone comes out with a guaranteed no break bike, I'll buy one instantly.

Feel free to reply with more than opinion, say some facts regarding problems of the magnitude you implied and go from there.

[canuguzzi]

Even so ................... both bikes have enjoyed several years of production.  Not sure when the 1100 Griso was announced in Europe, but a Wiki article provides these dates for:
- Griso 8v:          Introduced at GMG Sept 2007
- Norge:              Introduced in Europe in 2005
That's a relatively long run for bikes these days.  Except for the new Bonnie that's been in the US since 2001. 

I can't imagine Guzzi throwing the $$ at a new sport tourer, when the one they now have is perfectly fine, as is the GRiSO,  aside from the fact that neither bike is marketed and supported very well (obviously there are regional exceptions) therefore the low sales numbers and heavily-discounted left overs.  We all love the format (V twin/driveshaft/etc)  But how can a company expect revisions or totally new designs based around this format alone to improve their sales?  They're only preaching to the choir, and the choir isn't very large.

MG could expand the choir if it produced a compelling ST. While the market for STs has shrunk, even within that market MG could sell many times what it does now most likely.

At a couple/three thousand over the current MSRP for the buyer, at their costs they could do quite a bit. Clean up the plastics fit and integrate the dash to side covers, add some pockets there along with the defacto standard of accessory power and audio placement capabilities.  More adjustment on the windscreen, a two piece saddle with rider adjustment up/down, revised instruments and add cruise control.

Some things like that and the Norge would be quite different and enough so that many current Norge owners might upgrade, especially 4 valve owners. With changes like that, MG could tap a larger percentage of the existing ST market. Like the lemonade stand that gets into a mall from the side street.

Getting that on a current Norge would be cost prohibitive or a lot of work for kludge results. Maybe 2-3 grand extra at purchase time? Sign me up.

I know I'd run down to get one unless they came out with a middle weight ST and then that would just be an addition instead of a replacement.

[JeffOlson]

I am considering a new 2013 Norge that is available for a very decent price. However, I just bought a replacement for my now deceased 2014 Norge at the gentle but persuasive prompting of my wife due to safety concerns (I was rear-ended recently, and my 2014 Norge was totaled, but miraculously I escaped unscathed), my lengthy and often horrible commute (some f*&king "freeway," with my foot down half the time!), and the approaching monsoon weather here in idiot sled-ville Oregon:


I need to tread carefully, if you know what I mean. Marital harmony is important, at least when I am at home and not at work!

I wonder if I could buy it secretly on an off-the-books "lay-away" arrangement? (I could feed the dealer some cash every now and then as clients feed it to me.) After all, it is just sitting there at the dealer, with no one else to love it and give it a home... Me: "Surprise! I wanted to be able to take you for a ride again!" My wife: "What the h%*l!"

[canuguzzi]

Jeff, its just a motorcycle (incoming!!!) even if it is a Norge and Moto Guzzi.

Happy wife=long life but you already know that. Don't concern yourself, there will be brand new Norges available for a few more years even if they stopped making them. Even should that not happen, we still see 2009 models with a few thousand miles so finding a 2013/14 in 2016/17/18 or whatever with maybe 4k miles won't be hard.

Its quite reasonable to think MG will either dump the Norge or go through another update with it in which case that might even be better.

If it were to come down to wife or Norge, the Norge would find itself elsewhere in a second, not even a question. Its a machine. It sure isn't a matter of who runs things, here WE runs things together. I have a Norge in part because of her, not in spite of her.

I wouldn't do a lay away and keepnit quiet, that is the start of subterfuge and leads too bad joojoo. From what you've said you already know that too.

You are a lucky man to have the wife you do. The Norge? Nearly 600 pounds of metal and plastics and they are and will be plenty of them when you really want one and it fits.

[JeffOlson]

^ Yep! You are right. It is much better to work these things out together!

I will have another Moto Guzzi. It is just a matter of time. In the meantime, we have our two Vespas to ride around the countryside together (and a cabin to remodel!).

[Noguzznoglory]

Adventure motorsports in Pensacola has 2 new 2014 norges (1 white and 1brown). When last I looked at their website they were priced at 11,999. Some one go buy them so I don't have to wrestle with e temptation any longer

[samfrank]

I understand what Jackson is saying completely having been stranded with my '13 Norge this summer with an oil leak. Had similar issues with my '07 Norge. Having no mechanical skills my Norge has been in the shop for about a month now. Don't get me wrong, this is the 5th MG I've purchased new. I love the marque but have thought about jumping ship myself. Nothing really gives me what my Norge gives me in enjoyment, however. I suppose these issues can occur with any brand. Boils down to dealer network I feel. If you're going to choose MG you have to know what you may be in for.

[charlie b]

I second that.

And, if I were buying a NEW bike today, one of the discounted Norge's would probably be my choice.  Just too good a deal to pass up.  With the savings I can add the stuff it is 'missing', like a cruise control.

But, blowing oil seals is not my idea of a reliable bike.  Doesn't matter if it was covered or not.

Reliable bikes are common these days.  Guzzi still has a ways to go to meet that kind of goal.  But, I will still ride mine and if I buy a new bike someday I will first look and see what Guzzi has to offer.

[Zoom Zoom]

As many here know, Guzzi decided to dangle a carrot a month longer than they had originally. It supposedly ends this month. Anyway, Cleveland Moto has a Root Beer Norge with a 3K off tag on it. Sure is a purty thing.

John Henry