Norge Questions: Is the old technology got better value then the new techs?

[Gliderjohn]

Until I got the Norge my only  :shocked:other bike was the T-3. The Norge is old technology?
Seriously, the only addition I would really like to see added to the Norge would be electronic cruise control.
GliderJohn

[ITSec]

Wait till you start looking at the maintenance schedule. Jap bikes you pretty much change engine oil and ride.

Um, no.

With the exception of the valve adjustment recommendations, the maintenance schedule on my Norge is no more onerous than that of my previous long-distance bike, a DL1000 V-Strom. Since I have ridden each of these bikes over 100,000 miles, I can speak with some certainty on this issue.

[Doppelgaenger]

This is the first post I've read that some Cal 14's have suffered extended problems with the ride by wire.  The only consistent problem I've seen are some crossover issues on some of the early models.  You might elaborate about this as it's news to most of us here on the board.

Regarding the Beemers, I can say the new water cooled R1200 RS & RT models have definite kick when it comes to power.

The news regarding problems with the Cal 14 fly by wire is coming from one of the mechanics at Moto International, I didn't give more info because it was a comment made in passing by one of their mechanics while talking engines and I don't remember exactly what was said. If I have to try and remember, I believe it was something to do with the throttle bodies and the ECU in the Cal14 and their inability to get in and fiddle with the ECU without factory involvement.

Of course that they don't all do it, I was just making a point regarding technology vs simplicity.

[pete roper]

Oh, OK, I understand. Someone expressed frustration at the secretive nature of Piaggio WRT reprogramming if something screws up during a map upload and that has been morphed into their being a problem with the RBW system. Excellent.

No, I can't be bothered explaining.

[lucian]

You have a choice, ride and deal with what comes if and when it does, or stay home and worry that something old, or something new may go wrong.  Personally I feel the bikes have just gotten ridiculously better as a result of the technology. If you were heading out across the country would you feel better taking the 75 commando or the 2016 bmw?

[Cool Runnings]

You have a choice, ride and deal with what comes if and when it does, or stay home and worry that something old, or something new may go wrong.  Personally I feel the bikes have just gotten ridiculously better as a result of the technology. If you were heading out across the country would you feel better taking the 79 commando or the 2016 bmw?

76 CB750 was bullet proof. 

[MGrego]

No, but I have the two valve so someone who has a later bike will have to answer that question. But having looked at those 4V bikes, I can't imagine it is a problem.

Nope, you don't have to remove much on the 8V Norge to adjust the valves except black plastic air "scoops" behind the cylinder heads. These are held on with 3 screws. Once these are off, there is nothing else in the way -- It's easy --

[Cool Runnings]

Let's see , a '75 Contaminator Twin VS a modern BMW , didn't Peter Egan have that choice once and the Contaminator blew up in Montana ? On top of that , the CT was only about 6 months old at the time 

 
 Yep , well at least for a bit anyway , until the cam boxes started leaking , or the points packed it in , or the lack of cam bearings caused a problem , or the oil filter housing became so stuck to the cases it required an air chisel to remove . Yep , bulletproof until then 

 Dusty

26,000 miles in one season, rain, shine, snow, heat........ Change oil and throw some lube on the chain.

Zero problems. 

[Wayne Orwig]

76 CB750 was bullet proof. 

Tis all relative.
A friend of mine had a CB750, slightly earlier, probably 1974. Picked up a rock on the chain, which lifted the chain off of the front sprocket. Punched a hole in the case in front of the sprocket. Oil everywhere, and stranded.

[Cool Runnings]

Tis all relative.
A friend of mine had a CB750, slightly earlier, probably 1974. Picked up a rock on the chain, which lifted the chain off of the front sprocket. Punched a hole in the case in front of the sprocket. Oil everywhere, and stranded.

Thought he had a street scrambler, eh? 

[esmurrell]

I feel somewhat uniquely qualified to respond to the OP on this topic as I have both bikes in question '12 Norge and '14 R1200RT.  I basically trade off riding the bikes.  The performance edge clearly goes to the R1200RT but the Norge performs well enough.  Since I'm not racing anyone or in a huge hurry to get anywhere, the performance of the Norge is good enough to enjoy and have a great time.  The gadgets aren't there and sometimes that's a bit of a pain.  The only real dislike I have for the Norge is the old school dash/instrument panel.  Everything else is fine.  It would be nice to have a cruise control and radio (waterproof bags are a must) but other than that the Norge is great.  It looks worlds better than the R1200RT and the finish is lustrous.  I would emphatically say that whether to go high tech or low tech, the objective is to find a bike that works for you.  I wouldn't have a problem riding either bike anywhere.  They will each make it without a hiccup.  Of course it would be nice to have a better dealer network for both brands but it is what it is.  Make your choice and get out and ride.  Simple as that.....

Eric

[oldbike54]

26,000 miles in one season, rain, shine, snow, heat........ Change oil and throw some lube on the chain.

Zero problems. 

 Yeah , but what happened at 26 thousand and 1 miles 

  Dusty

[Cool Runnings]

Yeah , but what happened at 26 thousand and 1 miles 

  Dusty

Sold the bike and quit riding for about 20 years. The next bike was the Kwacker Connie late 90's.