Author Topic: Intial Impressions Of My New Norge  (Read 1621 times)

Offline Dave Swanson

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 4499
  • Northern Illinois USA
Intial Impressions Of My New Norge
« on: June 18, 2016, 11:44:51 AM »
Haul Bikes dropped of my 2015 Norge  6/14.   I was able to get a respectable 250 mile ride in on 6/17 and here are my impressions.

Positives

The engine is fantastic.  Not much of a surprise here.  The engine is why most of us worship at the Guzzi altar.   The engine pulls hard everywhere and was made all the better with Beetle's map.  Pure joy.

The gearbox is one of the best I have ever used!  Snick, snick, snick with hardly an effort.  Perfect!

The Brakes are excellent.  I used the ABS once and it was good, worked as it should.

The bike is beautiful to look at.  It's one of those bikes you can sit and look at with a cup of coffee or bottle of beer.

Ergonomics were ideal for me.  I feel no need to adjust the footpegs or add risers.  For my body it is a perfect match.


Niggles

The suspension is too soft to inspire bag loads of confidence when hitting the twisties at a good pace.  I know the Norge is not a sportbike but I feel an improvement in the suspension would be a worthwhile move.

The stock seat is only so so.  I was more than ready to get off the seat after a few hours.   I am now seriously considering the Guzzi gel seat.  I have heard it provides a more comfortable perch.

Hand grip diameter is too small.  I would prefer a fatter grip.  Achieving this will be a problem with the heated grips.

The side stand is quite difficult to catch with your boot.  I filed a couple of notches in it and this helped quite a bit.  I think it was designed to deploy while wearing ballet slippers. 

Overall  - LOVE IT




« Last Edit: June 18, 2016, 12:02:24 PM by Dave Swanson »
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
1998 V11 EV HDM
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

Offline Gliderjohn

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 6740
Re: Intial Impressions Of My New Norge
« Reply #1 on: June 18, 2016, 12:23:08 PM »
Have you tried changing any suspension settings? I have a 2011 and weigh about 165 -170 with gear. I am still using the settings the bike came with and I have no complaints what so ever. I have pushed it hard in the Ozarks and the Talimena mountains. Did just fine.
For me the seat is fine but that is so subjective.
I have small hands so the grips are just right for me.
You will get use to the side stand. I have a problem at times getting the bike on or off the center stand.
I pretty much agree with your positives. :thumb: Enjoy!
GliderJohn
 
John Peters
East Mountains, NM

Offline Gliderjohn

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 6740
Re: Intial Impressions Of My New Norge
« Reply #2 on: June 18, 2016, 12:24:50 PM »
Oh, one other thing. Start getting use to people commenting on what a beautiful looking "BMW" you have.  :angry:
GliderJohn
John Peters
East Mountains, NM

Offline lucian

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 3326
  • Location: Maine, Ayuh
Re: Intial Impressions Of My New Norge
« Reply #3 on: June 18, 2016, 12:25:51 PM »
I see what you mean, been staring at that picture for twenty minutes now. What a beauty, and nice report. I found gel seats to be an improvement but can get really hot. I have two corbin's now and love em both. Best looking ST out there by far, enjoy.

Offline sbaker

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 5990
  • Piaggio Stock Holder
Re: Intial Impressions Of My New Norge
« Reply #4 on: June 18, 2016, 12:28:41 PM »
The Black side panel on the left side behind the manufacturing hole (that chromed through hole) pops off.. there is a HUGE knob behind it to adjust the suspension.. You can stiff it right up.. The Front forks require a large socket, for preload but rebound and compression can be set rather easily ....  Enjoy!!!!  Yes the seat is not the best.. AIR HAWK!!
Sam
Dallas, TX

AGATT

Hey Check out my CD www.cdbaby.com/bakersam

Current
Norge Wing: White Squadron
Ducati 900ss

Previous
Griso Wing: Yellow Squadron (shot down 3/11)
2008 Norge - Red... fastest of the 2V
1975 Convert + Sidecar - Fun
2004 California EV Touring

Offline mtwillyman

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 668
Re: Intial Impressions Of My New Norge
« Reply #5 on: June 18, 2016, 12:53:41 PM »
Your new Norge is beautiful, well done! Order a set of Grip Puppies and install them for greater hand comfort.
Port Ludlow,WA
2003 Stone


NEW WILDGUZZI PRODUCT - Moto Guzzi Door Mat
Receive donation credit with door mat purchase!
Advertise Here
 

20 Ounce Stainless Steel Double Insulated Tumbler
Buy a quality tumbler and support the forum at the same time!
Better than a YETI! BPA and Lead free.
Advertise Here