Norge 8v relieability, or 4v

[Davgb]

Hello all. Thanks to moderators for the add to group. Chanced across a couple of excellent old posts in the quest for information on the Norge and impressed with the wisdom, help ...and lack of smart comments.

At the risk of asking the same questions as past posts (as always happens), I've read some of your comparisons of Norge versus other (BMW, FJR, etc) and also 8v versus 4v as recent as last year, but wondered if there was anything to add particularly to the latter issue. Much said to make me focus on the Norge - I need to find a nearby local UK test ride - but down now to which revision.

I've had a lifetime love of BMW airheads and owned a 90S and 100RT for many years when younger. After too many years away from bikes, at 59, I'm back to an R1150R. However, I'm disillusioned with the modern BMW which is soul less. I just can't like the latest RT and the 11xx versions are little better. Costs and problems with all the marque have brought me to MG, always second favourite (I should have had that LeMans II I fell for when I was 25 ) and now to the Norge.

I've read about early 4v oil pumps and 8v needle rollers. I like the idea of a simpler machine in the 4v and electronic toys are far too overdone on modern bikes. However, good improvements and sorted issues appeal for the 8v. Apart from the needle rollers, has anything else serious appeared in the 8v?

Several of you reckon there's little - just different - to chose between the 4v and 8v. I appreciate you may draw similarities with the BMW airheads and oilheads, simple and more modern engine complexity. that's fine I can relate to that 

Oh, and read a couple of comments about surging on the Norge which seems to be a very common and hot issue on BMW up to 2004. Anyone have a comparison if it's the same.

[pete roper]

I'm assuming that by 'Needle Rollers' you are referencing the tappet issues? This has nothing to do with needle rollers per-se.

Apart from that one glaring flaw the whole package is pretty bulletproof. One thing I strongly suggest people do is pull the swingarm and grease the pivot bearings and shock linkage bearings as they don't get much grease ex-factory. Other than that? Fill up and ride.

Pete

[willowstreetguzziguy]

Your story sounds like mine. I too owned an R90S for 9 years. I really loved that bike!!! The character, torque, the riding position. But in the end too many things going wrong. Sold it in 1986 and rode BMW K75's for many years but they lacked the character of the R90S. Test rode BMW's in 2013 and I too found they lacked soul. That's when my search turned to MotoGuzzi. After riding several, I saw and fell in love with the '08 1200 Sport with the 2 valve engine. What a great engine and fantastic bike!!! It's. everything the R90S was and so much more! It has loads of character/soul, gobs of low end torque and a riding position nearly identical to the R90S. Yes, the engine reminds me so much of the R90S.  Can't go wrong with that engine!!! It's the "new/old" air cooled boxer engine!

[Davgb]

Yes Pete, I meant roller tappets. That was a misunderstanding on my part but done a bit more research now. Confused it with plain or needle roller bearings.

Thanks willowstreetguzzigu y. The 90S was awesome. I can imagine the Sport to be similarly so. I guess age now makes me look more to the 100RT style (also an amazing bike and I covered many happy miles on that too). The upright seating and some joint wind protection is more suitable for the pillion riding with my wife. Hence, the Norge is in my sights, but I'm thinking the 4v will probably be ample...and save a bit of money assuming the depreciation - or perhaps investment value - is similar to the 8v.

[Cool Runnings]

You will love the 8V. The only problem I had was it cost me over 1K in mods to make the bike fit me. 

[beetle]

If the tappet issue concerns you, the answer is simple. Either buy a 2V Norge, or a 2013 or later model 8V Norge. A properly mapped 8V is a glorious thing, and will eat a 2V.

[PJPR01]

Well...it's really an 8V chomping a 4V, or a 4V chomping a 2V....both are fun, get a Beetle Map as well and it will turn into a purring kitten...smooth as silk.

Prepare to customize a bit...upgraded seat for comfort and long distance touring, better than stock windscreen (Cal-Sci) or Tom from NL sourced, upgraded muffler maybe if you're so inclined (Agostini, Mistral), lower footpegs (Goldwing 1800) if you're longer than a 32 inch inseam, rear shock upgrade if needed, farkle it up with a GPS, and any other custom mods and you're going to have fun...oh, and put some good tires on it, as the Norge will dance in the twisties from side to side with plenty of confidence...

[Davgb]

Thanks for answers already.  VIN Numbers...

I see from earlier posts that the oil pump problem on the 4v (2v head) model seems to be VINs 112208-112363 or thereabouts (any others?)

Does anyone have number(s) for the 8v (4v head) roller tappet introduction please?

[pete roper]

Mid year 2012 was the swap point for rollers. Don't trust the Vin lists, they lie. Anywhere after 2013 and you're golden.

Pete

[Cool Runnings]

Glad I got a 2014, just purchased the bike because I liked it. Knew nothing about Guzzi's other than they have been around forever, always was a rice burner guy. Missed the Sport-Touring bikes, spent the last 10 years on a 800+lb cruiser. Don't want another one.

[sbaker]

I have had both and the 8V and the 4V... My '12 8V has had the roller upgrade.. and it runs FAST and Smooth... I thought the 4V was fast, it was a red one.. but 8V is much quicker and pulls like a freight train at all revs and speeds... !!! Once you do the Canaster-ectomy and get the proper map (factory or beetle) and get the TB balanced you won't look back...... except to check for flashing lights (OOPS!!!!!!!)

[pyoungbl]

Not mentioned yet:  The most recent version of the Norge has much better heat management.  My '07 would get pretty toasty on a summer day (95F), particularly on my left knee.  My 32" inseam did not help!  Mark's '15 has heat shields over the heads and better ducting around the engine.  As for the 4V vs 8V, the maintenance is exactly the same...just 4 more valves that you set at the same time as the ones on the 4V.

Peter Y.