Fly and Ride for an '08 Norge

[Thunderbutt]

A friend of mine owns a bike that makes that potato, potato sound and has had enough issues with it that he decided he wants to try a Guzzi.  Always happy to help spend someone else's money I found several Norge's on Craigslist.  He ended up buying a immaculate 09' with low miles and had it shipped to his house.  One of the bikes, an '08 with just over 10,000 miles, I found for him was still posted on C/L several weeks later.  I sent the owner a couple of emails, we agree on a price and on a leap of faith, I decide to try a "fly and ride". Two total strangers, no inspection, no test ride, what could possibly go wrong?  I booked an early morning flight which will give me plenty of time to ride the 500 miles from Pensacola, Fl. back to Clearwater, Fl. and hopefully arrive just after dusk.  I have only seen pictures of the bike from the ad on C/L and must admit, had some anxiety as often times the pictures make the bike look better.  Much to he sellers credit, he never asked for a deposit, and he offered to  pick me up at the airport.  My flight was delayed over an hour, and I found the seller patiently awaiting my arrival as planned.  Arriving at his house we walk out to his garage and there sits a pristine bike that has obviously been well cared for and maintained.  After going over the bike  I start to feel relieved, and excited about the eight hour ride ahead of me.  The seller and his wife are absolutely wonderful people and I wish that I could stay longer.  However, due to my flight delay I am already going to arrive home well after dark, and that is barring any unforeseen issues.  I hop on the bike and start my ride having renewed my faith in people.
Out on the road I was totally impressed  with the bike and couldnt be happier with my purchase.  After a very enjoyable ride I arrived home having renewed faith in people.  There still are truly honest people out there and many of them ride Guzzi's.     

[troyhamilton]

You meet the nicest people on Moto Guzzis should be the new slogan!

[Tennmoto]

Nice!

[blackcat]

That was my friend Mike who owned the Norge.

[Thunderbutt]

B/C- Thats amazing!  So your the neighbor with the FIVE Guzzis!  I truly, truly wonderful couple and I wish that I could have spent more time with Mike.  I am   trying to convince my wonderful wife to spend a weekend up in the Panhandle. 
Maybe sometime we can do a ride and greet up around Madison, or Lake City area?  Pretty sure that would be close to half way for both of us?



Jerry

[blackcat]

Four Guzzi's.

Yes, I tried to help Mike with the transmission drain plug as I had the correct Helicoil, but he couldn't get it installed. Sounds like you didn't have any issue on the return trip.

Maybe in the fall. Any place to ride in those areas?

[Thunderbutt]

 Never been to Lake City.  Im thinking I could ride north on US HWY 19 to around Perry, Fl then work my way over towards Madison.  I have only been there twice and that was with my son who hunts on leased property just south of I-10.  Although typical Florida, mostly flat and straight, they have very little traffic and nice country scenery.  Usually takes us four hours to get up there.

Lets not wait till fall, too hot, humid and rainy.



Jerry   

[Huzo]

Can you show us a pic. Sounds like the start of a good friendship. What colour ?

[Demar]

You meet the nicest most interesting people on Moto Guzzis should be the new slogan!

[webmost]

Far as that faith in people thing, I have had nothing but success with the fly and ride thing. I usually take the train when I can. But I've fetched bikes from Chicago, Louisville, Meriden CT, etc. Fetched my Jackal from Rutland VT. People are a whole lot better than people give people credit for; and I don't care what the news tries to tell you.

[Guzzidad]

   T-butt, I'm in Tampa and have a 2012 Norge. I ride every Sunday. I know the best roads north of Tampa.
          Steve
          352-263-9897

[zebraranger]

Congratulations on the Norge. Small world for us Guzzi riders, I'm in Brandon and I ride a Griso. We should all get together and do a ride one weekend day.
Rick,

[Thunderbutt]

Steve- I will try and get my buddy that started all this and bought the '09 Norge and meet up with you some Sunday for a breakfast ride.  His is a very nice bronze color. Apparently only 25 of that color came into the country that year.  Three Norges in one location, it will be a Guzzi Ralley!

Huzo- mine is a "silver bullet".  Came with the matching hard bags and Givi travel trunk. 



Jerry

[Thunderbutt]

Zebraranger- Sounds like a great idea to me.  How long have you owned yours?  There was another silver Norge on C/L Tampa Bay that sold the week I called on it. 

Also, I just sent Guzzidad a text via the phone number he provided.  Do you guys know each other?  How about getting with him and hopefully we can all meet up this weekend for a breakfast ride. 


Jerry

[Huzo]

Steve- I will try and get my buddy that started all this and bought the '09 Norge and meet up with you some Sunday for a breakfast ride.  His is a very nice bronze color. Apparently only 25 of that color came into the country that year.  Three Norges in one location, it will be a Guzzi Ralley!

Huzo- mine is a "silver bullet".  Came with the matching hard bags and Givi travel trunk. 



Jerry

Yep that's all you're gunna need. If you do the appropriate preventative measures and service it yourself, you'll love the bugger. Mine's an '07 so should be very similar.

[Lannis]

B/C- Thats amazing!  So your the neighbor with the FIVE Guzzis!  I truly, truly wonderful couple and I wish that I could have spent more time with Mike.  I am   trying to convince my wonderful wife to spend a weekend up in the Panhandle. 
Maybe sometime we can do a ride and greet up around Madison, or Lake City area?  Pretty sure that would be close to half way for both of us?



Jerry

I did a "Bus and Ride" to pick up a Guzzi once.   One of those experiences that you do one time just to say you did it, though ....

Sounds like you had a good experience all around!   Enjoy that Norge!

Lannis

[Guzzidad]

   Didn't get the text. 352-263-9897
       Steve

[twowings]

"You meet the most tragically hip people on a Norge"

Congratulations on your purchase....I hope you enjoy many trouble-free miles!

[Thunderbutt]

Thanks Lannis, plan on using it for the Florida to Nova Scotia ride this year.  Im sure my LeMans would make the trip but figure the Norge will be much more comfortable.

[ITSec]

"You meet the most tragically hip people on a Norge"

That's because we're ahead by a century! (but no hornets...)

Thunderbutt - welcome to the not very exclusive but still small club of those who own the best value in sport touring of all time. With reasonable care and regular use, you'll get well into six digits on the odo before very long. Yours is like mine - a silver '08 - so let me know if you need a pointer to any of the threads that detail all the things you should do, might want to do, or haven't yet thought to do.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Hey! I coined that one back in the late 90s, along with the Moto Guzzi.. going out of business since 1921.  I want my royalty.. 

[leafman60]

Thunderbutt, you may be interested in joining some of the festivities at Bike Week. It's more than a H-D party.  Lots of Guzzi people gather at various locations during the annual pilgrimage.

The first Monday is the usual say for the Pantheon Pizza gathering in Daytona.  Then, as brought up in another concurrent thread, the Martin's Restaurant gathering just north in Flagler Beach will be staged a day or two later.

Stay tuned to WldGuzzi for details on Guzzi happenings at Daytona Bike Week 2017.

By the way, I'm also in the Pcola area and usually attend our regular Saturday morning motorcycle breakfast gathering that always draws several Guzzi riders.  We've had as many as 13 at one time!  Qualifies as a National rally.

[tris]

I did a "Bus and Ride" to pick up a Guzzi once.   One of those experiences that you do one time just to say you did it, though ....

Sounds like you had a good experience all around!   Enjoy that Norge!

Lannis

I did a "Train and Ride" to pick up my old Cali
 
First time I rode it was through the centre of Newcastle-upon-Tyne .. which was a bit of a baptism by fire.

Still, once I got it the 200 miles home and balanced the carbs so it didn't shake my teeth out it was a great bike

[Thunderbutt]

ITEC- I have had my '02 LeMans for three years now and pretty much know the feel of the bike.  Pulls like a tractor and steers like its on rails, which is a good thing.  As soon as I left the sellers driveway I was impressed with how much lighter the steering felt. Slightly top heavy at first but I figured that was due to the fairing and bags.  As I accelerated onto the interstate that big grin came on my face, this thing runs!  And cruises effortlessly at 80-85MPH with lots more throttle to go.  After several hundred miles and a couple gas stops I couldnt get over how it has a totally different feel than the LeMans but all in a good way.  Your correct, these have to be one of the most under rated bikes on the market. 

Also,  I would be open to any suggestions you have for preventive maintenance.   

[Scott of the Sahara]

I bought my '08 brand new in '010. I have 30,000 miles on it and I couldn't be happier. I have dealt with some small issues, the worst was trying to replace the fuel filter. I would never try that again. I do the valves and oil changes. The wheels are easy to remove and take in to get tires changed. I usually average about 47miles to a gallon of gas on the freeway. Love the power. I usually don't use 6th gear until I can maintain at least 70mph.
Good luck with your new ride

[drdwb]

Congratulations Thunder.
I also did a fly and ride for my 07 Norge, Minneapolis to Memphis, I rode 600 miles through Arkansas and Mo first day than across Mo to check out Harpers than straight north, 2 and 1/4 day drive back. I found with the stock seat 600 mile days are possible, and my riding time was limited more by my bladder than the gas tank,which compared to the 120 mile gas limit on my EV is a real pleasure. Enjoy the ride it's been a blast for me.
Dave

[Lannis]

Thanks Lannis, plan on using it for the Florida to Nova Scotia ride this year.  Im sure my LeMans would make the trip but figure the Norge will be much more comfortable.

You've got THAT right! 

[Chuck in Indiana]

Yep, the Norge is a great mile muncher. Top heavier, and doesn't handle as well as a V11S, but *much* more comfortable. The only down side for comfort for me was at about 400 miles, I just *had* to stand up. Regularly. It locks you into pretty much one seating position. I can move around more on the V11S, and even use the rear pegs occasionally. That's why I "downsized" to the V11S.

[Huzo]

ITEC- I have had my '02 LeMans for three years now and pretty much know the feel of the bike.  Pulls like a tractor and steers like its on rails, which is a good thing.  As soon as I left the sellers driveway I was impressed with how much lighter the steering felt. Slightly top heavy at first but I figured that was due to the fairing and bags.  As I accelerated onto the interstate that big grin came on my face, this thing runs!  And cruises effortlessly at 80-85MPH with lots more throttle to go.  After several hundred miles and a couple gas stops I couldnt get over how it has a totally different feel than the LeMans but all in a good way.  Your correct, these have to be one of the most under rated bikes on the market. 

Also,  I would be open to any suggestions you have for preventive maintenance.   

I've no reason to doubt anyone on this forum, but pick one authority and do what he says. I would ask Roper once and for all to give me a suggested list and if you do what he says, you'll have done everything possible to maximise your bikes ability to provide enjoyment and reliability. Don't underestimate your own ability to service it yourself either !

[ITSec]

I've no reason to doubt anyone on this forum, but pick one authority and do what he says. I would ask Roper once and for all to give me a suggested list and if you do what he says, you'll have done everything possible to maximise your bikes ability to provide enjoyment and reliability. Don't underestimate your own ability to service it yourself either !

Pete and I have met - and we actually agree with each other on just about everything related to the mechanicals of Guzzis (though he is far more expert than I). You certainly won't find me second-guessing him, and I doubt you'd find any of my suggestions contradicting his.

And you are correct concerning self-maintenance. While most Guzzis are generally easy to work on, the 2v 1200 CARCs seem particularly easy with only a few small exceptions. The oil pressure sensor is both prone to failure and an absolute pain to get to, and the gearbox drain plug needs a carefully folded piece of aluminum (or aluminium if you prefer) foil to get the oil from where it falls to your drainpan without dripping all over the center stand. Unless you're going to get deep into the clutch and similar stuff, the only 'special' tool required is the narrow wall socket for the inner spark plugs.