Moto Guzzi Norge first impressions

From the Wildguzzi.com web site

jdg

Thanks JDG

Ditto...

I think it's back....

Not quite:

WildGuzzi.com update 09-26-12: I have located the latest backup and am in the process of restoring the website to its entirety to a new host. Depending on the length of time it takes to do the migration, the current estimate is to be back online by 09-28-12. Thanks, Luap

weird stuff is happening with it. I got a PM notification email from WildGuzzi today, but of course, I can't access it because the site is down...

Looks like I won't make the October Breakfast in Enumclaw, this month. I have work.

Bump! It took a pic axe and two shovels to unearth this thread.
Here is a pic from a couple weeks ago.

The Norge seems to be the ultimate, low attention, niche model. Even on Wild Guzzi you hardly ever see comments or discussion about the Norge.

Fortunately, like most Guzzis, it's a rock solid performer with very few real issues. The early '07s had/have some things to watch for, but for the most part, it's a ride it and enjoy it machine. What maintenance there is, is simple to do and has no drama attached to it.

At 35K mine just keeps running better and better. Just checked the valves (last adjustment was at 12.5) and the exhaust valves were .001 loose. I plan to change the inner spark plugs at 50K just because, although they are probably good until close to 100K.

Photos and write up on my 1700 miles in three days run up to Northern California can be found here if you are bored and have nothing better to do.

The Norge does garner more than her fair share of attention whenever and where ever she is parked. They are such rare bikes that they are always a center for discussion and questions. You can't be an introvert and own a Norge.

jdg

From what I've read on Wild Guzzi the electrical wiring is the minimum that might do the job. Specifically the wiring to the starter solenoid and can end up leaving you trying to bump start your motor. I would have thought that MG would have improved their electrics after all these years. I didn't buy a Guzzi back in the mid 1980s because a Guzzi mechanic warned me they were prone to electrical problems.

http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=43725.0

It is indeed an "interesting" issue. I've had the click-no-start issue a couple of times, but it seems to have been more related to still having the original '07 battery in place (which finally gave up the ghost two days ago). I have done the modification just to be on the safe side, so it's not a big deal. All bikes have some idiosyncrasies - sort of the nature of the beast.

At least it's not Lucas electrical

jdg

I called my local Guzzi store about a Norge, and he said not yet they are having some issue with the cylinders. Anyone hear anything like that? He's a pretty knowledgable guy and did some work on my 03 LeMans.

Hadn't heard that from anyone on GuzziTech or Wild Guzzi. It's pretty much the same motor that has been in the Griso for the last year or so, the 2011 Norge, and the Stelvio, so I can't imagine what he's talking about. Other dealers have been getting and selling the 2012 Norges, but I don't know of anyone who has a 2013 Norge yet.

jdg

Doesn't Kev from WG go on to state that the battery seemed to be the issue with his Breva....?

Cleaning the battery terminals helped but the battery was old...? New battery, no issue...!

You call that electrical problems...? ? ? I do not call that prone to electrical issues...

Good thing you didn't buy that Guzzi back in '80...

Just got my first video look at the updated Norge, Wow, all I can say is, it looks like they took an already fine bike and fine tuned it into something extra sweet.

Very, Very, Nice

Actually Kev from Wild Guzzi chose to run wiring directly from his battery to the starter. That suggests to me that he feels the wiring loom has a fault from the factory.

May be you haven't seen all the discussions about the electrical problems causing not starting. Here is a thread from August 2012. Sparatic no start

I'd love to see even anecdotal evidence that the problem is only with the early year Brevia/Norges.

My 2012 Norge runs beautifully, no problems. As far as electrical issues , I believe that's on older models

ddddd,
When are we going to see some pics of your Norge?

My '08 Norge never exhibited this problem. I did install the mod about six months before I sold the bike though, just because it seemed like a good idea and it was really simple. It was a very reliable machine. Never a problem in two years and 14k miles.