Moto Guzzi Norge first impressions

[durtwurm]

Originally Posted by rocker59

You know, I used to feel the same way. Then, I got a used '00 model Quota in 2004. I took it in to have the efi adjusted not long after buying it... I never had to adjust it again. Then, I got a used '04 Nero Corsa in 2006. I've yet to have the efi worked on with that bike.

The point is, I was reluctant to go efi after having such good luck with carbed bikes. But, as it turns out, my experience with efi (on bikes and on cars) is that once set, it's set... It's been a painless transition.

Don't get me wrong; I am not knocking EFI. I have had it on many bikes and generally it is foolproof. I am only stating I can work on carbs without a problem. EFI? Maybe. But I have not tried yet.

[Firefighter12]

Especially Mr. Gretz. I will look up those links soon.

I did get on to Wild Guzzi, but have not yet posted. I wanted to take the time to see what has already been written, (by doing a "Norge" search,) but just haven't gotten it done yet.

When I rode BMWs (Ks and Rs) they were my only form of transport. Personal preference, obviously. But I found that having the soft luggage would allow me to get away with a more "brief case" approach. The full-face fit in the hard-bag, and I could go into a college class, or a meeting, or the gym, without having to store the hard bag. I can see how it would be a do-able approach if it was overnight accommodations. The Beemer soft-bags were so nice that I kept them even after having (foolishly) sold the motorcycles for which they were designed.

Thank you, all, for your help.

Respectfully,

John
Colorado, USA

[Scott of the Sahara]

I think the Norge Hard bags will hold a full face helmet.

[LuciferMutt]

Originally Posted by durtwurm

. EFI? Maybe. But I have not tried yet.

The difference is you probably won't ever have to.

[JohninVT]

Originally Posted by durtwurm

True, but anything with fuel injection complicates things a bit. I know a savvy owner can work on them but carbs are much easier. I know the old Bings on BMW's are a piece of cake.

I bought VDSTS and a Twinmax used for $150. With those I can run diagnostics on the bike, reset the TPS and balance the throttle bodies. It is actually easier to mess with EFI than carbs.

I like mechanical things. I like working with carbs and it's more rewarding to tune a bike with carbs but it is easier with EFI. There is no guess work.

[jdgretz]

Originally Posted by Scott of the Sahara

I think the Norge Hard bags will hold a full face helmet.

Yep - each pannier will hold one full face helmet - same with the Guzzi top box - one only. The Givi G46 (roughly the same size as the Guzzi box 46L vs 44L for the Guzzi) will hold two full face helmets (Shoeis for sure) with a bit of room left over as the shape is very different.

jdg

[jdgretz]

Originally Posted by Firefighter12

I found that having the soft luggage would allow me to get away with a more "brief case" approach. The full-face fit in the hard-bag, and I could go into a college class, or a meeting, or the gym, without having to store the hard bag.

OK, that puts a different slant on it. Yes, definitely get a set of soft bags. I'd stay away from the Guzzi ones for two reasons a) Price and b) fit. The Guzzi bags are not really tailored to the pannier where the ones from Bags for Bikes are. I'm sure there are other options available that are also form fitting and at a better price.

Originally Posted by Firefighter12

Thank you, all, for your help.

Respectfully,

John
Colorado, USA

That's what you get for joining the family

jdg

[markgsnw]

Originally Posted by FutureBoxer

Thanks rd!


Have never been sure how to pronounce it though!! Norje..... Norgay.... Norg... ??

if you were a Norwegian, it would be "Noor-guh"


Not sure how an Italian would pronounce it, probably pretty similarly.

[markgsnw]

and thanks for this thread...going to look at a Norge this weekend. Will seriously consider going up to Seattle to purchase.

[markgsnw]

I am reading up on this (current obsession), and could one or two of you experienced Guzzi people outline the practical differences between the current Norge (8v) and the 2007-2009 bikes? I can read specs all day, want to know from the owner's perspective.

[JJGeo]

Originally Posted by markgsnw

I am reading up on this (current obsession), and could one or two of you experienced Guzzi people outline the practical differences between the current Norge (8v) and the 2007-2009 bikes? I can read specs all day, want to know from the owner's perspective.

Have you seen this review? It compares them in a practical sense.

http://www.ashonbikes.com/content/mo...rge-8v-gt-2011

[markgsnw]

Originally Posted by JJGeo

Have you seen this review? It compares them in a practical sense.

http://www.ashonbikes.com/content/mo...rge-8v-gt-2011

I think that's a good comparison of the Norge and the Stelvio, but really doesn't answer the previous vs. current question for me.

[scrannel]

... yeah, but, Hoover dam?

[jdgretz]

Motorcyclist did a review in the current issue as well as this online review that touches on some of the differences between the 4V and 8V Norges.

As much as I love my '07, I'm a bit afraid to ride the new one for fear I'll like it even more and have to justify a new motorcycle (good thing they don't come in that beautiful Maroon this year )

jdg

[JJGeo]

Originally Posted by markgsnw

I think that's a good comparison of the Norge and the Stelvio, but really doesn't answer the previous vs. current question for me.

Did you read the whole article? He compares the Norge changes to the Stelvio changes in the beginning, but then goes on to discuss the engine, chassis, and suspension differences between the new Norge and old one.