2011 Moto Guzzi Norge 1200 8V

**nudemetalz** · 21st May 2011, 17:12

I picked up from Mark at Scooterazzi a Moto Guzzi Norge while the V11 Sport is getting repaired.

Full report on it to come once I've done some kms on it but initial impressions are what a lovely bike to ride !!!
I had honestly thought I wasn't really ready for an upright tourer but this feels so cozy to ride with the nice smooth and grunty 8V engine, plus is quite flickable for a 257 kg (dry) machine.
The instruments are very legible and I love the electric screen, if only for the
gimmick.

The only real complaint I have is the sidestand is hard to get at as it's tucked right in and on someone elses $27K machine, you have to be very careful !!

Anyway,...more to come.

**Devil** · 21st May 2011, 17:21

They sure are a good looking lump (and good sounding!). Could do with a bit of a styling update on the shaft housing, but only a minor gripe!

Haven't had the chance to ride one unfortunately.

**Crasherfromwayback** · 21st May 2011, 18:09

It's trying way too hard to look like a Beemer sorry.

**nudemetalz** · 21st May 2011, 18:28

Perhaps but the Beemer will never have a v-twin like a Guzzi's.

**Crasherfromwayback** · 21st May 2011, 18:32

Originally Posted by nudemetalz

Perhaps but the Beemer will never have a v-twin like a Guzzi's.

Correct. I love the Guzzi's layout...hate Boxers.

**nudemetalz** · 21st May 2011, 18:35

The 8V engine is a pearler, nice grunty midrange with a decent kick up top. Not as hard as the Griso 8V being 10hp down and heavier but you forget it's a tourer

!!

One of these engines in my V11 Sport would be the ultimate combination !!!!

**BMWST?** · 22nd May 2011, 13:02

Originally Posted by nudemetalz

The 8V engine is a pearler, nice grunty midrange with a decent kick up top. Not as hard as the Griso 8V being 10hp down and heavier but you forget it's a tourer

!!

One of these engines in my V11 Sport would be the ultimate combination !!!!

will the stelvio have ths engine(and a bigger tank?)

**nudemetalz** · 22nd May 2011, 15:44

The current Norge has a 23 litre tank plus 100hp and the Stelvio also has 100hp and 18 litres but the 2012 Stelvio has 32 litres !!!

**BMWST?** · 22nd May 2011, 17:52

Originally Posted by nudemetalz

The current Norge has a 23 litre tank plus 100hp and the Stelvio also has 100hp and 18 litres but the 2012 Stelvio has 32 litres !!!

32 litres is a bit over the top . would guess they are fuel injected and quite economical,the ol PD is 35 l but s not that economical.23-25 would do me

**nudemetalz** · 23rd May 2011, 20:28

Alrighties......

Had a wee trip up north on the Norge on Sunday....
What do I think?

Two things I noticed were,..
Moto Guzzi finally put back the horn button in it's proper place and not where the indicator switch normally go (eg Griso)
and..the mirrors are blur free and shoulder free !! A rarity these days.

The riding position is very upright, something noticed after the lean-forward postion of the V11 Sport. Plus the pegs are further forward than normally used to.
However, I've got quite used to it relatively quickly and is very comfortable.
The fairing works well and the blade being able to be adjusted up and down is quite a giggle if a bit unnecessary. Maybe a taller rider would benefit.

Handling?
At very low speeds you feel the 257kg dry (prob close to 300 with full fuel, oil etc) but once over 30km/h is very flickable, the wide bars helping.
Remains stable through the corners but on/off the throttle does upset the composure a little being relatively soft in the suspension. Smoothness is the key.
Very little torque effect and the shaft is very controlled.
Brakes have great feel and power.

Engine?
Very grunty & smooth in the midrange and as expected pulls well from 2500rpm, anything lower tends to shake (as most Guzzis do). Wee kick up top then tails off around 7000rpm.

Details?
Hmm,..ABS on this model (never tried it

) also has an override switch. Instruments clear and legible, the MFD display is a little confusing and hard to read. Headlights powerful and good spread.
Heated grips were welcome this morning commuting to work.
This also comes with detachable panniers but I never got to see them.

Would I buy one?
Well $27K is a lot of money for a bike but I believe you would have this one for a long time. I'll stick with my V11 for the time being but maybe 5-10 years time.

Thanks to Mark from Scooterazzi (Ghuznee Street, Wellington) for the loan of this lovely machine while mine is getting repaired.

**dangerous** · 24th May 2011, 05:58

LOL... its easy to become one with the newer Guzzi's aye, but like me you need to fight the earge... nothing wrong with preastroic rattles and vibes

The new 8v 12's are an awesome mix of guzzi and modenisation... tell ya what tho if you ever get the chance at a RS Daytona, do it, like a stroker powered whale.

**willytheekid** · 24th May 2011, 07:42

Originally Posted by dangerous

LOL... its easy to become one with the newer Guzzi's aye, but like me you need to fight the earge... nothing wrong with preastroic rattles and vibes

The new 8v 12's are an awesome mix of guzzi and modenisation... tell ya what tho if you ever get the chance at a RS Daytona, do it, like a stroker powered whale.

+1...what he said!

You flash, flash bugger nude

...look at ya...all "look at me" in ma cool yellow hat on ma flash as Guzzi

.....wait a sec

LOL
-hope the V11 gets fixed soon nude...we can't have you spoiling yourself for too long on that georgous norge....and it DOES look georgeous!

Great photos Nude, enjoy the ride and for gods sake....DON'T SCRATCH IT!

:

**nudemetalz** · 24th May 2011, 09:06

Thanks Willy. Yes, the Norge is a beautiful machine, very well made and feels of quality when you ride it.
I am VERY careful with it though, understanding I'd have to sell my soul if I did scratch it.

My wee Caleb just wanted to sit on it so who am I to refuse. His Mum was just out of camera shot steadying him though.

I do miss my V11, I love the rawness of it that Guzzi seemed to have nearly engineered out of their new machines, like Dangerous said.

Now, did someone say they wanted me to do a review of their RS Daytona?

**chiefofthehill** · 24th May 2011, 16:04

Originally Posted by nudemetalz

My wee Caleb just wanted to sit on it so who am I to refuse. His Mum was just out of camera shot steadying him though.

Ohh come on Mr Nude'z... Caleb is the same age as me is he not? I have been riding the Guzzi and others for over a year, bout time you took him for a spin round the block, even my wee brother at 1 now rides the V11 to the end of the street, "Mum was just out of camera shot steadying him" whats with that?

I even made last years KB rally badge... ashamedly on a Victory.

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**nudemetalz** · 24th May 2011, 16:17

Originally Posted by chiefofthehill

Ohh come on Mr Nude'z... Caleb is the same age as me is he not? I have been riding the Guzzi and others for over a year, bout time you took him for a spin round the block, even my wee brother at 1 now rides the V11 to the end of the street, "Mum was just out of camera shot steadying him" whats with that?

I even made last years KB rally badge... ashamedly on a Victory.

hmmm,...I s'pose you are right....he COULD go for a spin with Daddy on the Norge...