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76 Posts
Hi, away from the forum quite awhile since I sold my 1200RT a couple years ago. Just bought a '07 Norge because I missed having a comfortable bike with luggage. After 1200 miles on it I feel ready to compare to the RT. Please don't take offense, some of my thoughts are subjective. But resale on these machines is so reasonable and the bike has so many virtues that I think someone in the market for a used RT should consider it strongly.
Subjective comment one: It is much better looking. You really need to see one in person. The way the different pieces seem to flow together is amazing. And in spite of a much smaller fairing/windshield wind protection is superb. It's like they really did their homework instead of just putting something huge out there. This bike is very comfortable for sustained high speed riding.
NO TELELEVER! Sorry, I know the telelever functions quite well, but I much prefer the feedback from a telescoping fork. In fact, sometimes I wonder why an anti-telelever movement hasn't arisen among the Boxer faithful. OK I'll admit in stock form the Guzzi doesn't handle as well in tight/fast cornering, but the plush ride is so nice the rest of the time it's an OK tradeoff. It is perfectly capable of "the pace," as they say.
It doesn't make as much power either, but the big twin puts off a wonderful, addictive feeling. Riding is about the experience you feel, not numbers on a dyno, and the Guzzi has personality in spades. I've already had more compliments on the beauty of the bike in 3 weeks than I ever had on the RT.
The big aircooled 2-valve is a breeze to work on and a reliable high milage engine.
2011 brought a 4-valve motor.
Anyway, after owning both I prefer the Guzzi. I scored mine with 7100 miles, almost new Pirelli Angels and the 6k service done. Paid $7100. Has heated grips, electric windshield, and ABS. Amazing amount of bike for the $$$.
Subjective comment one: It is much better looking. You really need to see one in person. The way the different pieces seem to flow together is amazing. And in spite of a much smaller fairing/windshield wind protection is superb. It's like they really did their homework instead of just putting something huge out there. This bike is very comfortable for sustained high speed riding.
NO TELELEVER! Sorry, I know the telelever functions quite well, but I much prefer the feedback from a telescoping fork. In fact, sometimes I wonder why an anti-telelever movement hasn't arisen among the Boxer faithful. OK I'll admit in stock form the Guzzi doesn't handle as well in tight/fast cornering, but the plush ride is so nice the rest of the time it's an OK tradeoff. It is perfectly capable of "the pace," as they say.
It doesn't make as much power either, but the big twin puts off a wonderful, addictive feeling. Riding is about the experience you feel, not numbers on a dyno, and the Guzzi has personality in spades. I've already had more compliments on the beauty of the bike in 3 weeks than I ever had on the RT.
The big aircooled 2-valve is a breeze to work on and a reliable high milage engine.
2011 brought a 4-valve motor.
Anyway, after owning both I prefer the Guzzi. I scored mine with 7100 miles, almost new Pirelli Angels and the 6k service done. Paid $7100. Has heated grips, electric windshield, and ABS. Amazing amount of bike for the $$$.