[buckturgidson]

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 $$$.

 

[hopz]

Interesting...

I believe that the Guzzi is an "interesting" bike. I like them, I would like to have one, but frankly not instead of, but in addition to...

Guzzis draw a lot of attention at any gathering. I suppose introverts would find this disconcerting. I love the sounds, the style and the history. Lets face it. Guzzi's are of a different era and play heavily on nostalgia. You do not see a lot of new, younger guys or gals on them.

Being Italian they have certain... ummm... personalities, strengths and drawbacks. If I lived in a more metropolitan location (with a Guzzi dealer) and I had the money, space and time I would love to own one. My Ducati experience, with the "Italian Mistress" however taught me many lessons.

 

[Atomicman]

Subjective is right.

With the RT, the way the different pieces seem to flow together is amazing!:histerica

 

[Ponch]

Being Italian they have certain... ummm... personalities, strengths and drawbacks. If I lived in a more metropolitan location (with a Guzzi dealer) and I had the money, space and time I would love to own one. My Ducati experience, with the "Italian Mistress" however taught me many lessons.

Being of Italian ancestry, I know what you mean. MG is the HD of Europe. As for dealers, Finding a Guzzi dealer makes finding a BMW dealer like finding a HD dealer. I can only imagine how long it would take to get parts.

 

[ATFLT]

I like the Norge but I have never ridden one. I had a 76 T3 that had it's share of problems but it was a plush ride. There is a dealer in town and the one lady I know that rode Guzzi said that parts can take a long time to get. I hope yours works well for you!

 

[homewrek]

Being of Italian ancestry, I know what you mean. MG is the HD of Europe. As for dealers, Finding a Guzzi dealer makes finding a BMW dealer like finding a HD dealer. I can only imagine how long it would take to get parts.

You hit the nail on the head with finding a dealer for parts and service.

I owned a MG Breva and before I bought my HD V-Rod(Night Rod) I seriously thought about the Griso. I test road one and really liked it, but there is one dealer within 200 miles and he is a space cadet, impersonal and a jackarse to say the least.

Before I bought my RT last year I seriously considered the Norge. It was my dream bike back in 2007 when it came out because I truly did love the Breva. MG makes a great V-Twin and the bike dynamics aren't too different from BMW products.

My big knock and probably the biggest reason why I stayed away from the Norge is lack of parts and service and really zero support from MG in Italy. One of the things that drew me to the Norge was the look and that is what I also liked about the RT. MG owners will tell you that the Norge is a direct knock off of the RT so why not get the original?

Having done some research and demo riding both, I can tell you that the Norge is a great bike, but it definitely falls short of the RT in performance, fit and finish. It's heavier, slower and I don't think it has anywhere near the sport touring capabilities that the RT does. It also doesn't have the options that I gobbled up with the RT. I do love the CARC cardan shaft final drive, but so far I don't have any issues with the RT final drive either.

 

[buckturgidson]

I have a competent independent mechanic here in Reno, and a reputable dealer in Sac. Of course there is Munroe Motors in San Fran too. The bikes are very reliable, overbuilt if anything. I expect maintenance costs to be less than they were with the RT. Also, Guzzi is owned by Piaggio now, I don't think coorporate support is lacking. I don't think there is any reason not to consider the bike unless you don't want to do any maintenance yourself or live really far from a dealer.

 

[05Train]

I lust after a MG California. One day when the kids are gone, I'll seriously try to find a decent used one. MG's are just gorgeous bikes.

 

[bhope]

Great thread, great conversation.

I test rode a 2007 Norge and really liked it. Yes, it was down a little on power but has such character you almost don't care. In the end, no MG dealer within 400 miles and the R1200RT is a work of art as well.

Enjoy your Guzzi!

Blair

 

[buckturgidson]

I almost forgot, it doesn't use oil either.

 

[powwow]

I, too, am really enjoying this thread...to the point I went on CL last night to see if there were any Norge's listed. There were...and very reasonable prices, I might add.

I have loved BMW motorcycles over the years and have owned a couple of them (currently '07 LT). However, I'm constantly disappointed at BMW's response to their product issues. No, I'm not turning this thread into a BMW bashing, but threads like this do cause me to consider other brands. I am beginning to tire of the weight from my LT (and wondering how long I'll be able to dodge the dreaded final drive or clutch issues) and will be replacing it sometime during the next year with a sport tourer. My list used to include one bike, the RT, but recently I've added the Triumph Trophy SE and now the Norge.

 

[buckturgidson]

Moto International in Seattle has an excellent reputation among Norge enthusiasts. They have a fly and ride program. They pay for your airfare and pick you up at Sea-Tac.

 

[usmctpdog]

+1 for MI in Seattle... I am in eastern WA and had an 07 red norge and it was very comfy and reliable.. Not having a close dealership and reliable parts support can be problematic but the anvil reliability and long life of the motor with No final drive problems make it a tasty and enjoyable motorcycle with S O U L.
07 suffers from weak R shock and limited improvement for fueling issues..
I sold mine and will get a new one with the new 8V motor and upgrades..

 

[powwow]

Thanks for the tip on the '07. I've also been researching the new 8v motor. Ironically, I drove by Moto International last night on my way to the zoo for a Leo Kottke concert...agree, they have a very good reputation.

 

[buckturgidson]

+1 for MI in Seattle... I am in eastern WA and had an 07 red norge and it was very comfy and reliable.. Not having a close dealership and reliable parts support can be problematic but the anvil reliability and long life of the motor with No final drive problems make it a tasty and enjoyable motorcycle with S O U L.
07 suffers from weak R shock and limited improvement for fueling issues..
I sold mine and will get a new one with the new 8V motor and upgrades..

Word .......

 

[buckturgidson]

I'm sure the later models are improved but the '07 is still a damn nice bike and the $7100 is hard to get past. maybe someday I'll upgrade to 8V but this is enough to keep my interest for now.

 

[lkchris]

My one and only Guzzi ride was a test ride of the same-as-R100RS blue version back in 1978. A V1000 SP IIRC.

My reaction was ... this things sounds like a flathead Ford.

Do they still sound like that?

 

[Knife]

...for a Leo Kottke concert...

Put me in, coach. You make me feel like dancin'.