Moto Guzzi Norge ride and thoughts.

[@littlemotorcyclemovies]

Your bit about the 'real world' as it is today. Brilliant. And we, as aging motorcyclists, how we perceive this brave new world can be directed is inspired. Every bike is great if it's your bike. Much love from Oregon, The Willamette Valley, the banana belt of Oregon.

[@oldguyinshed1703]

Thank you for your comment its good to know that enthusiasm for bikes crosses oceans

[@AlunParsons]

I switched from a 2005 Breva 1100 to a 2017 Norge this year, it's a lovely bike. KZbin pushed this video for me as I have watched a few Norge videos, and as I was watching I realised it's videoed in Wales, near Bridgend! I live in Helsinki in Finland (since 1999) but I'm originally from just up the road in Llantrisant!

[@oldguyinshed1703]

@@AlunParsons oh yes Wales it is. Switching from breva to Norge is an easy step to take

[@petrparizek6575]

Nice video. Another Norge owner here.🙂 I thing this bike is for more mature rider. It can be fun, by all means, but it is designed for miles munching in comfort in the first place. One reason why I would not recomend it to beginners: it filters the perception of speed so effectively (and man, it can go fast!), but you dont feel a thing, it's a sorta train. It irons out uneven tarmac, it protects you from wind and is beautifully stable in fast curves. The original cases are the weakest spot. Bad design, they leak. Plus they are unbelieveably expensive, if you need to replace them.

[@oldguyinshed1703]

Everything you say is right though I have had no issue with the cases leaking.

[@jiltedjohn9294]

I have an 8v Sport which is almost a Norge. I've done almost 40k miles on it and it's been the most reliable bike i've had in 40+ years of riding. It's also surprisingly rapid as it has a free flowing exhaust, not too loud, no catalytic converter and has a Beetle map. It has a Stelvio shock to gain a bit more ground clearance,Norge seat and 1" handlebar risers.For the most part i've run it on Michelin pilot 4s which are great but the fronts always cup up quite badly ,so recently i've gone back to Avons, Storm 3 extra mileage to be exact, and the handling has improved so much and no cupping of the front tyre and they grip in the wet which Avons are often criticised for lacking.They are under rated in my opinion but really suit the bike.I converted the cam followers to rollers at 20k miles, the flat tappets had just started to wear slightly. Yours is newer i think than mine so should be rollered already. Good video thanks

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I know I understated the performance a bit but I didn't want people to think it could compete with a full out sports bike, that said they are surprisingly Rapid, Thank you for your time to comment.

[@OscarCalvete]

Nice review, I am new to Moto Guzzi, I bought a V85TT, but I do like the Norge as well, there only a couple available in Ontario, your video is helping me in making my mind and adding another Guzzi to my stable.

[@oldguyinshed1703]

It is a problem with Guzzis when you buy one you have to buy more.

[@steveball2307]

Tyres are obviously very subjective, having confidence in them makes you ride better and vice versa. Done a couple of long continental tours using Michelin Pilot Road 5s (on a CB1300) and found their overall performance excellent, great grip an all conditions and long lived.

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I don't think I have ever used Road 5s though I know know they have been around for some time so I guess they must be good.

[@richardturner4950]

Hi, loved listening to (as much as watching) your vlogs. I'm an old git with the same bike, but in black. I love it, even though the clutch rattles when in neutral and it's sometimes difficult to get into first when hot. Lovely bike. I have got a misfire at low power settings also when hot. If you pootle along gently, she misses and pops. Open her up, you're back to full power. It's driving me nuts as nobody seems to know what's causing it. I mention it incase you or one of your other subscribers has had a similar issue. By the way, it would be really useful, particularly as you have a lift, to do a vlog on how and where to find the engine oil dipstick / filler, gearbox drain and filler plugs etc. There is really nothing helpful on KZbin at the moment. Looking forward to another vlog, Richard Turner.

[@oldguyinshed1703]

Try switching to Iridium plugs and check for intake leaks, they all pop and gargle as you throttle off due to the exhaust clamps not fitting so well, I have looked into this and feel if they are to tight a fit they may fracture, Harleys are the same for the same reason. Hope you get it sorted.

[@maks5445]

Definitely like! Mature point of view. Hello from Ukraine! Tell us more one day)

[@oldguyinshed1703]

Thank you! Will do!

[@robertpierce1981]

Looks like a lovely machine to spend time on

[@oldguyinshed1703]

It is a very fine machine thank you

[@TheHomeExpert5]

It's a great-looking bike and I like the Heritage and unique design, my big concern is reliability, and I really don't have a Moto Guzzi dealer within 100 miles of myself.

[@oldguyinshed1703]

Well I don't quite know what to say, first mine has been super reliable, second dealers are only so much use, I say this as I maintain my own bikes and the internet can get me spares pretty much next day. They are not so specialist as a Japanese bike, they are very user friendly and again the internet can give you all the mechanical data you would ever need.

[@jimmarshall807]

Looks like a nice (if slightly overlooked in this world of tourers = BMWs) bike

[@oldguyinshed1703]

It is overlooked but for those of us that find them it's very satisfying

[@Team-fabulous]

Right... Its about time you had a nice end can on the Guzziler. Let's hear that lovely big motor. Iv a full Mistral system on my Le-Man's... Sounds epic....

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I had a Zard system on my Breva and that was very good, didn't drone to much on long rides. I have not thought about changing the Norge but now you have mentioned it I may look into some alternatives

[@johnboiacca8680]

I used to ride a 2008 Stelvio, which shares the same engine, and I maintain that the Quattro Valvole has two souls. Up to 4000 - 4500 rpm you get its docile, civilised, torquy v-twin soul. When you push it over 5000 it changes completely, sort of "Ah, so you want to run, eh?!?" and it gets much more growly and aggressive. Would you agree?

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I would agree totally, I would also add that this is its strength as an all round usable power plant.

[@genegoodwin8925]

I sat on a Norge years ago in Northern Ohio (USA) and liked it. The Norge felt very comfortable. I do not know if Moto Guzzi still makes the Norge, but I do know they have not imported any in several years to the U.S. Moto Guzzi spent a fortune on the new 1400 cc models and as far as I can see they have not sold well, at least in the U.S. If Moto Guzzi would promote their smaller bikes like the V7 with the 850 cc engine and the other 850 cc models along with their new liquid cooled 1000cc bike I think they would be better off. Maybe they can make a Norge II with that liquid cooled 1000 cc engine, that would be a nice bike to own. Either way, I think they should drop the 1400 cc bikes, they just are not selling.

[@oldguyinshed1703]

The Norge is a brilliant bike but sadly it has been dropped, I do agree with you about the 1400 also agree that the new motor would make a great tourer

[@sprezzatura8755]

I think the 1400 had to go because of Euro 5 emission compliance issues. Guzzi seems to be phasing out air-cooled alyogether.

[@bikeaholic6386]

Hey great video, nice to see someone from my local(ish) area with a Norge. I'm from Swansea and am considering a Norge in the next month, if not a Norge a Breva 1100. Thanks for the information, very useful

[@oldguyinshed1703]

Hi nice to hear from you, Both the Breva and Norge are great bikes, the Breva has a quieter engine and it shares this engine with the early Norge, which later switched to the 8V engine. This engine is supposed to be more powerful but it really is marginal in the real world. It is a lot noisier mechanically when hot and at idle, if this does not bother you its a good machine. I had the Breva and loved it so when offered a good upgrade deal i took it. Fairing protection is obviously better with the Norge but they share chassis and suspension so pretty much the same bike for riding. If your intention is long touring as mine is the Norge has the edge. Ihope this was helpful.

[@bikeaholic6386]

@@oldguyinshed1703 thanks for the insight, hopefully catch you out and about in south wales when I'm out on mine. Cheers buddy

[@johnboiacca8680]

My vote is for the Norge: the Quattro Valvole engine is way more exciting than the older unit you can find on the Breva.

[@DavidR8]

Thanks for the video. Do you still have the Norge? Any issues come up?

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I don't have the Norge any longer as it got too heavy for me to man handle out of my garage so it now have a V85TT which I can just about manage

[@akula1055]

Hi, I am thinking about buying a Norge 2012 model, I live in Florida and I am wondering how this bike handles hot climates and traffic since it's air cooled. Another concern is reliability. Can you please help me with these concerns? Thanks in advance. Cheers

[@cliffg4975]

I have just watched your video, great information and thanks. I do have a couple of questions. 1. Would survive being kept outside in all weathers with going rusty etc? 2. Is the maintenance easy to do and easy to get the parts? I have a Honda that is still good and is outside all year round.

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I do believe the Guzzis have an excellent build quality but I have never had to keep one outside in all weathers, that said all machines prefer to be covered overnight when not in use, ease of maintenance is one of the Guzzis big plus points as they are very simple devices, I have had no problems with spares, although I have had to buy so few of them. hope this helps. P.S I admit I am very biased

[@cliffg4975]

@@oldguyinshed1703 Thanks for the reply. I was quite taken by the norge I see one a show. I was just worried that after a winter it would look crap. I use a rain cover but it would live on the drive I have no garage.

[@donweaver1600]

Could do with a wider fairing keep hands dry and warm

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I sort of agree, but there are aesthetic and aerodynamic considerations. Let's face it Italians love their style.

[@petebjerkelund5088]

Thankyou for the vid. I have always wanted a Guzzi; everyone has the motorcycle in mind that ‘does it for them’ and for me, MG continues to hold that fascination. I rode and loved my ‘97 Concours 1000 for 14 yrs and modified it to be a better bike. Have ridden a ‘16 VStrom 650XA for the last 5 yrs. Also modified to improved be the bike (work done myself). Soon I’d like to return to a sport-tourer. It’s going to be a new Connie14 (2015 or newer) or what I really feel is ‘my bike’. a Norge GT (2011 or newer). Problem is nearest dealership is 8 hrs away in Montreal area. Also, they are very scarce to find at all - I found one in Calgary - nearly the other side on Canada (I’m on the East coast). The 2011 Norge seems to be the last update of the bike, is that true? And as for maintenance etc, are they fairly easy to work on (with a good shop manual)? Few MG dealerships here in “the Americas” really sort of sucks. Well, ta and happy trails. Cheers

[@petebjerkelund5088]

By scarce I meant finding a Norge (also of Norwegian heritage so I prounce it properly,.. ha). Plenty of V7 everywhere, and of course the new V85TT (but I couldn’t get past its Pelican looks).

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I have a bit of a soft spot for all things Italian, as you may have guessed, the Norge is a great bike that I did many many miles on and always maintained it myself. They are easy to live with. Mine got a bit to heavy for me to move in and out of the shed so i reluctantly traded it for a V85TT which is much lighter and although not as powerful I have found I don't really miss the extra power. I am now starting to enjoy this new chapter of Guzzi ownership.

[@petebjerkelund5088]

Despite my ‘pelican’ remark, I am still very interested in them, feel they are the perfect size engine and the only shaft drive in a design like this. Happy to hear you’ve continued on with another Guzzi that suits. My only point with the Norge is the peg height for my 6’1”, 34” inseam-and perhaps the weight. Dropping 200 pounds from Concours to VStrom was quite welcomed. I won’t miss the electronic modes the Norge doesn’t have, it’s a plus. Nor the age of the bike. Legs folded up peg height could mess up my plan. Thanks again. Enjoy your v85TT.

[@oldguyinshed1703]

@@petebjerkelund5088 Having now done a few more ride outs on the V85TT I can say that the peg to seat ratio is more comfortable than the Norge but the seat itself is more comfortable on the Norge, compromises all round.

[@petebjerkelund5088]

Right on. It is the Norge’s peg height that is my concern (sat on a V85TT in Montreal and it was perfect!). I WILL own a Moto Guzzi dream in the near future.

[@vincenttouzaint8299]

Nice video, thank you for this feedback. I would like to get this bike in a few months. I have a question for you: in terms of aerodynamic protection is it good (all seasons) compared to other GT motorcycles?

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I think the protection is very good for my size and shape, as you know we all affect the aerodynamics differently, I do like the fact that the screen can be raised and lowered, I tend to raise it on motorways and lowered for "A" roads. as to comparisons I can only talk about what I have owned, which has been BMW R100 and BMW R1100S and the Norge is way better. Hope this helps.

[@richardjohnson3463]

Nothing wrong with "throbby", lovely Guzzi

[@oldguyinshed1703]

Throbby is good no doubt, Thanks for the comment appreciated

[@richardjohnson3463]

@@oldguyinshed1703 getting good at the videoing on the 'bike. Nice commentary too, well done

[@oldguyinshed1703]

@@richardjohnson3463 Thank you, I thought the commentary was a bit dry and uninformative, I was a bit disappointed in myself and was going to do a follow up with a walk around of the bike.

[@richardjohnson3463]

@@oldguyinshed1703 that would make a good "part 2"?

[@oldguyinshed1703]

@@richardjohnson3463 Probably do it on the first dry day we get.

[@janimara3578]

Hello again! I am looking at one with the purpose of buying it. It is a 2012 with very low mileage, however it has several paint bubbles of different sizes on the tank. If you have any experience with this, I would like to know how serious this problem is and is there any solution.

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I have never had a problem with the paint so not much help, all I can say is turn the bars lock to lock if the forks touch the tank the previous owner has used E10 or higher fuel and the tank has swollen. This I have heard can be remedied by removing the tank emptying completely with the cap removed and placing it in a warm dry environment for a few weeks. It will return to it's original shape.

[@janimara3578]

@@oldguyinshed1703 Thank you very much for the quick response.

[@Billgiles-56]

100 year continual production in Mandello next year, are you planning a trip?

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I would love to go I had such a good time at 95th birthday event but I am not sure if I can go next year, I will reassess in the spring

[@teucer4]

@@oldguyinshed1703did you go?

[@oldguyinshed1703]

@@teucer4 I'm afraid not ill health got In the way

[@janimara3578]

Hello, a quick question for you or for anybody who owns one and live in the warmer weather areas. Does the Norge bake your legs on a hot day ? Thanks in advance!

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I don't live in a warm weather area, but have been to Italy a few times in very hot weather and didn't notice any problems with overheating legs

[@janimara3578]

@@oldguyinshed1703 Thank you very much for the quick response!

[@cohedavid]

Please let me know; is your bike a 850 or a 1200?

[@oldguyinshed1703]

This bike was the 1200GT 8V a great bike that served me well.