Post Edited (Desmolicious) : 3/11/2008 1:37:58 AM GMT

nice write up,

at least the fugly engine design is some what covered w/ plastics.  for the asking price, i'm not interested in it all...the msrp should not be more than 10k imo. 

Post Edited (bmadson) : 3/11/2008 9:41:06 PM GMT

If you owned one, and I don't, but if you did you would find the nit picking issues would recede into the distance and you would enjoy the bike immensely. You don't like the suspension, it doesn't make as much power as an FJR, the topcase is fiddly - at least it has a topcase, that's more than a lot of 'touring' bikes offer - so what? It isn't a race bike and it is a beautiful, unique machine.

Who rides a bike racing after or trying to keep up with their friends or testing the limits of the suspension in the corners? They don't for long. It isn't a significant percentage of motorcycle riding. Me, I just trundle along and look at the scenery and try not to get a ticket or killed. You would ride the bike accordingly and you handle it the way it needs to be handled. You'd enjoy the bike, its character and looks and you would enjoy the ownership experience with Guzzisti.  There's nothing wrong with the bike. It's a great Moto Guzzi. It's a style and a heritage and it isn't Japanese. Can't it be different in any way from the statistically prescribed norm? It's a Moto Guzzi.

By the way, isn't it a lot lighter weight than the Concours 14000 or the FJR? Doesn't it get some credit for keeping the weight down? I'll hang up and take my answer off the air.

Decided to chime in on the Moto Guzzi Norge Discussion. After looking as several of the other postings I have to wonder how many of the writers of the review actually own a Moto Guzzi or ride one on a regular basis? Guzzi has been building bikes for over 65 years and has a long heritage of race wins to their credit. They were building 500cc V-8 powered racers long before Honda dreamed of his first 50cc bike. The Japaneese motorcycle manufacturers have certainly come a long way since the first Honda entered the market and produce some truly magnificent bikes these days. They also change their styling on a semi-annual basis and devalue their own products by constantly changing the look and features of their bikes. The original V-twin Guzzi powerplant was developed back in the late 50's/ early 60-'s and was originally designed to power a Fiat automobile. It was later adapted to a 3 wheel vehicle for the Italian Military and eventually found it's rightful place on a motorcycle platform where it has done an admirable job ever since. Personally I own 3 Guzzi's one of which has over 75,000 mile on the odometer. Everything on the bike including the vinyl on the seat is original! Other than oil change's and valve adjustments the bike has never required a major service and the engine has never been apart. Try saying that for a 1980's vintage Japaneese bike if you can even find one still on the road.

The beauty of Moto Guzzi is their unique styling and longevity. No, the bikes aren't the fastest rocket on the road, but they will make it to the finish line in one piece and still purr for more. And NOTHING has the sound of a Guzzi engine when it's up around 6000 rpm and accellerating. The Guzzi is a unique bike, much like the riders who choose to ride them. They make a devoted traveling companion and certainly become the topic of conversation anywhere you stop. Can't say the same for the 4 cylinder in-line machines I've ridden or owned except possibly my K1200RS.

I look forward to seeing a comparison between the Norge and other bikes of similar design, be they BMW, Ducati, or even a Ural. Now there's another example of a air cooled, twin cylinder powered machine you forgot to include in your comparrison. Wonder why??? I think you'll find the Guzzi will hold its own when compared to "like designed" machines and not the 4 cylinder road rockets adapted and rebadged as "Sport Touring" Bikes. Look and the origins of the engines on each of these bikes, especially the Kawasaki. It's a Ninja in touring clothing! Let's be fair and give the Norge a second chance to shine!

Borzoi Biker

it's good to see that you like your goose because that's the way it should be.  if i get a bike, i could care less of what anyone thinks because it's my money and choice.  however, i have to disagree with your statement above because i did quick search on just one cycle ad site and came up with many bikes from the '1980's' that seem to be in good running condition from just one japanese manufacture.  i've also personally seen bikes like cb, maxim, etc., from the 80's that are in pretty good shape and running...

here's a link to the ad site:

http://www.cycletrader.com/find/search-results/Zip-95207/Radius-any/Year-1980,1989/Type-Motorcycle/Category-All/Make-Honda/MakeSel-1/Sort-Year:DESC/

i've also try looking for moto-guzzi and search from the 1900-2009 and the number is only a fraction of 1980's japanese bikes available on that site.