Moto Guzzi NORGE reviews

The best features of the Norge are torquey engine, and overall looks. The switchgear is mediocre and flimsy in quality. The electric windshield feels weak and you can’t raise it at highway speed without risking damage to its electric motor. The saddle bags are fitted with what feels like an afterthought system. The bags themselves are pretty large and good. Riding position a little cramped for very long distances, and I’m only 5’8”! Ground clearance is awful, especially on the left side. Centre stand once again appears to be mounted as an afterthought as it grounds out at moderate lean angles. Guages are almost impossible to read in sunlight, too much glare. Worst part of the bike for a sports tourer is the terrible suspension. Way too soft and way under dampened. The Norge is okay at very docile cornering. As soon as you pick up the pace a little the bike gets itself into knots, even without luggage or passenger. I once road a 1990 California 3 1000 that believe it or not handled way better. That bike had Koni rear shocks and air assist forks which I believe are stock items on the Cali 3. Overall. The Norge is just a so so effort. Basically a Breva with saddle bags. Show less

I purchased a very nice low mileage 2009 Moto Guzzi Norge. Since I currently own two other Moto Guzzis I was very familiar with the Norge and it has been a favorite for some time. It is an excellent sport touring bike with lots of space in side bags and trunk as well as a tank bag. The ECU has been re-flashed professionally making it a very powerful ride. The bike has been lowered and spring stiffened so it handles like a dream. To me it is the best Sport touring bike available. Because I am short I cannot ride an adventure bike but this bike is certainly on par with the best of the A/V bikes on the pavement. I love it and would strongly recommend you consider this one-it is a keeper. Show less

This is an awesome bike! It's been 30 years since my last Guzzi and it's everything I remember. It's smooth, handles great and has that great Italian sound. It's early yet, with only 500 miles on it, but I can already tell that Guzzi's are still a great bike. The dealership is great. After buying the bike, I felt like I was part of the family! Show less

I checked every sport touring bike there is, the Norge was the only one that I was comfortable with. Everyone I talked to said I was crazy to buy an Italian motorcycle but sometimes you have to go with your own instincts. I bought the Norge in May and I love it. IT runs well handles smoothly and braking is superb . And on top of that it is just a beautiful motorcycle. Show less

Not having much experience with the Moto Guzzi brand, I found the Norge to be an easy bike to ride, very comfortable, having sufficient power, a great handler, and quite a looker. One thing for sure, you won't find dozens of them at bike events! I couldn't imagine a rider not being very happy with this Guzzi! Who could deny that those Italian bikes don't have tons of class and personality. The Norge is a really special machine! Show less

I did not know when I purchased this new Guzzi that I would use it so often for long distance. It covers miles so quickly and with such ease that traveling to Oregon and Idaho was just a breeze. Leave the saddlebags at home and it will keep up with most sport bikes here in the Texas hill country. Excellent machine my best motorcycle ever! I have now done 12000 miles in about 6 months. No issues at all with service or parts (doesn't need parts). Show less

This is a great bike, but it is essential to get the throttle position sensor reset to 4.7 degrees closed, and to get the throttle bodies synched, or else you will end up thinking there is drive line lash. The bikes seem to come from the factory set at 4 degrees, and this screws up the fuel map over the whole range, but particularly at nearly closed throttle positions. Dealers with the Axone diagnostic tools are especially capable of dealing with these issues, although dealers with the TechnoResearch VDSTS are also reported as capable. Most ST type bikes shed their weight well at speed. They are less forgiving and require greater rider attention at parking lot, u-turn, and duck walking speeds. The Norge stands out as a much more rider friendly mount at low speeds compared to things like ST1100, ST1300, V-Strom, Concours, and similar. The Norge is also an exceptional performer at highway speeds. It is very stable in truck wake... both when following trucks at speeds up to 85 mph, and when facing trucks on two lane roads at speeds like 70 mph. The Norge handles I-40 better than any bike I've ever ridden there. It is easy to find yourself cruising at 90 mph+ if you're in traffic moving at 80 mph+. Top speed is well over 110 mph... it computes out to around 130ish. As for the twisties, the Norge is an exceptionally nimble mount. The 6 speed transmission is smooth and well spaced. Push the bars down and look to the exit of the curve, and the Norge will bring you there if any bike can. The ABS brakes are reassuring and effective. There are reports of leaky saddlebags, but mine appear to be water tight. I've ridden nearly 100 mph in strong rain, and the contents of my bags remained dry. It takes a bit of practice to quickly mount and dismount the bags. I've got the drill down now, but it took some effort. If you're a big guy like me, you'll want Sargent, Mayer, or someone else to make you a custom seat. An extra stock seat for modifications can be had from Moto Guzzi for $131. All the parts I've ordered from Moto Guzzi have arrived at my dealer in a week or less. If you want to check your oil regularly, you'll want to get the extended dipstick mod from Teo Lamers Motorrijwielen in the Netherlands. Guzzi really ought to make it easier to check the oil in future model years, and it would be even better if their cure were to be backward compatible to the 2007 models. This bike is great fun, has a great sound, has a great look about it, is a great performer, and is surprisingly practical because of the integrated saddlebags and its excellent around town handling. I think it's a very serious contender for the best overall sport touring type bike. Show less

The ride: 200 miles, temps 69 to 96 degrees, roads: mountain switchbacks (with 10 mph hairpins), 80+ mph sweepers, glass smooth asphalt, gravel, uneven paved, 2 lanes and 4 lanes and some flatland with 20 to 30 mph crosswinds. Also rode a few miles in town (with traffic). Plus 200 miles, as above but with rain thrown in. The bike: 2007 Norge (red) stock. Tires: seem okay, I didn't wear off the chicken strips. Taking it easy learning new bike. Fairing: great hand protection, windshield could stand to be a little taller, buffing at top level will get old fast, duck head down 1 to 2 inches no wind at all. Crosswind effect very noticeable, but with 30 mph crosswinds all bikes would notice. Gears: my shifter was too low and shifting was notchy, after 1st 100 mi. came home and raised the shifter. What a difference, the shifter is in perfect position now and shifts are positive, crisp, and smooth, as good as any bike I've ever owned. The bike is geared a little high for stop and go, but all European bikes are (makes them quieter in town). For cruising it is spot on. I have never had a shaft drive bike, and I am aware of the driveline lash; however, most of it was caused by my abruptness with the throttle. This bike will make a smooth rider out me. Engine: Ran like a top, noticeable left/right movement blipping the throttle at stop, I kinda enjoyed it. Once rolling not an issue. Heat: First every bike I've had is hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Is there engine heat, yes? Can it be alleviated, yes? Just spread your legs a little away from the tank. I ride year round, and I think I will appreciate the heat in the winter. Vibration: You can feel the engine beneath you at a stop, again I like that. Smooths right out once moving. Some vibration felt in handlebars, but grips and gloves will cure that. Hands got tingly after 50 mile crosswind ride, I was holding on too tightly, not bad though. Mirrors: Sometimes very clear, sometimes blurry. But at a dead stop, I can see the cages coming from behind a long way away. IMO stopped at intersection is most dangerous time on motorcycles. Seat: I stayed planted in the seat in one position. Never got butt burn and could have easily done another 200 miles. Ergonomics: Fit me perfectly, after gearshift repositioned Dashboard: I find nothing wrong with it, but then again all I need to see when I'm rolling is speed and tach. Suspension: Too soft for me, this will be one of my first mods. The way mine is set now, you could superslab it all day long, but I try not to travel on interstates. The forks dive too much and the rear is not confidence inspiring. These are easy fixes though. Muffler: The stock pipes sound very nice to me and the pipes are nice and gold. The popping on throttle let off, especially abruptly let off, is noticeable, kinda like my old Triumph with glass packs, or my Dodge with cherry bombs. Doesn't bother me too much, but the trout fishermen were probably cursing my soul. Luggage: Easy to use, easy on/off, holds lots of stuff. Rain Protection: Very good rain protection, rode about 20 min. (70 to 80 mph), hands, shoulders, legs, chest, completely dry. Rain hit from bottom of face shield to top of helmet. Absolutely no water down the back. Throttle: My biggest dislike, I do not like the quarter inch play in the throttle, I'll be looking for a fix soon. Looks: This bike is a looker, people come out of the woodwork and ask about it. The Harley guys seem to really like it, but all that matters is I like it. I do.I do. Price: A lot of folks seem to complain about the price, I'll try and put that in my perspective. It's a lot of dough, but most dealers will deal, I got mine for substantially less and was very happy with the deal. Okay, here's my analogy. Are there motorcycles out there that do as much or more for less? You bettcha. FJ, VFR, Concours, etc. But to me it's like comparing a Ferrari to a Toyota. The Toyota is more reliable and would be easier on the wallet and less of a headache. Now I can't afford a Ferrari, but I can afford an Italian motorcycle. The Italian motorcycle will cost me maybe 10 to 15% more than a UJM, now how many of you would buy a Ferrari for 15% more than a Toyota if you could? I would. Also for me a motorcycle is not an necessity, therefor I want something beautiful, different, exotic, something that makes me turn my head around and look back at it. Show less