Wife is considering a Norge

[MotoMatt]

It seems that I have created a monster. I bought my RT back in late '02. By the next summer my wife had taken the MSF beginners course at my suggestion. I thought it was a good way to put end to those "why do you...?" and "why don't you...? questions.

 

Two years after succesfully completing the course she decided she needed to get her own bike so she wouldn't forget what she was taught. So she bought herself a yellow 650GS.

 

Now after having put almost 20k miles on this bike, I made the silly mistake of suggesting she should consider something bigger to be able to keep up with me better on spirited rides.

 

She had a 800ST loaner for about a week this past summer. She loved the power, speed and handling of the bike, but found it to be a little cramped in the riding position for any serious long distance riding.

 

So the the looking continued to the CW motorcycle show in DC last month. She sat on other BMW's, but as is usual, found them to be too tall to comfortablly and confidently handle. Other brands did not do anything for her, then I suggested Moto Guzzi. She sat on the Norge and seems to have fallen in love with the styling and size of this bike. She hopes to get to a dealer for a test ride in the not to distant future for a test ride. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with this machine?

 

As it looks now, my wife may have a larger bike than me by the fall .

[Bud]

Check out this thread:

 

Norge

[notacop]

I test rode the Norge at a Guzzi rally last feb in Prescott. Very nice! looks good, feels comfy, heated grips. Enough on board computer to be amusing. Saddle bags seem good, color matched too! Do it!

[mefly2]

LOL ... wasn't a Norge and old washing machine ...

....years ago ???

[Godfather]

LOL ... wasn't a Norge and old washing machine ...

....years ago ???

 

That was my first thought too! He gets a bike, she gets a washing machine Sounds fair to me

[notacop]

Maybe it's a nice bike but have you noticed that Guzzi seems to make a bike for a year or two? We can find scads of parts for our beemers but parts for a Guzzi?

They do have a rabid bunch of really dedicated owners though. I've attended a couple Guzzi rallies on the Beemer and have been welcomed heartily.

[Knifemaker]

Looked at one... looks hard to farkle

[Tippy]

MG's have always caught my interest. Make sure you live close to the dealer - they do not have a great reputation for reliability. There was an active member of this board a couple of years ago who had incredible difficulties with his new MG. Maybe someone remembers who that was?

[ghaverkamp]

MG's have always caught my interest. Make sure you live close to the dealer - they do not have a great reputation for reliability. There was an active member of this board a couple of years ago who had incredible difficulties with his new MG. Maybe someone remembers who that was?

 

I remember. Don't remember if we're allowed to use his name, though.

[Tippy]

Well, if you remember the person but don't remember if you can mention his name, your alzheimers is slighlty less advanced than mine.

[UberXY]

I love old Guzzis -especially the V50 and V7. Wish I had time to mess with one again.

 

Before you take the plunge, make up a list of four or five parts on the Norge, like an alternator, a u-joint, or a piece of plastic trim. Take this list to your MG dealers parts counter. Ask him approximately how long it will take to get them. Then make up your mind.

 

 

[sjn7708]

Availability of parts is a real issue, can take months to get .

[tallman]

I love old Guzzis -especially the V50 and V7. Wish I had time to mess with one again.

 

Before you take the plunge, make up a list of four or five parts on the Norge, like an alternator, a u-joint, or a piece of plastic trim. Take this list to your MG dealers parts counter. Ask him approximately how long it will take to get them. then quadruple it Then make up your mind.

 

 

[RickXL]

Sorry, I just don't share your opinion

[fatbob]

Moto Matt:

 

The Norge is a great bike! If you have a local dealer, great, if not you should be able to care for a Guzzi yourself. If you can maintain a BMW airhead or oilhead, the guzzi will be a piece of cake. I've had Guzzi's continuously since 1986 (three of them) and have never had any kind of trouble with them. Wonderful bikes that have loads of soul. The fit and finish has improved since the Piaggio takeover too. (still not up to BMW, but good).

 

I say do it!

 

Bob

[tallman]

Sorry, I just don't share your opinion

 

Not just mine.

From the Guzzi board

http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=f26e221c7e41d59591c9a17710ffe616&topic=15292.0

 

"Last time they pulled this stunt no parts were available for, what was it , at 9 months. They pull that and a lot of dealers will bale out again.

Glad a real warehousing company took over and has it all straight. "

Yes, sometimes it isn't an issue.

But, there are times that months and months are involved.

Agree to disagree on this one.

[Whip]

I heard all that "parts hard to find"...."unreliable".....stuff about my KTM too.

 

So far it's has been way more reliable than any of my BMWs........

 

 

Have fun!!!!

 

 

Get the Norge....take some pix.....go for a ride with your wife.

 

Whip

[too old to care]

I miss my old Guzzi. I put many happy miles on it, all trouble free. Handled great, and you did not see one everyday. Wish I still had it, or better yet, my favorite bike of all time, a V7 Sport. They were out of production by the time I realized what a Moto Guzzi was.

[Paul Mihalka]

My Moto Guzzi story. I posted it a few years back, but we have many new friends on the board. Besides, old farts like me always retell the same stories again and again

It is Moto Guzzi's fault that I became a BMW enthusiast.

1972: From Venezuela I signed up for a European tour With German-American Michael von Thielman. The tour was the old fashioned way, you bought a new bike for the tour, rode it in Europe and shipped it home. The tour gave a choice, Moto Guzzi or BMW. BMWs were for old guys, I was a young 41. Moto Guzzi had this beautiful new sport model, the V7 Sport. That's what I wanted. Money is sent, bike is confirmed - I had copy of all the paper trail. We arrive in Europe. There is no Moto Guzzi. THEY DID NOT MAKE IT YET! Michael says he can give my bike money back, but I came to ride. He can get me a BMW. Got me R75/5. Never looked back.

[eddd]

My Moto Guzzi story. I posted it a few years back, but we have many new friends on the board. Besides, old farts like me always retell the same stories again and again

It is Moto Guzzi's fault that I became a BMW enthusiast.

1972: From Venezuela I signed up for a European tour With German-American Michael von Thielman. The tour was the old fashioned way, you bought a new bike for the tour, rode it in Europe and shipped it home. The tour gave a choice, Moto Guzzi or BMW. BMWs were for old guys, I was a young 41. Moto Guzzi had this beautiful new sport model, the V7 Sport. That's what I wanted. Money is sent, bike is confirmed - I had copy of all the paper trail. We arrive in Europe. There is no Moto Guzzi. THEY DID NOT MAKE IT YET! Michael says he can give my bike money back, but I came to ride. He can get me a BMW. Got me R75/5. Never looked back.

 

I, for one, am glad that Guzzi wasn't ready!

[AdventurePoser]

It's a gorgeous bike, that Norge. My concern would be this...say I'm riding around Frozen Pickle Mt and I break down.

 

Not too many MG dealers around are there? I suppose if I was a dedicated mechanic I'd have one-the looks blow me away! Otherwise, I dunno.

 

Good luck with the decision and have fun!

 

Steve in So Cal

[RickXL]

Sorry, I just don't share your opinion

 

Not just mine.

From the Guzzi board

http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=f26e221c7e41d59591c9a17710ffe616&topic=15292.0

 

"Last time they pulled this stunt no parts were available for, what was it , at 9 months. They pull that and a lot of dealers will bale out again.

Glad a real warehousing company took over and has it all straight. "

Yes, sometimes it isn't an issue.

But, there are times that months and months are involved.

Agree to disagree on this one.

 

 

I'm reluctant to respond because I really don't want to get a flame war going between BMW and Guzzi. This is a BMW site which I scan a couple times a week because its a great site in many respects. I also believe that many of members have "drank the cool-aid" concerning their bikes and take it personal and defend against any notion that their bike is not the greatest bike ever built. I'm not there, with BMW or Guzzi or probably any other bike. I don't think a Guzzi is better than BMW or the other way around. They are two different kinds of bikes, with different objectives. There like apples and oranges.

 

From time to time I see cheap shots taken at Guzzi's as well as other machines, most times taken out of context, or just some statement that is not accurate. I generally don't comment, because this is a BMW site.Even though it might not be the wise thing to do, I am going to comment on this thread because, because some of the statements are just wrong.

 

Several people have commented about lack of a dealership network. Well, it true,they are few and far between. My dealer is 200 miles away, and I have had some ask why I buy bike with a dealer so far away? The Quick answer is its a great dealer (MPH Houston) If I want something, I'll have it the next day by UPS. What is worst, a dealer that Suks 12 miles away or a great dealer 200 miles away? Guzzi folks don't relie on their dealers like some do. Guzzi's are pretty simple to work on, and I believe few people go to the dealer for an oil change or a set of tires.

 

And about the Factory closing for inventory...That is Italy...They do it every year...Its posted like you can't get any parts for months...BS...If I need a valve cover gasket, or a wing nut or something, it isn't ordered from Italy...There is a supply system here in the states, believe it or not...If you order a part for your BMW, does it come from Germany...How stupid is that?

Yeah, If you are ordering an engine or trans, you might be unconvinced some.

 

http://wildguzzi.com/forum/

 

Well you know the Guzzi site. How about looking around the site and finding anyone posting about a final drive failure, or the "Pulls To The Right" thing, or and engine giving out under 50k, or anyone reporting breaking down on the road and getting a tow in, or someone being done wrong by a dealer. Not to say some of it is not there, but compare it with what is reported on this site...

 

So Do I think Guzzi is a better bike than BMW? No I don't... They are different animals and I don't believe one is a threat to the other. I believe a person can be happy with what they have without cutting others who may not share the same opinion. I don't drink the cool-aid, whether it be BMW, Guzzi, Harley, Honda, or any other bike. There is no ultimate Bike.

 

Rick

[mountainred]

I believe the older MG was reliable. The 2003 v11 sport naked I owned was a pile of sh#t. 3 times to the dealer (90 miles each way)and 2 to 6 weeks waiting on parts. When the timing cover seal sprayed oil on my leg and rear tire on the freeway, I decided to get rid of it.I ordered the seal and gasket from a Texas dealer and repaired it myself rather than trailer and wait for the dealer to fix it under warranty. I had the bike one year. I rode it about 5000 miles,and it was broke down for about 4 months. I sold it for a large loss (thousands) and felt relieved to get rid of it. BUT maybe they have changed and got more dealers, a better parts system, better QA, and fixed the wiring/transmission/exhaust cracking/rod throwing problems with thier new engine. Go to the V11/Lemans web site and read up for a few weeks before you decide. I read the new drive train is great.

[tallman]

Rick,

Nowhere did I say that a Guzzi was a bad bike, or that BMW was better.

Guzzi is responsible for many technological advances in motorcycling.

However, I've personally seen numerous problems with parts for a Guzzi (and older Japanese bikes). We had a trade-in that took 6 months to get simple parts for.

YMMV.

I know Guzzi dealers who are great people, some even sell Beemers too. Some of them have a good parts inventory.

But, of the last 10 Guzzi's I've had experience with, everyone had a parts story.

That may not be true today, or tomorrow, but every one of those riders had it occur to them.

Every one of them enjoyed riding their bike, too.

But too much down time drove (figuratively ) them to another marque.

I've always like the Goose. I like some Ducks too.

If forced to speak Italian, I'd have to settle for an MV Augusta, and who knows what parts would be like.

If you think quoting Guzzi owners about their personal experiences with the marque is a "cheap shot", you might be a bit oversensitive.

Enjoy your ride.

Link to glowing Norge review.

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/moto-guzzi-norge-1200-first-ride-report-18840.html

[sardineone]

Ok Paul, you got me to whip my calculator out. You are an.............. older distinguished gentleman! I have to agree with all the hub bub on the Guzzi's. I've had my LeMans since new and there has been some repairs in it's 53,000 miles. I am still quite found of my cool vintage bike. The basic motor is still intact and runs about the same as new. I've heard of some problems with some of the newer models than my 86' and iffy parts availability. I've had good parts service for my oldie. The latest Guzzi's parts availability may or not be the best I don't know. What I do know is I've ridden a very simular Breva 1100 and it really does handle well with a comfortable STOCK seat. My BMW handles well also with a bit more urge from the motor and a bit more effort to steer. I might have a bad rear drive in my BMW's future so who knows? I feel my R12ST will be worth fixing if the worst happens because I really like the machine. I would suggest the new Norge could possibly be in the same class.

[Paul Mihalka]

Hey, I did not say anything bad about today's Moto Guzzis! I'm smarter than that...

Matt (MotoMatt), I sent you a private message.

[RickXL]

Rick,

If you think quoting Guzzi owners about their personal experiences with the marque is a "cheap shot", you might be a bit oversensitive.

 

You might be right Tim. I don't consider myself to be over sensitive. I try not to be,Its just that many times when I see a thread concerning another machine other than a BMW it becomes a feeding frenzy of negitive comments defending the merits of the Beemer. And, yes I know, Its a BMW site.

 

In this particular situation you used the quote from one member which supported a negitive point of view of the parts supply of Guzzi. As in, Better not buy a Guzzi, cause there are no dealers and you can't get parts anyway. You could have also posted or at least made reference to this:

 

Re: Please be advised--- Guzzi Parts

« Reply #18 on: January 16, 2008, 09:22:29 PM »

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote from: rjwinz on January 16, 2008, 08:24:45 PM

This thread provides no comfort for someone (me) still looking at getting a Guzzi. I want to ride my bike, not wait for parts.

 

 

Many of the good dealers, a few of which are on this board, have a stock of standard parts. Many can get parts from Europe. you can get parts from Europe.

It can be an issue for warranty parts though.

 

This post was made by the same person that made the quote you used, but it kinda shines a different light on the statement. Of course, it does not support the negitive point of view.

 

For people who don't know, the Guzzi factory nornally closes every January for an inventory and for the entire month of August, every year. Not a big thing. There is a State side supply system along with the dealer supply which takes up the slack...Not a big thing. I'm not saying the supply system is the same a BMW, but not too bad either.

 

For folks considering the purchase of a Goose, you might consider hanging out on the Wild Goose site for a while to learn more. Its another excellent site with good info. Thats how I found this site, about a year ago when I was considering buys an RT.

 

Sorry if I appeared to to oversensitive, it was not my intention. I do appreciate being able to post my views. I'm not really into BMWs right now, but I consider this site to one of the best on the web and read it often.

 

Thanks, Rick

[tallman]

Rick,

keep posting.

In addition to the quote, I did link to the entire thread so people could find the context it was made in.

I publicly avow as to the reasons I like BMW's. suspension, brakes, driveshaft, etc...but would not try to ever force my POV on anyone

 

 

 

 

 

unless they are from California.

Best wishes.

[MotoMatt]

Thanks for the lively discussion and insight to owning a Guzzi. Wasn't trying to start controversy, but I think sometimes that is what makes a good discussion. To quote RickXL, if we all "drank the KoolAid" it would be a pretty boring discussion.

 

I am a little concerned about the dealer network when traveling, but then again most of the place we really enjoy traveling, there is no BMW dealer ship within 100 to 200 miles either.

 

Anyway the wife has arranged for a very abbreviated test ride tomorrow at the dealer nearest us (about 50 miles). Seems that they don't have any test models right now because of demand, but is willing to let the one on the showroom do a few laps around the block.

 

I will ask her to post her brief impressions tomorrow.

[T__]

Thanks for the lively discussion and insight to owning a Guzzi. Wasn't trying to start controversy, but I think sometimes that is what makes a good discussion. To quote RickXL, if we all "drank the KoolAid" it would be a pretty boring discussion.

 

I am a little concerned about the dealer network when traveling, but then again most of the place we really enjoy traveling, there is no BMW dealer ship within 100 to 200 miles either.

 

Anyway the wife has arranged for a very abbreviated test ride tomorrow at the dealer nearest us (about 50 miles). Seems that they don't have any test models right now because of demand, but is willing to let the one on the showroom do a few laps around the block.

 

I will ask her to post her brief impressions tomorrow.

 

Matt, unfortunately a few laps around the block won’t tell you much except that her feet will touch the ground & the mirrors won’t work.. She really needs to go on an extended ride in traffic,, on the freeway,, on twisty roads.. Or at the very least ride it far enough to get used to the new bike before judging it’s assets & shortcomings..

 

I guess if all you can get is a very short ride do a lot of homework at the dealer so she is VERY familiar with all the controls & functions & feels right at home on the seat.. A short ride is useless if the entire short ride is used to figure out the controls & functions.. She needs to use that short ride to evaluate the handling,, braking,, & weight..

 

Twisty

[camille]

My Moto Guzzi story. I posted it a few years back, but we have many new friends on the board. Besides, old farts like me always retell the same stories again and again

It is Moto Guzzi's fault that I became a BMW enthusiast.

1972: From Venezuela I signed up for a European tour With German-American Michael von Thielman. The tour was the old fashioned way, you bought a new bike for the tour, rode it in Europe and shipped it home. The tour gave a choice, Moto Guzzi or BMW. BMWs were for old guys, I was a young 41. Moto Guzzi had this beautiful new sport model, the V7 Sport. That's what I wanted. Money is sent, bike is confirmed - I had copy of all the paper trail. We arrive in Europe. There is no Moto Guzzi. THEY DID NOT MAKE IT YET! Michael says he can give my bike money back, but I came to ride. He can get me a BMW. Got me R75/5. Never looked back.

 

Prophetic.

[camille]

So the the looking continued to the CW motorcycle show in DC last month. She sat on other BMW's, but as is usual, found them to be too tall to comfortablly and confidently handle.

 

Hey, he 650GS has a seat height of 30.7" and the Norge 31.5". Wasn't too tall for your wife?

 

As it looks now, my wife may have a larger bike than me by the fall .

 

Bike envy sucks, right? Then again, you can ride it on the days she wants her hair to look nice....most women despise helmet-head hair.

[Newstar]

Hi All! It's me...the wife!

 

We spent some time at Fast by Ferracci today looking over the Norge. We've been doing some homework and have taken everyone's comments (here and the Guzzi sites) in to consideration. Admittedly, I had a very brief test ride where I was too busy looking out for traffic around a mall but I can honestly say that I think this is the bike for me. It has everything I like about the RT in a smaller more manageable (for me) package. From my short ride, I felt it handled well and seems like it would be a blast on the back roads. In some ways, the handling reminded me of the F800 ST that I rode for a week last summer. Matt had a few quirks he wasn't crazy about like the placement of the wire for heated grips but that doesn't seem like a big deal to me. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the way the shifter was set. But after speaking with Mr. Ferracci, he agreed that it was too low to be comfortable and it needed adjusting which can be done. Breaking was good. Accelleration was smooth. Side cases are easy to use and hold lots of stuff that we women like to drag around with us.

 

Yes, it will be a different ride. But as long as I feel comfortable, I'll enjoy the new challenge. Quirks aren't really quirks if you have nothing to compare them to.

 

One thing I need to comment on...I occasionally see posts from you guys singing the praises of your wives when they let you get another bike and still keep the one you have. Why doesn't that work in reverse??? Matt wants me to sell my little yellow B and I'm not sure I can part with it.

[Newstar]

 

Hey, he 650GS has a seat height of 30.7" and the Norge 31.5". Wasn't too tall for your wife?

 

 

Not sure what the seat height is on my 650 GS but I can just about flat foot the Norge.

[sardineone]

I also have a shallow statement to add to your purchase decision...........The bike looks great! So what color did you get? I've seen a red one at the Guzzi's on the Blue Ridge Rally last year that was very sharp. Your bike will probably weight a bit more than the Breva I have ridden. The frame and running gear I would imagine is very simular and the 1100 Breva handles the Blue Ridge Parkway VERY WELL. Best of luck with your new ride!

[eddd]

Newstar, I look forward to getting regular updates on your new ride.

[Newstar]

Well, I haven't actually made the committment yet. I'm having a hard time coming to terms with selling my GS to pay for it. At least I know GS's are in demand and it shouldn't be too hard.

 

I'm thinking Black is the color.

[tallman]

Should look nice in Black.

Pics when done.

[Yukon]

So some say the MG has "quirks". BFG. ALL bikes have quirks, and that is why we love them. Can you imagine how boring a bike would be without quirks?? If the bike appeals to you, purchase it. The only one you have to please is yourself, and to heck with anyone/everyone else. Buy it, ride it, enjoy it.

[fatbob]

Newstar:

 

Join the Guzzisti, you won't be sorry. And there is no sin in owning several bikes, you should keep your GS!

 

Bob