R1200RT vs Moto Guzzi Norge 1200

[motoguy128]

The bags on my ST3 are the same way.  I never had a problem with that.  
It makes sure they would not fly open or fly off.  It's not like I need to get in them quickly, often.

Because of the clever way it's designed, even though the lid opening mechanism is unlocked... the machanism that attaches the bag to the bike is still locked.  You turn your key the opposite direction to release the handle.  The other way locks the lid.  You would need a failure of the latches for it to come open.  Locking the button would not prevent that.  So basically locking the bags only prevents the release mechanism from being pushed, it does not add any latches, unlike some other designs incuding the old BMW system cases.

[MisterSmooth]

...I wish BMW would follow suit with Triumph (Thruxton) and Ducati (Paul Smart) and offer a retro model like the R90S. This was the best looking BMW ever.

I dunno, I kinda like this one.







But, back on topic.  I don't know where you live, ABStrommer, but it may be worth your while to travel to Seattle.

You can test ride an R1200RT at Ride West BMW at 80th and Lake City Way, and then ten minutes later hit Moto International at 77th and Aurora and test drive a Norge.  Both dealers will be happy to send you out on one of their bikes.

You're making a $15,000 (plus/minus) investment here; if at all possible it's worth the trouble coming to Seattle to test ride.  Plus, it's fun.

[Lon]

The August 08 magazine called Road Runner Motorcycle Touring & Travel I picked up at my grocery store had a comparison run of the R1200RT and the Norge. R1200RT won but both had issues. RT had easier luggage to use. Norge is locked every time you close it. Norge had a very reflective dash which makes it tough to view in sunlight. Norge had 6 gallons of gas and a range of 265 miles instead of the 311 miles of the RT. Norge centerstand drags easy. Norge not as good for taller riders. More passenger room on the RT the hard bags were in the way of the footpegs for your passenger. Bags on the Norge need two hands to open and close and have to lock every time. Norge doesn't have many optional accessories compared to the gizmos you can get on the RT.
They also sais the RT tops the Norge in overall useability, comfort, and performance.
They did say "the Norge costs less and offers more character and Pannache. Confused? Flip a coin."
http://www.roadrunner.travel

It was a trip trhought the Alps.

Interesting; my wife and I rented a BMW R1200RT and took it up the PCH.  She never complained about legroom or that the bags were in the way... however, she's 5'8" tall, so maybe that has something to do with it.

I liked the RT's power and comfort except for the windshield.  I'm short (5'5") - meaning when I raise the windshield, I have to look through it.  The amount the RT's windshield distorted my vision was terrible; it made me feel like I had tunnel vision.

The engine was smooth compared to my R1100S.  I didn't test the ABS.  Braking was adequate.  Handling was fine, but I didn't find it very confidence-inspiring for some reason (compared to, say, the ST1300) ... This could be the fact that I'd only ridden once this year before taking off on an all-day excursion on a new-to-me-bike...

I think we did 200 or 250 miles; I can't remember.

[Lon]

I dunno, I kinda like this one.

Ah, the S.  In DDP.  I'm a fan.

[tigertom1965]

OOPS!   I wanted to say that it was the Norge that had problems with the legroom of the passenger and the bags got in the way. My bad.

[Stixx]

Having just bought the RT and still lusting for the lines on the Guzzi Norge and the sound of the sweet engine, I went with the idea I would have better reliability and less hassle for parts on the Beemer knowing full well I'll pay for the privaledge either way.

The Guzzi is Italian what do you expect. It is sexier. it has more persona but it is second fiddle to the Rt in almost every real measure. I'm not sorry I made the RT decision and since I can not have both I made the right decision for me. Your decision is for you to make. Either way you can't lose both are great bikes.

Styling comments aside the Beemer is a love hate in styling. Kinda reminds me of a Tazmanian devil with so much mass up top and such short legs (wheels) But like it or hate it the thing is at least unique and no one will mistake it for a rice burner , that's for sure.

I am growing more and more in like with my choice of mount and as time goes on I will have only one regret and that is that I don't know if I can afford to keep piling on the miles with the cost of maintenance on these beast escalating so much. The warrranty BTW had a bit to do with the decision and parts . Ask any Guzi guy about parts availability.

Best of luck in your decisioin whichever way you go post pics and let us all marvel at the beauty of either beast.

[n16elc]

I think this reply may be a little late but I have replied because it seems I am the only person to have owned both bikes. Before the Rt 1200 I owned 2 Rt 1150's over about 4 or 5 years. I was disapointed with the Rt1200. It was more powerful than the 1150 but had lost a lot of midrange. The biggest problem I had was it was not as comfortable as the 1150. I replaced the Rt1200 with a Norge. I would say the Norge is a far nicer bike to own. The guzzi engines have an almost addictive power delivery whereas the BMW coughs and splutters. (they always have and i think always will). On paper the BMW is more powerfull but I think on the road you would be hard pushed to find the difference. I would say top speed between both bikes would also be about the same. On the ragged edge the BMW may handle a little better but on real road you would be hard pushed to feel any real difference. Quality. Well the Moto Guzzi is now showing BMW how to make reliable bikes. Since 2008 many parts on BMW have been sourced from China and countless riders have had many quality problems with BMW. Corrosion (myself included), bevel gear failures, oval hubs, dropped valves. That said BMW have been very good on warranty and are fixing all the faults. Unlike guzzis of the past (ive owned them) My Norge has been faultless and I think they have at last got it right. To summarise, I think the Norge is far nicer to own. Its more comfortable, better to ride, has better indicators switches. The BMW has a better screen and wind protection. Regards

[ABStrommer]

If you had posted last year, I may have decided differently.  I ended up going with a used '07 RT.  In the end, the warranty, weather protection, cruise control, etc. won out.  No complaints (over 15,000 km this summer) so far (except I think a new seat may be on my shopping list over the winter).