Norge Ride

[chomy]

 Well I found a dealer with a new Norge 8V in Black and a used 07 Norge that he was willing to let me take for a test ride. The dealer made a point of telling me to take a long ride and really get the feel of the bike as it takes a while for most riders to appreciate a Guzzi for what it is. So who am I to turn down a reasonable request like that, was out for almost three hours although I think if I would have stayed out all day it would not have been an issue.

 I have been riding a BMW R1150RS for the last nine years and the Norge was a pleasant surprise. The Norge looks great, sounds great, is comfortable with a great riding position and handles great with top notch wind management.  Although the BMW is very good the Norge is better in all the areas that are important to me. Now here's the strange thing, I rode a new BMW RT this spring and although a great bike I found the Norge to be better, as in I had a big grin at the end of my Norge ride.

  I can pick up a 4 Valve in Seattle from Moto International for around ten grand for a new 07, 08 or 09 and they are out of 8 valve Norge's. I can also get an 8 valve Norge here in BC for about fifteen and they will take my bike in trade. So my question to the members of the Guzzi forum is to those of you who have rode both the 4 valve and the 8 valve. I know Guzzi made some improvements on the bike and the motor but are they worth that big of a price spread in your mind, remember I did not get to ride the 8 valve.
 

[Orson]

Some people claim the Euro-3 emissions standards affect the low speed throttling.

I can snick my V11 into 1st gear and idle along at a walking speed with nary a complaint, while the Stelvio I test rode didn't seem to like that.

A minor issue.

In my mind, someone can be happy with either bike. The 8 valve might have an edge in acceleration, but the 4 valve is still the same charismatic V-twin lump that Guzzisti have loved

[Hambonee]

I just bought a new 07 Norge from Moto International and let me tell you ...they will take care of you!:)

I know the 8 valves are a better engine but for around 6K less your going to get an amazing bike. You will still save a ton if you fix the few quirks I hear the older ones have(like replacing the rear shock).

I am happy with my 07 that had 13 miles on it. Moto international took care of me and the bike is one sweet ride. I think either way you go you will be happy!

[falconati]

You should try to deal with your local dealer - after all, they let you take it out for a 3 hour test ride!

[OrangeOkie]

You should try to deal with your local dealer - after all, they let you take it out for a 3 hour test ride!

Definitely +1.  There is nothing like "win - win" when it comes to after the sale relationships and service!

[atadaskew]

You should try to deal with your local dealer - after all, they let you take it out for a 3 hour test ride!

Yeah, they hooked you up.   Give them a chance.

[chomy]

 Yes all of you are right, both dealers are good, know the product and were great to talk with. They also made me feel at home and have the type of shop I like going to, not flashy and lots of intresting bikes. Both were also willing to let me ride and the local dealer letting me set my own ride time limit counts for a lot with me.

 The deciding factor is Moto International has only 4 valve bikes and the dealer here has only the 8 valve, other than the used one I rode.  So is the 8 valve that much of a better bike to justify the price difference, if it's not a huge difference I may as well use the saved money to go riding.

[atadaskew]

There have been quite a few changes between the 4V and the 8V Norges, and it is not all in the motor.
Guzzi improved ergonomics, the fairing, heat routing, suspension etc.

Check this review (and google others):

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/2011-moto-guzzi-norge-1200-gt-8v-review-91115.html

[OrangeOkie]

 . . . The deciding factor is Moto International has only 4 valve bikes and the dealer here has only the 8 valve, other than the used one I rode.  So is the 8 valve that much of a better bike to justify the price difference, if it's not a huge difference I may as well use the saved money to go riding.

That is the $64,000 question we all are asking ourselves.  4V or 8V?  For me, I already have an older 2V (4V) V11 Sport.  I am in the market for a sport touring bike that both me and the little wifey can travel on.  I have narrowed it down to an 08-09 leftover Norge or an 8V Norge or 2012 8V Stelvio.  Decisions, decisions.  

[falconati]

I would recommend the 8v model, because it sounds like you can afford it.  Both models are good, but as atadaskew mentioned, there are a multitude of updates that make it 'worth it' if you can afford it.  Also, you could work with your dealer to throw in some accessories or maintenance due to the higher price.

[vitaminC]

 
  I can pick up a 4 Valve in Seattle from Moto International for around ten grand for a new 07, 08 or 09 and they are out of 8 valve Norge's.
 

Dang! Those are some crazy prices for essentially new bikes.

http://www.motointernational.com/HDB_7_05.htm

[WitchCityBallabio]

8v, 8v, 8v.

If you liked the 4 valve, wait til you ride the 8v.

I have both (in a Griso and Stelvio package) and the motor is wonderful.