Norge GT vs Norge 8v GT

[Spectreman]

I'm wondering any of you Guzzi types have ridden and can compare the overall performance of 4v vs the 8V Norge. I know the 8V is more powerful and has a better fairing but overall, if you owned a 4v model, would you step up to an 8v & if so, why?
Lee

[coho]

I've only ridden the 4v, so...


(Just waiting for Pete Roper to show up.)

[Kraz]

From what's been explained to me - there's a huge difference, as the 8v is a whole new motor, not just a new head.

Should I be so lucky to buy a new Goose - I'll certainly be going with a 8 valver.

[Orson]

Mr. Smooth wrote a comparison between the 4V & 8V Griso, but I can't find it.

It's buried somewhere in the bowels of the Guzzi Section.

I think he liked both but leaned slightly towards the 8V.

[WitchCityBallabio]

I have both 4 and 8v.

The power delivery on the 8v is spectacular. If I had a choice I'd pick the 8v. No question.

[atadaskew]

The 8V Norge not only has the better engine, improved fairing, but also upgraded suspension.  And I'm sure other stuff too...

[Spectreman]

Thanks for the info fellas. I found a decent deal on a low mileage '09 but remember reading about some issue w/the bike, like power, the centerstand dragging, & engine heat issues. I'm not sure that bike's engine would produce enough go-go juice to satisfy me. Everything I've read about the updated '11 8v model has been very positive so I guess I'll have to wait it out for someone to sell theirs!
Lee

[Pete Roper]

In my book there is absolutely no comparison.

The Norge 8V is the first model to use the twin O2 sensor engine with each cylinder mapped individually in CL mode. It is quite simply a truly world class, 'Modern' motorbike engine. The old engine was just that, a very refined and civilized version of an old design that had been bored and stroked to close to twice its original capacity. smooth and torquey down low it was weedy and asthmatic at the top end in 'Modern' terms. It's suspension also left a bit to be desired and while it still has the 'Conventional' Marzocchis on the 8V they have been re-valved and sprung and function better. Shock is also improved.

A lot of the older Guzzi owning brigade will tell you it isn't a 'Real' Moto Guzzi because it wasn't designed 'In House' in Mandello and that Guzzi haven't made a proper motorbike since the 1970's.

Ignore 'em. Yes, back in the past they made some stellar motorbikes. The good news is that after a 1/4 of a century they are again!!! No they aren't all designed at Mandello, (If you worked on some of the V11 variants you'd realize what a blessing this is!) and they are now owned by Piaggio, (Rather than the government, an Argentinian businessman or shadowy groups of multi-national holding companies!) but a Guzzi is still, very recognisably, a Guzzi.

I'd go 8V. You'll never go back!!!

Pete

[Orson]

Guzzi bashing reported to moderators.

[radlefty]

Quote from Peter Roper  " The old engine was just that, a very refined and civilized version of an old design that had been bored and stroked to close to twice its original capacity. smooth and torquey down low it was weedy and asthmatic at the top end in 'Modern' terms.

I have an 07 Norge with over 32,000 miles on it. I absolutely love the bike and consider it the best all around bike I've ever owned. However, the one weakness that can't be fixed is exactly how Pete described the motor at the top end.The bike absolutely shines in the twisties, plenty of torque for blasting in and out of the twistie bits and produces a feeling of ecstasy that no other bike I've ridden. But when ridding at higher speeds and you want to get on it to get pass people it falls short of what other "modern" bikes can do. I also have a Triumph Sprint St. In most situations I enjoy both bikes equally, both engines have a very visceral feel and lots of character... but at the top end, the Sprint motor is substantially better.  I haven't ridden the 8V yet, but from everything Iv'e read it would give me the extra power at the top that I occasionally miss. Hopefully in the next year or two, Guzzi will bring over the Red Norge 8V that they showed in prototypes a couple of years ago and that will become my next bike.

[bubba zanetti]

I saw a white 8v Norge in Hope BC last fall being ridden by an interesting woman. Lovely bike that really had the drool factor. If I like my new to me 08, I can see picking up a gently used one in a couple of years.

[Orson]

The bike absolutely shines in the twisties, plenty of torque for blasting in and out of the twistie bits and produces a feeling of ecstasy that no other bike I've ridden.

The v11lemans.com site is littered with the carcasses of poor sods who sold their V11s and then rue the day  

"Why, oh why did I sell it"?, they implore, as they wander aimlessly through their own personal wasteland of remorse  

[nosail]

I saw a white 8v Norge in Hope BC last fall being ridden by an interesting woman. Lovely bike that really had the drool factor. If I like my new to me 08, I can see picking up a gently used one in a couple of years.

That would be Viv. She had an 07 Norge that was totalled. She looked at many other marques before choosing to go Norge again. She and her husband say the new one is night and day compared to the old one. Funny thing is there were not supposed to be any white ones coming to Canada but Valley Yamaha managed to pull strings and get her one as she didn't want black. Her and Cory are also big into Velocettes.