Norge 2 Up

[Bouts]

I currently ride a 2006 Kawsaki Concours and have been thinking about a new bike for next year.  I have 3 in mind, the C14, FJR 1300 and the Norge.  Today the Mrs and I went to the local dealer and were able to compare the C14 and the Norge side-by-side.  The Mrs admitted to prefering the Norge to the 14 appearance wise.  I have to admit, seeing them one beside the other like that, I tend to agree as well.  The Norge is smaller than the C14, so I was wondering if anyone out there has ridden 2 up for any amount of time on the Norge?  Comfort and wind protection are the big factors here, and before I pull the trigger and replace my C10 (which has never let me down or regretting it) I want to make sure I make the right choice.  Let's face it, I want the Mrs to be happy, enjoy the ride and be with me. So, passenger/co-rider  comments about the Norge.

[blakebird]

You should have no problem getting a test ride on the Norge to see for yourself.

[Bouts]

Yeah, the salesman was more than ready to let me take it for a test ride, but I didn't have my riding gear with me, and The Mrs and I were a tad pressed for time.  Going to try next weekend, providing the weather holds nicely enough.  Was hoping to get an idea of what to expect prior to hopping on

[Pete Roper]

Are we talking Norge 1200 or 1200-4V with the new 8V motor? Either is a good tourer, although the early 2 valve per cylinder models are under-sprung at the rear, easily fixed. The 4V motor has a significant power and performance advantage over the old 2 valver.

Pete

[jdgretz]

If your wife is over 5'6" and likes the C-10, I suspect she will find the Norge a bit windy.  I have both a C-10 and a Norge and while the Norge is more comfortable for my wife (5'7") the wind protection on the C-10 is better for her, so much so that she does not like to do any more than maybe 30 miles or so on the back.  I'm going to get a CalSi shield and see if that helps her.

You really need to get on one for more than a couple of short miles so that she can feel the effects of the wind for maybe 45 minutes or so at freeway speeds.

Of course, as always, YMMV.

jdg

p.s. Having just gotten my Norge back on the road after an extended down period, I was amazed and just how good the wind protection was on my C-10 compared to the Norge.  But I love the Norge - I mean really love the Norge where I like the C-10.

[Bouts]

Yes, the 8V, it's a 2012 model year.  The wind blast is something that I was definitely wondering about.  The C10 is great for coverage, the new C14 as well, but when I look at the Noge the fairing and windshield seems so much smaller!  My wife is a about 5'8"ish, so maybe the wind may be a consideration.  I think when I truly decide, I'll book rides back to back on the Norge and the C14, or maybe even keep the C10.  Why doess this have to be so hard.  Thanks for the comments, that's the sort of input I'm looking for.

[jdgretz]

Yes, the 8V, it's a 2012 model year.  The wind blast is something that I was definitely wondering about.  The C10 is great for coverage, the new C14 as well, but when I look at the Noge the fairing and windshield seems so much smaller!  My wife is a about 5'8"ish, so maybe the wind may be a consideration.  I think when I truly decide, I'll book rides back to back on the Norge and the C14, or maybe even keep the C10.  Why doess this have to be so hard.  Thanks for the comments, that's the sort of input I'm looking for.

I know the 12 has a slightly different windshield, so you might be better off.  I test rode a CalSci some time ago and remember it as being a lot quieter and less windy.  At the time I didn't have the C-10 for comparison so I can't give my any better thoughts than that.

Overall the C-10 has better wind/rain protection (surprised me) than the Norge, but the Norge, at least for me, is so much more fun to ride and handles significantly better.  My Norge had been down for close to a year (long story involving a broken shock mounting bolt and bent shock mount - PM me if interested - faulty bolt) and I rode the C-10 almost exclusively during that time.  When I got back on the Norge a couple of weeks ago I instantly remembered why I love this bike so much.  If it speaks to you, there will be no way you can not own one.  If I had never ridden the Norge, the C-10 would be my long term keeper, but I would add the 7th Gear mod, risers, fork brace and have Steve go through the carbs and add the vents.

Good luck on your decision, I'll be curious  to hear your, and your wife's impressions.

jdg

[Bouts]

Thanks for the input JDG.  My Mrs is pretty happy with the C10, no wind on her when we ride, and for me I just tuck down about 2-3" and it's pure silence.   I thought I was getting close to a decision between the two, then I saw Yamaha's 2013 FJR, now I'm back to 3!!!  Not an easy decision, but then again the C10 is riding so well!  I know what you mean about the 7th!  I've tried to upshift from 6th a time or three already!  I think the SISF Carb mods will be in call for next Spring though, I have that off idle "stumble".  Take advantage and do the plugs and wires while the carbs are off, and the tanks off and all that.