2011 Norge GT 8V
The popular grand tourer has been updated, as it continues to flaunt its long-haul travel credentials with a touch of eleganceThe John Sample Group, which imports Aprilia and Moto Guzzi bikes into Australia, certainly put everything it had into the 2010 Melbourne Motorcycle Expo, which concluded yesterday afternoon.
On the Aprilia side of the equation, it managed to source racing royalty in the form of Max Biaggi’s 2010 world Superbike-winning RSV4R Factory (it helped that the team was testing at Phillip Island this week…), and over at Moto Guzzi the V7 Racer and updated Norge GT 8V were proving big hits.
Dressed to thrill, the special-edition Guzzi V7 Racer, based on the V7 Classic, is expected to be in high demand but is only coming Down Under in very limited quantities. So get in quick if you’d like another piece of Moto Guzzi’s unique brand of design of style.
As for the Norge GT 8V, it retains the shaft-driven, air-cooled, 1151cc, 90-degree V-twin of the current model, mounted in the signature transverse configuration, but now has revised electrics, timing and cooling systems, ignition and ECU. The crankshaft is now also more compact.
The 2011 Norge GT 8V also now has a new thermostat-controlled electric fan for the oil radiator.
The fairing has also been redesigned, including side panels with more fuel tank integration, while the suspension has also been revised, the rear encompassing Moto Guzzi’s Compact Reactive Drive Shaft to reduce the effect of “jacking” – where the shaft drive upsets the balance and performance of the suspension.
The new fairing claims to reduce buffeting on the rider, which is always a positive update for long-haul riding.
And the revisions continue: a wider and more supportive seat; the handlebar position has been lowered and retracted slightly; and the instrument panel has been moved Heated handgrips are standard fare.
Maximum power is 102hp (75kW) at 7000rpm, and torque is 104Nm at 5500rpm.
The seat height is 800mm, fuel capacity is 23 litres, and the dry weight is a very respectable 251kg.
Accessories include a top case and rear carrier.
The 2011 Norge GT 8V will be on sale in Australia around March next year for $23,990, with opposition including the Yamaha FJR1300, Honda ST1300, Triumph Sprint GT and Kawasaki 1400GTR. Colours will be white, silver or black.
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
