Moto Guzzi Norge GT 8V

Name: Moto Guzzi Norge GT 8V
Brand: Moto Guzzi

An evolution of the company's premium tourer with revised electrics, timing and cooling, and not forgetting the piece de resistance – the eight-valve engine

Moto Guzzi has replaced the Norge GT with an up-spec Norge GT 8V, with almost 80 per cent of the bike redesigned.

A cursory glance of the machine doesn’t scream massive change, but have a poke around and you’ll soon see that the fairing has been redesigned, including side panels with more fuel tank integration; there’s a wider and more supportive seat; the handlebar position has been lowered and retracted slightly; and the instrument panel has been moved.

And beneath the resplendent clothing – I reckon the Norge is a bit of a fashionista -- the suspension has now been revised, the rear now encompassing Moto Guzzi’s Compact Reactive Drive Shaft to reduce the effect of “jacking”; and the engine has revised electrics, timing and cooling systems, ignition and ECU. The crankshaft is also more compact in the eight-valve configuration.

There’s also a new thermostat-controlled electric fan for the oil cooler, as one of the gripes with the old model was overheating. The change seems to have done the trick, as the 8V donk didn’t raise a temperature during its time at the Bikesales Network.

Strangely, the engine is now little more insulated with all the fairing updates, etc but Moto Guzzi has obviously done its homework on heat dispersion, while getting climate control for the rider just right.

Speaking of temperature, heated hand grips are now standard on the Norge, as are panniers and the electronically controlled windshield, all for $24,990. The Norge GT’s opposition includes the Yamaha FJR1300, Honda ST1300, Triumph Sprint GT, Kawasaki 1400GTR and BMW K 1600 GT.

The major point of differentiation for the Norge GT 8V is its thundering 1151cc twin, which is good for 102hp (75kW) at 7000rpm and 104Nm at 5500rpm.

It’s an engine which has plenty of meaty goodness, and that’s certainly what gives the bike most of its X factor – no two ways about it.

The broad spread of power makes it such an effortless bike to ride, and the ‘reward’ is being able to stick it into one gear – third is a good bet – and just roll with the good times through the winding roads. All at a brisk pace that occasionally takes you by surprise – the Norge is certainly quite fleet of foot.

And I’m sure that sentiment will be borne out across the board in December, when the Bikesales Network hits the road for a mega tourer comparo. And quite rightly, the Norge will be one of the contestants.

The accessory list isn’t huge on the Norge, so customer satisfaction is pretty much on the money from the get-go. There are a few options, such as a lower gel seat, but I’d only really be looking at that if you’d like to reduce the seat height. In standard trim the seat height is quite low at 810mm, so Moto Guzzi obviously had no concerns with lowering and retracting the handlebars, as it still makes for a good ergonomic fit. The seat is comfortable, but on the soft-ish side.

The Norge’s 257kg dry weight is very reasonable for this class, and that’s reflected in the good pace it manages to maintain through the hills. Sure, there were a few scrapes along the way, but that’s just inevitable in a touring unit.

Mind you, maintaining a solid footing through the mountains is just the way of the world in this class, and I’ve particularly been an unabashed fan of the FJR1300’s sporting prowess over the years, too.

But the fact remains that the Norge is as capable as the person behind the bars, and when it’s ridden well it does not only do a fine job of ironing out the road wrinkles, but it’s also hard wired with plenty of sporting DNA.

And getting that platform right on big tourers is never an easy thing, as they have to be suspended to cope with the extremes – from 60kg whippets at the controls to a full payload of two people and luggage.

That’s asking an awful lot of multi-tasking from the suspension, but the Norge’s up to the task in what is a major improvement over the old model.

The damping is capable enough too, but the biggest test always comes when 180kg is being lugged around – something that I unfortunately didn’t get to test this time out.

But I did ride two-up for a little bit (sans luggage) and agility only took a small hit. But more importantly the whole platform remained as stable as ever.

The Brembo brakes haul the mass up well, and the ABS is switchable, via a button on the right-hand switch block, if you get the urge. I’m surprised that’s even an option, as I’d be leaving it on all the time anyway.

Other practice touches include the centrestand, integrated pillion grab handles and the external 12 volt external power socket.

And the dashboard is easy to read with the onboard computer displaying all the functions that you’d expect on a long-haul tourer.

The Moto Guzzi Norge GT 8V is a competitively priced tourer with plenty of charming qualities, and I reckon it’ll hold its head high in the big December comparo.

Visit the Moto Guzzi Norge GT 8V in Bike Showroom.

SPECS: MOTO GUZZI NORGE GT 8V

ENGINE
Type: Air-cooled, four valves per cylinder twin-cylinder
Capacity: 1151cc
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection
Emissions: Euro 3
Claimed maximum power: 102hp (75kW) at 7000rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 104Nm at 5500rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Final drive: Cardan shaft drive
Clutch: Wet

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Front suspension: 45mm fork, adjustable preload
Rear suspension: Monoshock, adjustable for rebound and preload
Front brakes: Twin 320mm discs with four-piston calipers, ABS
Rear brake: 282mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Wheels: Cast aluminium -- front 3.50 x 17, rear 5.50 x 17
Tyres: Front 120/70-17, rear 180/55-17

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed dry weight: 257kg
Seat height: 810mm (780mm available as an accessory)
Fuel capacity: 23 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $24,990
Colours: Glam White or Competition Black
Contact: John Sample Automotive MotoGuzzi.com.au
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres

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Moto Guzzi Norge GT 8V

SPECS: MOTO GUZZI NORGE GT 8V

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