Time for a change?

I'm going to start looking around at new bikes later this year (hopefully),
and I have a list of 4 bikes so far to look at.

Superbudgie
VFR800
FJR1300
Norge

Of that lot I have only ridden an FJR. Wasn't too impressed with it, but I
think I need to give it another try to be sure. The Blackbird I have always
liked the looks and the idea of it, but am yet to ride one, and the Viffer
has always had good reviews.

But the Norge I know nothing about. Any well written reviews out there?
Zebee and Theo, anything in particular I should consider?

Hell I don't even know how much they are in Aus. Who sells them in
Melbourne?

I'm also open to suggestions of other bikes of a similar ilk.

Cheers,
Dale.

 

and the Viffer has always had good reviews.

You would never go wrong with one.

 

In aus.motorcycles on Thu, 9 Aug 2007 19:53:42 +1000

If you are seriously thinking about a Blackbird I dunno a Norge would
suit. It has a willing engine, but no way does it have that sort of
horsepower.

If you don't feel the need to do much more than 160 but want to get
there quickly and easily then the Norge will be fine. (It will do more
than that of course, but doesn't do speed like the Budgie does.)

The Yanks say the electric screen rattles, I think the manual one is
all that's needed. The GTL topbox seems to have less usable space
than the Breva one I have on my GT. On the whole I think the GT is
the best of them - good panniers, can upgrade to a topbox, the extra
plastic over the T helps in dirty conditions, and who the hell needs a
satnav?

The rear spring is a little soft, if you are solid and heavy like me you
might find you have to jack it right up leaving less preload and travel
for a pillion. (I have just replaced mine with a heavier one you can get
as an option.) The dipstick is in a silly place, either make a removal
tool by cutting a slot in a broomstick or piece of pipe and something
to pull the stick up with, buy same (guy in the US sells, US$26 plus
postage) or buy the Teo Lamers fancy replacement (about 80 euro plus
postage - expensive but also allows easier filling)

Tappets are definitely happy! A familiar rattle. The bike tends to pop
on the overrun, no one's yet managed to tune it out of that habit. Some
Norges seem to be a bit jerky at really slow speeds and low throttle
openings, I think that's more people who don't do much of that kind of
thing Some have reported success by getting someone with an Axone
to up the TPS a bit. Panniers may leak a tiny bit, mine had a bit of
dampness after a heavy downpour for most of the day.

Hand protection is OK, but my pinkies get windblast, 3 stage heated
grips help keep 'em warm. Some people with big torsos say they get
buffeting from the narrow screen, I don't. It isn't really a bike for
very big blokes.

The bike computer whatsit is fun with neat touches like telling you how
many km you have done on reserve. The LCD can be hard to see in some
daylight conditions.

Seat is really comfortable, I did Tenterfield to Sydney in just under
8 hours with no sheepskin, and no sore bum.

Some people feel lots of heat from the cylinders, I found that in the
cold if I tucked my legs and feet well in then I was warm, but if I
let them relax a bit I didn't notice the heat. US guys riding in
summer mostly find no problem with the heat, some did though.

Levers are adjustable, the clutch takes out a bit far but that can be
fixed. Foot controls adjustable for height and length.

Fuel consumption in stop/start is a calculated 15km/l or so. (the
consumption meter on the bike lies.) On the highway at more or less
legal speeds it was about 20km/l.

A1 in Ringwood I think. My GT's RRP is $24k without topbox, I got
mine on road with rack and box and low seat for just under that.

Not sure of servicing cost generally as I've had things done at each
service. The forums at www.guzzitech.com are good for info and help.

If you aren't a high horsepower type, but want a good looking bike that
has decent (but not brilliant) weather protection, can get serious in the
twisties while also comfortable and capable on the highway at legal and
illegal speeds, then you could do a lot worse. If you are physically
large you probably won't like it, if you have very long legs you might
have trouble with the pots.

Plenty of reviews, google for "Moto Guzzi Norge" and you will find a
fair few. Some are of a prototype, so check dates.

http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=1566&fArticleId=3289837

http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/model_eval/MotoguzzinorgeJuly07.pdf compares
it favourably to the BMW R1200RT.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/main.jhtml?xml=/motoring/2006/06/10/mfbike10.xml

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/07/21/MTGKMR3S4R1.DTL
although I dunno it is as idiosyncratic as all that!

Zebee

 

I thought the CBR1100XX was being discontinued and I'm pretty sure that
was what you can pick up for about $14k on road, versus prior retail
$19K. (2006 build possibly). Bargain if you're ready.

Bloke I saw had seen mag advert for Honda shop in Vic and twisted Qld
shop here to match the price.

But then that was a couple of weeks and a few home brew buckets ago.

MikeH

 

Haven't ridden the others but I love the blackbird. Not as heavy around town
as I thought it would be and goes like hell when you open the throttle.
Haven't done any serious ks on it yet but I'm off to Kalgoorlie on it next
weekend. I'll report back after the trip.

Fraser

 

It's not speed I'm after really. Sure the extra oomph of the Budgie is
attractive, but ultimately unneccesary. I had a speed-freak bike in Cat's
CBR954, and the outright speed and handling of the thing wasn't enough to
make me want to keep it over the VTR1000 I currently have.

I'm more looking at the Budgie (and the other bikes of course) from more of
a comfort/touring point of view over the VTR.

OK ya lost me there. GTL and GT? I'm assuming these are variants of the
Norge? Or totally different bikes? Can ya tell I know jack all about Guzzis?

Yeah I've had to do that with every bike I've owned so far. Currently
weighing 100kgs (although working on losing about 20kg of that).

Something adding a bit of rubber/silicone beading might help fix?

Hand protection? Considering all the other bikes I have owned, what's that?
;-)

Very long legs? Hehe not I.

Ta Zebee.

I found this review as well.

http://cars.uk.msn.com/Reviews/article.aspx?cp-documentid=2305973

Cheers,
Dale.

 

In aus.motorcycles on Thu, 9 Aug 2007 21:07:17 +1000

Well I say the Norge is very comfortable indeed

There are 3 models of Norge. T which has no luggage and less plastic,
GT which has panniers and more plastic, GTL which has panniers, same
plastic as GT, topbox, satnav, electric screen.

see www.motoguzzi.com.au for pics.

There may well be the odd demo bike about, Aitkens in Sydney has one,
a T with Breva topbox and panniers. Bet they'd do a very good deal
indeed on that one. There's a silver GTL demo around too, the one
that was at the bike show. I was offered that as is including towbar
for about 2k off RRP at one point.

(The Breva is Guzzi's previous spineframe tourer, a naked. 1100 motor,
a very short generation behind the 1200. )

Then you'd probably want the heavier one. I was fine with the
original with the preload up very high, you'd be too. I changed it
because I wanted more range of adjustment. Costs about $150 or so.

Dunno. Isn't clear to me why the panniers leak. They *look* quite
waterproof. Some people seem to have them leak lots, others a teeny bit,
others not at all. Italian.... I like the extra clip to make sure they
don't suffer Krauser disease[1].

Heh. The ugly-as-a-hatful fairing on my elderly 850T is the best I've
ever hidden behind, the Norge's isn't quite in that class. But it looks
a heap better!

That's a nice one. I think the pdf one is the most comprehensive.

Zebee

[1] where the pannier springs open, scattering your posessions in all
directions. The reason airhead BMW riders have occy straps around the damn
things....

 

Blackbird is brilliant.

VFR800 has a crap engine. Well not so much crap as "incredibly annoying"

Haven't ridden the Yammy

Italian bikes are lemons.

That's my $0.02

 

BMW R1200GS (or the Adventure if you want a big tank and really dont need
your feet to touch the ground)

Boxer

 

Interesting suggestion, but not my cuppa.

Cheers,
Dale.

 

Stay away from A1

they make Peter Stevens look like angels. A1 is where Sasha bought her
Guzzi. and where we tried to get it repeatedly fixed
I spoke to the Guzzi Importer at the last bike show, he "wouldn't"
pass comment on A1, he just rolled his eyes and nodded his head
sideways and mentioned how happy he was that MotoOne was on board

MotoOne in Oakliegh is the place to go.


Norge???

I see you more of a Griso man

 

the new naked Hayabusa?

 

Noted re: Moto One. They're closer to me anyway.

And I'm not really a nekkid bike man.

Cheers,
Dale.

 

http://thekneeslider.com/images/newsuzukibking.jpg
there it is - the b-king.

**** is that the ugliest hunk of shit ever built?

 

It needs one of these on the sides.....

http://www.mondotees.com/ProductImages/moredecals/decepticon.jpg

Cheers,
Dale.

 

Take a GS for a test ride, they don't outsell the rest of the BMW range
combined without reason.

Boxer

 

But I did warn !!

 

MT01
CB1300S

Nev..
'04 CBR1100XX

 

Have to add my 2c for the XX. It is truly an unbelievable experience -
smooooth from walking around town to 285+ on a long straight somewhere (ie.
racetrack... ahem). Throw in some Staintunes and it will give your ears
(and the neighbours') something exciting to do as well. (Hang onto the
baffles just in case you do a long trip somewhere however...).

Yes, today I paid for a clutch - a rare problem but after servicing the ST2
Duc at around $900 a pop, to have a service + full clutch replaced for about
$550 is a dream. Of course you'll be paying for rear tyres if you're a bit
heavy handed, but expect endless mile munching capability. Add Givis and a
tankbag, and the missus can take 35 pairs of shoes for your next
camping/photographic holiday.

How is it legal to own such a beast (this time I'm referring to the bike)??
Lord only knows. Do it while you can IMNSHO.

Cheers,
DJE
PS. I've been pondering selling mine and have been reading other peoples'
ads. Every now and then I sense myself thinking... "gees, that sounds
bloody awesome - must get a ride on one of these weapons. Hang on...".
Perhaps it will remain mine for some time to come.

PPS. Today I complained to Cam that after owning a Duc, the Bird lacks a bit
of X-factor. Cam rightly pointed out that the bloody thing has two of them
in its name.

 

In aus.motorcycles on Thu, 09 Aug 2007 13:00:42 -0000

yes, if Moto One is a dealer then they should be a good place to go.

Zebee