When Moto Guzzi introduced the Norge a couple of years ago, it quickly became a popular touring rig for the Guzzi faithful. Now, MG has unveiled the Norge GT 8V, with a new, powerful 8 valve engine and several other refinements designed to improve both performance and comfort on this sports tourer. Engine heat management, for instance, has been improved to increase rider comfort, while instrument legibility (another complaint on the old model) has also been addressed. Take a look at Moto Guzzi’s discussion of the Norge below, and enjoy the photos of this attractive Italian machinery.
The new 8V version of the 1200 cc twin-cylinder Moto Guzzi Norge has been updated to consolidate its vocation of being an indefatigable GT.
A tireless traveller, the acknowledged champion of reliability and the bike chosen by many law enforcement agencies including that of the city of Berlin, today the Norge has been updated and is entrenching its long-range Gran Turismo vocation with the new GT 8V version.
This acronym not only emphasises the latest development of the 4 valve per cylinder engine it mounts, but also introduces substantial new components and finishes such as to make the Moto Guzzi Norge GT 8V a new model definitely better performing than the previous one in terms of performance, riding comfort and riding pleasure.
The throbbing heart of this delightful Gran Turismo bike is the renowned 90° V-twin engine universally known for being particularly gifted from the performance viewpoint.
In this latest version, equipped with a new and more efficient exhaust system, it expresses a maximum torque greater than 113 Nm delivered at only 5,800 rpm and easily reaches a peak of more than 100 HP in power, all at a maximum rpm nearly that of an automobile.
Its increase in performance is balanced by the development of a new suspension setting achieved by replacing both springs of the fork and shock absorber and by improving the hydraulic response. The result? It has given the Norge GT 8V back sportier dynamics by speeding up entry into turns and solidity in changing direction, even when used in full load conditions, which are frequent in a Gran Turismo model like the flagship of Mandello del Lario.
Again in terms of riding comfort, the new full fairing has been redesigned to increase the protection from the elements of the rider and passenger and effectively insulate them with regard to acoustics and temperature. The advantage of this new vehicle is also extended to the engine cooling, with its effective air circulation achieved with new intakes and extractors moulded in the surface of the fairing, and to its easy to read instrument panel, which is now positioned closer to the rider’s eyes.
One of the most significant innovations in daily use is introduction of a new centre stand, with the lever arm redesigned to provide easy operation.
On the road, the Moto Guzzi Norge GT 8V ensures comfortable and relaxed riding, during which the rider can appreciate the generous thrust of the engine, the smooth operation of the 6-speed gearbox and the effectiveness of the innovative C.A.R.C. (Compact Reactive Shaft Drive) final drive.
When seated on the saddle, the Norge GT 8V reveals the care devoted to its ergonomics in many significant details: the saddle, just 800mm above the ground, is padded with foam that adapts to the shape of the body and upholstered with anti-slip material; the footrests are covered with vibration-damping material; the sumptuous cockpit contains an instrument panel complete with trip computer able to give the rider not only trip data (previous and current), but also maintenance and check control intervals.
Last but not least, the bike also has a convenient 12 Volt external outlet, large under-seat storage space, heated hand grips and many other fine details, like adjustable suspension and built-in passenger grab handles.
MD Readers Respond:
- Enjoyed the review. Have always had a jonesin’ on for Guzzi, although have never quite gotten round to pulling the trigger (mostly been a Beemer guy, over the decades). I think, in my case, the reluctance to actually invest in a Guzzi has mostly been due to the relative scarity of dealers/service near whatever area I happened to be living in. It can only be hoped that dealer frequency will increase in the not-too-distant future, if Guzzi wishes to be a real presence in the US bike market. The present bike is sure a beut, though. I know I’d love the way it rides, I can just tell. Pete
