This is the first time the mechanical Moto Guzzi 1200 cm3 8-valve is installed in the Norge (pronounced “Norge” in Italian). Add in some appropriate changes and you get almost a brand new bike. At least enough so that new Moto Guzzi us this as a “road that drives like a roadster” …
To celebrate the 90th anniversary of the brand, the Moto Guzzi Norge GT 8V has been a particular program to improve both its quality, performance, comfort and driving pleasure. This is a menu worthy of such anniversary and we will enjoy together, dish by dish. But as an appetizer, first detail what changes!
Champagne!
If the overall design has changed little, careful examination shows us a new bubble which is electrically adjustable behind the dashboard is disposed higher up and closer to the driver, a new handlebar absorbs vibration better and end of which there are heated grips, new fairings for optimum protection, a new saddle, new luggage and a new muffler. The latter, positioned slightly above, allows the company of new plates with footrests and new main stand and side to increase the ground clearance. Braking is always entrusted to Brembo, but receives new pads as well as ABS as standard. Surprisingly, the Norge GT 8V does not have an integral braking, while Moto Guzzi was the first manufacturer to offer this system … Pass because it has already received many gifts, as his 8-valve engine revised for more torque and power while the clutch is new and the oil cooler is arranged lower in order to optimize cooling. Last detail, not least, the suspension settings were revised.It is also well on this last point that the Norge received the most criticism …Go to the table, finally, in the saddle!
Mouthing
Before the first snap, it should be noted that the quality is, as announced at the rendezvous. The workmanship is impeccable, adjustments of body parts do not call for criticism, the cables and hoses (like aviation) is neat, foundries engine, transmission and wheels are beautiful, the stalks exude seriously, in short, we operate well in the high end. But at this rate, it is the least of it. On board, the ergonomics are very good at one or two details. Thus, if the essential controls are well laid out, we asked to see the length of inches from the engineer who has chosen to place the knobs if the bubble away from the handle. To further complicate the task a bit, you go up the bubble with the left thumb and is down right thumb, so it should almost always let go of the handlebars to make adjustments. Similarly, the cutter contact – which acts as a starter – is not easy to handle (it must “meet” the switch to stop the mechanical) while controlling the heated grips switch is located under fires road. To operate it, we must hold the button a few seconds, then choose between 3 positions. Note that even on the hottest position, the temperature dissipation is not extraordinary. Finally, we find the right stalk the command to disconnect the ABS and activate the hazard lights while on the left is the selector switch modes on-board computer, just above of the turn signals. We also note that it is incredibly soft to handle. In fact, the Norge GT 8V a machine where there is softness. What is necessarily appetite.
Entry
Apart from these minor flaws in ergonomics, it installs very easily on the handlebars, which provides the seat with footrest and a comfortable driving position. Very considerable detail, small caps are extended refit at the valve cover so that the knees do not bump into it. We love! Starting the boiler, ripples characteristics of the bike from left to right every time gas is disconnected – very smooth control – and we pass the first expecting a snap too typical. Well no, the report also snaps gently, without too much noise.Yum! Then we take off on a light throttle, the opportunity to observe at once a small operation to overshoot. With my colleague, we attempt to determine its origin. While I attribute it to management for improvement of the injection, he thinks it’s because a handful of gas too soft and that a stronger spring would suffice to solve the problem. Anyway, this phenomenon is really annoying shows that at very low speed. That said, the Norge GT 8V changes with ease in these low speed and agility that unveils its 257 kg dry does not suggest.Moreover it is quite incredible. The bike was handling it, as announced, as easily as a roadster? The first hairpin swallowed without the slightest apprehension seem to be answered in the affirmative. It rises gradually and reporting system, history of note once again that they go smoothly, smoothly and accurately, even if they make more noise this time. This is part of the charm of a Guzzi! Suddenly, you realize that the GT offers a comfortable first-class, first through the softness of his saddle, on the other hand because of the excellent coverage and especially the ease with which it manipulates …
Main dish
Indeed, this is certainly the most unexpected feature in this kind of bike. GT’s Norge 8V plays and turns, hairpins and even U-turns as that ditch and its general behavior is simply stunning. Yet she shows a bit of inertia when changing angle, the fact of suspension adjusted to emphasize comfort. We will not have time to “play” with anything other than the preload of the rear shock, history of delay when the footrests are scraping the ground. But very good handling help, the more athletic of us will eventually make beautiful showers of sparks and then turn to outright wiggle, a sign of excellent handling and, once again, the behavior near Athlete of the GT! Equally unexpected is the way the engine delivers its torque and power. Thus, while it offers a first-rate flexibility, allowing change to 2000 rpm in sixth gear (about 60 km / h), then we expect to find a good dose of torque very fat from that same regime, especially from a big fat V2 of this displacement. In fact, it is not.
Cheese AND dessert
The reading of the figures shows that the maximum torque is achieved at 5500 rpm and it is precisely at this moment when the engine is fully expressed. Of course, we can move smoothly under the scheme and raises to show convincing if not demonstrative. Nevertheless, the majority of testers surprised to find a character as “sports” on an engine intended for use primarily GT. Because beyond 5000 rpm, the engine mounts so with strength and conviction in the towers, causing the driver to play the lead box and the Norge as … a roadster! Ok for the usability side of the chassis, but again very surprising for GT on this ilk. Remains to look tourism accreditation is preferred. The vibrations are contained up to 4000 rpm (about 130 km / h in 6th) and then take advantage of overall comfort. However, small flat on the bubble in high position, stack comes into my field of vision and creates ripples that go so far as to vibrate the screen of my helmet. So, I let the bubble down position most of the time, or very slightly raised, then the coverage is sufficient. Finally, even if we increase the pace, mechanical vibrations appear in the footrest and the reservoir. All this leads therefore to adopt two distinct types of conduct: either frankly relax, enjoying a comfort that will push you to go to the end of the 23 liter tank with no pauses (average consumption of 6.5 liters / 100 km) or by using this GT so muscular, enjoying a very good part-cycle, a selection of reports that accepts the passages on the fly (!) and a braking really convincing. And, of course, somewhat tougher settings suspensions. In short, the Norge GT 8V is cheese AND dessert!
Conclusion
Ultimately, the Moto Guzzi Norge GT 8V comes really as was described to us: more quality and also more equipment for comfort and safety more efficient (even if, ultimately, one wonders if this was really necessary) and providing more comfortable, indeed, unprecedented driving pleasure. Some will think too efficient, less convincing to argue other low speed, it is certain that she fits in perfectly with the current trend is that major road does handle more like ocean liners. In this it is actually similar to a roadster easy to grasp, a performance that should be welcomed not least in relation to the mass of the craft. So at the end of this test, faces a motorcycle very endearing. We also appreciate his sound, Returns delicious morning explosions at the cutoff of gas, or the clatter emanating from its distribution system. A motorcycle really accomplished, “said the charismatic, fluent in both town and countryside, do not balk at making good dose of perspective while providing a real driving pleasure. To discover when the fine weather and the desires of escape are coming!
Pros
- Finish
- Getting Started / agility / Handling
- Comfort
- ABS Series
- Equipment
- Flexibility and punch mechanics
Cons
- Engine character at low revs
- Vibration from 5000 rpm
- Inefficient heating grips
- Eddies generated by the bubble in high position
- Ergonomics of certain orders
Grade
- Engine: 8 / 10
- Part-cycle: 8 / 10
- Aesthetics: 8 / 10
- Equipment: 9 / 10
- Maximum speed: 210 km / h
- Conso. Average: 6.5 l/100 km
- Autonomy: 350 kmFinal grade: 8.3 / 10
