The Moto Guzzi Norge is a capable shaft drive sport tourer that is full of character and a whole lot of fun! The Norge is a 1200cc (1151cc to be exact) oil cooled, fuel injected 90 degree transverse V-Twin. It is a typical Guzzi engine installed in a sporty frame that offers a surprising amount of comfort and performance. I bought this bike in 2022 from a retired long rider in Florida. I put almost 15,000 miles on it before finally selling it in 2025. I took this bike on a few trips throughout the southern states and it never gave me any problems.
The Moto Guzzi Norge 1200 was produced from 2006-2016. During the ten year run the bike essentially remained unchanged. However, there were a few issues in the earlier models that were addressed in later models. Although it’s technically classified as a bonafide sport tourer, I would classify it as something slightly different. It’s sort of a hybrid between a scrambler or a cafe racer and a sport tourer. There is literally zero storage besides the two removable panniers. Yet it does have an adjustable wind screen and heated grips.
Comfort – The Norge is a surprisingly comfortable bike! I’m 6ft tall and I could ride the Norge pain free for about two hours at a time before needing a break. One thing to note is that the bike is physically on the smaller side. For example the Honda ST1300 is a large bike and quite comfortable, you can scoot back and forth on the Honda and stay comfortable for a long time. On the other hand the Norge is a bit smaller, you can’t really move while seated. You’re locked in like a small helicopter cockpit.
Ergonomically speaking you are in a mostly upright position with a slight forward lean while riding. Your feet will be directly underneath you and maybe slightly back. Very typical riding position for sport touring motorcycles. The only real discomfort I experienced came from the heavy throttle. Over time my right hand and forearm would begin to cramp. The wind protection is decent but not as good as the Honda ST1300 or the BMW RT. The heated grips work, but they are hardly noticeable unless you have the setting on high. Speaking of heat, the engine heat is definitely an issue on warm days. My 2009 was one of the early models where the oil cooler was located near the top of the engine. This caused hot air to travel through the engine valley and right on to my thighs. Winter riding was great! Summer riding was not fun. The newer versions of the Norge (2010-2016) relocated the oil cooler to address the engine heat issue.
Finally, when it comes to comfort, the stock saddle is hit or miss. If you’re taller than 5’10 you probably won’t like the stock saddle. I’m 6 ft and my Norge had a Corbin saddle, which pushed me a little further from the tank. This made the Norge a much more comfortable bike for me.
Engine – The 1200cc Guzzi engine is a great engine and quite reliable! It has plenty of low end grunt, and it enjoys the higher revs. That said the Guzzi’s early fuel injection systems weren’t all that great. The throttle is twitchy and abrupt at low speeds. A Bren-tune helped smooth the abruptness, but it definitely took some adjusting to get it right. The other achilles heel for the Norge is the vibration. My old Guzzi California doesn’t have the vibration that the Norge has. In fact, my old California seems to be smoother when the RPM’s are higher. The Norge is the opposite, open her up and she will vibrate your teeth out! But it’s not all bad. Highway speeds are very enjoyable and the vibrations are negligible unless passing cars or at wide open throttle. Plus the exhaust note is absolutely fantastic! I never got tired of hearing that beautiful Guzzi engine. In 2010 the Guzzi 1200 engine had a significant update. I can’t speak from experience but it is my understanding that the update addressed the throttle twitchiness, fuel mapping, and overall performance.
Handling – This is where the Norge really shines! The bike is relatively light, flickable, and very nimble. The character of the engine and the smaller frame makes you feel very connected with the bike. I absolutely loved the Norge in the twisties of the Appalachian Mountains! I was sporting a grin the size of Texas while zipping through the country side on this bike. It is a blast! The suspension is firm, and the brembo disc brakes stop the bike easily.
Lights – The lights on the Norge are not very good. Once the sun went down I just switched on the high-beams and left them on…I was never flashed by oncoming traffic. The high beams on the Norge are equivalent to the low beams on the Honda ST1300. However the LED tail light, brake light, and rear turn signals were fantastic! Very bright and noticeable. If only they made the headlight as good as the tail light.
Brakes – The Norge has brembo ABS linked brakes and they work well. I never had an issue with them and you can easily bring the Norge to a quick stop using two fingers on the lever. They are not super advanced, but they work well.
Tech – Not a whole lot of tech with the Norge. No cruise control, ride modes, or fancy info screen. It has an antiquated LCD screen that never seemed to work right when trying to cycle through the menu. The gauges are analog, and I sort of appreciate that. I don’t think the Norge was designed to provide all the bells and whistles like some of the other bikes in this segment. The Moto Guzzi Norge focuses more on the riding experience…and Guzzi nailed it!
When I sold my Norge the odometer just passed 70,000 miles. The bike ran fine and everything mechanically worked well. It is a bike that will last a long time with proper maintenance. Speaking of which, maintenance is super easy on these bikes. You don’t see them too often in the states, and I got a lot of compliments while riding the Norge. It’s a great looking bike and that beautiful Guzzi sound will turn heads! If you’re thinking about a Norge I can assure you won’t be disappointed.
Sport Touring Cycle Adventures 