The Moto Guzzi Norge is a touring motorcycle manufactured by Moto Guzzi from 2006 to 2016. Its name recalls the Moto Guzzi GT Norge of the 1920s, the machine that made a 4,000-mile test ride to the Arctic Circle.
Moto Guzzi Norge at a glance
| Maker | Moto Guzzi, Mandello del Lario |
|---|---|
| Production | 2006–2016 |
| Shown | EICMA, November 2005 |
| Based on | Moto Guzzi Breva |
| Engines | 1,200 cc from 2006, 850 cc from 2007 |
| Engine type | 90° transverse V-twin, air cooled, with an oil radiator |
| Brakes | ABS standard on the 1200 |
| Final drive | CA.R.C. compact reactive shaft, a Moto Guzzi patent |
| Awards | tourer of the year in 2007 and 2008 |
| 2010 update | four valves per cylinder, Euro 3, electrically adjustable screen |
History of the Moto Guzzi Norge
The Norge was presented in November 2005 at EICMA and has been made since 2006 in the version with the 1,200 cc engine, and from the following year with the 850 cc engine. It derives from the Moto Guzzi Breva, the main differences being a large front fairing that covers part of the engine and gives good wind protection, a tip to divert the airflow from the engine base and two other small fairings on the sides of the bike. The 1,200 version has ABS as standard for braking assistance on slippery ground.
The engine is in Moto Guzzi style, an air-cooled transverse 90° V-twin with a small radiator for the engine oil. Final transmission is by the CA.R.C., the compact reactive shaft patented by Moto Guzzi, which optimises performance by reducing the lifting effect typical of machines equipped in that way. The Norge was elected motorcycle of the year in 2007 and 2008 in the tourer sector.
The 2010 restyling
During 2010 Moto Guzzi presented a new model with a new fairing, a new exhaust system covered in aluminium and increased ground clearance. The engine was new, now with four valves per cylinder and approved to the Euro 3 anti-pollution standard, with more power and torque. As standard the bike now had ABS, which could be completely disabled, an on-board computer with information beyond fuel consumption and travel time, including a digital voltmeter to check the charge, heated grips adjustable to three heat levels and a new electrically adjustable screen. The side panniers, also standard, were redesigned with seals against water, and the optional rear top case had a new shape and greater capacity. A satellite navigator, a gel saddle, a lowered saddle and an electronic anti-theft device could be ordered as accessories. The versions were the Norge 850, the Norge 1200 GT and a Norge 1200 for the public administration.
Design and features
- Full touring fairing: a large front fairing with a tip and side panels to manage the airflow.
- CA.R.C. shaft drive: Guzzi’s compact reactive shaft, cutting the usual lifting effect.
- ABS as standard: fitted to the 1,200 and retained in the 2010 update, where it could be switched off.
- 2010 four-valve engine: Euro 3 with more power and torque.
- Touring equipment: panniers, heated grips, on-board computer and electrically adjustable screen.
Moto Guzzi Norge versions
- Norge 1200 (2006): the original version with ABS as standard.
- Norge 850 (2007): smaller-engined version of the same tourer.
- Norge 1200 GT (2010 onwards): restyled four-valve model with electric screen and heated grips.
- Norge 1200 Pubblica Amministrazione: version for the public services.
The Norge was developed from the Breva, and its engine was shared with the 1200 Sport; the adventure version of the idea is the Stelvio. More machines are in the Moto Guzzi collection.
Video: Road Test: 2007 Moto Guzzi Norge
Video by Two Wheel Oklahoma on YouTube.
Sources
- Moto Guzzi Norge, English Wikipedia: production years, name origin, 2010 restyling
- Moto Guzzi Norge, Italian Wikipedia: Breva basis, engine, CA.R.C., versions, equipment
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