Norge presentation...

[KiloSjon]

Here a video of the introduction of the Norge. The beginning I like, but then it becomes a bit like BMW-style. Guess it is needed to make sure it sells, but the video could also feature a RT... What do you think?

[dlaing]

Here a video of the introduction of the Norge. The beginning I like, but then it becomes a bit like BMW-style. Guess it is needed to make sure it sells, but the video could also feature a RT... What do you think?

91540[/snapback]

It is a wierd mix of notalgia, bad rock, and sex tease.

I think what seperates the Norge from other sport tourers, are the soulful, raw, sporty qualities, and this misses most of that.

[jihem]

I think what seperates the Norge from other sport tourers, are the soulful, raw, sporty qualities, and this misses most of that.

91541[/snapback]

 

 

Piaggo being a group wanting only mass appeal, it 's painfully normal they want the product to look like the market leaders. unfortunately.

[Guest Nogbad]

Piaggo being a group wanting only mass appeal, it 's painfully normal they want the product to look like the market leaders. unfortunately.

91560[/snapback]

 

But the Norge IS an RT after breast lift surgery.

[antonio carroccio]

But the Norge IS an RT after breast lift surgery.

91564[/snapback]

...............this observation is going to far................

[DeBenGuzzi]

I kinda like it, but the headlamps are so ugly. eww

for this I'd rather have a GS1200, more versatile, maybe more reliable did you see all those electronics on there? there has to be gremlins a foot somewhere.

[Steve G.]

I've got no issues with the bike visually, or conceptually. Guzzi had to make a machine like this to follow the general trends of the mid-life baby boomers tastes. I think it is BMWish in color yes, but clearly it's a Moto Guzzi. The headlights are different yes, but again this seems to be a trend among all the manufacturers, using unique projectors and lens shapes. And I think it will do well, if priced properly. I'm thinking this bike will have a silly MSRP in Canada, if pricing of the Griso are any indication.

Honestly the only problem I have with this bike, is the name. I'm not sure about this word "Norge" in Italian, but for an english speaking person, the word sounds geeky. It is not a nice sounding word, it does not roll off the tongue easily, and in english, it offers some confusion as to how to pronounce it. I'm pretty sure it should be pronounced "Norjay", but at first glance, an english speaking person might easily think it should be "Norgg". I remember early on in this bikes prototype days there was rumour of a different name for non-European markets, who may not understand Moto Guzzi's positive historical enthusiasam for the Netherlands.

Ciao, Steve G.

[Guest MikeC]

Video ain't bad, not what I would have chosen for music but, not bad.

 

I like the looks of the bike. Lets face it MG is somewhat of an oddball in the industry and they need to get a little mainstream and this bike is it, hopefully it will appeal to the intended audience and I think it will.

I think they have a good lineup with the Breva's, Norge and Griso, they also need to get the new California out. I can understand why they dropped the V11 line from a business standpoint.

 

What they really need to do is work on their dealer network and spares.

[Guest MotoMessiah]

It's hard, in this country at least, to think of anything called a "Norge" nothing more than a refrigerator. Much like the ill fated Chevy "Nova" which in Spanish I believe means "Doesn't want to go".

[antonio carroccio]

I've got no issues with the bike visually, or conceptually. Guzzi had to make a machine like this to follow the general trends of the mid-life baby boomers tastes. I think it is BMWish in color yes, but clearly it's a Moto Guzzi. The headlights are different yes, but again this seems to be a trend among all the manufacturers, using unique projectors and lens shapes. And I think it will do well, if priced properly. I'm thinking this bike will have a silly MSRP in Canada, if pricing of the Griso are any indication.

Honestly the only problem I have with this bike, is the name. I'm not sure about this word "Norge" in Italian, but for an english speaking person, the word sounds geeky. It is not a nice sounding word, it does not roll off the tongue easily, and in english, it offers some confusion as to how to pronounce it. I'm pretty sure it should be pronounced "Norjay", but at first glance, an english speaking person might easily think it should be "Norgg". I remember early on in this bikes prototype days there was rumour of a different name for non-European markets, who may not understand Moto Guzzi's positive historical enthusiasam for the Netherlands.

                                                                Ciao, Steve G.

91621[/snapback]

You said that right. I think Italian speaking people, will say it as "Norgay"

Well, it doesn’t matter at all. The bike looks competitive. I wish the Polizia Municipale will think about it, and go for the Moto Guzzi this time. It looks the Breva wasn't a success, but we Italian still believe in Moto Guzzi.

Can you imagine, the polizia goes around on the roads in Italy with a Moto Guzzi?

This commercial is just great for Moto Guzzi.

[macguzzi]

Why did'nt they just put blue flashing lights on it, we all know it's the new police bike.

[Guest Nogbad]

I was in Georgia (ex-USSR one) and the bike police there were all on Guzzis. They looked like Spadas and were probably bought years before.

 

Incidentally the Norge was reviewed in the Daily Telegraph yesterday and they liked it.

 

Here is the link. If you miss it when they update the site I have made a .pdf of it.

 

Norge Review, Telegraph Saturday 10-6-06

[waspp]

I rather like it! True a little BMWish but as others have said also very Guzzi. I think its a good idea to enter an already successful market and be able to compete, BMW seems to sell a bunch these type of machines and yes Guzzi can cut into that customer profile.

 

waspp

[Steve G.]

I was in Georgia (ex-USSR one) and the bike police there were all on Guzzis. They looked like Spadas and were probably bought years before.

 

Incidentally the Norge was reviewed in the Daily Telegraph yesterday and they liked it.

 

Here is the link. If you miss it when they update the site I have made a .pdf of it.

 

Norge Review, Telegraph Saturday 10-6-06

91690[/snapback]

Very interesting read from the Telegraph. I laughed when he mentioned the clanking from the clutch. We all know it's in fact from the straight cut gears of the gearbox which are rattling against each other at idle, a result of the newer Guzzi engine's light flywheel, resulting in the very quick acceleration/deceleration of the engine at idle. Oh well, some things never change.

Further thoughts on this layout had me thinking about the vibration damage issues this new model may suffer. 1150cc, 4 valves, 95 hp, etc, has me thinking that more than ever Guzzi may be replacing cracked plastic panels under warranty. I'm hoping engineers have isolated either engine from frame, or plastic from metal properly. There is alot of square footage of plastic compared to a V11, or even a Lemans. I still remember the day I had my V11 starter cover plastic break in half and hit an oncoming car, vibration induces failure, replaced under warranty. This kind of problem if left ignored, will do little restore Moto Guzzi's financial picture.

Ciao, Steve G.

[Murray]

I understand they have messed with the bire stroke ratio to achive lower vibration. From my short Griso ride there is certianly a lot less than the V11 IMO.