By Nick Zarras | Managing Editor
Moto-Guzzi is the oldest European manufacturer in continuous motorcycle production. It was conceived by two aircraft pilots Carlo Guzzi, and Giovanni Ravelli and their mechanic Girogio Parodi while serving in the Italian Military in WW1. Guzzi was the engineer, Parodi had the financing, and Ravelli a motorcycle racer would promote it. Ravelli died before the end of the war and the eagle wings commemorate his death. The Moto Guzzi Norge is named in celebration of Moto Guzzi’s 4000-mile journey to the Arctic Circle in 1928. In the light of that long distance travel the Norge name is attached to the Norge GT 8V, a motorcycle that blends the fast ride of a street bike with the long distance comfort of a touring bike, making it their key sport-touring offering. The company changed hands several times over the years but since 2004 became part of the Piaggio & C. S.p.A.
The Norge GT 8V is outfitted with a 90 degree V-shaped twin cylinder four stroke air cooled “four-valve” 1151cc engine developing 102 HP and 76.7 ft lbs. of torque. This classic Moto Guzzi design was created in the early 1960s. That power is sent through a 6 speed gearbox and an anti-jacking system called CARC (compact reactive cardan shaft drive system). In stock format it is outfitted with sport touring essentials such as an electrically adjustable windscreen, side bags, center stand and ABS. The front suspension are 45 mm stanchions with adjustments for spring preload. The rear is a single swing arm with progressive linkage and monoshock adjustable for rebound and preload. Brakes are dual 320 mm floating four caliper disc ABS, and the rear is a single 282 mm fixed disk with twin piston floating calipers ABS. Standard seat height is 31.9 inches and a 30.7 inch gel seat is available. Tires sizes are 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear. Fuel capacity is 6 gallons (23 liters). Fuel reserve is set at 1 gallon/4 liters. Dry weight is 566 pounds.
This latest version can boast the careful attention paid to achieving a more silent and smoother running engine. They tweaked the electronic control system, timing system, cooling and exhaust system. The new integrated ignition and injection ECU now improves response to the throttle control, and mid-range power delivery improving fuel efficiency and lowering emissions.
On the road I found the Norge GT 8V a pleasure to ride. The ergonomics fit well to my body style. This model has improved heat dissipation and aerodynamics, improving rider and passenger comfort. The instrument panel is easy to read, and a 12 volt external power socket is available for your GPS or music. Heated grips add to weather comfort. The seat is comfortable and has an anti-slip construction. The transmission shifts smoothly and the throttle friction is smooth. The engine has great usable torque for the American environment.
Handling is slotted for sport-touring and should work well for those enjoying twisty roads. The side and top case were easy to use and held a respectable amount of gear. Wind protection was very good at the speeds tested. The styling of the Norge GT-8V is classic Italian. Clean styling lines, modern but with a throw back to earlier times. The Norge GT 8V is a head turner in the Madreperla White model I tested. It is also available in Metallic Mahogany. So if you’re in the market for a little bit of Italian flavor go down to your local Moto Guzzi dealer and say “per favore, mi piacerebbe vedere Moto Guzzi GT 8V”. My thanks to Tony Higgins the Moto Guzzi expert at A-Team Motorcycles (tony@ateammotorcycles, 4313 Wavecrest Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada 89108-2063: tel: 702.440.6377, 4010 Boulder Hwy, Las Vegas, NV 89121,
www.ateammotorcycles.com) for the use of their Moto Guzzi Norge GT 8V.
Ride Safe my friend...
Clear skies, clear roads....
