MOTO-GUZZI NORGE GT 8V (2011-on) Review, Specs & Prices

At a glance

Prices

Overall rating

Moto Guzzi’s Norge tourer gets a makeover for 2011. Now called the Norge GT 8V, it has a new chassis, body panels and the latest evolution of the Italian firm’s eight valve engine, replacing the old two-valve motor. It also comes with an impressive array of goodies, all included in the price too. It’s as comfortable as ever with a plush ride, but Guzzi have stiffened up the suspension to help its composure on fast motorway bends. It’s an improvement on the old model, but still on the heavy side and that blunts some of your enjoyment. 

Ride quality & brakes

A stiffer suspension set-up makes the Norge GT 8V more poised on fast sweepers and it handles well enough for spirited riding in the twisty stuff. Ground clearance is greatly improved but the centre stand will touch down if pushed hard. But weighing in at hefty 257kg dry (28kg more than a BMW R1200RT), the Guzzi needs to be gently coaxed rather than taken by the scruff of its neck, for best results. The riding position is very roomy, even for taller riders and the seat is very soft, which is fine for some, but a pain for some of our testers.

Engine

Producing 102bhp and 77ftlb of torque, the Norge GT 8V is powered by an air-cooled 1151cc, 90° V-twin motor with fuel injection and shaft drive. In typical Guzzi style the motor is mounted long-ways in the chassis, with a cylinder head poking out each side of the bike. There’s a decent amount of poke from the engine, the throttle response is very smooth and the soundtrack is reminiscent of an old Ducati 916. It’s fast enough to have fun on, but relaxed for gentle cruising.

Reliability & build quality

Build quality is very good, there are lots of high spec cycle parts, like the Brembo brakes. There are lots of glowing reviews from owners of the original Norge, so expect the new one to be good on the reliability front.

Value vs rivals

You can pick up a Suzuki GSX1250 FA ST and a Triumph Sprint GT for less money, but they won’t come with the Guzzi’s impressive array of standard equipment. It comfortably undercuts the BMW R1200RT, Honda VFR1200, Kawasaki 400GTR and Yamaha FJR1300A. If you’re after a relaxed, comfortable tourer with bags of character and lots of toys, the Norge GT 8V is superb value for money.

Equipment

There’s a decent amount of goodies as standard, like ABS, heated grips, sat nav, panniers and an on-board computer. It has an electrically-adjustable screen but its buttons are quite crude – one of the left bar and one on the right, out of reach when you’ve got your hands on the bars. Optional extras include a top box, tank bag and a low seat option.

MOTO-GUZZI NORGE for sale with MCN

• NORGE (2006/56) £2,795 West Yorkshire
• NORGE (2011/60) £3,289 Norfolk
• NORGE (2014/14) £5,950 Oxford

Model history & versions

Model history

Model introduced in 2011

Other versions

None

Owners' reviews for the MOTO-GUZZI NORGE (2011 - on)

7 owners have reviewed their MOTO-GUZZI NORGE (2011 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your MOTO-GUZZI NORGE (2011 - on)

Year: 2015

Makes me feel special but heavy.

I have changed the shock for a Maxton and thats great! Good balance at low speed. The 280 kg talks seriously to you on mountain roads. Ok on gravel.

A muffler from Mistral! Lovely! Vintage gearchanging..

Done 47000 km since I bought the bike new in 2017 without faults! After 100000 km without issues I give 5/5!

Same use of petrol as my 2005 1200GS. Does not use oil.

ABS and hot grips!

Year: 2011

Annual servicing cost: £250

I have always liked Guzzis and have owned several. There won't be any big air cooled twins made in the world soon, so in a sense they are race of dinosaurs. The big twin shakes a bit when idling, blurring mirrors, but smooths out once you get going. Very stylish bit of Italian design, lovely details and good finish. Fiddly computer information system.

Very comfortable. I find it very solid on corners, as if on rails.

Lovely big V twin.

Great rich deep paintwork. Needs care in a UK winter. Electrics always let down the old Guzzis, these are top notch. Mine is the 90th anniversary model which comes in a nice red, but hard to find a matching paint.

Quite an easy bike to work on, except the second spark plugs.

I find the electronic information a bit tedious to set up and fiddly.

Year: 2014

Annual servicing cost: £100

Comfortable, nimble, smooth.

Brembo's front and rear. Great feel. Unobtrusive ABS.

Smooth, strong, broad torque range.

Excellent fit and finish.

Quality saddlebags, excellent factory tank bag.

Buying experience: Bought new from dealer

Year: 2014

Annual servicing cost: £200

Comfortable, poised, and great sound going up the gears. Seat is superb, suspension plush. At 5'8" tall, it took a bit to get used to the high footpegs, but after 9,000 miles, they seem second nature. Only complaint is the lack of a turn signal detent, and the odd position on the windshield buttons. 100 lbs. lighter than a Concours or FJR - very nible. Super stable at high speeds.

Excellent brakes (Brembo). Progessive with a non-intrusive ABS system. Rear brake is stronger than I am used to. Front brakes have smooth initial bite.

Needs another 20 HP and another 10 lbs. of torque.

No problems so far. Paint is superb.

Do my own service - engine, trans, rear oil changes. Filter easy to reach. Comes with a factory center stand. Rear tire change is a breeze with single sided swingarm.

Factory tank bag is excellent, as are the factory saddlebag liners. The saddlebags are wonderful - large, watertight, and easy on and off. Double latches for security.

Buying experience: Great dealer in North Georgia, unfortunately they retired and closed the shop.

Version: 1200 GT 8v

Year: 2011

Annual servicing cost: £180

Brilliant as long as the cam issue has already been sorted.

Good ride, not a sports bike but still possible to have fun, and some adjustability in the suspension. Feelgood factor is way up there compared with most tourers (or even most sports tourers). Feels very different and so a little bit 'special'.

Character!! A rare thing. Vibey at low revs, but feels fab, and smooth when you get into the higher rev ranges.

Quality is excellent in terms of fit and finish. There is an issue with the cam followers, as at 2016 we are on I believe the 3rd fix, which now WORKS!!. If that has been done it better bike, feels smoother and dare I say it it more powerful. So if the cam followers sorted it is also reliable... if they haven't it would be a 2* if they have a 5* so you decide. Don't let that put you off, it IS a great bike, just make sure it has been done. I assume models from 2015/16 will come with done already, otherwise check as it is a £1500 fix. MG may pick up part of the cost but not all of it.

36/42 mpg average. Servicing very reasonable. Depreciation seems to have been lower than other bikes, (subjectively). I bought mine used as a 12 month old bike. That was 4 years ago, and it seems to be worth more now than I paid for it.

Great, although most bikes in this bracket are well equipped anyway. Traction control and gear indicator are the two things missing.

Buying experience: Dealers good, I think they need to overcompensate for the poor customer service from MG itself.

Version: GT 8V

Year: 2011

Annual servicing cost: £250

Great for touring and have 'done' the Pyrenees and France this year, some 2500 miles over 10 days with a wide variety of roads and never found her lacking even on very tight twisties. I have found her a little heavy for Town work and she has a tendency to over-heat if stuck in heavy traffic for any prolonged periods. She is built for touring and she does that very well and is so comfortable. The panniers can take a full face helmet and she has plenty of grunt.

She is best touring and on longer runs. very comfy and I have ridden 500 miles non-stop apart from re-fuelling no problem.

No issues here- she has plenty of grunt and pulls away very smoothly.

I have had a problem with the oil light coming on which needed a new switch and some over-heating problems, so is back in the garage to try to find the fault. A previous owner didn't look after her very well and I might have to change the disc's to get through the MOT.

No major issues and she is quite cheap to run compared to other major competitors.

Equipment level is fine. I don't think all the fancy stuff and electronics you get with BMW are really necessary anyway.

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer and paid for an extended warranty, just in case. I have not had any problems though. Paid £7500 with a £500 discount from advertised price.

After already trying the earlier 4V version, this is a great improvement. Lovely chracterful engine, great riding position and comfort (400 miles in a day no problem). However, your review says you get a Sat Nav, which you don't. I had to add my own. Overall though, I'm loving it! Looking forward to getting across to Europe on it next year, fingers crossed.

About the author

Written by the experts at MCN - the voice of motorcyclists since 1955.

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