Author Topic: 2 years, 10,000 miles. (Read 4539 times)

2112 · « **on:** September 26, 2012, 18:33:53 »

Yes, I've had the Guzzi for two years now and have racked up a modest 10,000 miles. I thought it was high time to give an updated (and slightly biased) reveiw of the old girl.

First thing to note - it's true what they say about Moto Guzzi's they really do need 10k to bed in properly ! I have noticed a distinct drop in vibration from new and the engine is much more responsive and lively with bags of torque. The front suspension, which was a bit overly firm has eased off into a fully compliant and very confidence inspiring front end, giving loads of feedback. The rear shock was too soft for my lardy frame and was replaced with a bespoke Wilbers item which is superb. For a little more than a Hagon you get a very well made bit of German engineering which has transformed the bike. The seat is the most comfortable standard seat I've ever had and the riding position is all-day comfortable (and I have tried !). The bike needed a taller screen to cure a slight buffeting issue (sound familiar ?) and Givi had the answer with an MRA spoiler fitted just to be greedy. The standard Trax panniers are vast and swallow a fortnight's worth of clothes with ease and a Givi E55 topbox complete's the set nicely.
I've been impressed with the fuel economy, with a best of 55mpg and rarely dropping below 45mpg it's beter on juice than my old Vee. Just as well as the 18 litre tank could do with being about 5 litres bigger... The handling is great and the bike does not feel anywhere near as heavy as it is. The best bit is the exclusivity - you just don't see them around, which I like.

Bad bits... The immense Brembo radial calipers eat brake discs, I'm on my second replacement set and I'm not a big braker. It eats tyres, probably due to it's weight & torque but Anakee's seem to last fairly well and suit the bike very well. I'm on my second fuel sender relay and the oil pressure switch packed in two weeks ago. To be fair all niggles have been sorted without drama under warranty. It could do with more ground clearance as all manner of metalwork grinds out during 'spirited' cornering, it could just be because it handles so well that this is possible at all (& I'm a hooligan ?).

The big question - would I buy one again ? Yes & no ! Yes, I would buy one again, but the current model with the 32 litre tank not the 18 litre 'peanut'. Rumour has it that the forthcoming 1400 California engine will find it's way into the Stelvio in 2014 - pencil me in for one of those please !

P.S. unlike a BMW it's actually made in Europe and you don't look like a cock riding it either

stevee_p · « **Reply #1 on:** September 26, 2012, 18:57:27 »

Nice write up.

I've only ever seen 1 on the road, which is a good thing and a bad thing - good for its exclusivity, bad cos its nice to have some mates!

18 litre tank does sound like a peanut, 32 sounds like a cruise liner. That's more like it!

What are the plans for it now? Another 2 years / 10k?

2112 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 26, 2012, 21:21:17 »

Quote from: "stevee_p"

Nice write up. What are the plans for it now? Another 2 years / 10k?

Cheers

I'd like to think another 2 years and 20,000 miles but with the weather as crappy as it's been this year I'll settle for another 5k a year.

stromonoff · « **Reply #3 on:** September 27, 2012, 21:33:46 »

Nice write up.

I am just considering a Norge myself as a second bike.

Have you heard much about the cam follower problem they had on this engine? It sounds like it was just the very early 8v bikes that had the problem, but I must confess to being slightly nervous about buying a bike out of warranty.

Probably a little more research would put my mind at rest, like most of these problems, they usually get fixed fairly early in the production life, but then the rumours persist !!

2112 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 28, 2012, 07:13:29 »

The early A5 engines did have a cam follower 'issue' due to the hardening process but most were sorted under warranty. The later A8 engines are fully sorted (check the engine number prefix) from 2010 onwards. One of the reasons for the problems on the early models has been traced to the use of semi synthetic 10/40 oil by some owners. They must run on 10/60 fully synthetic to avoid problems. They are restricted to small batches of failures (Griso & Stelvio also affected) but they are generally reliable and if the worse comes to the worst they are easy to work on and the parts aren't too expensive !
The Norge is a great bike, handles well and is great two's up - better than the Stelvio in that respect. The riding position is quite neutral and the clocks tell you all there is to know. For a tourer they look quite sporty and not a numb barge like a Pan or an RT.

stromonoff · « **Reply #5 on:** September 28, 2012, 12:59:09 »

Thanks 2112 that is great feedback, sounds like I may be okay as it is 2011 bike I have my eye on, may arrange a test ride next week.

Not ridden one yet, but like most Guzzi's very pretty thing and I love the sound, so no doubt just needs a test ride as a clincher and my wad of cash may be prized from hand!!

2112 · « **Reply #6 on:** September 28, 2012, 13:36:07 »

Top tip - if it's a little bit slow steering wind the preload up, makes a huge difference

Juvecu · « **Reply #7 on:** September 28, 2012, 13:46:28 »

On that test ride, when you are sitting on it at some traffic lights (or wherever), blip the throttle and feel the transversely mounted engine torque twist under you. That's one of the best things about a transverse V-twin and it's bloody addictive!

mr_diver · « **Reply #8 on:** September 28, 2012, 14:05:39 »

Juv is very correct about the transverse v twin thing. Is addictive. Stop making me want my cx!

Juvecu · « **Reply #9 on:** September 28, 2012, 14:08:05 »

2112 · « **Reply #10 on:** September 28, 2012, 16:06:34 »

My mate has just bought a mint 650 Eurosport in black for £900, jammy git. It's completely standard with only 18,000 miles on it ! Two owners from new and all the old MOT's.

stromonoff · « **Reply #11 on:** September 30, 2012, 16:41:10 »

Think I have just done a deal on a year old Norge...... will report back if all goes smoothly

2112 · « **Reply #12 on:** September 30, 2012, 18:00:08 »

Quote from: "stromonoff"

Think I have just done a deal on a year old Norge...... will report back if all goes smoothly

Sweet, they are a lovely bike and go and handle well

stromonoff · « **Reply #13 on:** September 30, 2012, 19:02:20 »

Thanks 2112, started looking at them in July, but prices softening for the winter now, and your write up was very helpful as well.

Picking up next Sunday if all goes to plan, so will post some pics after that.

Pretty bike.

2112 · « **Reply #14 on:** September 30, 2012, 19:31:37 »

Look forward to the pics, hope all goes well. You'll probably want to check out http://www.guzzitech.com for all you need to know about Guzzi's in one easy forum

stromonoff · « **Reply #15 on:** September 30, 2012, 21:16:03 »

Thanks, I found this thread quite useful as well. Norge focused but still may be of interest.

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=606973

Surprising to find a 26 page thread on the adv.rider forum but still an interesting read.

2112 · « **Reply #16 on:** October 01, 2012, 06:29:29 »

That's a much better reveiw than mine, It's got picturegraphs and everything !

Countrysailor · « **Reply #17 on:** October 01, 2012, 11:54:11 »

Quote from: "stromonoff"

Thanks 2112 that is great feedback, sounds like I may be okay as it is 2011 bike I have my eye on, may arrange a test ride next week.

Not ridden one yet, but like most Guzzi's very pretty thing and I love the sound, so no doubt just needs a test ride as a clincher and my wad of cash may be prized from hand!!

I test rode one for the best part of a couple of hours in the summer and fell in in love with it. The reason I don't mind to sell my Wee now as I can't ride for the next 6 months or so is because I secretly harbour a desire for a norge. There would be no point in me looking after the Wee all winter only to fulfill my desire of a Norge in the Spring/summer. Good luck with it stromonoff, a man of taste.

stromonoff · « **Reply #18 on:** October 10, 2012, 15:37:29 »

Well I got it !!!

She's a beauty - gleaming black one owner and pampered, just over a year old and only 3k on the clock with a fresh service last week.

Also an absolutely bargain price - the owner (lovely bloke) got an easy transaction with no messing around, and without even advertising it. I got a great deal and saved the £4,650 first year depreciation - or about £1.40 per mile !! Gulp !!

Anyway, only had about 2 hours in the saddle but first impressions are excellent. It a heavy bike but it doesn't look it and you don't feel it on the move. Very pointy. The engine is the star of the show though, and pulls well, even from 1500 rpm if you ask it to.

I am very happy

... have taken some pics and will post them when I have uploaded.

It is of course a second bike - the Strom stays!!

2112 · « **Reply #19 on:** October 10, 2012, 16:53:40 »

Result, they are addictive and the engine is a peach. it'll keep on getting better too as it settles in properly. I look forwards to a peek at it