2011 Moto Guzzi Norge GT 8V
Travel first class, with style and horsepower.
Norge GT8V has been totally revamped and is now more powerful, safe and comfortable taking Moto Guzzi to the top of the long haul gran turismo sector.
The heart that beats inside this bike is the renowned V-shaped 90° transverse twin-cylinder "Four valve" engine, the highest performer among all the families of engines manufactured at Mandello del Lario, which has now reached exclusive levels as far as its technical/performance development is concerned.
This latest version can boast the careful attention paid to achieve a more silent and smooth running of the engine, whilst tweaking the electronic control, timing system, cooling and exhaust system. The engine now boasts a maximum torque of over 104 Nm delivered at a mere 5,500 rpm and easily reaches a peak in output of over 102 Hp; it practically reaches an automobile-level speed with a 20% higher power curve compared to the two-valve version.
Five years have passed since I attended the original Moto Guzzi Norge 1200 launch in Mandello del Lario, Italy.
This time in the hills of Tuscany, Moto Guzzi has finally added the latest eight-valve engine to its 2011 Norge 1200, replacing the old four-valve version of the 90-degree transverse V-twin.
New on the 2011 Moto Guzzi Norge 1200 GT8V is also the electrically adjustable wind screen. The buttons to lower or raise the wind screen is located on the Moto Guzzi Norge 1200's handlebars and is not an easy reach whilst riding. I had to use my left hand for the right button and my right hand for the left hand button.
Moto Guzzi states that everything apart from the headlights are new.
The increase in road performance has enhanced the overall dynamics on this bike, something that was already a strong point on the previous version. The bike identifies the ideal driving line faster when coming into a bend and is faster when changing direction, even when used at full capacity conditions which are frequent in a Gran Turismo model like the Mandello del Lario top of the range bike.
The safety aspects don't finish there: the bike also has a more powerful braking system with a new electronic ABS braking system combined with front brake discs fitted with a new high performance brake band.
Faster engine, extra comfort, enhanced fittings and reinforced chassis: the Moto Guzzi Norge GT 8V is champing at the bit and ready to win back its queen of Gran Turismo title.
Such a fine bike would definitely have made even Engineer Giuseppe "Naco" Guzzi extremely proud.