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Thoughts on buying low mile 2008 Norge?

mpk

Tuned and Synch'ed
Joined
Aug 6, 2018
Messages
26
Location
Richmond, VA
New to this forum, also new to Guzzis in general. I'm thinking of getting into sport touring, and have come across a 2008 a 7000mi Guzzi Norge 1200 for around for around $5000. Before I decided to test ride, any thoughts on what I should be looking out for on this bike? I'm also looking at a BMW K1200GT with 32K miles for around the same price. Different rides, for sure, but just thought I'd put it out there. Presently riding a Triumph Bonneville. Looking for more sportiness and the ability to do long distances.
Cheers-
M
 
Just read up here. Only two things to comment on, are the oil pump range noted on this site, and the relay issue... all well covered on this site & section. See Reference section above as well.
For new-to-Guzzi folks, Guzzi take a unique owner for older machines. You have to be hands-on or have a solid Guzzi specialist nearby.
 
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The 2008 is the push rod two valves per cylinder engine. Very reliable platform and easy to maintain. Much simpler than the K 1200GT from a maintenance perspective.
 
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I've owned a beautiful RED 07 and was relatively happy with it. If I had to do over again I would buy the 8V as much was improved. 8V can be had for not much more than 2V Norge. IMHO The MG will be less expensive to maintain and fix then the BMW. Ask me how I know. LOL.
 
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Just read up here. Only two things to comment on, are the oil pump range noted on this site, and the relay issue... all well covered on this site & section. See Reference section above as well.
For new-to-Guzzi folks, Guzzi take a unique owner for older machines. You have to be hands-on or have a solid Guzzi specialist nearby.

Thanks! I'm seeing if I can get the VIN to confirm the production date. Looks like most of the bad oil pumps were from '07 production dates. Still looks to be a little iffy though?

Also, I'm use to wrenching on Brit bikes, so I'm used to "unique"!
 
As my avatar depicts, I have a firstgen Norge. In fact, as an early '07, I've BTDT with the oil pump (c.22K miles). Kinda exciting, actually. :sweating:

Now, it's at 80K miles and is a joy.

I am unaware of any '08's having oil-pump failures. The LATEST (and that is not completely verifiable) was a May '07. Mine is Nov '06.

Moreover, the '08's had a beefier spring, a MUCH needed improvement. I bought a HyperPro rear shock and spring from Todd a number of years ago. What a marked improvement.

I have a few hundred miles on 8v Norges (my brother had 3! Really. :rofl:), and I actually prefer mine, as I find the engine perfectly matched to the machine's purpose. My Polish Princess and World's Best Pillion loves it.

That said, as I have an 8v Griso, there is lots to say (and all good) with that engine, and you won't be spending any cur$e$ on its improved tupperware.

You are Richmond? Want a test ride without strings? Come up to Cross Junction and the Moto Grappa and be my guest. :clap:

Bill

P.S. $5K sounds a bit steep unless an immaculate virgin, and, even those creatures have ... erm ... issues. :giggle: Winchester Motosports has two Norges on their floor; a 4v and 8v. You might look at their website. The Polish Princess calls; no time to find that for you. ;)
 
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My June 06 build Norge had the oil pump issue, No further damage caused though.

By 08, more or less all the early problems had been sorted out.

Get an 8 valve Norge and you would likely be into a very large bill to rollerize the cam followers. Is that really an improvement?
 
Winchester Motosports has two Norges on their floor; a 4v and 8v. You might look at their website.
I cant seem to get the Winchester Motosports website to load. Says the domain has been lost. How did you see these two bikes you mention? Thanks
 
One more question: VIN is ZGULPU0048M113970. Any idea how to decipher the production date out of this? Thanks
 
I cant seem to get the Winchester Motosports website to load. Says the domain has been lost. How did you see these two bikes you mention? Thanks

I called WMS and got an "out of service" recording. Oh, oh. I have a set of paid-for MPR 4 GT's waiting for my Griso,

Worried, I went by yesterday to see how things were. All is well. :clap:

Carl and Dana -- WMS owners, Virginia Guzzi icons for decades, and all-around great folks -- are retiring. Yesterday, the phone -- 540.722.9one3one -- was down while names transferred, and the website -- which is changing its name to <http://winchestermotorsports DOT com> -- is likely to be off-line longer.

Anyway, they have two Norges, a firstgen '07 (I think) with 35K miles, and a '11 8v, with 20K miles. See pic.

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW thumb 727d

The asking price for '07 is $3500; and $6995 for 8v.

If at all interested, recommend you call me before calling WMS about pricing "flexibility." I'll be putzing in the Moto Grappa all day and can chat if you want.

Bill
404.8ZERO8.8486

P.S. Have four grands (and their Golden) visiting :party:, so gotta go. But there are VIN decoding threads here somewhere.
 
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Thanks for all the help with this! I'm going to try to check out the '08 this weekend. If the price isn't right, I'll pass. But the more I look, the more it seems the Norge might be the next bike I'm looking for. Looking forward to seeing how they feel.
 
I have no stake in this whatever -- well. other than liking Guzzis generally and Norges in particular -- but bear in mind that, at least IMO, the market for them is pretty soft.

As I mentioned, the prices for the WMS ones are VERY negotiable, so if you spend $5K for one, make sure it is not only cherry, but an orchard.

Buon fortuna.

Bill
 
I have no stake in this whatever -- well. other than liking Guzzis generally and Norges in particular -- but bear in mind that, at least IMO, the market for them is pretty soft.

As I mentioned, the prices for the WMS ones are VERY negotiable, so if you spend $5K for one, make sure it is not only cherry, but an orchard.

Buon fortuna.

Bill

I quoted myself just for fun. :giggle:

Anyway, I have my Norge on the lift just now, but -- with the aid of my trusty assistant :rofl: -- should have it off and rideable later today.

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW thumb 729f

So, if you decide to pass on the first one, you are welcome to come ride mine before or after you take a look at the two at WMS.

I'm home all weekend, but call if you think you might or have Norge questions generally while out "$hopping." :call:

Bill
404.8ZERO8.8486
 
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I have no stake in this whatever -- well. other than liking Guzzis generally and Norges in particular -- but bear in mind that, at least IMO, the market for them is pretty soft.

As I mentioned, the prices for the WMS ones are VERY negotiable, so if you spend $5K for one, make sure it is not only cherry, but an orchard.

Buon fortuna.

Bill

Thanks, Bill. I'm going to try to get ahold of them tomorrow, before my sunday test drive.
 
New to this forum, also new to Guzzis in general. I'm thinking of getting into sport touring, and have come across a 2008 a 7000mi Guzzi Norge 1200 for around for around $5000. Before I decided to test ride, any thoughts on what I should be looking out for on this bike? I'm also looking at a BMW K1200GT with 32K miles for around the same price. Different rides, for sure, but just thought I'd put it out there. Presently riding a Triumph Bonneville. Looking for more sportiness and the ability to do long distances.
Cheers-
M

I would avoid the BMW K1200 bikes. Lots of issues with these bikes. According to a my local BMW mechanic go with a 1300 if going with a BMW. The issues with the 1200 were fixed with the 1300.
 
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I would avoid the BMW K1200 bikes. Lots of issues with these bikes. According to a my local BMW mechanic go with a 1300 if going with a BMW. The issues with the 1200 were fixed with the 1300.

After taking a test ride on the Norge yesterday, I will be avoiding the K bikes. It was fantastic, though the bike I looked at had been dropped, and the price was not where I needed it to be. But holy smokes, I'm a fan of this bike now. Just gotta find the right one...
 
Thanks for all of the guidance, everyone! I picked up this beauty yesterday. Well, I didn't pick her up...there are still a few issues that need to be worked out at the shop. Its a 2008 Norge 1200 GT. 20Kmi, Corbin seat (trying to look like a Ferrari, no?) aftermarket muffler, aftermarket windscreen (though I'd prefer stock).

I'll be getting it home in a couple of weeks and will start cleaning her up. She needs some TLC for sure, but runs strong. I look forward to getting her sorted out, with the help of this forum. Big thanks to Bill Hagan for leading me to this bike.

Ciao, all-

Matt
 

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California Scientific windscreen and GPR exhaust. I have both on my 2012. The windscreen gives better wind protection than stock and the GPR exhaust sounds great and is about 10 pounds lighter than the bazooka sized stock exhaust.

P.S. I like the Ferrari look. Nice seat!
 
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