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Might be coming back to Moto Guzzi

P

polkpr

Tuned and Synch'ed
Joined
Apr 13, 2016
Messages
27
Location
Berryville, VA
Owned a 2014 Norge and sold it for a larger, more comfortable Harley Road Glide Ultra. Even though I've owned 5 Harley's, as I've aged, I found the Road Glide to be too heavy overall and especially top heavy and to the end, I never got comfortable with it. I just sold it with only 1900 miles on it.

Having looked at several replacement options, I am seriously considering coming back to Moto Guzzi but am not sure which model.

Things I loved about the Norge: Light weight, low seat height, nice wind protection, sleek looking, handled wonderfully, had adequate storage on board.

Things I didn't like about the Norge:
1) Handlebars were a little too far forward and low which caused muscle aches between my shoulder blades after only about an hour of riding even though I modified a 1" rise in them.
2) When I got to 5th gear, I was always looking for one more.

I am debating between the Griso, the Stelvio and maybe even another Norge
Issues: I want decent wind protection on any bike I get. I want saddlebags which don't look like hideous boxes hanging off each side. I would like them to look like they belong on the bike.
Would like a taller 5th gear if available.

I really like the Griso and believe I could accessorize it to meet my criteria but I have heard wonderful things about the Stelvio which actually looks to more of a touring bike which I am really interested in.

Comments, suggestions, insight would be greatly appreciated.

In either case, I would be looking at a late model of any of these.

Thanks
 
The bikes you are looking at and had are 6 speed bikes. A Guzzi engine unlike the Harley power plant is better at higher RPM. Going from a Harley to another bike will take some period of adjustment. Was it Heli Bars you put on your Norge? not only do they raise the hand grips, it also moves them back somewhat. If looking for wind protection, another Norge or Stelvio may be you best options.
 
I would also recommend the Stelvio over the Griso.
Although I personally like the Griso better, making it fit the criteria that you are after is at odds with the very essence/styling/concept of the Griso, whereas the Stevlio is more-or-less already exactly what you want.

Agree with John Zibell regarding the RPM preferences. The Guzzi engine is better at high RPMs.
 
john zibell said:
The bikes you are looking at and had are 6 speed bikes. A Guzzi engine unlike the Harley power plant is better at higher RPM. Going from a Harley to another bike will take some period of adjustment. Was it Heli Bars you put on your Norge? not only do they raise the hand grips, it also moves them back somewhat. If looking for wind protection, another Norge or Stelvio may be you best options.
Click to expand...
I stand corrected, perhaps mine was a 6 speed but I do clearly remember when I got to the top of the gears, it seemed I needed one more.
I actually didn't use the Heli Bars because I don't believe they make the risers for the Norge. I remember looking for any aftermarket remedy and ended up doing it myself with some spacers and longer bolts per instructions from someone on this forum. Had I been able to purchase a new riser assembly (Heli Bars) I would have done so. If they are now available, I would love to reconsider this bike.

I do like the Stelvio even though the seat height is a little tall for my 5'9" frame but I just can't get past the boxy, utilitarian saddle bags and I'm not seeing any other options that pull the bags in closer to the frame even if smaller. My riding is 100% on hardtop road and not off road.

Wondering folks thoughts on the Griso with an aftermarket windshield, and the smaller cases with the available plastic brackets that keep it in close to the frame?

Thanks again for your insight.
 
You might want to consider an 1100 Breva. They are relatively simple compared to the 4 valve head bikes and very similar in ergonomics to the Norge. Also there are good factory and after market windshields available. Also the same Heli bars that would go on a Norge, also fit the Breva. Also maintenance is easier without all the plastic, plus now they are available for relatively low cost when you can find one.
 
Berryville, huh?

I am in Cross Junction.

Well, actually, I am in Atlanta for next few days; rode my Stornello down. Heading home on Thursday for a two-day, back-road run.

Anyway, you are welcome to demo my Griso to see if it "fits." Let me know.

Bill

404.8ZERO8.848SIX

wrhagan AT earthlink.net
 
Agree with Stradagene.

The Griso can be fitted with a windscreen & bags but it will take away from the aesthetic's of the bike if that is important.

Also the bags are going to be small & unless you change the exhaust out for Todd's undercarriage system the left side will be tiny or non existent due to the huge factory mufflers.

Taller riders (I'm 5'8") are doing handle bar risers & lowering foot pegs but I put adjustable clip-ons on my Griso.
I found that raising the bars put me in a more upright position & hitting curves at 80+ was not comfortable.

As mentioned above you will want to keep the RPM's up around 5000 these bikes do not like to be lugged.
I rarely ride with groups but when I do ride with cruisers I'm rarely out of third gear.

Have you considered the small blocks or the 1400?
 
polkpr said:
I found the Road Glide to be too heavy overall and especially top heavy and to the end, I never got comfortable with it. I just sold it with only 1900 miles on it.
Click to expand...
polkpr said:
Things I loved about the Norge: Light weight, low seat height, nice wind protection, sleek looking, handled wonderfully, had adequate storage on board.
Click to expand...

Here's an option with a 1400: light weight, low seat height, sleek, handles beautifully and definitely won't leave you looking for more in top gear.
Not sure if one can add luggage... you'll probably realize... that you'll have no desire to add it.
 
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