WTB Norge

[Paul Wilcox]

Hi MG Fans,

I'm looking to buy a 2012 or newer Norge. I would consider a 2011 IF it has been rollerized.

Food for thought: Would it be so horrible to buy an earlier 4V model? Would the performance difference be THAT noticeable (for an older, slower touring rider like myself)? Could some of the quirks of the older models be upgraded, such as re-positioning the low-slung gauges so you can actually see them??

Anyone?

Paul

 

[Raven]

If you want a 4V it has to be rollerized. Some people actually prefer the older 2V Norge. There is not a lot of difference in performance.
I have a 2012 and love it. (soon to be 62)
There's a beautiful 2015 with only 5,000 miles asking $7,300 USD in Calgary Alberta on kijiji.ca It would be a nice ride home.

 

[Paul Wilcox]

If you want a 4V it has to be rollerized. Some people actually prefer the older 2V Norge. There is not a lot of difference in performance.
I have a 2012 and love it.
There's a beautiful 2015 with only 5,000 miles asking $7,300 USD in Calgary Alberta on kijiji.ca It would be a nice ride home.

Thanks for the feedback!

So... would a non-rollerized 2V tend to self-destruct? How costly/difficult is it to do the rollerization yourself?

 

[Raven]

There was no problem with the 2V engines.

 

[Garwood]

I am 72 and I have had a number of different motorcycles over the years. My absolute favorite? A 2007, 2 valve, Norge that I bought used. I got the bug for a new, not previously owned, motorcycle and sold the Norge. I replaced it with a new 2015 Stelvio. I replaced it a couple of years later with a new Eldorado. I liked the Stelvio and I like the Eldorado. I have liked other bikes in my past. But none have come up to my feelings for the '07 Norge. So much so that last week I bought a 2013, 4 valve, Norge from a friend of mine who has had it since new. I guess my point is that, if you can find a 2 valve Norge that is in good shape for a good price, you will probably be happy with it. It will be plenty fast, it will handle well, look good, and do what you want it to. They are great motorcycles.

 

[john zibell]

So... would a non-rollerized 2V tend to self-destruct?

Just the opposite. The 2 valve engines are nearly indestructible. Whatever one you buy, be sure to do the swing arm and shock linkage service. The factory never puts enough grease in the bearings.

 

[Bill Hagan]

There was no problem with the 2V engines.

Just the opposite. The 2 valve engines are nearly indestructible. Whatever one you buy, be sure to do the swing arm and shock linkage service. The factory never puts enough grease in the bearings.

First, I have a 2007 firstgen Norge with 85K on it. Just back from (another) ride from the top of Virginia to Tennessee and Georgia. It ran flawlessly. I have been fastidious about routine maintenance. Pic taken at Cherohala Skyway last week ...

Now ... as for indestructible or even virtually so.

I would NOT buy -- at least without a teardown -- an early Norge with a build date of before May 2007. Mine was November 2006 and one of the first brought into the USA.

Some in that range, including mine, suffered from shoddy oil pumps that led to fracture of the lobes and that led rapidly to seizure. That happened to me in 2008 at about 20K miles -- interestingly, also just on return, two-up, from the Cherohala. I shipped it to MPH in Houston for the under-warranty work that, as a practical matter led to an almost new engine.

Later, also under warranty, my CARC self-destructed when a ten-cent retainer parted within the innards and that led to a new CARC. "For Want of a Nail ...," etc.

Now the units affected by the oil-pump fiasco were few and all known to me were pre-May 2007. [I actually only know of issues arising in pre-March 2007 units; the May instance is, IMO, somewhat questionable]. The CARC issues were also few and similarly limited, but I do not know the range. But both were "exciting" events at the time.

So, I would have no hesitation in buying a firstgen Norge but only after due diligence in checking to see that any (can't remember what they were!) recalls were done AND not in that very early build-date range.

There is lots of detail about all of this on this forum. Search for details if interested. Think I have summarized all accurately.

Finally, in addition to JZ's comment on lube, I found it necessary to up-gun the rear shock for safe and comfortable operation when two-up at least. Bought that from Todd. The later models from 2008 on had stiffer springs, but, depending on your "fighting weight" and riding style, a new rear shock can't hurt.

Email or call me if need more.

Best,

Bill
404.8ZERO8.848SIX
wrhagan AT earthlink DOT net