Great video, very fair on all the points. I have a 2015 Norge 8V GT - I am very much a sport-touring person. But I drool over the California a lot. To me it is a beautiful bike, among the best I have seen. I keep chanting "I'm NOT a cruiser guy!" so that I don't get carried away, but I would sure love to ride one once. But that Norge, oh my how I love riding it.
stick with the Norge, i went through the same loop, in the end I decided, as you said "I'm NOT a cruiser guy". So guess what we are both saying is go with your gut feeling. I will say that after chatting to other Cali owners the EV model that I had is the worst of them and the early ones are way better. Sorry to throw you in more confusion.
From where I sit, the Norge GT 8V is: more modern (think: Honda ST1100/1200 Pan European) vs. an older big H-D. Horses for courses and all that. The Norge is much more flexible for roads, weather & curves. Also, after years of ownership, you know how reliable it is along w/ it's unique M-G 'issues'. Finally, having watched a few of your videos, I knew from the opening which would stay.
Interesting comparison. I have owned both bikes. Put over 50k kilometers on the Norge (2v engine) in one year. Maybe 10k on the California 3. The Norge is a much more modern bike. Very flickable in the turns. Makes the California feel like you are driving a truck. The Norge is a much safer bike. Braking is better. The controls are ergonomically placed. The Norge was my business bike. Did long commutes on it. Got rid of it at some time. Got me a Yamaha FJR. Even better as a business bike. Now that I no longer need to cover so many miles to get to work every day and would actually like to go for a fun ride, the FJR is no longer appealing. I'm looking into getting another California. A bike you have to work. Not be in a hurry, etc. The California especially the 3 and the 1100 are bikes you can stare at when sitting down. You can just look at it forever. Not so the Norge. It's much too practical.
What an interesting video. Right now I'm considering picking up a second hand Guzzi and two are available, a Jackal and Norge. Your review that both are comfy helps me out, that is what I'm hoping for most of all. However, for me I think I prefer the lack of body, even though it is one of the most beautiful bodies I've ever seen on a bike. That may push me in direction of the Jackal. I would have to add the fairing, and I also appreciate your review of he Cali fairing. If I make the move I will let you know which way I went. Also, ironically each bike is quite a distance from me in opposite directions!
Similar situation with a cruiser (BMW CLC) and a GT (Norge), and I like them for different rides and states of mind. Usually it’s the CLC for longer Interstate (motorway)-heavy rides, and the Norge for shorter fun-road rides with little Interstate. Like you, the Norge is my favorite; but the cruiser is simply more comfortable for me. I also find the redundancy convenient when one is in the shop over a nice weekend (or six).
I have a V11 Le Man's which gets a run every now and then but I always fancied a California or Norge for touring... I struggled with the thoughts of which one so I bought a Kawasaki GTR 1400 instead!!!!! Simply because I still like the od scratching session, although I'm sure you could do a bit on the Norge but I still hanker for a nice California...... Maybe when I'm a bit older.. Did yours sell yet??!?!. Ps... Good video but I'm still nonthewiser ha ha ha
I know what you mean, I have only got to this point by living so long to accumulate stuff. I also feel very lucky to have an understanding wife who doesn't mind living with old furniture.
Great video! Have been looking at a NORGE for a while now and will likely be moving forward with a purchase around January 2021. As a prospective buyer, what do you advice I should look for and what years I should stay away from? Thank you in advance Sir! Be well.
I have had many bikes over the years and covered thousands of miles, I came off BMWs and onto a Guzzi Breva in 2011 its the same frame as the Norge and even the seats swop. In 2014 I bought the Norge, at this time I read all sorts of scare stories about tappet and cam failures on the 8V engines, as it happened it was all covered under warranty and only on the first few that came to the UK, so don't worry about it. These two bikes are the most comfortable long legged tourers I have ever known. I used to do 500 miles a day no problem until my wife started to join me on my trips, she doesn't like doing any more than 300-350 so it's now a breeze to do. Ease of maintenance was a huge factor for me as I look after my own bikes, dealers are thin on the ground. Up until 2020 China virus I did a couple of Euro tours a year and would not really consider any other bike. There is very little performance difference between the 4V and 8V models so buy the lowest mileage best maintained one you can find. If you have never owned a Guzzi it will take you a few weeks to get into them after that you will always have one.
@@oldguyinshed1703 much appreciated Sir, thank you for taking the time in giving me advice. Been looking around in the States and have not seen a huge number of them for sale, I guess they are keepers! Have nice evening and happy holidays!
Looking at either the norge or the california as a tourer to go on longer trips with my wife. Has your missus accompanied you on the back of both the cali and the norge? If so, which of the two was more comfortable for her overall would you (or she) say?
For me personally I preferred the Norge to the Cali so I guess I'm biased, I did thousands of miles touring across Europe both alone and with the wife on the Norge.. She felt happier on the Norge because it had a top box with a pad to lean on, the Cali I had didn't have one so our trips on it tended to be shorter.. I hope this helps.
The hugger refers to a close fitting rear mudguard that is attached to the swing arm, drive shaft on a Guzzi, this helps to protect the suspension linkage and rear of the engine from road dirt. They are readily available from the aftermarket.
I have an RT in my garage that I love and drive often but I have that same itch for a classic looking bike that is rewarding to work on. However all I find is overpriced machines that need much love and I just can't justify putting another liter bike in my shed meant for long trips. Tough one.
It is tough but if the money doesn't match the need then you will always resent the purchase, just keep looking and be patient something will turn up that will be right for you.
I have watched with interest your reviews on the Norge as I'm considering one myself but after sitting on an older one I was wondering if the clock cluster could be brought up and forward slightly, would u have any views on this
To be honest I have never thought about moving the cluster but I guess it would be a matter of brackets and wiring. That said I would ask the advice of an electronics expert.
@@gordonjenkins8171 I never had a problem with the clocks, or anything else for that matter, I loved the Norge and would not have sold it but for the fact I needed a lighter machine to push in and out of the garage, and that is down to a failing body. If you buy one and its trouble free I am sure you will become a fan.
@@gordonjenkins8171 My wife and I did La Rochelle in the summer with no problems on the V85TT which is much lighter than the Norge. I do know the Norge is lighter than the fjr1300 so maybe its a good option for you.
In the UK that would be about right for a quick sale or trade in value. Possibly worth more to someone but that someone is never around when you need to sell quickly.
No we tried going for a run and I was no happier with it two up. The Norge was always a better option for me. As I said it's a very personal choice and nothing actually wrong with the California it's just not for me.
Great video, very fair on all the points. I have a 2015 Norge 8V GT - I am very much a sport-touring person. But I drool over the California a lot. To me it is a beautiful bike, among the best I have seen. I keep chanting "I'm NOT a cruiser guy!" so that I don't get carried away, but I would sure love to ride one once. But that Norge, oh my how I love riding it.
stick with the Norge, i went through the same loop, in the end I decided, as you said "I'm NOT a cruiser guy". So guess what we are both saying is go with your gut feeling. I will say that after chatting to other Cali owners the EV model that I had is the worst of them and the early ones are way better. Sorry to throw you in more confusion.
Good video with good audio, and you made the right choice in my humble opinion. :)
I think it was the right decision as well, thank you for your comment it is appreciated
From where I sit, the Norge GT 8V is: more modern (think: Honda ST1100/1200 Pan European) vs. an older big H-D. Horses for courses and all that. The Norge is much more flexible for roads, weather & curves. Also, after years of ownership, you know how reliable it is along w/ it's unique M-G 'issues'. Finally, having watched a few of your videos, I knew from the opening which would stay.
Ha ha ha I've been busted. The Norge is way more nimble than the ST1100 which is one of many reasons way I ended up with one for touring.
A nice comparison, nice and clear sound
I try to be fair to both bikes and the people that ride them, it does come down to personal choice in te end. Thanks for watching.
If it's not for you but you've scratched the itch then, job done. Glad you had the opportunity.
Exactly where I got to, Cheers for the comment
Thanks for your thoughts! Been debating about selling a bike and getting the Norge.
I do like the Norge it ticks so many boxes for me, I have racked up so many miles on long trips that I would be hard pressed to change it.
I have a Cali 1100. Old man in a shed. With Guzzis. Wearing a dustcoat. With a fire extinguisher on the wall. That's me. Good video sir, thank you
Thank you for your comment always appreciated
Interesting comparison. I have owned both bikes. Put over 50k kilometers on the Norge (2v engine) in one year. Maybe 10k on the California 3. The Norge is a much more modern bike. Very flickable in the turns. Makes the California feel like you are driving a truck.
The Norge is a much safer bike. Braking is better. The controls are ergonomically placed. The Norge was my business bike. Did long commutes on it. Got rid of it at some time.
Got me a Yamaha FJR. Even better as a business bike. Now that I no longer need to cover so many miles to get to work every day and would actually like to go for a fun ride, the FJR is no longer appealing.
I'm looking into getting another California. A bike you have to work. Not be in a hurry, etc. The California especially the 3 and the 1100 are bikes you can stare at when sitting down. You can just look at it forever. Not so the Norge. It's much too practical.
I like your thinking but for me I would rather look at the Norge than the Cali, different strokes I guess.
@@oldguyinshed1703 And that's what makes motorbikes fun. The Norge does look good and has character. Reliable as well.
@@joacerbis It definitely has character
Good video, whatever floats your boat and gets under your skin is what matters, good sound quality btw...
I agree with you, thanks for the sound feedback (no pun intended)
Hi,I own a Norge and I totally agree with you
Keep on riding
I think it's a bike that's very easy to live with for touring and general day to day use
What an interesting video. Right now I'm considering picking up a second hand Guzzi and two are available, a Jackal and Norge. Your review that both are comfy helps me out, that is what I'm hoping for most of all. However, for me I think I prefer the lack of body, even though it is one of the most beautiful bodies I've ever seen on a bike. That may push me in direction of the Jackal. I would have to add the fairing, and I also appreciate your review of he Cali fairing. If I make the move I will let you know which way I went. Also, ironically each bike is quite a distance from me in opposite directions!
If you are not a fan of full body work take a look at the 1100 Breva it's the same bike as the Norge but with no clothes
Similar situation with a cruiser (BMW CLC) and a GT (Norge), and I like them for different rides and states of mind. Usually it’s the CLC for longer Interstate (motorway)-heavy rides, and the Norge for shorter fun-road rides with little Interstate. Like you, the Norge is my favorite; but the cruiser is simply more comfortable for me. I also find the redundancy convenient when one is in the shop over a nice weekend (or six).
I enjoy touring on the Norge as it is comfortable for both me and my wife, the luggage capacity is just about enough.
I have a V11 Le Man's which gets a run every now and then but I always fancied a California or Norge for touring... I struggled with the thoughts of which one so I bought a Kawasaki GTR 1400 instead!!!!! Simply because I still like the od scratching session, although I'm sure you could do a bit on the Norge but I still hanker for a nice California......
Maybe when I'm a bit older.. Did yours sell yet??!?!.
Ps... Good video but I'm still nonthewiser ha ha ha
Hi OGITS, Interesting comparison. Totally enjoying my Cali but can see the benefits of the Norge. Question: What's a Hugger? :-)
Hi the Hugger is a close fitting rear mud guard mostly seen on sports bikes but work really well on any bike with a cantilever suspension.
'owdy frm across the pond. Was wondering what GPS you aadded to your Norge? Stay safe and warm. See ya on the road!
I went for the Garmin Zumo 346 as it seemed to fit my needs.
We can all imagine having this decision to make , nice one .
I know what you mean, I have only got to this point by living so long to accumulate stuff. I also feel very lucky to have an understanding wife who doesn't mind living with old furniture.
A mate of mine here in Australia just bought a Norge.
I hope he enjoys it as much as I do mine, It's been a great bike for me.
Great video! Have been looking at a NORGE for a while now and will likely be moving forward with a purchase around January 2021. As a prospective buyer, what do you advice I should look for and what years I should stay away from? Thank you in advance Sir! Be well.
I have had many bikes over the years and covered thousands of miles, I came off BMWs and onto a Guzzi Breva in 2011 its the same frame as the Norge and even the seats swop. In 2014 I bought the Norge, at this time I read all sorts of scare stories about tappet and cam failures on the 8V engines, as it happened it was all covered under warranty and only on the first few that came to the UK, so don't worry about it. These two bikes are the most comfortable long legged tourers I have ever known. I used to do 500 miles a day no problem until my wife started to join me on my trips, she doesn't like doing any more than 300-350 so it's now a breeze to do. Ease of maintenance was a huge factor for me as I look after my own bikes, dealers are thin on the ground. Up until 2020 China virus I did a couple of Euro tours a year and would not really consider any other bike. There is very little performance difference between the 4V and 8V models so buy the lowest mileage best maintained one you can find. If you have never owned a Guzzi it will take you a few weeks to get into them after that you will always have one.
@@oldguyinshed1703 much appreciated Sir, thank you for taking the time in giving me advice. Been looking around in the States and have not seen a huge number of them for sale, I guess they are keepers!
Have nice evening and happy holidays!
Looking at either the norge or the california as a tourer to go on longer trips with my wife. Has your missus accompanied you on the back of both the cali and the norge? If so, which of the two was more comfortable for her overall would you (or she) say?
For me personally I preferred the Norge to the Cali so I guess I'm biased, I did thousands of miles touring across Europe both alone and with the wife on the Norge.. She felt happier on the Norge because it had a top box with a pad to lean on, the Cali I had didn't have one so our trips on it tended to be shorter.. I hope this helps.
Super, a very good review but please explain re the recommend "Hugger" ? Best regards David
The hugger refers to a close fitting rear mudguard that is attached to the swing arm, drive shaft on a Guzzi, this helps to protect the suspension linkage and rear of the engine from road dirt. They are readily available from the aftermarket.
@@oldguyinshed1703 Thanks, that was my question too.
I have an RT in my garage that I love and drive often but I have that same itch for a classic looking bike that is rewarding to work on. However all I find is overpriced machines that need much love and I just can't justify putting another liter bike in my shed meant for long trips. Tough one.
It is tough but if the money doesn't match the need then you will always resent the purchase, just keep looking and be patient something will turn up that will be right for you.
changed the bars on my Bassa and 100k miles later still ;-)
It is amazing that a small change can make a huge difference
like new mic
Thank you
I have watched with interest your reviews on the Norge as I'm considering one myself but after sitting on an older one I was wondering if the clock cluster could be brought up and forward slightly, would u have any views on this
To be honest I have never thought about moving the cluster but I guess it would be a matter of brackets and wiring. That said I would ask the advice of an electronics expert.
@@gordonjenkins8171 I never had a problem with the clocks, or anything else for that matter, I loved the Norge and would not have sold it but for the fact I needed a lighter machine to push in and out of the garage, and that is down to a failing body. If you buy one and its trouble free I am sure you will become a fan.
@@oldguyinshed1703 I downsized from an fjr1300 for the same reason but still want to do bige miles two up
@@gordonjenkins8171 My wife and I did La Rochelle in the summer with no problems on the V85TT which is much lighter than the Norge. I do know the Norge is lighter than the fjr1300 so maybe its a good option for you.
@@oldguyinshed1703 thanks for your replies I have some thinking to do I think
I found a 2012 norge private sale close to home for $6,700 Canadian says it's spotless runs perfect does that sound to low?
In the UK that would be about right for a quick sale or trade in value. Possibly worth more to someone but that someone is never around when you need to sell quickly.
I just put a deposit to get a California 1400 after testing it to complement my R1200RT
Two very different bikes but its good to have variation
Maybe California more comfortable with a pillion
No we tried going for a run and I was no happier with it two up. The Norge was always a better option for me. As I said it's a very personal choice and nothing actually wrong with the California it's just not for me.
Peccato che non capisco cosa dici !
I'm sorry I only speak English and not very well but thank you for watching