Moto Guzzi Norge 1200

Photos courtesy Moto Guzzi

Moto Guzzi announced the Norge 1200 touring motorcycle, which isn't water cooled, but looks very similar to their old water cooled concept bike of several years ago.

The styling is clean but slightly derivative of the BMW R1200RT.  No sales plans or prices have been announced, but U.S. sales are a near certainty. 

Rumors are that Moto Guzzi will include the TomTom Rider GPS as standard equipment, but we find it hard to believe that this wouldn't be optional instead.  After all, not everyone wants a GPS; see the wBW review of the TomTom Rider GPS for the reasons why.

Following is an edited version of the Norge 1200 information released by Moto Guzzi, followed by more photos and the technical specifications.  We'll keep you posted as we learn more.

The "Norge" name is in honor of a 4000 mile test ride from Mandello del Lario to Lapland in northern Norway that Moto Guzzi undertook with their first shaft drive swingarm design.   This was a monumental enterprise, considering the disastrous condition of European roads at that time.

But in four weeks, the destination was reached.  The elastic frame of the early Moto Guzzi motorcycle with rear suspension was so successful that it was introduced in production machines and the G.T. was named "Norge" in memory of that unprecedented feat.  This is why Moto Guzzi decided to name the first "Gran Turismo" of the new era the "Norge".

The Norge 1200 has an elegant and dynamic design, excellent ergonomics and comfort and short wheelbase to make it competitive even in the traffic.  Moto Guzzi says that the Norge 1200 is "dynamic and responsive ... a modern Gran Turismo which makes flexibility its main strong point as it crosses city centers and boundless distances with the same ease".

The Norge 1200 uses a new version of the 90° V-Twin, this time at 1200cc and improved to obtain higher torque.  So maximum pleasure on mountain passes and complete safety when overtaking on the motorway. 

A steel frame and a suspension system which "guarantees maximum comfort", even when carrying a passenger and luggage, has numerous possibilities for adjustment.  The Norge 1200 is fitted with standard ABS which can be deactivated as desired.

The front fairing is integral and includes leg guards at the front and mudguards at the back to cope with severe weather.  As well as deflecting turbulence away from the rider's chest, the windshield can be adjusted electrically to adapt to the various riding conditions.

The powerful front light assembly with its four polyelipsoidal headlights provides a clear view even on poorly lit roads.  Moto Guzzi claims that this "adds to the charisma of the front of the motorcycle, giving it an aggressive feline look and a design which once again emphasizes the combination of form and function".

The TomTom Rider GPS has been integrated into the cockpit, with a Bluetooth wireless connection in addition to satellite navigation; the calls are automatically relayed from the cell phone to the earpiece inside the helmet, allowing the rider to stay in contact with the rest of the world in complete safety (for safety's sake, please only use this system when parked in the garage!).

The dedicated panniers, in the same colors as the body and with single lock, do not affect the total dimensions of the motorcycle or project beyond the rear view mirrors.