2012 Moto Guzzi Norge GT 8V
![2012 Moto Guzzi Norge GT 8V](02%20NORGE%20GT8V-small.jpg)
Norge GT8V has been totally revamped
and is now more powerful, safe and comfortable taking
Moto Guzzi to the top of the long haul gran turismo
sector.
Norge is an untiring traveller, a champion recognised
for its reliability and elected the tourer bike of
the year (2006 and 2007), faithful companion of the
police force in cities such as Milan and Berlin, this
totally revamped GT 8V version consolidates its long
haul Touring vocation.
A number which declares the presence of the latest
evolution of the "four valve" series engine,
further to updates to the quality of its equipment
and finishings which all combine to allow the Moto
Guzzi Norge GT 8V to outclass all previous models
with its high levels of performance, comfort and driving
pleasure.
The heart that beats inside this bike is the renowned
V-shaped 90° transverse twin-cylinder "Four
valve" engine, the highest performer among all
the families of engines manufactured at Mandello del
Lario, which has now reached exclusive levels as far
as its technical/performance development is concerned.
This latest version can boast the careful attention
paid to achieve a more silent and smooth running of
the engine, whilst tweaking the electronic control,
timing system, cooling and exhaust system. The brand
new integrated ignition and injection ECU now exploits
the signals sent by the two lambda probes to guarantee
adequate feeding throughout the entire combustion
cycle, improving response to the throttle control,
mid range power delivery further to consumptions and
emissions.
The oil radiator is fitted on the lower fairing
lug and has a thermostat-controlled electric fan that
keeps the temperature of the lubricant within the
ideal range, whilst the muffler is now larger, reducing
the noise level and increasing midrange torque. The
engine now boasts a maximum torque of over 104 Nm
delivered at a mere 5,500 rpm and easily reaches a
peak in output of over 102 Hp; it practically reaches
an automobile-level speed with a 20% higher power
curve compared to the two-valve version.
The features of the layout of the new engine include
a more compact crankcase and a cylinder unit fitted
with fins that are tapered towards the direction of
travel; this led to changes to the chassis and totally
new designed fairings. The only part of the previous
version still present is the headlight; other new
features include the electrically-controlled windscreen,
the side panels integrating the fuel tank, the satin-finish
metal serial plate and the dual layer lug.
A hat-trick target has been achieved with this new
setup: efficient dissipation of heat, improved thermal
insulation and more effective aerodynamic protection,
to ensure both the rider and passenger enjoy their
trip in complete comfort whatever the speed. The bike
is highly enjoyable to ride, regardless of weather
or location, thanks to the ergonomic research applied
to each minor detail and appreciated at a daily level:
the new position of the highly functional instrument
panel makes it easier for the rider to its readings,
the saddle is now just 810 mm in height and fitted
with a wider and well-padded seat, the new handlebar
has been lowered and retracted slightly which gives
the rider greater control of the bike at high speed.
There is even a practical 12 Volt external power
socket, a spacious compartment below the saddle, heated
hand-grips and many other novelties such as the new
side stand and central stand, integrated passenger
grab handles, a new set of side panniers completely
redesigned to guarantee perfect coupling of the two
shells.
The increase in road performance has enhanced the
overall dynamics on this bike, something that was
already a strong point on the previous version. The
GT8V has however reached a more neutral and racing
behaviour thanks to revamped setting of the suspension,
replacing the spring set on the fork and shock absorber,
achieving perfect hydraulic response of the two suspension
units. The bike identifies the ideal driving line
faster when coming into a bend and is faster when
changing direction, even when used at full capacity
conditions which are frequent in a Gran Turismo model
like the Mandello del Lario top of the range bike.
The safety aspects don't finish there: the bike
also has a more powerful braking system with a new
electronic ABS braking system combined with front
brake discs fitted with a new high performance brake
band.
Faster engine, extra comfort, enhanced fittings and
reinforced chassis: the Moto Guzzi Norge GT 8V is
champing at the bit and ready to win back its queen
of Gran Turismo title.
Such a fine bike would definitely have made even
Engineer Giuseppe "Naco" Guzzi extremely
proud. He is the one who invented the famous Norge
and the destination of North Cape for bike enthusiasts:
he was the first to travel to these lands in 1928
and did so riding a GT 500 fitted with an elastic
frame he called Norge, in honour of the Italian airship
flown by Umberto Nobile, the first to fly over the
North Pole.
A rather gruff individual who shied away from compliments,
his only complaint would probably have been that it
was not Guzzi Red colour; Norge GT8V in fact comes
in Metallic Black, Diamond White, stylish colours
for a high class bike.
MAIN CHARACTERISTICS
DESIGN
• New one-piece fairing.
• New dual layer lug.
• New electrically controlled windscreen.
• New satin-finish aluminium muffler.
• New Moto Guzzi customised side panniers.
• Brand new shaped saddle.
ENGINE
• 1200 90° V-shaped Twin-cylinder “Four
Valve”
• Single overhead camshaft timing system with
decreased valve control noise level
• New profile camshafts
• Oil radiator fitted on the lug with thermostat-controlled
electric fan.
• Single plate clutch.
• New exhaust system.
• Transmission with compact reactive cardan
shaft drive.
• 6-gear gearbox.
• Euro 3.
CHASSIS
• High resistance steel double cradle frame.
• Front fork with 45 mm legs, adjustable spring
preloading and hydraulics fitted with a new set of
progressive action springs.
• Shock absorber with adjustable preloading
and rebound fitted with a more preloaded spring
• Rear suspension with progressive articulation
single arm.
• 4 horizontally opposed piston front brake
system with new 320 mm discs.
• Rear 282-mm disc brake, floating caliper with
two parallel pistons.
• Rear tyre ZR 180/55/17.
• Front tyre ZR 120/70/17.
STANDARD OUTFIT:
• New cutting-edge ABS Continental.
• Onboard computer.
• Heated hand-grip fixture.
• Satellite navigator fixture.
• Newly shaped side stand and centre stand.
• New electrically controlled windscreen.
• Newly designed side panniers.
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