2008 Moto Guzzi Norge 1200 Photo Gallery

Named in honor of a 4000-mile trek by Giuseppe Guzzi in 1928, the Moto Guzzi Norge 1200 piles on the miles with Twin power. See what we thought when we did our 2008 Moto Guzzi Norge Bike Test.

Moto Guzzi is taking on the sport-touring market with its V-Twin-powered Norge 1200.

The Moto Guzzi norge is a looker from one of the oldest manufacturers in motorcycle history.

On the plus side the Norge's attractive instrument cluster presents a bounty of info, which helps satiate the madness brought about by the bags.

Another grievance is trying to cycle through the plentiful information on tap with Guzzi's mystifying switchgear.

It took us a while to figure out the trigger system for the Norge heated grips.

The dual four-piston Brembo calipers, which pinch down on 320mm rotors, should be more than adequate for the 614-lb MG (578 lbs tank empty).

The small windscreen and fairing provides decent protection from the elements.

The Moto Guzzi Norge is a shaft-driven bike.

Little styling details make the Moto Guzzi a Moto Guzzi.

Compared to some of the other modern luggage we've encountered, the Norge system is primitive.

At gas and food stops, the MG attracted curious gearheads of all ages, who can't help but gander at the Italian machine and its exposed Twin.

"The bike grows on you after riding awhile," admits our cruiser expert, Bryan Harley, summing up our general opinion of the MG.

The MG mill does generate a fair amount of vibes and not the good new-agey vibes, but the ones and shake up through the exposed transverse-mounted Twin and into your teeth fillings.

Throttle response is abrupt, but the big-bore Twin produces torquey pop down low which exacerbates the sensation.

Moto Guzzi utilizes its distinctive transverse-mounted V-Twin for the Norge, with the 1151cc mill delivering torquey pop.

A comfortable ride, the Moto Guzzi's touring credentials are bolstered by it 260-mile range via a 6-gallon tank and 43 MPG efficiency.

Getting thrown around the curvy PCH as it winds northward towards Big Sur, the Moto Guzzi does an admirable job of tackling the terrain but is not the best handling bike we've ever tested.

1929 GT 500, built after Guessepi Guzzi took a 4000-mile trip from Italy to Northern Norway - the inspiration for the Norge name.

Torque production peaked at 61 lb-ft, with the Norge delivering over 50 lb-ft right off the bottom between 2-3 grand.

The curvy Pacific Coast Highway gave us ample opportunity to evaluate the Moto Guzzi Norge's handling.

Shuffling through the six-gear transmission is easy enough, with MG providing a convenient red shift-light assist on the analog tach to remind you it's time grab a higher gear.

The Norge is a comfortable platform to pile on the miles, with a soft seat, heated grips and decent wind protection.

The Norge gets a lot of attention thanks to its red paint scheme and Italian lines.

The Moto Guzzi also demands a lot of attention from other drivers, as the Norge's headlamps burn bright.

One area we can't really complain is in the style department, with the Norge an Italian looker from one of the oldest manufacturers in motorcycle history.

Sporting a 25-degree rake and 58.8-inch wheelbase the geometry isn't radically different, but it feels loose compared to the super-stable sport-touring competition.