Making the Plunge

[pcarnut]

MojoGuzzi, my experience with a Guzzi Norge mirrors yours. Bought a low mile 4V and loved it at first. Honeymoon lasted about a year, by the end of the second year was fed up. Went back to the FJR, lesson learned. The list of issues included continually having to bleed the rear brake for air, flimsy plastic components on the fairing and bags, stepper motor/idle issues, off-idle surging, warping of the gas tank, melting headlight assembly, Other riders have had failed oil pumps, failed camshafts (8V model), failed rear drives, water in the rear drives if you ride in the rain, warped front rotors, failed instruments, non-starting starters, etc, etc. Every time I got on the bike, I wondered if I'd make it home.

People talk about a bike having character, well, my FJR has tons of character in my book, it is a willing and reliable accomplice to whatever mood I'm in for that day. In 48 years riding, it is hands down the best overall bike I've owned, and there's been a bunch.

 

[Bogus]

Congrats on the purchase of the 2014 FJR!! Were you given a tentative delivery date for the ES model?

Asked the dealer yesterday and he said expected delivery in January....Probably late January.

 

[Redfish Hunter]

I'm kinda sorry the Norge is such junk. I have always wanted a 'Guzzi and the Norge looks like it would be a very nice bike. I also like the looks of the Stelvio.

It is really sad that this bike's name is actually a tribute to the long distance reliability of Moto-Guzzi. It is named in celebration of a 4000 mile journey to the Arctic Circle in 1928. On a MotoGuzzi. Have they not improved reliability since 1928?

 

[Bust-A-Cap]

Now that's what's up! Congratulations and ride the crap out of it.

 

[SoCalFJR1300]

I'm kinda sorry the Norge is such junk. I have always wanted a 'Guzzi and the Norge looks like it would be a very nice bike. I also like the looks of the Stelvio.
It is really sad that this bike's name is actually a tribute to the long distance reliability of Moto-Guzzi. It is named in celebration of a 4000 mile journey to the Arctic Circle in 1928. On a MotoGuzzi. Have they not improved reliability since 1928?

There was a washing machine called "Norge" I thought it was named after that!

 

[RaYzerman19]

Oh, and yeah--it was the wonderful black cherry '07 that I rented in '08...

So....... the black cherry is really what you want........ I know this guy with one that will save you $$ over spending it on that red one....... same guy wants the red one...........

 

[pcarnut]

I'm kinda sorry the Norge is such junk. I have always wanted a 'Guzzi and the Norge looks like it would be a very nice bike. I also like the looks of the Stelvio.
It is really sad that this bike's name is actually a tribute to the long distance reliability of Moto-Guzzi. It is named in celebration of a 4000 mile journey to the Arctic Circle in 1928. On a MotoGuzzi. Have they not improved reliability since 1928?

I wouldn't call my Norge junk just poorly executed. They cheaped out on some things and did well on others. It's a nimble bike in the turns, looks great in red, and initially I wondered what took me so long to try one. But after a while you start looking at stuff and wonder what were they thinking. Some guys have good luck with them and are willing to put up with the quirks and issues. I just wasn't one of them. Much happier with the FJR.

 

[luvtoride]

Hi Joe, remember me... Heidi. I believe we were talking over on ST.net a few years ago. Welcome... lots of FJR owners in your area. & looking forward to seeing your 2014. My bike is getting a little long in the tooth. I'd like to be buying a 2014... but I won't/can't. & the 2004 still runs really well. She will be rode until wheels fall off. Hopefully, when that happens she's sitting in my driveway.

 

[MojoGuzzi]

Thanks for all the comments. Jonesing for the new bike enough that I'm going up to NYC for the IMS just to sit on one

Well, maybe sit on a few others, too, but it'll be cool to see what I'm buying.

I've already ordered Barkbuster handguards, Denali D-2 running lights, a second Garmin Zümo 665 mount, and a travel cover. I also have a Caribou/Pelican universal topcase that I'd bought for the Griso (and then never put on it). Sending the parts to D&H when I get 'em so they can farkle away. I'm hoping/assuming they'll be able to use the universal mounting plate and figure out a way to securely attach it.

It very well could be Feb before I can pick it up

Oh, and not to pile on to Guzzi, but here's an interesting new thread on the WildGuzzi forum...makes me feel better about my purchase decision:

https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=66503.0;topicseen

 

[MojoGuzzi]

Two updates:

1. Heidi--great to hear from you, and I realized I'd not replied. Will have to PM each other to ride this spring.

2. Heard from D&H Cycle yesterday: the bike is in country and at the warehouse. should be in AL by the weekend. I will look at weather and work and such to fidn a weekend for my fly and ride. Will keep ya posted with pictures and ride reports and such.

 

[Bokerfork]

Waaah! Waaah! Waaah!

Those of us that actually own a Black Cherry 07 understand that throttle response issues are relegated to those few who actually close the throttle on occasion.

For the rest of us, those that keep the throttle open, the color may be the best, but who the hell notices as we fly by.

As an aside, on the rare occasion we park the purple passion, it redeems itelf as a chick magnent. Anyone who doubts this can just ask MEM. Need I say more?

 

[HotRodZilla]

You tell 'em Boker...Bunch of throttle closing pansies!!

 

[FJReady]

Just to stay on the AGirl detour for a minute... Has anyone talked to/seen her recently. I've attempted to reach Alexis a couple times over the last couple years to no avail.

Last time I saw her was in Sept 2009 when we shared a campsite just outside Red Lodge ,MT. She was heading east, I was heading west. We talked a couple times after that. In the months following her 'seize the journey' website got very quiet and eventually disappeared.

So if anyone has heard from/about her, I'd appreciate an update. I miss her excellent ride reports. She is a great writer, photographer and adventurer. I hope she's doing well and maybe just enjoying a new chapter in life that doesn't include telling the rest of us about it.

 

[MojoGuzzi]

I started this thread on 24 November. This coming Friday, I fly to Huntsville for D&H Cycle to pick me up so I can pick up my new bike! I am stoked!

I'll start a new thread (with pics) once I retrieve her. I plan to put 600 miles on it (https://bit.ly/1m32HLb) and then have them do the initial service. I'll then ride back to Richmond (after stopping in ATL for some meetings...it's now a business trip!).

Very stoked.

 

[Iris]

You suck.

(not really....just jealous that mine's not here yet)

 

[El Toro Joe]

You suck.

(not really....just jealous that mine's not here yet)

You couldn't take it out yet anyway...

 

[Iris]

True.....this make it 2x as much so.........because not only is he getting his, but he's also riding it

 

[MojoGuzzi]

Forecast for Cullman:

https://www.weather.com/weather/weekend/Cullman+AL+USAL0140:1:US

Forecast for Albany:

https://www.weather.com/weather/weekend/Albany+NY+USNY0011:1:US

<sorry!>

 

[Top_Speed1]

True.....this make it 2x as much so.........because not only is he getting his, but he's also riding it

Hope your 2 bikes come in soon Iris. Jim must be geeking a bit as well

Have a safe trip Mojo, congrats and post up pics of your 'business trip'.

 

[luvtoride]

Two updates:
1. Heidi--great to hear from you, and I realized I'd not replied. Will have to PM each other to ride this spring.

In case you haven't seen in the southeast ride planning area, we're planning a ride over St Patricks Day weekend. March 14, 15, 16. Going to Marlinton, WV & staying @ Old Clark Inn. If interested, the thread is here: https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php/topic/156343-2-wheeled-therapy/