Positioning:
Sport touring motorcycle aimed at riders seeking comfort for long-distance travel with Italian flair and performance.
Competitors:
BMW R1200RT, Yamaha FJR1300, Kawasaki GTR1400, Honda ST1300
Distinctive Features:
Shaft drive, transversely mounted V-twin engine, characteristic Italian design, comfortable ergonomics for touring.
Engine Systems:
Engine overview, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine troubleshooting
Transmission Systems:
Gearbox operation, clutch system, final drive (shaft drive) maintenance
Chassis Systems:
Frame, suspension (front forks, rear shock absorber), steering system, braking system (hydraulic circuits, component inspection)
Electrical Systems:
Battery, starter motor, charging system, lighting system, instrument panel, wiring diagrams (basic understanding)
Bodywork And Accessories:
Fairing removal/installation, seat, luggage mounting points, general care
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake fluid level check, tire pressure checks, chain adjustment (if applicable to specific variant, though Norge 1200 is shaft drive), clutch fluid check, coolant level check
Troubleshooting:
Basic diagnostic steps for common operational issues
Component Inspection:
Inspection procedures for critical components like brakes, suspension, and tires
Wiring Diagrams:
Basic wiring diagrams for identification of key circuits and components.
Tool Requirements:
Specifies standard motorcycle tools and potentially specialized tools for certain procedures (e.g., torque wrench, feeler gauges).
Depth:
Owner-level maintenance and basic checks, not a full workshop service manual. Focuses on routine service and understanding vehicle operation.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, air-cooled, 8-valve V-twin (2 valves per cylinder) with pushrod actuation
Displacement:
1151 cc (70 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
95 mm x 81.2 mm (approx.)
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1 (approx.)
Horsepower:
Approximately 100 HP (74.5 kW) at 7600 RPM
Torque:
Approximately 108 Nm (80 lb-ft) at 6500 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Marelli or similar system
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON (Octane)
Throttle Control:
Cable-actuated throttle
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.5 liters (with filter change)
Recommended Oil Grade:
SAE 10W-40 Synthetic or Semi-Synthetic motorcycle oil meeting API SG/SH/SJ or higher, JASO MA
Cooling Type:
Air-cooled with oil cooling (oil cooler integrated)
Transmission Type:
6-speed sequential manual gearbox
Drive Type:
Shaft drive (cardan)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated
Final Drive Maintenance:
Includes procedures for checking and maintaining the universal joint and final drive bevel gear.
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (check manual for exact spec)
Clutch Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid
Length:
Approx. 2200 mm (86.6 inches)
Width:
Approx. 900 mm (35.4 inches) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1430 mm (56.3 inches) at windscreen
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1495 mm (58.9 inches)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 240 kg (529 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 265 kg (584 lbs) (with fluids and standard equipment)
Fuel Capacity:
24 liters (6.3 US gallons)
Reserve Fuel:
Approximately 3-4 liters
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycles typically do not receive automotive crash test ratings)
Braking System:
Dual 320mm disc front brakes with 4-piston calipers; Single 282mm disc rear brake with 2-piston caliper. ABS optional on some variants.
Suspension Features:
Adjustable front forks (preload, rebound, compression); Adjustable rear shock absorber (preload, rebound)
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED tail light and indicators (depending on exact market spec)
Infotainment System:
Basic analog/digital instrument cluster with essential readouts. No advanced infotainment system.
Instrumentation:
Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, odometer, trip meters, clock, warning lights.
Driver Assistance Features:
Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) on some variants.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 10,000 km (3,000 - 6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (check manual for precise recommendation)
Air Filter Service:
Every 10,000 - 20,000 km (6,000 - 12,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000 - 20,000 km (6,000 - 12,000 miles)
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 - 30,000 km (12,000 - 18,000 miles) (requires skilled technician)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixture (e.g., 50/50 water/coolant) meeting specific motorcycle standards.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (ensure it's suitable for ABS systems if equipped)
Common Issues Or Considerations:
Potential for electrical gremlins (common on some Italian bikes of this era), clutch slave cylinder leaks, and ensuring proper maintenance of the shaft drive system. Some owners report vibration at certain RPMs.
Maintenance Tips:
Regularly check electrical connections, monitor clutch fluid levels, and ensure shaft drive is properly greased and inspected.
Heritage:
Moto Guzzi, an Italian motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1921, is renowned for its unique transversely mounted V-twin engines and distinctive Italian engineering and design.
Predecessors Successors:
The Norge 1200 evolved from earlier large-displacement Moto Guzzi sport-touring models like the California series, and was later succeeded by models like the Norge 8V and Stelvio.
Production Period:
Introduced around 2005-2006, with production continuing through various iterations into the late 2010s.
Manufacturing Location:
Mandello del Lario, Italy