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[Jogitu]

I just traded my 2008 Moto Guzzi Norge in for a new 2010 1200 RT. The folks at BMW Southeast Michigan were great and I look forward to racking up the miles on the new RT. Now if I can just figure out how to mount my GPS on this thing I will be set.

We live in the South Bend, IN area and were already loosely associated with the Michiana BMW Club. My wife and I ride two up and put 7-8,000 miles on a bike a year. We have no kids at home and this is what we enjoy doing. We spend most weekends riding around Michigan or Northern Indiana although Michigan offers better scenery. We recently went on a trip through Canada to Quebec City and back through NH, NY and Ontario. Next year we will plan a similar trip as we found we love the poutine, people and scenery in Canada.

I look forward to meeting some of you along the way regardless of what adventure we may be on.

Cheers

[NCStephen]

Welcome !

I hope you can post up some pix and ride reports of you and yours ride adventures.

NCS

[TexasT]

Welcome! That sounds like a great ride! My wife was just getting comfortable riding on my R12R with me, then got pregnant with our first! That'll probably keep us from doing too much 2 up riding!

Please post some pics from your tour through Canada and NY/NH. Sounds like a beautiful ride!

T

[cathdeac]

Welcome aboard!!!

Get some miles before the snow starts!!:thumb

[Jogitu]

Welcome aboard!!!

Get some miles before the snow starts!!:thumb

Ugh! Snow. I moved here from the coast of NC 3 years ago and I kick my own butt every winter.

[D-Mac]

Hi from a Michigan noob.

Did you get all the way out to Nova Scotia? If not, consider it a "must-ride" on your next trip (especially the Cabot Trail). Of course I'm biased because I grew up there....

[Jogitu]

I think that is next year. We cut Maine out too because we stayed an extra day in Quebec City (I love that city). So the plan is to do it again but different. After all how much of Canada did we actually see?

BTW. We are headed to Novi Friday night so we can be at Southeast BMW first thing Saturday for first service. I also want engine guards installed. Beyond that we are thinking about doing the vintage thing Sunday and then heading to Southhaven before going home. It is Ducati days at Gingerman. I know that they are hauling a 1000RR down there to show off as well.

[Professor]

Give us a little comparison between the Norge and the RT. I had a Moto Guzzi Jackal then an '07RT and now an '03LT for more comfy 2 up. They are all three great bikes. I've never ridden a Norge and am curious about the differences between it and the RT.

[Jogitu]

Give us a little comparison between the Norge and the RT. I had a Moto Guzzi Jackal then an '07RT and now an '03LT for more comfy 2 up. They are all three great bikes. I've never ridden a Norge and am curious about the differences between it and the RT.

They are so different I don't think a comparison is fair. They are both sport touring bikes but the Guzzi is a pure motorcycle. To me it is sort of Spartan like with just enough protection and comfort to make long miles possible. I could have kept it and been happy but I wanted more protection and options. I really have no need for two touring bikes but I will miss that sound. On the way home from buying the RT I noticed I was hearing crickets, I never heard anything but wind and rumbling before that night.

The RT is better at everything. It takes time to figure that out as some of the sensory feedback from the Guzzi fools you. When you don't hear the wind, the v-twin roaring and the vibration through the grips you think you are going slow on the RT. Then you look at the speedo and realize you are doing 90 with very little effort. The experience is just different. The Norge has nice features considering the price. I would pick it again over a FJR, VFR or Sprint. It does something none of those do, turn heads. I cannot count the people who want to know who makes that beautiful motorcycle.

I am not quite sure the Polar Metallic RT is going to turn as many heads. I do know my ass, hands, ears and the rest of me will be quite a bit happier even if nobody compliments the looks. Well, they may come over and ask what in the hell that color is called.

[Professor]

Thanks. That's very similar to my experience. I LOVED the Jackal and still miss it, but the RT outperformed it in almost every way. The Jackal started conversations where ever I went - not so much the RT. They were both a blast to ride.

When I test-rode the RT I twisted the throttle at the bottom of a freeway entrance ramp and felt like i was going about 60 at the top. I glanced down and was doing 90.

A few weeks later, I got stopped for doing 57 in a 35. The officer looked at the RT and said, "I'll bet it is so smooth that it's hard to realize how fast you are going." I agreed and told him - truthfully - that it was a new bike and I wasn't used to it yet. Amazingly he just told me to be careful and watch my speed - no ticket. I didn't ask, but I'll bet he was a rider.

My wife is beginning to ride with me more and I found an LT that is 4 years older than the RT, but with the same mileage. The K motor is even smoother than the RT. It's not quite as quick as the RT, but still has LOTS of power and much to my surprise, the LT loves the curves. I'm very happy with it.

I call it "The Enterprise" because it is as big as a starship - or an aircraft carrier - but it can kick in the warp drive when you need it.

But I have to admit there is something about that Guzzi sound and mystique that I miss. If I had the money, the LT would have a cute companion with perky jugs. :nod