Motorcycles in the sport touring category seek to combine daily-driver usability and weekend warrior responsiveness. Typical sport touring motorcycles have a more upright seating position and a practical geometry coupled with responsive and well thought-out engines that deliver low-speed punch and high-speed reliability with sporty handling. It is no surprise that law enforcement motorcycle patrols select sport tourers for their fleet motorcycles because they are quick and comfortable over long distances, designed to carry light cargo, and handle on par with the top sportbikes. The 2012 Moto Guzzi Norge is no exception.
The Italian-made 2012 Moto Guzzi Norge sport tourer was first introduced in 2007 and received its fair share of criticism. However, the 2012 Norge answers those complaints and puts the naysayers to rest. For 2012, Moto Guzzi went back to the drawing board and returned with a highly revamped version of the Norge. According to Moto Guzzi, over 80 percent of the components on the new Norge are new including the eight-valve motor for which it was named. The updated high-cam V-twin, has 20 percent more torque and an increased horsepower. The chassis is revised with new damping rates and firmer springs at both ends and the ABS brakes are new from Brembo. Even the bodywork has been restyled, although the Norge retains the traditional rounded look and twin headlamps.
The name Norge is Italian for Norway and the bike is named in celebration of a Moto Guzzi's 4000-mile journey to the Arctic Circle in 1928. Living up to its name, the standard 70.2 cubic inch engine delivers 102 horsepower and 76.7 pounds of torque in a package that ably handles both long tours and short distances with the precision and comfort that sport touring motorcycles are known for.