Moto Guzzi Norge GT first ride

In my youth any bike would do - I'd mostly go on long touring holidays on my most unsuitable Yamaha YZF-R6! But I'm wiser now and given the choice, I'd opt for a motorcycle tailored for this task - such as Moto Guzzi's 2011 Norge GT 8V. Now that's what I call touring bliss!

The bike is huge with vast expanses of fairing to protect the rider from the elements, a torque-laden 1200cc engine, a big fat comfy seat, a large tank to keep fuel stops to a minimum and enough hard pannier space to transport my entire summer wardrobe. Plus it has the famous Moto Guzzi badge that's bound to turn some envious heads. The Norge has been revamped for 2011 and although it doesn't look much different to the previous version, it's practically an all-new machine. Well, 80 per cent of it is at least.

First up is the engine. The old four-valve is replaced with an all-new eight-valve motor, the same as fitted to Moto Guzzi's latest Stelvio adventure bike. As well as bringing the engine up to date with emissions regulations, torque is up a fantastic 20 per cent, with more power too, although sadly a chunk of it is sapped by the substantial 257kg claimed dry weight of this Guzzi, so that it actually feels less lively than on the lighter Stelvio.

The new engine is perfect for touring; it's a lot smoother than the old one, with no obtrusive vibrations and excellent drive from almost as low as idle all the way through the rev range and gears to motorway cruising speeds and beyond. It's punchy out of corners and not too fussed which gear you're in - it'll pull anyway, making for a relaxed or spirited ride, whichever you're up for.

The 8-valve is also more economical than the old lump, good for at least 19kmpl depending on your riding. Combine this with the 23-litre tank and you're good for on average 400km before you're due for a petrol stop.

The frame's the same, but the all-new suspension makes a marked difference to the handling, keeping the bike more composed when you up the pace, and offering plenty of feedback to the rider while isolating him or her from the worst of the bumpy back roads.

Despite the considerable weight, this latest Norge is well balanced and responds instantly to rider input, diving in and out of corners, holding a tight line, letting the rider enjoy a spot of sporty action when the roads get good. Exactly what you want from a bike designed to take you places covered in winding ribbons of foreign tarmac.

Comfort is supreme for both rider and pillion and an improvement on the old Norge, although the lankier testers complained of a lack of leg room, a consequence of the lowered seat. In fact the 810mm seat height is fine for my relatively short 5'6 frame, but if you really are vertically challenged you can opt for the lowered seat option bringing it down a further 30mm.

The fairing is all-new too, along with the electronically controlled windscreen, ABS brakes, on-board computer, heated grips, sat nav system so you'll never get lost or have to bother with maps again and spacious hard panniers - and all of these come as standard, included in the Rs 9 lakh UK price. In India we expect it to be around Rs 13-15 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi. Moto Guzzi's traction control is an optional extra however, and don't bother enquiring about a BMW-style electronically adjustable suspension as Moto Guzzi doesn't do this. Yet. Still, at Rs 80,000 less than the similarly equipped base model BMW R1200RT (in the UK), what you get with the Norge is a bargain in today's market - and one with a big fat dose of individuality.