In a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the motorcycle touring community, the Moto Guzzi Norge 1200 achieved what many thought impossible — defeating the legendary BMW R 1200 RT to claim the prestigious Motociclismo 2007 Motorcycle of the Year Award in the Granturismo category. This historic victory marked a turning point for the Italian manufacturer and demonstrated that riders were ready to embrace a fresh alternative in the premium touring segment.
The Motociclismo reader survey, which attracted more than 36,000 participants, delivered a resounding endorsement of the Piaggio Group’s diverse motorcycle portfolio. However, it was the Norge’s triumph over BMW’s seven-time champion that captured the industry’s attention and signaled a renaissance for the storied Moto Guzzi brand.
The Significance of the Motociclismo Award
The Motociclismo Motorcycle of the Year Award carries substantial weight in the European motorcycle industry. Unlike manufacturer-sponsored accolades or critic’s choice awards, this recognition comes directly from the readers — the very people who ride, maintain, and live with these machines day after day. With over 36,000 motorcyclists casting their votes, the survey represents one of the most comprehensive assessments of rider satisfaction in the industry.
The 2007 edition featured 36 awards spanning multiple categories across both motorcycles and scooters, covering various engine displacement classes. That the Piaggio Group secured 15 of these awards, including five first-place finishes, underscored the strength and diversity of their product lineup. Yet even within this impressive haul, the Norge’s victory stood apart as particularly meaningful.
Breaking BMW’s Seven-Year Stranglehold
The BMW R 1200 RT had dominated the Granturismo category for seven consecutive years, establishing what seemed like an unbreakable dynasty. The German machine had become synonymous with premium touring, offering legendary reliability, comprehensive weather protection, and the engineering excellence BMW is known for. Many industry observers considered the category essentially uncontested.
The Norge’s victory demonstrated that riders valued more than just technical specifications and brand heritage. They were drawn to the Moto Guzzi’s distinctive character, its unique longitudinally-mounted V-twin engine, and the unmistakable Italian style that set it apart from the more clinical German competition.
What Made the Norge 1200 Special
The Moto Guzzi Norge 1200 represented a comprehensive reimagining of what a grand touring motorcycle could be. Rather than simply copying the established formula perfected by BMW and others, Moto Guzzi created a machine that honored the company’s rich heritage while incorporating modern touring amenities.
Engineering Excellence Meets Italian Soul
At the heart of the Norge sat Moto Guzzi’s signature 90-degree V-twin engine, mounted longitudinally in the frame. This configuration, used by the company since 1967, provided several advantages for touring riders. The engine’s orientation placed the cylinders out in the cooling airstream, improving thermal management during long rides. The shaft drive system, another Moto Guzzi trademark, offered virtually maintenance-free final drive operation — a crucial consideration for riders covering serious distances.
The 1200cc powerplant delivered smooth, torquey performance ideally suited to loaded touring and two-up riding. While it might not have matched the peak horsepower figures of some competitors, the Norge’s engine character emphasized usable midrange power and relaxed highway cruising — exactly what grand touring riders prioritize.
Touring Capability Without Compromise
Moto Guzzi equipped the Norge with a comprehensive array of touring features. Integrated hard luggage provided secure, weather-protected storage capacity. The adjustable windscreen offered effective wind protection across a range of rider heights. The comfortable two-up seating position allowed both rider and passenger to cover long distances without fatigue.
Perhaps most importantly, the Norge achieved this touring functionality without sacrificing the engaging handling characteristics that made Moto Guzzis enjoyable on winding roads. The motorcycle remained surprisingly agile for its size, rewarding skilled riders with precise handling when the road turned technical.
A Broader Renaissance for Moto Guzzi
The Norge’s Motociclismo victory didn’t occur in isolation. It was part of a broader product renaissance that saw Moto Guzzi expanding and revitalizing its entire lineup. This comprehensive approach paid dividends across multiple categories in the reader survey.
Success in the Cruiser Category
In the Cruiser category, Moto Guzzi demonstrated remarkable strength with two models finishing on the podium. The California Vintage secured second place, while the brand new Bellagio claimed third. Only the Harley-Davidson Night Rod managed to finish ahead of the Italian cruisers — and even that represented a victory of sorts, given Harley’s historical dominance in this segment.
These strong showings proved that Moto Guzzi’s appeal extended beyond the touring category. The company was successfully competing across multiple segments, offering distinctive alternatives to the established market leaders.
Recognition Across European Markets
The Motociclismo award was far from the Norge’s only accolade in 2007. In March of that year, readers of both the weekly Motosprint and the monthly In Moto publications had already named the Norge their “Granturismo of the Year.” This pattern of recognition across multiple publications and thousands of readers confirmed that the Norge’s appeal was genuine and widespread.
Meanwhile, the Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport was earning its own recognition. The German fortnightly publication Motorrad placed it second in the Naked category, demonstrating that Moto Guzzi’s product revival resonated with riders across different segments and national markets.
The Piaggio Group’s Strategic Success
The 2007 Motociclismo awards highlighted the success of Piaggio Group’s multi-brand strategy. By maintaining distinct identities for Aprilia, Vespa, Piaggio, Moto Guzzi, and Gilera, the group could compete effectively across virtually every motorcycle and scooter category without internal cannibalization.
The 15 awards captured by Piaggio Group brands, with five category victories, represented an impressive 42% of all awards given. This dominance suggested that the group’s approach — investing in distinctive products with clear brand identities rather than badge-engineering — was resonating with riders.
Impact on the Touring Market
The Norge’s victory sent a clear message to other manufacturers: riders wanted alternatives to the established touring hierarchy. They valued character, style, and distinctiveness alongside the traditional priorities of comfort, capacity, and reliability. This opened the door for other manufacturers to challenge the status quo with their own interpretations of the grand touring concept.
For Moto Guzzi specifically, the award validated the company’s decision to compete seriously in the premium touring segment. It provided marketing momentum that helped the brand expand its market presence and attract new riders who might not have previously considered an Italian touring motorcycle.
Legacy of the 2007 Victory
The Moto Guzzi Norge’s 2007 Motociclismo Motorcycle of the Year Award represented more than just a single year’s recognition. It marked a pivotal moment when an Italian manufacturer successfully challenged German dominance in the touring category, proving that riders valued passion and character alongside technical excellence.
The victory demonstrated that the grand touring segment had room for diverse interpretations. While BMW’s approach emphasized comprehensive engineering and systematic excellence, Moto Guzzi proved that emotional appeal, distinctive design, and engaging riding dynamics could be equally compelling to serious touring riders.
For the thousands of readers who voted for the Norge, the choice represented an embrace of motorcycling’s diversity. They recognized that the best touring motorcycle isn’t necessarily the one with the longest specification sheet, but rather the one that best matches a rider’s personal values and riding style. The Norge offered an authentic Italian alternative — and in 2007, over 36,000 motorcyclists decided that was exactly what the touring category needed.
