Didn't Think I Would Miss My EVT, But I Do

[Dave Swanson]

Its not that I don't like my Norge.  It is a very fine motorcycle!  A great mile muncher with an amazing engine, especially so once Beetleized.   



But I have found myself missing my EVT.  In my opinion the EVT was better at carving the corners.  I am pretty sure I was faster through my favorite set of twisties on the EVT than the Norge.  Not that the Norge is a slouch, but there is something about the Norge that doesn't inspire me to rail through the curves at the same pace as the EVT.  The EVT felt like a little hot rod even though it didn't look it.  The Norge has never given me that same "hot rod" sensation. 

Anyone have a similar or differing experience comparing the EV to the Norge?

[Guzzidad]

   I have both, an 01 EV and a 12 Norge. Love them both. I can tell you the Norge is very sensitive to tire selection. I had a set of Michelins on it and I hated them. And I usually like Michelins. I replaced them with Pirelli Angel GTs and it totally transformed the handling. My Norge also has Matris suspension and after some adjusting it handles GREAT. The EV ain't fussy. I'm running a Shinko on the front and it's just fine. When I wear out the Michelin on the rear I'll replace it with a matching Shinko.

[spmoto]

Hey Dave, off topic, but what seat did you have on your EVT?
Thanks,
SM

[Joliet Jim]

I know what you're saying. As much as I love my Centauro, if I decided to sell a bike I could live without the Centauro, but not the Cali Stone, it does everything.

[bad Chad]

I missed my Bassa when I got rid of it and got a B1100.  I really like the B1100, but it doesn't quite meld with me in the same way the Bassa did.   But I do have to give it credit, it is definitely faster through twists.   Like has been noted the Tonti Cals are pretty dam good at most everything, twisty bits included, but in my opinion, a really good rider will be clearly quicker on a CARC bike than a Cal.

I recently picked up a Roamer, and am loving it.  It satisfies that itch, that somehow the Breva doesn't, but even with upgraded shocks on the Roamer, the Breva could eat its lunch in tight technical riding.  I have only run Pirelli tires on the Breva.

[Two Checks]

Dang, that's purdy! What is the dark color? Looks to be a black cherry or the like.
Just guessing but the EVT is easier to ride due to the wider bars giving more reaction with the same input.

[Dave Swanson]

Hey Dave, off topic, but what seat did you have on your EVT?
Thanks,
SM

The stock seat reworked into a Ned's "Comfort" Seat.  A big improvement over the stock unit. 

[Dave Swanson]

Dang, that's purdy! What is the dark color? Looks to be a black cherry or the like.

The factory called it  mahogany and silver, but I prefer to describe the color as  espresso and grappa (stolen from Bill Hagan)

[Bisbee]

Don’t know about the Norge, and my Stelvio only has a few thousand miles on it, but the old EV is like a comfortable pair of shoes or my beaten down recliner. It’s fast enough, the gear shifts so loud that the Harley boys jump, and since it’s not worth anything why sell it ? I’ll keep it til the curtain closes. I know I’d miss it.

[Aaron D.]

I understand-I had an EV for a year or 2, it was an exceptionally capable bike. My wife's Jackal, too.

[kingoffleece]

I also have an 01 Jackal and 14 Norge.  I'll mimic what was said earlier.  The Jackal handles much better than one might expect upon first glance.  It does, however, run out of clearance well before it runs out of tire.

Hamlin Cycles rebuilt the forks with Gold Valves and correct springs and it made a WORLD of difference.  The much improved front end, Angle GT tires (I agree wholehearted about them-on my third set), and greater lean angle allow me to move the Norge quicker thru the more challenging areas.

That said, I never "pleasure day ride" there Norge.  Too much motor.  The V7 and Jackal fit that bill for me in a much more satisfying way.  The Norge is a "tool" for purpose, and for that it does well.  The other bikes are a bit more engaging (rough around the edges?) and I prefer that.

I'm fortunate to have a stable from which to choose, I realize.

[radguzzi]

Interesting comparison but I get it... 

I had an  '07 Norge and an '04 EVT concurrently, both bought new.  For some odd reason I let the EV go and immediately missed it.
  
They both have their sweet spots but that friggin' EVT just does it for me.  As Guzzidad mentioned, I also found that the Norge is very sensitive to tire selection.  A great Sport/Touring motorcycle, I changed the fork spring rate, Heli-Bars and pegs etc...  I loved the Norge and only sold it to buy the first Stelvio. 

Having owned several EVs of various years, still have the '99 with the Hack I never forgot how much I loved that EVT so four years ago I bought another.

On both BTW, I swapped out the stock EVT fairing for the Aerofoil units, keeping the stockers for the heck of it...
  
This one stays. 

Cheers,
Rob


#1 EVT...




#2 EVT...

[Dave Swanson]

Thanks Rob!  You know you're not helping! 

[PJPR01]

Interesting observation...I had a Cali EV for a short time and found it quite sluggish, but then again, I never invested anytime in trying to customize it since it was sold to friends shortly after I bought it.

But on my Norge, after changing out the rear shock from stock to a Wilbers, and putting heavier oil in the forks, this baby will carve like crazy, very nimble.  I don't ride with a rear box, just side panniers and gear strapped, not sure if that makes it feel any less nimble thru the corners.

Have been running Michelin Pilot Sports for the last 4 sets, and they are grippy all the way to the edge...extremely confidence inspiring, even in extreme wet conditions...

I guess my observation then is it probably has something to do with how well the bike is setup, but if both can carve and dance in the corners, it may be more due to settings and upgrades...

By the way, that Mahogany/Espresso/grappa machine is a beauty!

[kingoffleece]

No question a Norge can really boogie with the right setup.

[MGrego]

I've got a '12 Norge and an '04 EVT.  Apples and oranges.  In addition to the obvious differences and what others have said, one immediately is overwhelmed by the amount of plastic on the Norge vs the (mostly) metal EVT.  Two very different experiences.

[Nick]

Interesting observation...I had a Cali EV for a short time and found it quite sluggish, but then again, I never invested anytime in trying to customize it since it was sold to friends shortly after I bought it.

But on my Norge, after changing out the rear shock from stock to a Wilbers, and putting heavier oil in the forks, this baby will carve like crazy, very nimble.  I don't ride with a rear box, just side panniers and gear strapped, not sure if that makes it feel any less nimble thru the corners.

Have been running Michelin Pilot Sports for the last 4 sets, and they are grippy all the way to the edge...extremely confidence inspiring, even in extreme wet conditions...

I guess my observation then is it probably has something to do with how well the bike is setup, but if both can carve and dance in the corners, it may be more due to settings and upgrades...

By the way, that Mahogany/Espresso/grappa machine is a beauty!

Have an EV and Norge. Upgraded suspensions on both (Norge Penske shock/spring rear and Matris forks kit, EV Ikon rear shock/springs) and I agree with you and KoF, the Norge is way more agile on twisties.

[MGrego]

I agree with you and KoF, the Norge is way more agile on twisties.

I agree as well, no comparison.

[inditx]

I’ll let you know when this stay at home is lifted.
Picking up an EVT, had a Norge previously.

[Mike E]

Don't own a Guzzi, but lurk on this site. I attend rallys in Wis. Ill. Iowa. Always interesting posts here. If I did own one the EVT would be the choice. They look terrific in my opinion. Italians do style well. Nice photos.

[Mackers]

I have a Breva 1100 and an EV. I always feel like I'm going to a party when I hop on the EV.