Help me understand California Vintage vs California V11 EV

[rocker59]

He means they model line was short lived.
Mine is still alive at 113,000 miles. A lot of that towing a camper.

Yes.  Sorry.  Two model years.  And, the "oddball" oil recommendation so the lifters will pump up.

[kirkkw]

One can always add the tubeless wheels of an EV to a Vintage.  They're the same bike, after all.

I am confused by this as the 2004 Cali 1100 EV I bought has spoked wheels which I assume means tubes and not tubeless.  I have seen a couple of EV on eBay with spokes.  Is the tubeless EV specific to certain years?

Also what does the EV stand for?  Is it a reference to the small fairing?   ???

Ken

[arveno]

I am confused by this as the 2004 Cali 1100 EV I bought has spoked wheels which I assume means tubes and not tubeless.  I have seen a couple of EV on eBay with spokes.  Is the tubeless EV specific to certain years?

Also what does the EV stand for?  Is it a reference to the small fairing?   ???

Ken

The EV has spokes wheel but the spokes are attached to the side on the rim to make them tubeless.

Traditional spoke wheels have spokes in the middle of the rim. ( tube )

EV

Valvole Elettroniche

[kirkkw]

The EV has spokes wheel but the spokes are attached to the side on the rim to make them tubeless.

Traditional spoke wheels have spokes in the middle of the rim. ( tube )

EV

Valvole Elettroniche

Ok, I understand the tubeless wheels with spokes ala the BMW GS series. 

So EV is electric valve?  That sounds like something for a carb not fuel injected. 

Guzziology is on its way to me.  Guess that will be discuss therein. :bow

[arveno]

Ok, I understand the tubeless wheels with spokes ala the BMW GS series. 

So EV is electric valve?  That sounds like something for a carb not fuel injected. 

Guzziology is on its way to me.  Guess that will be discuss therein. :bow

yeah...that electronic does not sounds good lol they are hydro valves...
hey should be written on the gas tank ...?

[rocker59]

So EV is electric valve?  That sounds like something for a carb not fuel injected. 
 

Evoluzione.  For obvious reasons, they couldn't use "Evolution" in the name, since HD had that sewn up.  So they shortened it to "EV".

For 1998, the California was dramatically changed.

[kirkkw]

I found a youtube video that explained the 2001 year models of the Stone, Special Sport and EV.  That was helpful. 
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlWQdLtU3ys

The EV was described as the top of the chain with the most features.  It has close-ups of the wheels so I could see the tubeless spoked wheels.

I have ordered Guzziology and am now looking for a used seat to send to a rebuilder.  I have never been able to use a stock seat since I want comfort for 10+ hour rides.

What models and years would fit my 2004 California EV?  I am willing to chase this down if there is a good parts fiche online.

Ken

[Stormtruck2]

Evoluzione.  For obvious reasons, they couldn't use "Evolution" in the name, since HD had that sewn up.  So they shortened it to "EV".

For 1998, the California was dramatically changed.

I have a 96 Cali 1100 Carb, and a couple of 98 EV's.  To say that "For 1998, the California was dramatically changed." is a wee bit of an understatement.  My wife will not ride on the 96, but finds the EV's very comfortable. The 96 Tonti frame does seem to handle tighter than the EV, but the EV's motor and wheels seem better.  Big jump form 97 1100 to the 98 EV's.  In IMHO the EV's, particulary the touring EV was the pinnacle of the California series.  The new 1400 I don't think of as being in the California series, it is a completely new with nothing in common design or style of the earlier California series.

[wildduck]

"John, I bought it.  After watching the video I was a little over the top.  I think it was a little more than 2004 Calis normally sell for on eBay, but this one had new tires, full service. and the problematic speedo change already done. 

My wife reach over my shoulder and hit "Buy it now" - who am I to question her actions.

Ken"


Great news, is it home yet? 

John

[kirkkw]

No the dealer is working out the shipping details.

I paid a premium price but hopefully this is an exceptionally clean bike.

Ken

[wildduck]

Ken;

Minus the new tires and the expensive recent service from the price and I think you stole it, or at least petit larceny,

Just my 2 cents, and that's one great looking motorcycle,

John

[Guzzilemansv]

Hi,

Just to add the the general knowledge on Cali EV's.

I have a 2008 California Classic. Described in the sales brochure as being fitted with the "Breva" engine. From what I can tell it is the same as the Vintage which differs from previous EV's by having the later spec. valve train and pistons as well as twin spark heads. Of course the Classic runs the tubeless rims, one of the reasons I prefer it to the Vintage's tube rims like some other Cali's - Stone, Aluminium, Special Sport etc.

One other main difference is the braking system. The Vintage has linked brakes but only the basic proportioning valve system, the Classic and other some EV's have the self adjusting proportioning system that varies the braking force to the rear wheel according to the weight being carried on the bike. That is why it doesn't have any pre-load adjustment on the rear shocks but the Vintage does. If you change the shocks on the EV's with self adjusting brakes make sure they are the same length and/or adjust the brake proportioning switch to avoid possible premature rear wheel lock-up when braking.

I've ridden a few different Cali's and they have never failed to put a smile on my face

Cheers,

Guzzilemansv

[Cam3512]

Hi,

Just to add the the general knowledge on Cali EV's.

I have a 2008 California Classic. Described in the sales brochure as being fitted with the "Breva" engine. From what I can tell it is the same as the Vintage which differs from previous EV's by having the later spec. valve train and pistons as well as twin spark heads. Of course the Classic runs the tubeless rims, one of the reasons I prefer it to the Vintage's tube rims like some other Cali's - Stone, Aluminium, Special Sport etc.

One other main difference is the braking system. The Vintage has linked brakes but only the basic proportioning valve system, the Classic and other some EV's have the self adjusting proportioning system that varies the braking force to the rear wheel according to the weight being carried on the bike. That is why it doesn't have any pre-load adjustment on the rear shocks but the Vintage does. If you change the shocks on the EV's with self adjusting brakes make sure they are the same length and/or adjust the brake proportioning switch to avoid possible premature rear wheel lock-up when braking.

I've ridden a few different Cali's and they have never failed to put a smile on my face

Cheers,

Guzzilemansv

Never heard of a "California Classic" as you describe.  Had to google it.  Guess it was never exported to the US.  How did I miss this?  

http://www.dropbears.com/m/moto_guzzi/moto_guzzi_california_classic.htm

[custimguitarman]

That is a great motorcycle! I am actually selling my V11 EV but I have my reasons. That is the go to bike for chewing miles.

[Twinpot]

What a great topic. I have found this very helpful!
Thanks.

Moss ;-T

[PJPR01]

The beach bars where replaced with a set from a stone and the windshield gave way to a Pacifico AERO fairing that CURED buffeting. Harry

Harry...by any chance do you have a picture you can post of the before and after for both the bars and the windshield?

Thanks!

[lazlokovacs]

I can do 800 mile days on my calvin without a second thought. nuff said.

The stock fuel injection is horrible.

I rode a hydro engined EV once and I thought it was much smoother and more responsive than the calvin.

The EV wins with those tubeless spoked wheels too.

don't think you can go too wrong with either...

[K250]

John, I bought it.  After watching the video I was a little over the top.  I think it was a little more than 2004 Calis normally sell for on eBay, but this one had new tires, full service. and the problematic speedo change already done. 

My wife reach over my shoulder and hit "Buy it now" - who am I to question her actions.

Ken

Ken!  That is awesome. Congratulations!

[Kev m]

Ken!  That is awesome. Congratulations!

I wonder if he still has it?

[K250]

I wonder if he still has it?

Got me Kev M!  Didnt notice it was an old thread!    :)