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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: philwarner on May 31, 2019, 09:31:24 PM

Title: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: philwarner on May 31, 2019, 09:31:24 PM
I will be going to look at a 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV soon.  22K miles, small bags, windshield, Corbin seat, asking 3K.  The owner doesn't know if the relays or regulator have been changed but says it runs well.  He has owned it for 11 years but not put a lot of miles on it himself.  He has no service records.

 He sounded like a reasonable guy and said he is selling the Guzzi because at 69 he decided he should ride a Can-Am.  I am 76, 5-6, 160 pounds, and ride a 2004 Triumph America with a Corbin seat which fits me quite well, but it is set up for solo riding and I thought the Guzzi might be better for two up (if I can get my wife to try riding with me)

I need advice on what I should look for and/or ask.
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: Tom on May 31, 2019, 09:34:40 PM
I don't think you'll have any problems.  If it starts up right away, you're good.  Suspension might need refreshing over the oem stuff.  The relays are cheap to replace.  If they're the Siemens brand, it might be good to replace those.
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: oldbike54 on May 31, 2019, 09:53:12 PM
 Make sure the charging system is working .

 Dusty
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: Gusable on May 31, 2019, 10:03:11 PM
I love mine.  I was told by two people in the guzzi industry that the 98 was one of the best bikes they ever made! I said really?? COOL!! My research affirms it many many EV’s out there with Over 100k miles.  Little issues here and there but that can be said about any motorcycle   What color is it?
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: guzzisteve on May 31, 2019, 10:12:41 PM
Welcome to the Forum of Forums.     If you like it, buy it, go through it, and ride it!!   My 98EV has a Corbin, nice seat.
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: T4halo on May 31, 2019, 10:54:10 PM
I was looking at the same bike (on-line pictures). Look like it was taken care of.
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: ejs on June 01, 2019, 03:28:55 AM
The Corbin saddle is high and wide. I did not like it. Fixed the original seat instead.🤔
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: Kiwi_Roy on June 01, 2019, 03:53:21 AM
I love mine.  I was told by two people in the guzzi industry that the 98 was one of the best bikes they ever made............... ..................

It must have been a great year for Guzzi, nearly every EV you hear about was a 98, mine was a 98 too with tubeless rims. It will probably have the large P8 ECU but there's nothing wrong with that.
22K miles, that's hardly run in and a steal at $3,000.
The tires may be due for replacement although if it's been garage kept not something I would do straight away.
Look at the condition of the paintwork and rubber parts along with the red needles and text inside the gauges, Red will fade if it's been left outside.

Don't snooze, it won't be there long.

BTW Welcome to the forum.
I should warn you, Guzzis are very addictive, you can't just have one.

Roy
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: Vagrant on June 01, 2019, 05:49:33 AM
I have 165000 on 2 different EV's. love them. But if it's too big for you gos buy a V7 III.
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: philwarner on June 01, 2019, 09:52:01 AM
I love mine.  I was told by two people in the guzzi industry that the 98 was one of the best bikes they ever made! I said really?? COOL!! My research affirms it many many EV’s out there with Over 100k miles.  Little issues here and there but that can be said about any motorcycle   What color is it?

He says it is a very dark green that looks black but can be seen as green in the sunlight.  NADA is not very kind to this year Guzzi listing $1500 as ave retail, but KBB says $2k trade-in and $3K typical listing price.  The seller was leaving on a trip last week when I called, and yesterday called to say he was back now.  Unfortunately I was gone and my wife answered the phone so the cat is out of the bag now.  I don't usually "bother" her with things I consider until I've made up my mind and try to limit her eye rolling to actual purchases.  When I bought my Triumph she wouldn't even look at for a week.  If I buy the Guzzi she will demand I buy her something of equal cost to I have to consider double the asking price.  Good thing she's still pretty cute.

T4halo,  where are you located that you saw the listing?  There was also an earlier one so it has been for sale for a couple of months and apparently ignored by the Harley crowd.  I happen to have a soft spot for the unusual and orphans myself.  It is about a 2 hour ride from me so I need a day without rain which may be awhile.

Thanks for all the replies.  This seems like an active group.  Hope I get to join in the fun myself.
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: oldbike54 on June 01, 2019, 10:20:02 AM
 Just noticed you are in NW Arkansas , there are several of us in NE Oklahoma , SW MO , SE Kansas , and NWA . Guessing someone would volunteer to lay eyes on this bike for you .

 Dusty

 Edit , PM sent .
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: philwarner on June 01, 2019, 11:36:21 AM
Just noticed you are in NW Arkansas , there are several of us in NE Oklahoma , SW MO , SE Kansas , and NWA . Guessing someone would volunteer to lay eyes on this bike for you .

 Dusty

 Edit , PM sent .

Hi Phil ,

 Welcome to WG .

 Where are you located in NWA ? Mentioned in your thread there are several of us nearby , likely one of us knows the EV and its owner . Let us know if we can help , and good luck .

 Dusty

Hi Dusty,

   I am near Lost Bridge Village north of Rogers near the Arkansas/Missouri border off of Hwy 127.  The bike is north of Grove Oklahoma.  The owner's name is Don but I didn't get a last name.  One interesting thing to me is that Don measured the seat height at 31 inches ( I need to be able to touch the ground when I stop) and the stock seat height in the specs is 30 inches.  More padding in the Corbin?  I do like the Corbin on my Triumph and the one on this Guzzi looks good.
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: oldbike54 on June 01, 2019, 11:49:19 AM
 Hmm , Don , North of Grove . Can't place him , doesn't mean we haven't met . Anyone know Don , or this bike ?

 Wait , pretty sure I have seen this bike , have you actually viewed any pictures ?

 Dusty
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: philwarner on June 01, 2019, 03:18:17 PM
Hmm , Don , North of Grove . Can't place him , doesn't mean we haven't met . Anyone know Don , or this bike ?

 Wait , pretty sure I have seen this bike , have you actually viewed any pictures ?

 Dusty

Photos from his listing:


(https://i.ibb.co/jfHQS9k/00808-2-Nog-PUair-VH-1200x900.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jfHQS9k)

(https://i.ibb.co/GRcdhv6/01616-7e-CQKF5-Pf-Pf-1200x900.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GRcdhv6)

(https://i.ibb.co/r5kyggr/00k0k-dw-SZpb-Jvtgx-1200x900.jpg) (https://ibb.co/r5kyggr)

(https://i.ibb.co/tZGm7RK/00f0f-k-BKLKx2-UMs-Z-1200x900.jpg) (https://ibb.co/tZGm7RK)
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: oldbike54 on June 01, 2019, 03:34:37 PM
 ^^^ Not the bike I saw , although that one looks familiar .

 Dusty
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: normzone on June 01, 2019, 04:08:24 PM
That is a VERY nice bike, and I would acquire it if I could.

However, I am of the opinion that the best year of the marque is the '99.

 :wink:
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: guzzisteve on June 01, 2019, 04:26:01 PM
Wow, that bike actually has orange on the gauge needles. Must not have been in the sun much.
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: Vagrant on June 01, 2019, 05:07:18 PM
It's a real buy because you can also sail the seven seas with that riders backrest!
that's the standard black and silver paint but the black has a flake in it that can look blue or a bit green based on light.
bet he takes $2500 cash for it.
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: Gusable on June 01, 2019, 05:32:21 PM
Phil we must be married to sister... I’ve had plenty of “eye rolls” when it comes to motorcycles!! lol. My 98 just came back to me after a 2 year absence.  My wife is just waiting for me to move it again but it ain’t gonna happen this time!! I learned from my mistake.  I clipped my gooses wings.  Staying here!!
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: pehayes on June 01, 2019, 06:45:46 PM
Wow, that bike actually has orange on the gauge needles. Must not have been in the sun much.

Yes, but the speedo needle is darker than the tach needle.  And neither gauge is mounted particularly square.  The bike does look low mileage and good care.  Just sayin'.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: Kiwi_Roy on June 01, 2019, 08:11:39 PM
---------- Unfortunately I was gone and my wife answered the phone so the cat is out of the bag now.  I don't usually "bother" her with things I consider until I've made up my mind and try to limit her eye rolling to actual purchases.  When I bought my Triumph she wouldn't even look at for a week.  If I buy the Guzzi she will demand I buy her something of equal cost to I have to consider double the asking price.  Good thing she's still pretty cute.
 -----------------
That's easy, "Honey I was buying it for you as a surprise"

That is a nice example, I love the tubeless rims they used on that model.
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: philwarner on June 01, 2019, 08:21:51 PM
OK, you guys are getting me excited despite the anticipated eye rolls and recriminations that would be  sure to follow.  Maybe I can make the trip tomorrow if the bitter half goes to church and the weather is not too bad.  Might have to take the Mini Cooper in lieu of the Triumph if it is raining.  In any case Don sounded like a nice guy and it might be worth it to meet a fellow enthusiast even if he has graduated to three wheels.  If I get to go I'll report back.

So...Standard black and silver but with a metal flake that can look green in sunlight?  and the back rest?  I believe it can be moved to the front seat which I would probably do.  I really like the back rest on my triumph's Corbin.
(https://i.ibb.co/4j5F9pm/Chase-Harper-saddle-bags-Nov-2017-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4j5F9pm)

(https://i.ibb.co/pZw90r5/Chase-Harper-saddle-bags-Nov-2017-4.jpg) (https://ibb.co/pZw90r5)


BTW, that's a Triumph tank bag on the rear rack - handy for gloves, locks, hats and the like.  It's on the rack because it would cover the tach and lights on the tank.
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: Gusable on June 01, 2019, 09:00:59 PM
Get the bike and  You’ll be in a “ special “ club for sure....🤫
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: philwarner on June 02, 2019, 11:46:02 AM
Bad news!  I called Don to see if he would be home today and he said he promised to hold it for a guy coming from Pennsylvania tomorrow.  He said, "I called you about it yesterday and when  didn't hear back I told him I'd hold it for him."  I told him the only message I got from my wife was that some guy called about a bike and said he was home now and she didn't indicate any urgency to call him back.  He said he hasn't seen any money yet but the Pennsylvania guy is bringing a trailer so he is sure he will buy it.

  Oh well,  Guess I won't have to see her eyes roll this time and I am only out the hours I spent researching Guzzis on the web and you guys are out the time spent answering my questions.  Nice group here and I will definitely be back if I happen across another Guzzi.

  I am reminded of the story of the man whose wife would say vague things and he'd have to play twenty questions to learn what she was trying to say, so he decided to try a different tactic. He came home one day and she said, "The men came today." so he asked, "What did you tell them dear?" And she replied, "I told them to go ahead."
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: Gusable on June 02, 2019, 12:26:13 PM
Well the bug has bitten you.  We’ll see you around for sure
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: Vagrant on June 02, 2019, 03:58:50 PM
There was a 2001 red and white low mile u it li k here a couple of weeks ago. Up east. Go get it if av. So i don't have too.
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on June 03, 2019, 07:49:50 AM
Fair warning, Phil. I see you are vertically challenged, as am I. Dorcia and I demoed a new HD&M EV when they first came out, and it was a no go for us. The boards made it tough for me to get my feet down unless I went behind them (from memory) and that interfered with her feet.
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: philwarner on June 05, 2019, 07:31:19 PM
Fair warning, Phil. I see you are vertically challenged, as am I. Dorcia and I demoed a new HD&M EV when they first came out, and it was a no go for us. The boards made it tough for me to get my feet down unless I went behind them (from memory) and that interfered with her feet.

Thanks for the information, Chuck,
  That's why I wanted to go try it out before I committed to purchase.  I was once 5-8 but am shorter now and I did wonder how the foot boards would affect stops and if the Corbin seat was actually higher than stock.  I guess it is a moot point now except that if I have the chance to sit on one I will know for the future.  In the mean time I am still very satisfied with my Triumph for solo riding, chain, pegs, and all.
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: MAC on August 23, 2020, 06:54:42 PM
Funny,I just purchased a bike and was looking for info and came across this thread. This is the bike, I purchased it from the guy from PA.
(https://i.ibb.co/tLkWZpP/20200820-164342.jpg) (https://ibb.co/tLkWZpP)
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: Kiwi_Roy on August 23, 2020, 10:14:40 PM
That looks like the same bike 98 EVs are a dime a dozen but that fugly seat has to be unique
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: Tom on August 23, 2020, 11:57:59 PM
 Not the oem seat.
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: inditx on August 24, 2020, 07:58:35 AM
How about an 03 EV?
inditx
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: john fish on August 24, 2020, 08:05:20 AM
Funny,I just purchased a bike and was looking for info and came across this thread. This is the bike, I purchased it from the guy from PA.
(https://i.ibb.co/tLkWZpP/20200820-164342.jpg) (https://ibb.co/tLkWZpP)


You ever want to swap seats, let me know. 
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: kingoffleece on August 24, 2020, 08:30:20 AM
When I purchased a very nice 2001 Jackal I replaced all the rubber on the bike.  Manifolds, hoses, and such.  They were all aged out and I wanted peace of mind.
The entire charging system needed to be replaced-but again an almost 20 year old motorcycle and it was way high on output.  Most likely could have gotten away with just a regulator (zenner diode) but what the heck, in for a penny and all that.
Also, wheel bearings were renewed and front forks rebuilt.  Reall just stuff one would expect on an older machine.
It's been a treat to own and is a keeper.
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: MAC on August 24, 2020, 05:25:45 PM
When I purchased a very nice 2001 Jackal I replaced all the rubber on the bike.  Manifolds, hoses, and such.  They were all aged out and I wanted peace of mind.
The entire charging system needed to be replaced-but again an almost 20 year old motorcycle and it was way high on output.  Most likely could have gotten away with just a regulator (zenner diode) but what the heck, in for a penny and all that.
Also, wheel bearings were renewed and front forks rebuilt.  Reall just stuff one would expect on an older machine.
It's been a treat to own and is a keeper.
Yes I'll be going over the bike this winter.
By the way I sold you a Russell seat for a Norge about 4 years ago.
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: philwarner on August 25, 2020, 01:29:26 PM
Funny,I just purchased a bike and was looking for info and came across this thread. This is the bike, I purchased it from the guy from PA.
(https://i.ibb.co/tLkWZpP/20200820-164342.jpg) (https://ibb.co/tLkWZpP)


Well, that's interesting.  Did the seller say how long he'd had it?  Same color and same style Corbin seat in the same state would be quite the coincidence.  Was it $3K also?

How is the Corbin seat height compared to the stock?  BTW, that back rest can be shifted to the driver seat.  The one on my Triumph America is really comfortable once you get your leg over the backrest.

I ended up with a 96 Cali with a custom seat the PO had made because he was even shorter than I am.  I can put both feet flat on the ground from it.


(https://i.ibb.co/8Msf0Qn/1-1-2020-Pea-Ridge-Park-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8Msf0Qn)
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: Bill on August 26, 2020, 04:23:31 PM
I love the 98 EV's But at 5' 6" and the wide seat me thinks it wouldn't be right for you especially two up.
You might have dodged a bullet. So don't loose any sleep over it.
Bill
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: MAC on August 26, 2020, 06:17:41 PM
Well, that's interesting.  Did the seller say how long he'd had it?  Same color and same style Corbin seat in the same state would be quite the coincidence.  Was it $3K also?

How is the Corbin seat height compared to the stock?  BTW, that back rest can be shifted to the driver seat.  The one on my Triumph America is really comfortable once you get your leg over the backrest.

I ended up with a 96 Cali with a custom seat the PO had made because he was even shorter than I am.  I can put both feet flat on the ground from it.


(https://i.ibb.co/8Msf0Qn/1-1-2020-Pea-Ridge-Park-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8Msf0Qn)

He didn't say but this is the same bike,I don't have the stock seat,but I owned a '97 and can say the Corbin is higher.At 5'9" 29" inseam I have no problem with it.Much more comfortable than the stock 2 piece seat.
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: philwarner on August 27, 2020, 10:23:14 AM
I love the 98 EV's But at 5' 6" and the wide seat me thinks it wouldn't be right for you especially two up.
You might have dodged a bullet. So don't loose any sleep over it.
Bill

If I moved to a newer EV, I wonder if my 96's custom seats could be transferred.  Do the next generation EVs have the same  forward seat tabs and helmet/seat lock mechanism?

(https://i.ibb.co/47gsSkv/battery-connections.jpg) (https://ibb.co/47gsSkv)


I looked at a photo of an 03 EV and the lock mechanism down on the left side looks like the one on my 96.  Anyone have a photo of an 03 seat latch?
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: Tom on August 27, 2020, 01:01:31 PM
Hey....that looks familiar for some reason.....oh wait that's your bike.   :embarrassed: :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 EV
Post by: philwarner on August 27, 2020, 02:26:05 PM
He didn't say but this is the same bike,I don't have the stock seat,but I owned a '97 and can say the Corbin is higher.At 5'9" 29" inseam I have no problem with it.Much more comfortable than the stock 2 piece seat.

 So have you moved the backrest yet?  It should be a simple unbolt and re-bolt.  I really like the backrest on my Triumph's Corbin seat and I miss it when riding the Cali.