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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Gusable on July 03, 2017, 08:22:10 AM

Title: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: Gusable on July 03, 2017, 08:22:10 AM
Hi my names Gus I've always been an adventure bike guy.  Several bmw's etc. I've always wanted a guzzi as I think the V is a superior design to the boxer (imho). Anyway while looking for a stelvio or quota and admiring cali's/eldo' I stumbled across this 2 tone blue ev11.  Not my cup of tea BUT it is guzzi and I don't know that I might be a cruiser guy!! I can't condemn cruisers as I always have without owning one.  33,700  miles 3 owner bike with good maintaince. New Michelin on front and rear is about 80%.  Price was decent so I pulled the trigger.  Let me say I have tailbone type pain issues lately (I don't know what's going on) but this stock seat is KILLIN me!! Yikes. It's off the bike getting boxed to go to Ned's seats this week. I need bags for it but we ll see what happens.  My initial impressions are this is what a tractor must be like to drive! I thought me GS was buzzy!!! This isn't buzz its vibes!you can't use the mirrors at all. You can see a car in them but can't tell what it is.  That being said my first floorboard/heel toe bike was fun on the highway.  I get it that it's a highway touring bike which I need.  I need the seat and some "seat time". Dang thing does have character! And best part.  I rode to Walmart on this first ride and a 20 year old kid stopped me and said "nice bike mister"!! Big grin on his face! What? Your supposed to like crotch rockets and street fighters! Lol. I'm going to be bothering everyone here with a million questions so please excuse me. I hope it's a life long love affair! Caio!
(http://thumb.ibb.co/iYwBFF/IMG_0923.jpg) (http://ibb.co/iYwBFF)

(http://thumb.ibb.co/iOuL9a/IMG_0924.jpg) (http://ibb.co/iOuL9a)

(http://thumb.ibb.co/jTUWFF/IMG_0929.jpg) (http://ibb.co/jTUWFF)

temporarily upload pics (http://imgbb.com/)
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: rtbickel on July 03, 2017, 08:34:25 AM
Congratulations on entering the realm of the slightly demented.  Yes, that stock seat is a concrete cactus and my Neds seat was the answer.  Get some bar end weights or a Throttlemeister and that should tone sown the vibes a bit and maybe have the throttle bodies synched as well.  When properly sorted, they are generally pretty smooth.
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: fotoguzzi on July 03, 2017, 08:39:58 AM
Tune it starting with valves & TPS then sync throttle bodies. I never have any vibration problems as long as it was tuned right. maybe balance the front wheel too.
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: twowings on July 03, 2017, 08:40:06 AM
Welcome...nice bike! I like that color... :thumb:
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: Gusable on July 03, 2017, 08:43:21 AM
Thank you.  Yes the valve check is next on the list and maybe a throttle body cleaning? Plugs. Throttle sync I dunno how that goes down on the guzzi. I have a manomter.  I'm used to demonic BMW cable adjusters that hate me.  Lol. This is threaded rod yes?   Do I need a scan tool?
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: guzzisteve on July 03, 2017, 09:13:32 AM
Wow, same bike I got.  Where in FL are you? You can tune a 98 w/o software, you may need a volt meter if you have one.
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: Gusable on July 03, 2017, 09:32:21 AM
I live in Dallas Texas.  The p o was from Florida.  I do have a voltmeter where can I find the tuning throttle sync info?
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: LowRyter on July 03, 2017, 09:43:24 AM
first, the EV is only a cruiser in style, not in the riding experience.  Certainly nothing like a Harley or Beemer R1200C.  You might try to the drag the floorboards and see.   :evil:

second, if the bike has vibes, you might need to follow the maintenance instruction (above) but you might be lugging the engine.  Unlike most air cooled Beemers, the Guzzi has upper range performance.  Make sure not to lug the engine under 3500 rpm and 4k on the highway.  So you might check your riding style and  perhaps re-evaluate.     :kiss:
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: guzzisteve on July 03, 2017, 09:46:42 AM
Here's the important one

http://www.thisoldtractor.com/mg_manuals/workshop_manual_electronic_ignition.pdf

Scroll down to 97-03 California, it's a zip file

http://guzzitek.org/gb/ma_us_uk/1100/

Enjoy
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: Gusable on July 03, 2017, 09:52:35 AM
Awesome thank you!
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: shaka on July 03, 2017, 09:58:58 AM
Your new Guzzi is the exact year and color as mine. I'm having lots of fun on it.
I don't get any unusual buzz, but its well-tuned and I keep after it as needed.
As was already said, it needs to sing. I had to learn to keep the revs up and not drop past 3,500.
Have fun and ride safe.
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: oldbike54 on July 03, 2017, 10:24:23 AM
 Oh hell , another Texan  :grin:

 Gus , we have some members in your area , a couple of them are quite normal , in time you will figure out which ones aren't  :laugh: Welcome to the family .

 Dusty

Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: Orange Guzzi on July 03, 2017, 10:44:09 AM
Just because it looks like a "cruiser" does not make it a cruiser.  Under the tank and covers is a race bike frame that has one many races.  As far as vibration, down shift and quit chugging the motor along.  5th gear is reserved for 65 mph and above.  And the seat, it sucks even for a skinny guy like me. 
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: Gusable on July 03, 2017, 10:58:30 AM
I can tell already I'm going to have friends here :) thank you for the warm welcome
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: SmithSwede on July 03, 2017, 10:59:55 AM
Howdy Gus!

To echo another poster, those things only look like cruisers.  They actually have excellent frames, plenty of ground clearance, handle well, and have good brakes.   The engine likes to rev.

If you care to meet a bunch of Texas Guzzi riders, ride down to the Guzzi rally in Lindale, Texas.  I can't remember the date, but think it's sometime in late Sept. 

Dusty, one of the mods on this forum, has a custom seat on his V11 which looks pretty comfortable.   Not sure, but he may have done the upholstering work himself.   Dusty may have some tips as to seat mods.
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: oldbike54 on July 03, 2017, 11:06:38 AM
 
Howdy Gus!

To echo another poster, those things only look like cruisers.  They actually have excellent frames, plenty of ground clearance, handle well, and have good brakes.   The engine likes to rev.

If you care to meet a bunch of Texas Guzzi riders, ride down to the Guzzi rally in Lindale, Texas.  I can't remember the date, but think it's sometime in late Sept. 

Dusty, one of the mods on this forum, has a custom seat on his V11 which looks pretty comfortable.   Not sure, but he may have done the upholstering work himself.   Dusty may have some tips as to seat mods.


 Last weekend in Sept for Lindale , but maybe that isn't the best rally for a new member , much safer to wait until next weekend for the Okie . More normal folks  :grin:

 Seat mod won't work , completely different seat  :rolleyes:

 Dusty
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: SmithSwede on July 03, 2017, 11:26:39 AM
Gus:

Maybe you need to do both the rally in Lindale, Texas and then the Oklahoma rally at Talimena State Park in Oklahoma.    Compare and contrast.
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: Gusable on July 03, 2017, 11:31:50 AM
I will be at both.  Even if I'm walkin!
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: guzzisteve on July 03, 2017, 11:54:30 AM
AND if you need more----http://www.mgnoc.com/rally_calendar.html
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: Gusable on July 03, 2017, 12:11:50 PM
I'm not seeing the Oklahoma rally date? If it next weekend I'm off and I want to go!
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: oldbike54 on July 03, 2017, 12:26:58 PM
I'm not seeing the Oklahoma rally date? If it next weekend I'm off and I want to go!

 Oct 6-8 Gus , Talimena State park .

 Dusty
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: Gusable on July 03, 2017, 12:37:46 PM
10-4 thanks
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: Tom on July 03, 2017, 03:47:17 PM
Reset the ECU behind the handlebars.  Try this for shifting points.  5K rpm's.  Cruise at 4K.  You won't hurt the bike.  5th gear is over drive.  You'll love it on the open highway.  Just make sure the speed limits are more than 70mph.   :evil:  If you decide to try and ride it near red line, the rev limiter will kick in.  "No harm.  No foul."  Try it on a long straight.  You won't regret it. :thumb:
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: azguzzirep on July 03, 2017, 03:56:45 PM

(http://thumb.ibb.co/dnvGHv/20170702_123206.jpg) (http://ibb.co/dnvGHv)

(http://thumb.ibb.co/j5P44a/20160907_173707.jpg) (http://ibb.co/j5P44a)

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(http://thumb.ibb.co/nmbdVF/20160911_110514.jpg) (http://ibb.co/nmbdVF)

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I love mine!  It's a real freight train.  Rock steady at 125MPH (indicated)
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: Tom on July 03, 2017, 04:17:29 PM
Blue EV in Schweinfurt area.  It's owned by Arthur Seissinger.  He works for SKF bearings in NC right now.
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: Gusable on July 03, 2017, 04:23:58 PM
Ohh a blue goose! They are real! Lol.  Good looking bikes you have!
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: guzzisteve on July 03, 2017, 04:43:28 PM
I thought the blue ones were too pretty for a motorcycle, then I bought one. I'm still getting used to it.
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: Mackers on July 03, 2017, 05:27:35 PM
 Throttle Position Sensor setting procedure for California and Bellagio: http://www.bikeboy.org/tpssetting.html (http://www.bikeboy.org/tpssetting.html)
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: Zoom Zoom on July 03, 2017, 06:06:39 PM
You will be real happy with a seat from Neds. I have had a couple of them on two EV's that I had.

The stock seat was designed during the inquisition as a torture device. I know only one person who liked it for comfort. (I think maybe being JAG and sitting in those wooden chairs may have tainted his butt.) :grin:

Oh yes, congrats on the bike! :boozing:

John Henry
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: fotoguzzi on July 03, 2017, 06:14:38 PM
Throttle Position Sensor setting procedure for California and Bellagio: http://www.bikeboy.org/tpssetting.html (http://www.bikeboy.org/tpssetting.html)
that's an excellent write up, OP note step 16 ! where it talks about the trim screw.. adjust it by 1/4 turns and ride for 15 minutes or so before turning again, the bike needs to run awhile to get settled in the trim adjustment.
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: n3303j on July 03, 2017, 08:03:41 PM
Bought my '98 Blue Goose about a year and a half ago. Rode Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway with it first year. It surprised me at how much confidence it inspired in the turns. It just went wherever I pointed it and rode like it was on rails. Have done some long runs in the stock saddle. I do tend to cruise at 4.2K RPM and all is smooth and pleasant.

The stock handlebars force me into a position that is a bit too upright for long term comfort. An upright spine transfers bumps right up to the skull without any shock absorption. A forward lean allows the spine to flex without transmitting every bump to the skull. I'm shopping for bars similar to the Civilian bars on my 850T3.

With stock bars and seat I get a bit of rear end chafing from the transition point to the passenger seat (computer hides here). With a bit of foreward lean my backside does to touch this transition point and I comfortably spend hours in the stock seat. Maybe Jackal bars?

Wish the gas tank were bigger. 200 miles is pushing it. Sometimes I just don't want to get off that soon.

I bought the bike for burning the miles and multi day trips. Just got back from a 7 day 2,000 mile jaunt. Absolute pleasure every minute. It came with Moto Guzzi leather side bags and racks. Of course leather bags leak like a sieve. Replaced those with Moto Guzzi (H&B) 40 L on the sides and the top. Hauls everything I need and does not adversely effect handling.

Great bike Gus. Wish you many happy and safe years with her.

PS: Between 850 T3 and V11EV I lost my interest in riding the BMWs and sold them off. I like old machinery but only keep those that I ride regularly. No garage queens.
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: Guzzistajohn on July 04, 2017, 07:56:41 AM
Get that tractor in the right RPM range, she'll transform into a magic carpet ride!
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: Ncdan on July 04, 2017, 08:04:21 AM
Hi my names Gus I've always been an adventure bike guy.  Several bmw's etc. I've always wanted a guzzi as I think the V is a superior design to the boxer (imho). Anyway while looking for a stelvio or quota and admiring cali's/eldo' I stumbled across this 2 tone blue ev11.  Not my cup of tea BUT it is guzzi and I don't know that I might be a cruiser guy!! I can't condemn cruisers as I always have without owning one.  33,700  miles 3 owner bike with good maintaince. New Michelin on front and rear is about 80%.  Price was decent so I pulled the trigger.  Let me say I have tailbone type pain issues lately (I don't know what's going on) but this stock seat is KILLIN me!! Yikes. It's off the bike getting boxed to go to Ned's seats this week. I need bags for it but we ll see what happens.  My initial impressions are this is what a tractor must be like to drive! I thought me GS was buzzy!!! This isn't buzz its vibes!you can't use the mirrors at all. You can see a car in them but can't tell what it is.  That being said my first floorboard/heel toe bike was fun on the highway.  I get it that it's a highway touring bike which I need.  I need the seat and some "seat time". Dang thing does have character! And best part.  I rode to Walmart on this first ride and a 20 year old kid stopped me and said "nice bike mister"!! Big grin on his face! What? Your supposed to like crotch rockets and street fighters! Lol. I'm going to be bothering everyone here with a million questions so please excuse me. I hope it's a life long love affair! Caio!
(http://thumb.ibb.co/iYwBFF/IMG_0923.jpg) (http://ibb.co/iYwBFF)

(http://thumb.ibb.co/iOuL9a/IMG_0924.jpg) (http://ibb.co/iOuL9a)

(http://thumb.ibb.co/jTUWFF/IMG_0929.jpg) (http://ibb.co/jTUWFF)

temporarily upload pics (http://imgbb.com/)

did you get that bike near Sparta NC?
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: Ncdan on July 04, 2017, 08:15:00 AM
There is one just like this one on Craig's list in Sparta NC with 5k mikes for 2500 bucks in anyone else wants a blue 98 EV11.
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: n3303j on July 04, 2017, 09:17:37 AM
Blue ones are the fastest!
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: Gusable on July 04, 2017, 10:34:58 AM
Thank you all for the replies and links. I've been in bed for 16 hours under the weather! No this bike was here in Dallas. I too would very much like a handlebar swap mainly for cosmetic reasons. I'm a minimalist when it comes to cruisers.  More like a bassa or such.  This bike has some plastic leather bags that pin on.  I don't know if their factory.  And the blue seat. Factory?   I'd really like to tidy up the tail and deep 6 this 2 tone" box" that the license plate is on.  I can't seem to find a picture of a EV with one other than mine!
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: Tom on July 04, 2017, 02:19:54 PM
Look at modifying your turn signals.  Rear first then front.  The plastic that they use for the stalks will harden, crack and fall apart.  Some have replaced with metal tubes.  Try some drag bars on the bike.  Sounds like you're 6' and/or above the thicker seat will help.
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: Gusable on July 04, 2017, 02:38:03 PM
5'9 30 inch inseam big guy actually.  I'm only 6ft when I dream lol. Drag bars are cheap!! Look good too. I can't seem to find pictures with other bars on an EV.
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: Tom on July 04, 2017, 02:42:25 PM
My height.  The drag bars will stretch your back out and make you lean forward.  Slouching will make you hurt more on longer rides.  You could do a stop and stretch every hour or so. 
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: n3303j on July 04, 2017, 04:48:32 PM
Hi Gus,
http://www.motointernational.com/parts-catalogs-moto-guzzi
This link will let you download a complete parts manual for your machine. The illustrations will also show you what the tail light assembly is supposed to look like.

Your saddled especially NOT look like my stock one. Too many seams on yours.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/cAr0AF/20170704_174559.jpg) (http://ibb.co/cAr0AF)

quick image upload (http://imgbb.com/)
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: n3303j on July 04, 2017, 05:43:07 PM
This link leads to the shop manual for the EV.
http://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_tonti_workshop_manuals___shop_manuals___service_manuals.htm
3 Languages makes a fat book.
There is also a separate manual floating around for the fuel injection system.
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: Gusable on July 04, 2017, 07:47:03 PM
Thank you for the links! Everyone. Lots of info to digest on a new bike!!
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: JoeB on July 05, 2017, 07:22:08 AM
Watch out for the instructions in the original EFI manual about adjusting the TPS. "turn and release the casing of potentiometer “A”: the internal spring will then position the potentiometer correctly" NOT.
Updated instructions and other info can be found here:
http://archive.guzzitech.com
Some alternative parts sources:
http://www.armory.com/~marina/service.html
Any electrical glitches replace relays if original with these:
http://dpguzzi.com/relay.htm
Terrific bike. Lots of info available from more knowledgeable members here. Don't be afraid to ask.
Title: Re: My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11
Post by: Bill N on July 05, 2017, 04:24:29 PM
Congrats on getting a 98 EV. I bought mine new in 1998 and it's my favorite of all time. Yes looks like a cruiser, but handles like a sport tourer. Best advice is what others posted, keep the RPM's up, it likes 4K and above. Fifth gear is like an overdrive so stay in 4th to 65-70. Bill