Calvin seat on 03 EV?

[rocketman]

Hey guzzi guys and gals.  I'm new here but not new to guzzi.  I just picked up a pretty nice 03 EV touring to balance out my riding options.  I also have a 2016 Aprilia Tuono Factory.  I really wanted a calvin but they are pretty hard to come by.  Eventually I may get one.  In the meantime the EV is really a decent guzzi cruiser.

Has anyone successfully put a calvin seat on an 03 EV?  Any modification needed?  It interests me because it looks like the calvin seat is a little flatter and may offer a little more real estate for my butt. The EV seat is pretty scooped out and keeps you pretty locked in. 

Thanks
Rod

[fotoguzzi]

The EV is actually a better bike IMHO.. tubeless rims make it so..
Is an 03 the hydro motor? if so better check that the recall was done.
same frame so seat should fit, not sure if it needs mods.. someone else will know.
you could have your saddle re-done by Ned's MG in Iowa.. Jim will get it made to your specs.

[ccoli]

Seat should fit, but... you will have to change grab rail/ luggage rack etc. Got a friend thinking about doing the opposite as he wants better luggage and two up ability.

[Ncdan]

I've owned both, 04 cal EV and now an 07 Calvin. Personally I like the Calvin much better. The only slight drawback is the valves need to be checked every X amount of miles. I haven't did it yet but many guys here said after you do it once it's no big deal. I've had only one issue with my calvin with 8500 miles now  and the only issue has been the failure of a cheesy speedometer odometer!

[fotoguzzi]

[rocketman]

Fotoguzzi,
The recalls were all performed.  Hydro valve/cam issue, single plate clutch swapped to a dual, lower triple tree replaced.  Still trying to confirm some of the info.   Bike had 16k on it.  Speedo replaced at 10k.  Previous owner kept it clean and apparently didn't ride it in the rain.  Yea I love the ev alloy wheels.  That's the one thing missing from the calvin.

Ncdan,
I prefer the calvin too.  Best looking Guzzi cruiser.  Couldn't find a good one locally.  Got a good deal on the 03.  Heard good things about the hydro motor and wanted to try one.  Do you still have  both bikes?  If so, see if the calvin seat works on the ev.

CColi,
I don't think the grab rails and luggage rack should be a problem.  I hope to find out.

[guzzista]

The only notable difference between the Calvin,  Black Eagle ,Cali 1100, Jackal, Stone, early EV ( pre 02) and Alum, Special Sport, 02+EV , Bassa.. (am I missing  a model?) is the fender , which plays the biggest part on how the Calvin seat lands. There may be additional items (such as the P8 brick ECU interference  on early models) I am not familiar with. I have a Calvin seat and rail/ luggage rack combo on my Cali 1100 and it fits like a dream. if you are fitting the Calvin seat on the 03 EV and there are no fender curve issues, you may have to re-position the latch to meet the U hook on the Calvin seat. You will also need the  stud/ knob which bolts  a few degrees from vertical on the fender which will snap in the seat to the fender. As per Calvin seats check with Moto International or Harpers as there are some good deals on either the "Skunk " or the Black Eagle ( solid black) seats.

[antmanbee]

If you want a new Calvin seat, AF1 Racing is the place to buy it from. They have both the skunk and the all black ones for less than a hundred. I unfortunately got mine from Harpers and paid double the price.

Link to AF1 seats.

http://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=2621

part numbers 883113 and 977254

[guzzista]

Moto International has the skunk for 81.86  http://www.motointernational.com/store/seats/black-and-white-seat-for-cal-vintage

[rodekyll]

Moto International has the skunk for 81.86  http://www.motointernational.com/store/seats/black-and-white-seat-for-cal-vintage

Is the skunk seat shorter than the single-piece EV/Jackal 2-up?

[antmanbee]

Moto International has the skunk for 81.86  http://www.motointernational.com/store/seats/black-and-white-seat-for-cal-vintage

Wow, it's $284 at Harpers for the skunk.

[guzzista]

Is the skunk seat shorter than the single-piece EV/Jackal 2-up?

No , its a dual seat , meaning its longer and covers a larger portion of the rear fender stopping just about where the end of frame bolt holes for the fender are

[sidecarnutz]

AF1 Racing won't even show a pic of it. Just their logo. How do you know what you're getting?

I went ahead and ordered a skunk from MI, I know and trust them over the years. Great deal too. I'll adapt it to the Cali III I'm putting the sidecar on just to mess with peoples minds. 

Nice to be able to work metal welding and machining as a hobby!

[rodekyll]

No , its a dual seat , meaning its longer and covers a larger portion of the rear fender stopping just about where the end of frame bolt holes for the fender are

I phrased that wrong.  Is the skunk seat shorter than the Jackal dual-seat?  Not the 2-piece, the long, one piece Jackal seat?

[rocketman]

When I buy I will buy from MI.  I just learned about their online store (duh). I talked to them and they will have to order from their supplier.  Will take 10 to 15 days.  The skunk and the all black are the same price, about $86. I have done business with AF1 and they are a great store.  I'm leaning toward the all black version.  I like the skunk but I think it may look out of place on the ev.  Looks right on the calvin.  What do you guys think?  I sure would like to see a pic of one on an ev.  Seems to me I saw one on the ole inner web but can't find it now.

[Ncdan]

I have a new black Calvin seat that you are welcome to for 100 bucks. Mean streets cycle in NC  can rebuild the drivers portion and put the white stripe for around 150.00

[guzzista]

I phrased that wrong.  Is the skunk seat shorter than the Jackal dual-seat?  Not the 2-piece, the long, one piece Jackal seat?

. From what I gather from pictures the length is  very close overall from rear of tank to rear  frame fender mounting holes. Others with  both bikes at hand can perhaps share actual front to rear measurements?

[rodekyll]

The skunk seat *looks* slightly shorter to me, but it could be an illusion of color and proportions.  I could use a slightly -- like 40mm -- shorter bench seat for the Trike.  It fits a solo saddle well, but the space for the saddle is EXACTLY too short for the 2-up Jackal saddle (my only 2-up seat right now).  Design flaw or subconscious desire to not ride with a passenger?  Your choice.  But having the option would be nice.

Like someone said, MI can get them, but only on an order.  I don't want to order one in just to measure and find it won't fit . . .

[vf84pc]

I have the Skunk seat on my 04 EV Touring. It fits no problem and is much more comfortable than the stock seat.

[rocketman]

I have the Skunk seat on my 04 EV Touring. It fits no problem and is much more comfortable than the stock seat.

Yahtzee!  That's what I needed to know.  You got the skunk seat A?  If you can would you post a picture.  I'm on the fence about the black and white.  Been leaning toward the all black.  Thanks man!

[rodekyll]

I have the Skunk seat on my 04 EV Touring. It fits no problem and is much more comfortable than the stock seat.

Can you measure it back end-to-forward mount, please?  I'm trying to fit something to the trike, which has no direct reference to the EV frame anymore.  I do know that I can't induce the Jackal bench seat to fit between the forward mount and the rear box.  The seat that will work will be a couple inches shorter between those points.