02 California Special Sport Review

[Guzzidad]

    After the demise of my 01 Cal EV ( dropped valve at 126,000 miles ) I was looking hard at the V9 Bobber Sport. I had ridden a demo bobber before and really liked it. But the Sport has Ohlins suspension. One problem, no bags or luggage available. Then this Special Sport popped up for sale and I bought it. To my surprise it handles much like the Bobber I demoed. And it has bags. And it's a big block. I still really like the Bobber Sport but I saved a lot of money with this Special Sport, and that's important for a guy trying to live on social security.


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[Guzzistajohn]

I bet you'll like the big block too 

[fotoguzzi]

Nice!

[sdcr]

I had a demo ride on one of these, at the Guzzi rally at Paul’s college earlier this century. Let’s just say the demo’s were conducted in a “spirited” manner. This bike was very quick, very nimble, IIRC.

    After the demise of my 01 Cal EV ( dropped valve at 126,000 miles ) I was looking hard at the V9 Bobber Sport. I had ridden a demo bobber before and really liked it. But the Sport has Ohlins suspension. One problem, no bags or luggage available. Then this Special Sport popped up for sale and I bought it. To my surprise it handles much like the Bobber I demoed. And it has bags. And it's a big block. I still really like the Bobber Sport but I saved a lot of money with this Special Sport, and that's important for a guy trying to live on social security.


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[guzzisteve]

I bet you'll like the big block too 

Friends don't let friends ride smallblocks.

[ejs]

Think the Special Sport is the same as the EV, exept some plastic, and the Special Sport has tube wheels and non adjustable fork.

[s1120]

Think the Special Sport is the same as the EV, exept some plastic, and the Special Sport has tube wheels and non adjustable fork.

Or a stone with a extra front brake rotor..  Does the SS have linked brakes like a EV?

[Guzzidad]

   Yes, the SS has linked brakes. But there must be some differences between the SS and EV besides cosmetics. The SS seems to sit just a little lower than my EV did. And I swear it feels 100 lbs lighter.

[Dave Swanson]

Nice score.  That generation of EV variants is some of the best value vs. performance in the used motorcycle market.  I still miss my 03 EVT. 

[rtbickel]

It will really grow on you.  After 19 years and various other bikes rotating through the stable. it is now the "comfortable shoe".

[actwin]

Sadly my 02 CSS will have to be a garage queen for a little while. It looks great well cared for and all that but it will need a new clutch among other things. It sure looks nice sitting next to my Victory Judge.