My first moto guzzi! Er I mean tractor? 1998 ev11

[n3303j]

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.

[Guzzistajohn]

Get that tractor in the right RPM range, she'll transform into a magic carpet ride!

[Ncdan]

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!






temporarily upload pics

did you get that bike near Sparta NC?

[Ncdan]

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.

[n3303j]

Blue ones are the fastest!

[Gusable]

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!

[Tom]

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.

[Gusable]

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.

[Tom]

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. 

[n3303j]

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.


quick image upload

[n3303j]

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.

[Gusable]

Thank you for the links! Everyone. Lots of info to digest on a new bike!!

[JoeB]

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.

[Bill N]

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