Author Topic: New to me EVT, first impressions (Read 3283 times)

spmoto · « **on:** June 29, 2020, 05:26:57 PM »

Well I went to Mass. last Wednesday and picked up a 2003 EV touring with 17K miles. I had confirmed that all the recalls had been done prior to making an offer so that was not a concern. Couldn't really test ride it there with no tags and a crowded neighborhood but I did run it to the end of the street and back and it went fine.
The next day I went over it and adjusted cutch free play and tire pressure and struck out for about a 50 mile loop. The first thing to impress me was how quiet and smooth this hydro motor is. Kind of strange at first when your used to hearing the staccato of a "normal" Guzzi valve train. Next thing was the handling. The bike has miss-matched tires (Metzler front, Avon rear, both with good tread) so I was prepared for he possibility of differing profiles having a small effect but any speed above 50 this thing acted like it had a plow full of snow in front of it. There was a serious resistance to initiating a turn, major counter steering required. Along about the same time I began to really notice the back pressure created by the fairing. I had been made aware of the shortcoming of this fairing but had no idea how awful it actually is. (What about that wind tunnel?). Any, I carried on and tried to process and analyze what I was experiencing. Eventually I concluded that, though the tires may be a contributing factor, the real culprit is the way the fairing loads the forks and also aerodynamically resists changes in direction. Aside from that it's hot as hell behind that thing and the buffeting was giving me a serious head ache.
So, the next day I pulled the fairing off and went back out. It was like night and day. It's nimble and agile, in a relaxed sort of way, as I come to expect. I may try an H&H fairing for the cooler weather but for now I've ordered a small National screen to take a little wind of my torso and make it a little easier to maintain the upright posture dictated by the ergo.'s.
I find the fit and finish on this bike to be really good. The paint etc.. is like new. A bit over the top on chrome for me but I'll deal with that this winter. The only other thing I'm not happy with (no fault of the bike itself) is the exhaust. It has a pair of Bub mufflers and an H pipe cross over which is just a bit too loud for me. Not at all obnoxious or antisocial but I like em quieter. I'd love to make a swap with somebody for a stock system and have posted an ad in the swap meet.
Anyway, I think with a bit of fine tuning and personalization and some miles in the saddle I'll have winner.
Steve M

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #1 on:** June 29, 2020, 05:45:46 PM »

Congratulations on the EVT! One of my favorite bikes. I forget what bike I was chasing at the time when I sold mine, but I will never forget the EVT. A fully sorted Hydro Guzzi is a rare treat. A wonderful engine.

I didn't hate the fairing at all, and could detect no adverse handling. I found it to be noisy though.

spmoto · « **Reply #2 on:** June 29, 2020, 06:26:58 PM »

Hmmmm?? Well Dave, I don't know what to think,, but, so much of the experience of motorcycles is so subjective. Perhaps I need to spend a little time getting to know the workings of these forks before I blame the fairing for everything. I haven't messed with the damping at all nor have I checked sag or any of that. All play a factor. Things to do for sure. I do also plan to put on new sneakers on asap and then I may throw the fairing back on for another go. Doubt that will change the noise and buffeting though. My bud radguzzi passed on an observation to me that he heard from Ken Hand regarding the fairing: "This thing will suck the anvil out of your breast pocket". As a blacksmith, I found the image quite amusing and effective. I only met the man once, unforgettable.

kingoffleece · « **Reply #3 on:** June 29, 2020, 10:01:10 PM »

I have that fairing for my Jackal. It's horrendous with noise and buffeting. So much so it's currently unusable.
I'm waiting on a shorter screen to be delivered to see it that helps.

When I got mine with 40K first thing I did was change all fluids (forks included here) new manifolds, outsider install, new wheel bearings, and a complete charging system. Bike runs great.

inditx · « **Reply #4 on:** June 29, 2020, 10:22:49 PM »

Saweeet!
Welcome to the EVT owners club.
inditx
p.s. If you could record just how loud those bubs are I might be interested in a swap.

Tom H · « **Reply #5 on:** June 30, 2020, 12:31:22 AM »

When you hit 80mph, you may find that you actually get moved forward towards the screen. You can feel the wind on your back.

The stock screen was a bit short for what I like, got a taller one and I'm happy. But what do I know, I'm happy with police shields on my Loops.

And, from the way you sounded, you might be pulling chrome bits off. I'm looking for some.

Enjoy,
Tom

spmoto · « **Reply #6 on:** June 30, 2020, 06:58:34 AM »

inditx, I'll see what I can do in between T-storms today. My phone is a cheapie so we'll see.

Tom, I'll keep you in mind. Probably won't make any changes 'till Fall.

Steve

Nick · « **Reply #7 on:** June 30, 2020, 07:09:12 AM »

68K miles on my '03. Took a 3,700 miles Midwest tour last month and did not miss a beat. It's the best sounding Guzzi I have. I added a crossover and Mistral mufflers to it many years ago. I was unhappy with the original windshield height so I cut it down. It may not look too appealing, but it works for me. I like the wind in my face and not over it. I also tried an oversize Gustaffson shield and purchased the Guzzi sport shield. I usually switch to the sport shield for the summer. The Gustaffson just blocks everything

I've kept the factory fairing on for this summer, as I find it the best of the 3 (with the much lowered shield). Your shield looks taller than the original.

spmoto · « **Reply #8 on:** June 30, 2020, 07:54:03 AM »

Nick,
I wonder about the height of my shield too. I think yours looks really sharp. Could you please send me a front-on picture and maybe a measurement or two. I also see that you have a Corbin on yours. Is it the style with the built in sissy pad on the back? I looked at the Corbin site and the seat they picture doesn't look like it has much passenger room. Also noticed your USMC sticker on your shield. I served in the official USMC taxi service,USN

Steve

Rich A · « **Reply #9 on:** June 30, 2020, 08:27:24 AM »

You can cut down/re-shape the windscreen fairly easily. Put some masking tape on it and mark the tape with a sharpie where you want to cut. Then use an angle grinder and cut-off wheel to cut along that line. Hand sand to finish.

Rich A

s1120 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 30, 2020, 08:34:46 AM »

First the bike looks great!! Nice find. Ditto on that sheld.. It looks a lot taller then normal. Someone might have replaced it with a bigger one. Might be time to break out the hack saw. As for handleing. Make sure you check the head bearings. the ones on my low mile 02 stone I got 2 years ago were REAL loose, and the thing was a floppy, weavy mess! Im sure some is the tires.. but a lot of people have run mismatched tires before with out major issues.. Might not be all your issues.

Nick · « **Reply #11 on:** June 30, 2020, 09:22:20 AM »

Quote from: spmoto on June 30, 2020, 07:54:03 AM

Nick,
I wonder about the height of my shield too. I think yours looks really sharp. Could you please send me a front-on picture and maybe a measurement or two. I also see that you have a Corbin on yours. Is it the style with the built in sissy pad on the back? I looked at the Corbin site and the seat they picture doesn't look like it has much passenger room. Also noticed your USMC sticker on your shield. I served in the official USMC taxi service,USN
Steve

Yes I have a Corbin. It lifts you up a good bit. It's very comfortable and, yes, it has the built-in sissy pad and the passenger does not have much room at all, but now I ride solo.
BTW, that's an NRA sticker. And Thank You For Your Service!!

Here is a shot from the front. Yeah I know it's a little dirty. As far as measurement I basically tied a string to the middle bolt on the chrome fascia at the bottom of the shield (Between the two Italian flags). I measured 12" and tied a marker on the other end and, voilà, traced it. I then taped over the marker line with masking tape and traced it again on the masking tape. I used a dremel to do the cutting and some sandpaper to finish it off. It may not look too professional, but I like it and it does the job.

spmoto · « **Reply #12 on:** June 30, 2020, 10:56:42 AM »

Paul, Thanks for the tip. I'll certainly be checking the bearing tension.

creaky99 · « **Reply #13 on:** June 30, 2020, 11:08:21 AM »

Great looking ride, congrats.

Dilliw · « **Reply #14 on:** June 30, 2020, 11:55:27 AM »

I wonder what screen that is on your bike as it looks way taller than the factory and taller still than my Gustaffson. I don't have any handling issues at all.

I do run the 110/80 vs. the stock 110/90 for tires (Pilot Activ). With the shorter tire above 70mph the front end is a little light but not scary or anything and that's with the forks raised 12mm.

That EVT should have rock solid handling so something is amiss. That front Metzler could be the original; check the date code

spmoto · « **Reply #15 on:** June 30, 2020, 01:37:48 PM »

Nick, Thanks for the picture and the tips.

Well I have no way of telling if I have a taller than stock shield or not. But what some of you are seeing may be partly an illusion because my bike has lower handle bars. Don't know what they're from, maybe a special sport or Bassa or something. I got the stock bars in the purchase but so far I kinda like what's on it now.
Both the tires are old and will be replaced right away. I'm going to check the steering head bearings this afternoon. I also notice that there is no steering dampener so if bearings are a bit loose and there's no buffering from a dampener things could be amplified. I enjoy sorting this stuff out so I'm confident all will be well very soon.
Thanks for all the tips!!
Steve

s1120 · « **Reply #16 on:** June 30, 2020, 02:13:10 PM »

Bars look to be Cali stone bars.. IMHO the best bars for these bikes.

kingoffleece · « **Reply #17 on:** June 30, 2020, 02:16:20 PM »

As delivered with that fairing the stock screen height was 18 inches. Harpers has a 24 inch replacement screen-most likely you'd be looking thru it.
I'm having a 14 inch screen made new for that fairing. Hope it works out. The 18 was horrible-noise and buffetting like you can't imagine.
If not, I'll cut to 12 as shown above. maybe it'll be a glorified "flyscreen" but that's more that ok with me.

Dilliw · « **Reply #18 on:** June 30, 2020, 02:25:47 PM »

Quote from: kingoffleece on June 30, 2020, 02:16:20 PM

As delivered with that fairing the stock screen height was 18 inches. Harpers has a 24 inch replacement screen-most likely you'd be looking thru it.
I'm having a 14 inch screen made new for that fairing. Hope it works out. The 18 was horrible-noise and buffetting like you can't imagine.
If not, I'll cut to 12 as shown above. maybe it'll be a glorified "flyscreen" but that's more that ok with me.

18" stock and 22" for the Gustaffson. I still look over the top but I'm long in the torso.

I have no buffering and no issues with this setup. Especially after riding the naked Griso!

dguzzi · « **Reply #19 on:** June 30, 2020, 03:02:04 PM »

I agree with Tom above, I bought a taller screen thinking I could shorten it. It's working great as is. Yes I have to look through it but its so nice and smooth, I can take it.

Tom · « **Reply #20 on:** June 30, 2020, 05:42:45 PM »

How tall are you and what air pressure are you running in the tires?

spmoto · « **Reply #21 on:** June 30, 2020, 07:19:13 PM »

KOF, thanks for the spec's. Looks like I have a stock shield, 18"

Tom, I'm 5'9", tire pres. 34 front 36 rear. Solo

Question regarding Steering head bearing tension. What I've always done is to snug them up until they "bind" then back off until the move freely. Any other opinions or techniques recommended?

Thanks

s1120 · « **Reply #22 on:** July 01, 2020, 07:46:06 AM »

Quote from: spmoto on June 30, 2020, 07:19:13 PM

KOF, thanks for the spec's. Looks like I have a stock shield, 18"

Tom, I'm 5'9", tire pres. 34 front 36 rear. Solo

Question regarding Steering head bearing tension. What I've always done is to snug them up until they "bind" then back off until the move freely. Any other opinions or techniques recommended?

Thanks

Ive always tightened till all "chuck" is out, and the forks still flop back and forth easy. But I have gone too far before, and backed off.. If the bearing are new I snug and let off to make sure they are seated good.

radguzzi · « **Reply #23 on:** July 22, 2020, 07:20:55 PM »

Hey Steve,
Not sure how I missed this post, must not have been paying attention...

Great to see you and the Mrs. yesterday. And puppy.

Congrats on the EVT. She is a beauty.

Our first... bought new in '04.

Our Current...bought three years ago.

inditx · « **Reply #24 on:** July 23, 2020, 03:44:31 PM »

Took off the fairing on my 03 and wow what a pleasant surprise.
No more buffeting, better handling and wind management even though the air it hits my chest when at highway speed. My head stay in clean wind.
I like it much better and it’s cooler to ride. Especially as hot as it is today!
I quoted in another post that I am getting better gas mileage so far, I kid you not.
inditx
p.s. It looks better too imho.

spmoto · « **Reply #25 on:** July 23, 2020, 07:51:35 PM »

I have the shield off mine now also. Looks really nice as well but it would certainly shorten the riding season here in Maine. Radguzzi is a big fan of the H&H / Swanee Aerofoil, as seen on his two bikes above. Yeah, they are not the most aesthetically pleasing, aka but ugly, but many will attest to their functionality. twodogs has agreed to sell me his H&H and I'll probably get a small Givi or National for Summer, BUT, I'm still tempted to cut down the stock shield first.

Ncdan · « **Reply #26 on:** July 23, 2020, 10:01:46 PM »

My first guzzi was an 04 EVT, black with the chrome tank insert. I’m still kicking my arse for letting it go!
As far as the adjustment of the steering damper, I adjusted that thing from one end to the other in 5 sequences and road the same stretch of a curvy road and couldn’t tell a bit of different. I’m not sure if it would make any difference if it was even on the bike.

kingoffleece · « **Reply #27 on:** July 24, 2020, 04:29:16 PM »

I found the fairing combined with the stock 18 inch screen to be unworkable. Horrible noise and buffetting.
I added a MRA wing, a Laminar Lip=- no dice.

Clearview is making me a custom 12 inch tapered screen like a few pics above. In essence a flyscreen to mount on the fairing. I hope it works as I think it's looks great. We shall see................ ..

inditx · « **Reply #28 on:** July 24, 2020, 10:02:11 PM »

Quote from: kingoffleece on July 24, 2020, 04:29:16 PM

I found the fairing combined with the stock 18 inch screen to be unworkable. Horrible noise and buffetting.
I added a MRA wing, a Laminar Lip=- no dice.

Clearview is making me a custom 12 inch tapered screen like a few pics above. In essence a flyscreen to mount on the fairing. I hope it works as I think it's looks great. We shall see................ ..

Keep us posted King.
inditx aka Jack

kingoffleece · « **Reply #29 on:** July 24, 2020, 10:04:59 PM »

will do

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Author Topic: New to me EVT, first impressions (Read 3283 times)