Homage for the 98EV

[Bill]

I've had my share of motorcycles and  never had a dedication to one manufacturer or another. But I bought  a new EV in 98. After about week or so I fell in love with the thing. It was a different feel and sound from anything I had before. It seemed to be a bike that you needed to learn before you could appreciate it. Put 25,000 on it in the first year and came to love it more while travelling around the eastern half of the country. Just love how smooth she gets once on the open road at 4K + RPM.

Want's to eat miles and sing it's song for mile after mile. It's song  mostly comes from the airbox  which hums   while cruising and has a subtle roar when on the throttle. Cornering is natural with little pressure required. I actually corner it better and more confidently than more sporty bikes I've owned. Only have 130,000 on it now and she runs like new, starts like new and even almost looks like new. The bike has always gotten me home. Would love to hear from others that have enjoyed this classic bike by Guzzi.
Bill

[pehayes]

We ride two of them with 100,000 miles each.  Each one has done a frame crab for clutch replacement.  Mine is red/cream while Regina's has the eclectic HDM livery.  Surely very durable.  They do have some niggling issues.
Voltage regulators fail but easily replace with Ducati.
Fuel injection hoses age and split.
Headlights need relays.
FI is very easy to work on  and quite reliable.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[Bill]

Patrick,
I too had to replace the clutch at 87,000. It came apart about 50 miles from home but I was still able to limp it home...So I didn't get stranded. I  was really aggressive on the EV up to clutch failure. So I wasn't terribly surprised when it gave up the ghost.
Bill

[Guzzidad]

    I know Bill's bike quite well. It's the HD&M livery and that's how I met Bill. We passed each other on the road and I turned around to meet him. We have become good friends since. I recognized that paint job right away as I passed him. Bill ain't getting any younger, but he can still embarrass squids on their sport bikes.

[Bill]

BTW, Guzzidad is the guy that replaced my clutch. NO way I could have done it by myself. He's helped me in many ways.
Bill

[LowRyter]

only 67k miles on mine.  I've replaced foam grips several times.   Have no idea what the OEM grips were. 

I ride the V11 Sport and the Duc a lot more now.  But the EV is just a great bike.

[ivantheterrible]

As a new 98 ev11 owner it's nice to hear some love for this bike. Not surprising though, as it seems well regarded. I'm looking forward to putting on some miles but have enjoyed it so far.

[larrys]

I have been riding the EV's uncle for 19 years. It's a keeper.
Larry

[PeteS]

I enjoyed my '98 for the 14 years I had it. Wished I had more room in the garage but had to make room for a couple of dual sports. I binned my grips after about 5k miles for some Pro Grips, soft rubber, not foam.

Pete