School me on the EV please.

[maquette]

At the western NY rally I sat on a couple of EV's and really liked the seating position, but don't know much about the bike. I understand the '03 and '04 models had recalls on the clutch and hydraulics along with lower tree issues? How about earlier models? I would plan to tow probably an Aspen Classic or Sentry pop up camper with it and wondered if anyone had the experience of towing a camping trailer with one. While on that question, how is the availability of a trailer hitch for the EV? Not really interested in suggestions for other models, but would really appreciate any honest opinions on the EV for this purpose.

Thanks.

[LowRyter]

EVs are workhorses for pulling trailers and camping from what you'll see at Guzzi Rallies.  Probably the best of the California line considering reliability and features (twin front and linked Brembo brakes, tubeless spoked wheels, full instrumentation, floor boards, paint, etc.). 

Each model year has it's pros and cons.  You can use the board to determine what to look for and how to service and/or modify each one.  Hard to find a nicer touring bike for less money than a used EV.  Once you appreciate the handling and feel of a Guzzi, you'll wonder why they aren't the most expensive. 

[fotoguzzi]

Excellent all around bike, will tow with ease. if you like the seating get one. the 98-00 EV had the p9 computer right under the seat and your tail bone. if you get a later version with the smaller CPU the seat is better. all pretty bulletproof. Tubeless rims! the hydraulic valve models are fine IF the recall was done when new. later models use ITI speedo and tach, less reliable than Veglia clocks used up to about 2002.  later bikes also had a front exhaust crossover that tends to crack.

[Sportsterleroy]

At the western NY rally I sat on a couple of EV's and really liked the seating position, but don't know much about the bike. I understand the '03 and '04 models had recalls on the clutch and hydraulics along with lower tree issues? How about earlier models? I would plan to tow probably an Aspen Classic or Sentry pop up camper with it and wondered if anyone had the experience of towing a camping trailer with one. While on that question, how is the availability of a trailer hitch for the EV? Not really interested in suggestions for other models, but would really appreciate any honest opinions on the EV for this purpose.

Thanks.

Zoom Zoom has always used the Ev and trailer for years.   He is a wealth of Info on it and Hitches. 

Just missed a 1999 Ev in ohio


Leroy in Cleveland

[Dean Rose]

Ask WO he's pulled a trailer for years with one.


Dean

[balvenie]

              My EV needed suspension mods, which made the cornering much better on uneven surfaces. The seal for the output shaft (?) in the back of the gearbox has been replaced several times. Make sure All the splines are greased. In addition, the factory does not grease any of the bike's bearings; wheel bearings, head stock bearings, etc.

[Luap McKeever]

The EV series (Tonti frame) is probably the best selling Moto Guzzi since the Ambo/Eldo (loopframe) series in Guzzi history.  There was a time it seemed like everyone had one, or more.  I rode mine (98) for around 80,000 miles before I sold it.  I'd estimate pulling a Kamparoo behind it for close to 30,000 of those miles.  The ONLY problem I had out of it was the flywheel sensor broke off because like a dummy, I accidentally pushed the flywheel sensor cover inside the bell housing and didn't think it would hurt anything.  Evidently the flywheel caught it just right and flicked it up and broke the sensor.  I also replaced the TPS at around 35,000 miles or so because of a flat spot at 4K RPM (sweetspot).  Other than that, I had ZERO problems with it that I can recall, and I flogged the snot out of it pretty well everywhere I went.  They are true workhorses, but do need TLC and proper maintenance to keep yourself happy.

Trailer hitches are plentiful.  Some dealers sell them.  Some people make their own. Some have a handy friend make them one for a 12 pack

I miss my EV and would buy another one in a second if the right deal came along.

[rodekyll]

              My EV needed suspension mods, which made the cornering much better on uneven surfaces. The seal for the output shaft (?) in the back of the gearbox has been replaced several times. Make sure All the splines are greased. In addition, the factory does not grease any of the bike's bearings; wheel bearings, head stock bearings, etc.

Repeated failures of the output shaft seal can be due to a misaligned swing arm or bad carrier bearing.


My 2003 EV has been from Anchor Point (westernmost point of the NA road system) to Martha's Vineyard and from the NW Territories to San Diego.  It's a hydro.  The other bike has the same engine with solid tappets.  They both munch the miles, but I prefer the hydro.

[balvenie]

"misaligned swingarm"
Thanks rodekyll. That expression rung a bell. Since the last mechanic fixed it, there has been no repitition. He was a replacement for the first mechanic who had worked on it a couple of times. Sadly, he has left the country

[MotoGoosy]

I have an '02 EV11, it's the white one on ebay.  They're an industrial machine.  Lumber along at 2,500 rpm all day long.  A real Tunderbeumer.  Like the workmanship, hate the engine, love the riding position.  Lots of chrome to keep polished, though.  I think it would tow a 747.

[maquette]

Thanks to all for your responses. Now I have food for thought and can probably gather more info at the Ohio rally coming up. I figure with Tyler getting bigger he will soon ride on the back of my bike and the sidecar will probably move along and make room for an EV and a camper trailer. I still tent camp, but always thought the pull behinds were the shits and want to try it out.

Again, thank you.

[Nick]

Tom,
As I mentioned at the WNY rally, I've been very happy with my 2003 EV and it's towing ability. The "recalls" were done by Moto International when I purchased it. It pulls effortlessly and you would have no regrets in purchasing a well sorted '03-'04. No, mine is not for sale. 

[jackson]

Thanks to all for your responses. Now I have food for thought and can probably gather more info at the Ohio rally coming up. I figure with Tyler getting bigger he will soon ride on the back of my bike and the sidecar will probably move along and make room for an EV and a camper trailer. I still tent camp, but always thought the pull behinds were the shits and want to try it out.

Again, thank you.

When my children were young, my wife rode a BMW R100RT with an EML sidecar that would pull a small trailer when we would go camping.  It was a 2-passenger sidecar (two, small people).  The two boys and our Maltese terrier would ride in the sidecar and I would ride one of my other bikes.  The Guzzi is more than capable of pulling a small camping trailer while still having the sidecar attached.  Food for thought.

[Wayne Orwig]

If you find one that has been properly cared for, a 2003-04 hydraulic lift model is a great tow vehicle. It has a bit more low end 'grunt'.

[boatdetective]

Great engine, clunky trans. The feet forward, low butt seating position just did not fit me. For the $$$, it's a great value.