ID this shock

[Stormtruck2]

Is this a stock shock on the 99 Ev or an aftermarket??  How is preload adjusted on it, and is the black dial on the bottom damping adjustment?? Thanks in advance for the help.  I need to adjust these shocks, too sharp of a shock when hitting a seam or bump on the road.

[Wayne Orwig]

That looks like the stock shock. Turn the damper up on the dial.

They do NOT have a preload adjuster. If you look under the left side of the swingarm, you see a valve in the rear brake line. It takes the angle of the swingarm to set the amount of braking force going to the rear brake. More load on the rear, more brakes on the rear. If you adjust the preload, you also screw with the valve on the brakes.
That being said, many people have modified the shocks, and not really noticed anything bad with the brakes.

[Stormtruck2]

Chance are then I take it, that the shock is probably due for rebuild. How do I get a better ride out of it.  The shock up my back when I hit a seam or bump makes me see pretty colors!!!

[Chuck in Indiana]

Chance are then I take it, that the shock is probably due for rebuild. How do I get a better ride out of it.  The shock up my back when I hit a seam or bump makes me see pretty colors!!!

That makes it pretty simple. Quit riding cruisers. 

[Perazzimx14]

That makes it pretty simple. Quit riding cruisers. 

Those shocks were probably ready for the bone pile when they were new. Buy a pair of quality shocks with good progressive springs suited for the bike/rider weight and riding style.

[bad Chad]

Put some of these on, made a big difference on my Bassa.  Don't get fooled into buying $900 plus shocks for an EV, they might be great shocks but it's still an EV.

Check these out
http://www.ikonsuspensionusa.com/product-category/moto-guzzi/

Oh, and as to your question, they look like White Power or more recently WP for obvious reasons.

[fotoguzzi]

call Dave Quin at Hagon, he will set you up for real reasonable price for your size etc and stands behind it.

[krglorioso]

Just today, I fitted my 2003 Stone Touring with a new set of IKON 7610 shocks with IKON-recommended 204 springs to suit my, ah, slender frame.  The OEM 217 springs would be near rigid under me.  Initial results are very pleasing.  $450 for the IKONs with postage and CA tax (as I am a CA resident). 

I'd rather motorcycle manufacturers just put a rigid steel bar between the rear shock mounts and dropped the price a few hundred bucks, allowing us to fit shocks of our choosing.  Ditto the seats.  Just leave them off.

Ralph