Impressions of the V11 EV
Impressions of the V11 Ev by Steve Wagner
I recently rode with a couple of guys with EV'S. I myself have a 96 Sport. These guys went into the curves like they were in a hurry. I'm convinced the EV'S are sport bikes in disguise. I think the the EV will be my next bike.
Steve Wagner
Note from Wildgoose - I can relate to that!
More Impressions of the EV by Jim May
I have a 98 V-11 EV. It has Bub Exhaust and a K-N filter, and other wise stock except for bar end mirrors and lower bars. It is my 3 in 1 bike. I like to cruise through the country, ride to work in the city. I also like to go to Daytona, and ride the Blue Ridge Parkway too. This bike does it all.. It is fast, smooth and comfortable. I've had 3 other Guzzi's, but this is the best all around one yet. I might put a V-11 Sport cam in it for some extra power on the top end. It is a great bike. Jim May, Weddington, NC
More Impressions of the EV by "Bones"
Just bought a California EV. I've previously owned three Harley's-two choppers and one sportster and a Honda dresser (sorry, I had to fess up to this sin!) Never had floor boards before and they are way to cool! Never had a heel/toe shift either. It is really easy to use and fun. Shifting is quicker than I expected. To be frank, I expected this thing to handle like a pig (my wife wanted the thing), but I have been pleasantly surprised. Like ride'n a snake. She just goes through curves like a b---- in heat head'n for the alpha male. Sounds like a Harley, handles like a sport bike.......sounds like an Aerosmith song....anyway, good low end torque and just a squealer to drive.
More Impressions of the EV by Robert Brooks:
Did an even trade between my '74 Eldo LAPD for a '98 EV. I've had the EV for about a month, and put on small spotlights, lower Super bike bars, GP black rectangular mirrors, EMGO 27" slash cut mufflers, opened up the air box lid, de-linked the brakes, Galfer steel-braided front brake lines, Galfer full-floating front brake rotors, and a Ducati Brembo front master cylinder. This is a great "power cruiser". It's a lot more comfortable than my '95 1100 Sport, and I'm a lot more confident going fast thru the twisties now that it has "normal" brakes. I like being able to keep my feet on the floorboards and just use two fingers on the brake lever to slow down. It's got a deep throaty sound from the EMGOs, and I can't detect any increase in intake noise with the open air box lid. The brakes are terrific, and with the detachable 40-liter Givi bags that came with it, I can see going on some weekend jaunts. Just this afternoon I was out road-testing the bike after I did the air box mod and de-linked the brakes. I was going up one of the canyon roads around here, and passed some rice rockets and a pasta burner who were waiting on a side road to merge onto the road I was on. I saw them in my rear view mirrors once they turned, but they never did catch up or pass me.
Gotta love the torque and riding position of the EV. As someone already mentioned, it's a deceptive looking bike, in that you can really hustle this "power cruiser" along on those twisty curvy roads.
I'm looking forward to many years of riding this EV, and the ear-to-ear smiles it will continue to give me.
Robert Brooks
Fillmore, CA
2004 EV Impressions from Chuck D.
I bought my first Guzzi in June '04 and really love the bike. I've put about 6,400 miles on it so far and have thoroughly enjoyed the bike and guess I'll never get rid of it. I'm about 6'2" and it fits me very well, but took a little getting used to the knees up riding position, the heel rest on the foot brake pad and a couple of other things. But that passes quickly and it all makes sense and I've felt the bike was made just for me. I particularly like the handlebar shape and size. Really comfortable. V Twin vibration is pretty cool and because of the damping they do with bar weights and rubber mounts, that's never been a problem.
I don't know what else I can add about handling and performance since I agree with the other riders' impressions. I find it's best on the highway where you have long sweeping curves. Does fine in tighter corners, but because of it's size, I don't feel that's it forte. But as others say, because of the sport frame and high ground clearance, you can lean it over and it does quite well. It pulls away from stop lights quickly and it's a blast to run it up to 5000 RPM and shift! Shifting to me is smoother than on my Beemer, though you will get false neutrals if you don't put your foot down with authority. It has a bit of a clunk noise when you shift, but to me that's just fine. Let's you know you're handling a piece of fine machinery. I don't have any problem at all with the integrated brakes and think it stops just fine. I was amazed at how well it handles in the rain, particularly stopping with no rear end twitch.
Lots of nice features like the heated grips and the electrical outlet. Had never experienced floor boards before, but they are great and so far haven't been a problem with cornering. I find that I often ride with feet back in more a sport position, and that's no problem with the floor boards. I really don't know if I'll keep the lower fairings on it, as I might take them off to fit highway pegs. I feel the looks of the bike are it's strongest feature. No question in my mind that the Cali is an ageless classic. To me, it's what a motorcycle should look like. Only wish the tank had bigger capacity, but it sure looks great! I have noticed that some trim pieces aren't done as well as they could be. I don't have a problem with the chromed plastic, as I think all manufacturers do that. But some of the rubber trim strips aren't properly glued down upon arrival. Otherwise, you can't help but be impressed with the overall high level of fit and finish, particularly with the paint. Excellent high quality components, and I just love the chrome tubeless spoked wheels. Very classy.
I went on my first rally tour this summer, riding from TX to OH to go to the Mid Ohio AMA Vintage Bike Rally. Had a great experience and just loved how the bike performed. Put in two 700 and two 600 mile days up and back and other than butt burn, didn't have any problem. EV Tour comes with the 40 liter hard bags which I feel don't have as much useable space as those on my K 75. But there's plenty of room riding solo for a Mag's bag for camping gear and I even loaded on a water proof rafting bag onto the rear carrier.
Other bikers seem to like it's classic looks, and that goes for HD as well as Japanese and other Euro owners. To me, it's an all round great bike that looks like a cruiser but out handles all of the rest. Great tour bike that loves the miles. Great around town bike for weekend errands. I'm extremely happy with it and did the 6,000 maintenance work myself. Overall, I highly recommend it.