Author Topic: California Jackal Bobber merged threadfest  (Read 14384 times)

Offline Calijackalbob

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California Jackal Bobber merged threadfest
« on: January 29, 2016, 12:41:48 PM »
It's been a long time coming,.... but here's the transformation of my Moto Guzzi California Jackal into a Cafe Racer,......... or a bobber.
https://youtu.be/UOQ36BFqJwQ
« Last Edit: June 20, 2016, 11:06:12 AM by oldbike54 »

Offline Calijackalbob

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #1 on: January 29, 2016, 12:59:46 PM »
Part 11
 or two for you illiterates.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5sGCDnAcrH4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Have a great day uzzisti.

Offline guzzisteve

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #2 on: January 29, 2016, 01:01:05 PM »
That's what it's about, making it your own ride.
"Pray through Carlo & your bike shall be healed"
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Offline fotoguzzi

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #3 on: January 29, 2016, 06:38:47 PM »
I like video 2, edgy!
the bike to me needs a slim front fender (unless you never ride in rain?) still the no front fender is so last century..
and slimmer rear fender.. but what ever you like is what counts..
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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #3 on: January 29, 2016, 06:38:47 PM »

Offline Sheepdog

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #4 on: January 30, 2016, 03:58:21 AM »
The Lucas taillight is great looking...a real improvement over the funky original item. I also would prefer to have a front fender, but that bike is a pretty nice effort.
"Change is inevitable. Growth is optional." John C. Maxwell

Offline Calijackalbob

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #5 on: January 31, 2016, 08:10:26 AM »
Off topic here. Just saw my description under my nametag.
"Sunday Rider"
WHAT? !! !

For a guy who's had over 100 bikes, has done over 1000,000 Kilometers in city traffic. (Used to be a motorcycle Courier.) Currently owns two bikes and no car. "Sunday Rider" is a bit of an insult.

Offline guzzisteve

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #6 on: January 31, 2016, 08:28:28 AM »
No worries, that has to do with how many threads you post on, here on the forum.
"Pray through Carlo & your bike shall be healed"
Location: Planet Earth

Offline Calijackalbob

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #7 on: January 31, 2016, 08:42:56 AM »
I like video 2, edgy!
the bike to me needs a slim front fender (unless you never ride in rain?) still the no front fender is so last century..
and slimmer rear fender.. but what ever you like is what counts..

You missed the pic with the chromed front fender at the end of part 2.

While waiting for the fender to come back from the electroplaters, I rode it without the fender rain or shine and in Singapore Monsoons, you'd have to be a dickhead to ride without one. (Or a sunny day rider only.) It was not fun. Like having a hose on your face on rainy days.

I love the original deep fenders and don't plan to change them. (except for chroming the rear fender too!) The big fenders are part of the character of the bike. Take a look.



If you look closer, you'll see a chrome headlight and headlight visor, custom 32inch Western bars and Polished Tomaselli Alloy switchgear from the EV.



upload link direct


Moto Guzzi Cali Jackal Hydrochrome rear fender






Cali Jackal Bobber Transformation Part 111 video coming soon.
« Last Edit: July 28, 2017, 09:05:47 AM by Calijackalbob »

Offline Calijackalbob

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #8 on: January 31, 2016, 11:30:45 AM »
Part 111

https://youtu.be/CA6z6E4GTeY

It's a tease. check it out.





 
« Last Edit: July 28, 2017, 09:09:05 AM by Calijackalbob »

Offline Dean Rose

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #9 on: January 31, 2016, 12:21:32 PM »
More chrome. Maybe the seat.

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #10 on: January 31, 2016, 01:14:55 PM »
More chrome. Maybe the seat.

Dean

 And the tires ...

 Dusty

Offline Tom

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #11 on: January 31, 2016, 03:12:41 PM »
:thumb:
« Last Edit: January 31, 2016, 03:13:33 PM by Tom »
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Offline Calijackalbob

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #12 on: February 01, 2016, 09:21:48 AM »
oooh! I never thought of chrome seat and tyres.
Something to consider.
 :rolleyes:

Nice one boys.  :thumb:

Offline wymple

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #13 on: February 01, 2016, 10:07:39 AM »
I like it, especially the front fender.
No trees were harmed by the conveyance of this message, but a lot of electrons were seriously disturbed.

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #14 on: February 01, 2016, 12:05:18 PM »
oooh! I never thought of chrome seat and tyres.
Something to consider.
 :rolleyes:

Nice one boys.  :thumb:

 Aw come on man , we've all had thoughts of chromed seats and tires  :laugh:

 Dusty

Offline JoeW

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #15 on: February 01, 2016, 12:15:36 PM »
Don't much like chrome tires, too slippery! I've done a Jackal bobber..


Joe Walano

Offline Park Ridge Phil

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #16 on: February 01, 2016, 12:32:38 PM »
 Just wondering if the tail light and turn signals were an easy fit. 😎

Offline Calijackalbob

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #17 on: February 02, 2016, 09:50:46 PM »
Don't much like chrome tires, too slippery! I've done a Jackal bobber..


Nice one Joe.
Yours is one that inspired me !
What, goes around, comes around.
 :thumb:

Offline fotoguzzi

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #18 on: February 02, 2016, 10:09:45 PM »
MINNEAPOLIS, MN

Offline Calijackalbob

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #19 on: February 02, 2016, 10:11:44 PM »
One of the boys asked this, thought the rest of you might like to read the reply.

Quote
I like what you did to your Jackal. I have the same one color and all. Just wondering if it was an easy change out on the tail light and turn signals.  The original ones on my motorcycle are in need of new ones. Also how exactly did you polish those heads? They look fantastic.  You have certainly given me and I'm sure others incentive to make some needed changes to their rides. I always had the solo seat but with the solo seat luggage rack which I like the look of and is functional. Hope to hear from you soon. And thank you again for the videos and ideas. You have inspired me to do the same. 😎

       

Hi Buddy.
The original tail light is fixed to the fender with a welded on bracket. That needs to be cut off and ground down. The guy that did it for me didn't grind it very smooth, but It is hidden behind the number plate.

The position of the signals as seen in the photo has to be changed as the wires are rubbing on the wheel. (They wore through a couple of times, left me with no signal lights.)

The  signals are now going onto short L shaped brackets attached to the bolt hole (for the side bag racks) on the fender support struts/ frame rails.
It's the bolt hole that faces down to the ground, half way between the rear shock mount and the fender mounting bolt.
When the fender is back from chrome, the signal wires are going to be rerouted, coming from under the seat and along the back of fender struts, out of sight and out of the way of the tyre.

Seems like a lot of work, but now the fender is off for chroming, it's an opportunity to tidy up the wiring.

Don't know if you noticed it in the video, but there's a button LED light under the number plate.
I don't like it, it's just there to fill the hole left by the original number plate mount.
The button light will be replaced with an old school round reflector, which also doubles as a tail light/stop light, so if the bulb dies in the stop light, I have a back up.

Wiring it up is easy, just connects to the wires you have to deal with anyway when you switch the tail light.

The lucas tail light uses the original holes for wiring, but requires a hole or two drilled into the fender to fit it.

Have a look around when you shop for your light. I've got the chrome plated alloy one. ($50 on ebay)
Kinda like the polished alloy one better. (I like polishing, .... there's a chance of the chrome peeling off alloy.)

I polished the valve covers using a black and decker drill, a sisal (rough) buffer wheel and a cotton (soft/hi shine) buffer wheel with two different polishing compounds.
Before polishing I removed the blistering paint with paint stripper and fine wet and dry paper used wet.
Don't sand too much as you can create tiny fine scratches which just make the polishing more time consuming. Better to use more stripper and give it more time to work.
Be careful of the paint stripper, it burns through rubber gloves, skin and flesh!

Stripping and polishing only takes about an hour per piece and you might find it cheap to get it done professionally, but I just find it more satisfying to DIY.

I also polished the forks, fork brace, stainless handlebars (they were satin when custom made for me.) handlebar bracket, triple clamps and alloy switch gear too. (Makes investing in a drill (or benchgrinder) and polishing gear very $$ worthwhile.)

Good luck mate. Show us your bike now and when you're done.

BLING!




« Last Edit: July 28, 2017, 09:14:50 AM by Calijackalbob »

Offline kidsmoke

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #20 on: February 03, 2016, 06:36:40 AM »
Good on ya for sharing the details of your custom...

Just wanted to add that there is precedent for eliminating the stock taillight cluster, while leaving the bracket and stock wiring. Not as clean as the lucas or what JoeW did with his. But I like the look.





Ice cream run with the daughter last summer.




I think the Model A light, the black spokes and the soft bags kind of give it a 40's courier vibe.

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Offline JoeW

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #21 on: February 03, 2016, 01:39:24 PM »
Joe Walano

Offline Calijackalbob

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #22 on: February 13, 2016, 11:39:53 AM »
Joe asked "is this paint?"

It's Hydrochrome Joe. It's a Chrome chemical spray on treatment, comes in any colour you like. Check out the Bellagio Chrome tank and hugger.





The tank is plastic, so the chrome reflection isn't as sharp as conventional chrome plating on metal, but it's close. The hugger is fibreglass in black hydrochrome, which turned out more like smoky brown. (The hydro guy's first attempt at black chrome.) I'm happy with it...
Did the fork brace in red chrome and the plastic front fender in chrome. looks great.





The process works on any material, steel, plastic, alloy but would burn on engine parts that get real hot, like valve covers, but ok on engine casings, clutch covers etc.....

Check out more on the Bellagio 940 Cafe Racer Evolution project @ http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=79875.msg1259948#msg1259948
will update it soon. Work should be done in a week or so and I'll be recovered enough to ride it. Can't wait!
« Last Edit: July 28, 2017, 09:26:09 AM by Calijackalbob »

Offline cruzziguzzi

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #23 on: February 13, 2016, 01:33:57 PM »
I like it - but from a puritan-weenis point of view - isn't there too much fender on that to be a "Bobber"? :evil:


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Online Petrus Rocks

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #24 on: February 13, 2016, 04:38:33 PM »
I like it!   I'm more of a cafe guy but a friend has the same bike and has been considering what to remove, etc.  I'm sending him a link.
I'm gonna check out the hydrochrome too.  I want a chrome tank for my Cal II.

Offline Sheepdog

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #25 on: February 13, 2016, 08:32:47 PM »
Good on ya for sharing the details of your custom...

Just wanted to add that there is precedent for eliminating the stock taillight cluster, while leaving the bracket and stock wiring. Not as clean as the lucas or what JoeW did with his. But I like the look.

v



Ice cream run with the daughter last summer.




I think the Model A light, the black spokes and the soft bags kind of give it a 40's courier vibe.


Cool bike!
« Last Edit: February 13, 2016, 08:35:14 PM by Sheepdog »
"Change is inevitable. Growth is optional." John C. Maxwell

Offline Calijackalbob

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #26 on: February 14, 2016, 11:56:45 AM »
I like it - but from a puritan-weenis point of view - isn't there too much fender on that to be a "Bobber"? :evil:
Todd.

Maybe, but I think it has the spirit of a bobber, regardless of the size of the fenders. Stripped down to the essentials, no passenger seat or footrests, discreet signals and lights,..... and if you rode through just ONE Singapore monsoon, you'd agree that fenders are a good thing. If I lived in a desert or was a fair weather rider, I might think otherwise.

Likewise, I don't adhere to all the "design rules" of cafe racers. (Who decided what they were anyway?)
If the bike fits the spirit of the idea of a Cafe, and it is sportier than the original "donor bike" then I reckon call it a cafe racer. Why not?

Offline Calijackalbob

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #27 on: February 14, 2016, 12:03:30 PM »
Good on ya for sharing the details of your custom...

Just wanted to add that there is precedent for eliminating the stock taillight cluster, while leaving the bracket and stock wiring. Not as clean as the lucas or what JoeW did with his. But I like the look.


Nice bike.

Offline Calijackalbob

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #28 on: February 14, 2016, 12:29:18 PM »
I like it!   I'm more of a cafe guy but a friend has the same bike and has been considering what to remove, etc.  I'm sending him a link.
I'm gonna check out the hydrochrome too.  I want a chrome tank for my Cal II.

I bought my Jackal intending to make it into a cafe racer, but  I soon found the California to be perfect the way it was. (after stripping off the touring saddlebags and fly screen.) I didn't have the heart to meddle with perfection. I was smitten. I love the Jackal, but more importantly, I am in LOVE with it.
..... so It became (my version of) a Bobber.

as my Harper's tshirt says, " Moto Guzzi's are  like potato chips, you can't have just one" ...... so I got another. Here's my Bellagio.
 




 in evolution towards something like this.....






Problem is, I love the look of the bike half way there, so I might need to buy another Bellagio after this one is done and do it again, but leave it like this.



[url=http://ibb.co/km2sh5]





Am I getting off the bobber topic here?
« Last Edit: July 28, 2017, 10:03:17 AM by Calijackalbob »

Offline Tom

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Re: California Jackal Bobber
« Reply #29 on: February 14, 2016, 03:22:22 PM »
Yes........post what you like.  Your thread.  :thumb:
« Last Edit: February 14, 2016, 03:23:16 PM by Tom »
From the Deep Deep South out in left field.  There are no stupid questions.  There are however stupid people asking questions.  🤣, this includes me.  😉

 

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