A real Guzzi topic (gasp)

[oldbike54]

 We have discussed this before , just thought some fresh perspective might be interesting . Starting with a California model built from 1999 to the last Tonti Calis , what modification brought the greatest positive change . The simple stuff that didn't cost a fortune or take an engineer to implement . Could be handling , comfort , safety , even straight line performance .

 Dusty

[Dilliw]

The seats on the 2004 and earlier were horrible compared to the Vintage and now the current models.  Save the optional King/Queen which was excellent but the leather cover on it will cook you if it gets hot.

[Guzzistajohn]

My exposure to that era of Cali's was when I lived north of Kansas City. First thing Ace Mallot and the St. Joe Guzzi gang would do with a new bike was replace the stock exhaust with big open pipes with turnout ends. They were a little loud but they would really run. They had the car burglar  alarms going off all over St. Joseph, Mo.

[cruzziguzzi]

I haven't done it yet but am quite certain addressing the buffeting of my Calvin with the screen vents shown last year here on WG will be my numbah 1.



Todd.

[travelingbyguzzi]

The best and easiest positive change would be to source a 7:33 rear drive.

[wymple]

My exposure to that era of Cali's was when I lived north of Kansas City. First thing Ace Mallot and the St. Joe Guzzi gang would do with a new bike was replace the stock exhaust with big open pipes with turnout ends. They were a little loud but they would really run. They had the car burglar  alarms going off all over St. Joseph, Mo.

You sure Ace needed a bike to set off alarms?

[Guzzistajohn]

You sure Ace needed a bike to set off alarms?

Maybe not, he's a pretty good ol boy though!

[Denis]

The first full dress and naked Cal IIIs over here had these odd handlebars that to me seemed to turn back to the ride too much. My hands always wanted to slide off. It was worse on the unfaired ones. The 15 Le Mans engines Californias which came here had different bars and were much better.

[arveno]

cut off the floor boards mount etc... and put mid pegs , 1000 SP style.
The best mods done to my cali.
Also narrower handlebar.
de linked brakes.

[cwiseman]

On my CalVin the best was a Neds seat (thanks Jim at Neds)  and not far behind was the updated shifter to give me more foot room on the board and allowing my heel to only be slightly raised to up shift.

[John A]

99Bassa: Dual plug and port heads by Mike Rich, Sport throttle bodies, cam, custom dyno made map with FIM program by Doug Lofgren  ., ten spring clutch. Hagon shocks, fork springs, relays on everything.

[Tom]

Biggest mod to be done that's cheap and enhances performance is for the rider to change their thinking on how to ride a Moto Guzzi.  Rev' the bike higher and maintain the Rev's to a higher rpm level.  In other words shift at 5K rpm's and cruise at 4K and above.  For handling don't be afraid to toss it in turns.

[oldbike54]

 Tom , shift at 5K RPM??? hmm , may need to lower my shift points  Yes to the flinging thing 

 Dusty

[Tom]

The drivetrain can handle it and amazing on the performance differences.