New one from France

[xav32]

Yes I'm french, nobody is perfect 

I'll try to do my best with english

So I'm Xavier, 8 years of motorcycle driving licence and already had 9 motorcycles :

-Honda CX500
-BMW r60/6 (2 different)
-BMW r75/5
-BMW R75/6
-BMW r90/6
-Kawasaki Zr7-s
-1987 gsx-r1100

And finally the reason I came here, a 1996 california 1100i



After this pictures I changed the headlight and the headlight brackets 'cause they was not in the right position.

And now I would like to change the seat, but I don't know what I could put on this bike because of the ECU position.
An aquila nera or vintage california's seat would be great but will it fit ???

I will try to search on the forum to find some informations

[pebra]

Hello Xavier, bienvenue! 

I hope you'll enjoy your Guzzi!
Can't help with your questions, but I'm certain others will.

[Guzzistajohn]

Welcome Xavier! I'm sure you'll get some experienced members commenting on your post. I'm a LeMans guy myself.

[Zoom Zoom]

Welcome to Wildguzzi Xavier, and welcome to Guzzi.

Others should be along with suggestions on seat options. I don't know myself what you may be able to change with.

John Henry

[JJ]

Welcome, Xavier!!

Since you are French, you must know the Guzzi motards of TEAM JOE BAR!

[JACoH]

Welcome from Oregon, USA! That is one nice looking California!  You might try a Corbin (corbin.com probably), for a nice looking, comfortable seat, I have had them on 2 different bikes, currently one on my V7 III.

[Shorty]

Hello and welcome! I had a similiar machine. I found that if I changed the handlebars, the seat became more tolerable. I put on a set of generic dirt bike bars. This caused me to sit more upright, changing the pressure points on the derrier,  . I added a sheepskin, and the seat became comfortable.  You would need to find a set of handlebars wide enough to clear the top clamp on the triple trees. Good luck.  Civilian G-5 handlebars might work, as well.

[xav32]

Got all the Joe Bar comics 

Corbin seats are really big 

The problem is not confort, I would like a smaller seat.
If I could put a solo seat it would be great, but, unless moving the ECU, it is impossible on the 1996 1100i
That is why i was thinking of the aquila nera or vintage seat, they are smaller

And, don't know if you want to see them, but here my other bikes (some have been sold)

ZR7 I exchange it with the california


The japanese guzzi  when I bought it

And know

Still have it, but not running anymore, I keep it for my old days when I will have the time to give i'm a good rebuild

First r60/6 sold it

The r75/5 too much missing parts, sold it too

On the left the r75/6 gave it to my father, he is restoring it actually
And the frame of my seconds r60/6, need a little restoration 

r90/6 still have it too, but need a makeover

And the gsxr

[Sheepdog]

You have great taste in motorcycles, Xavier. I expect that bringing your seat to an upholsterer with instructions for modifications is your best option. Depending on your height, a slightly higher seating surface will relax the angle of your knees and provide a bit more padding over your bike’s computer. I’ve also found that  handlebars that are a little narrower and place your wrists in a more neutral position make the bike more comfortable and easier to control. Bon chance!

[guzzisteve]

Welcome!!  For the seat, YES. CalVin and you get a 20ah battery, swing ECU around & slide it in on it's side next to batt. You have to trim a little off aluminum tabs by ECU plug but it works. I've done a few that way.

[inditx]

Welcome Xavier from "fly over country" USA.
Enjoy that beautiful Guzzi! 

inditx

[pehayes]

We have 98EV which is very similar.  Yes, you can move the computer into the battery compartment and then use a smaller battery like the Odyssey PC680.



Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[xav32]

 

[Dilliw]

Bonjour Xavier!

Where in France do you live?  I have spent many days in your wonderful country especially in Normandy.  4 Seasons every day!

[xav32]

In South West, near Toulouse
Normandie is nice, but the weather is better here 

[MGrego]

Welcome !  Here's my '96 Cali.  I put a sheepskin over the seat and that solved my seat's problems.  A previous owner had the seats redone with a gel layer added, which I cannot stand, because it holds too much heat here in Texas.  Sheepskin fixed that..  Mine has had a few electrical Gremlins lately, but new relay's from Pyro Dan and some DeOxit seem to have made them go away.  I'm sure you will enjoy yours.

[Lcarlson]

Bienvenue, Xavier.

[xav32]

Thank you for your welcome !

I'm going to undress the bike this weekend and see what can I do to thinning the seat 

[Petrus Rocks]

Ah, you french, always undressing something!   

[JJ]

When I lived in Aachen, Germany (2004-2005), they were still selling these French beauties!! - - The VOXAN! - - long since out of business, I believe...

[Huzo]

Leaving Calais for Black Sea in early June, and usually visit a friend near Clermont Fernand as well.
Where are you located in France ?
Nice Cali BTW






[Edit..]
Sorry but just re read your responses and I see you are near Toulouse...
Hmmmm....

[lazlokovacs]

ca va mec, et bienvenu

je suis un irlandais-british dans le 64, envoi moi un PM si jamais t'as besoin de quoi qu'il soit.

This site is great!

 

[xav32]

Salut voisin

Je dois être à 100 kilomètres de Pau environ, à l'occasion d'une petite balade 

[acguzzi]

Welcome Xavier, i spent several weeks in Pau a long time ago, I've always had great experiences in France, I took my Lemans to Lemans also a long time ago along with a friend on a Triumph, the Triumph broke down as it often did, but we had lots of great help (including a supply of wine) from the locals.

[giusto]

In South West, near Toulouse
Normandie is nice, but the weather is better here 

bienvenue xavier c est bon tu es la!

We have good friends in Laval and will be travelling from Laval to Saint Hilaire de riez in July!
I put a Tonti Frame T3 seat on my Cali and changed the tank. I love it. I would love to find an old Motobecane from the 50's. I love these bikes...or and FN. Do you ever see them ?  saluer

[LowRyter]

Bonjour Monsieur.  Bienvenue

Belle GSXR

[xav32]

Thank’s Lowryter

What Cali you have giusto ? I found à lot of tank and seat modification, but mostely on Jackal. I love the results but i don’t know if there is enought space under the seats to keep the ECU on the fender.

FN motorcycles are from Belgium, you can find one for sale in France sometimes but you will get more chances in Belgium.
Motobecane it depends what model you are looking for but there is a lot for sale in France 

[lazlokovacs]

j'ai une selle Cali vintage noir et blanc dans le garage, Je suis dans le pays basque, 45 minutes de Pau

pas sur si je veux la vendre, mais tu peux tres bien l'essayer sur ta moto

PM me

[xav32]

Merci pour la proposition 
Mais si la vintage n’a pas de boîtier ECU sur le garde boue arrière, la selle ne sera pas creusée et ne passera tel quel.
Le dessous de 1100i est comme ça

[xav32]

Took off some chromed parts 



Now I don't know if I let it like that or if I try to find an other seat and modify it