Author Topic: 1986 California II (Read 6886 times)

bfisher · « **on:** March 22, 2016, 01:47:47 PM »

Hello, I am considering trading my current bike(bmw k75) for a clean 1986 California II 40000 miles. I have never owned a Guzzi, but have always been fascinated with them. What are common problems and things to look at/for on this model. Do they have spline problems and transmission problem's like bmw's have been known for? Thanks for any advice. I can't find much information specific to these bikes.

Kiwi_Roy · « **Reply #1 on:** March 22, 2016, 01:57:57 PM »

There are many owners of California IIs on here. I have one (an 84) that's just over 100,000 miles, it's a lovely old bike, handles very well. I doubt I will ever get rid of it.
At 40,000 yours is barely run in.
The splines do need greasing from time to time, I'm pretty sure mine is still original.
Like all Guzzis it has some electrical issues.
Hope this helps

twhitaker · « **Reply #2 on:** March 22, 2016, 01:58:30 PM »

I don't have an answer for you but a week from tomorrow some guys from this.....

West Pennsylvania MGNOC Dinner meets on the last Wednesday of every month, 7:00 P.M., Zarra's Restaurant, 3887 Bigelow Blvd, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213. Contact: MGNOC Rep Tip Paul for additional info: 412-784-1200 home, 412-462-6300 work, 412-680-7094 cell. Email: thp@peipittsburgh.com.

...may be of help.

bigbikerrick · « **Reply #3 on:** March 22, 2016, 02:07:05 PM »

California IIs have a reputation for being some of the best touring Guzzis. I have an 84 automatic, and love it. They are solid,overbuilt, workhorse Guzzis, that will last a lifetime if properly maintained. The cal IIs have a longer wheelbase, and taller steering head, than some other Tonti framed models, and that makes them very stable. 40K miles is not even broken in for a Guzzi if its been maintained well, but its a 30 year old bike, so it would behoove you to go through it well.
Good luck, and welcome to the Guzzi family!
Rick.

Wildguzzi.com · « **Reply #3 on:** March 22, 2016, 02:07:05 PM »

bfisher · « **Reply #4 on:** March 22, 2016, 02:40:37 PM »

Thanks everyone for the replies. Beautiful bike!

oldbike54 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 22, 2016, 02:45:20 PM »

Many owners believe the Cal II to be the equivalent Guzzi to the '80-'84 airhead beemers , the best of the breed . Lovely bike . Oh , welcome to WG .

Dusty

wymple · « **Reply #6 on:** March 22, 2016, 03:28:09 PM »

I bought a used 84 in 1992. It's in my garage, and not leaving.

Papa Lazarou · « **Reply #7 on:** March 22, 2016, 04:14:59 PM »

A) make sure it has been re-wired at some point. Old Italian electrics were crap.
B) Make sure it has electronic ignition
C) smoke on start up could mean a valve regrind
D) 40K miles is nothing. As said, just run in. I've known old Guzzis do in excess of 350K
E) If it's a good price, buy it

bigbikerrick · « **Reply #8 on:** March 22, 2016, 04:32:39 PM »

Cal II with recently added" Guzzi Touring" fairing, and lowers.

bigbikerrick · « **Reply #9 on:** March 22, 2016, 04:34:31 PM »

view from the "cockpit"

bfisher · « **Reply #10 on:** March 22, 2016, 04:51:53 PM »

That is beautiful!

Shorty · « **Reply #11 on:** March 23, 2016, 01:05:03 AM »

Welcome! If at all possible, keep the BMW and get the Guzzi too. Most of those K75s are keepers. You will find the Guzzi has more torque, better low speed handling than the (top heavy feeling) Beemer. The Guzzi does not make near the electrical power that your BMW does, an important consideration if you ride 3 seasons in western PA, and use aux lights and heated clothing. I found a Guzzi to be a more pleasurable ride on curvy roads, but my BMW K75s were better at longer distance slab work. Both have similiar Brembo brakes, but the Guzzi is linked. The BMW has the advantages of tubeless tires, single sided swingarm, stainless exhaust system, fairly well sorted fuel injection, and a quiet ride, and needs very little maintenance once set up properly. The Guzzi has way more soul, but will need a loving touch a little more often. Show us your bikes when you get time!

shorty (from Beaver County )

bfisher · « **Reply #12 on:** March 23, 2016, 05:12:53 AM »

I do use heated gloves and ride in the cold. How many watts is the charging system? I too am from beaver county , near hookstown.

K250 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 23, 2016, 06:12:42 AM »

A lot of this decision depends on relative condition and personal preference. Myself, a clean k75s would be a keeper but a k75LT, would have done the deal already. :)

BillinPA · « **Reply #14 on:** March 23, 2016, 07:16:28 AM »

Sold my 1986 Cal II last fall. It was a good bike and served me well. They are good bikes and if efi isn't your thing.....the Cal II checks the boxes!!! If you buy the bike and need anything like help or advice, get in touch I am about 40 miles nw of Pittsburgh.

Big Bike Rick........beautif ul Cal II!!!!!

bfisher · « **Reply #15 on:** March 23, 2016, 07:24:50 AM »

Thank you, I appreciate that.

georgemii · « **Reply #16 on:** March 23, 2016, 08:01:27 AM »

I own the earlier version of each of yours - an R90/6 and a '76 Convert.
I much prefer riding the Guzzi. Just my $0.02; YRMV.

Peter949 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 23, 2016, 09:13:00 AM »

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I purchased my 1984 California II about 3 years ago, and it has been totally reliable with very minimal repairs. Other that maintenance items (brake pads, cables, battery, etc ...) the only update has been a new voltage regulator! At times the clutch can be a bit touchy, but most of the time it is a pure please to ride. It now has 86,000 Kilometers.

Peter (from Creemore Ontario)

donn · « **Reply #18 on:** March 23, 2016, 09:29:47 AM »

Mine is '85, about 35K. Very robust mechanically. Maybe a little weak in the electric area as one might expect after 30 years. There are improvements that can be made to compensate, especially rewiring the starter relay so the solenoid is powered straight from the battery. My key cylinder is a little worn. Stuff like that.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned yet - this is a big motorcycle. Guzzis are fairly tall anyway, and I think the California II is the tallest of them, albeit by a fraction of an inch. I'm 6'2'' (though not such long legs considering) and it's real hard for me to walk this thing around over the slightest obstacles or up grade.

On the plus side, once under way, my legs aren't bunched up, and it's easy to sit in a good posture. (The foot boards help with the leg comfort, too, as long as you aren't constantly working the controls.) And it's also a long, wide motorcycle with a lot of room to pile stuff on the back. I understand it's the longest frame they made. A real luxury touring barge.

I found the stock windshields miserable, switched to a Windjammer frame mounted fairing which I think looks great with the California II.

(I should add, for that "it's the tallest" claim, we're not counting Quota & Stelvio.)

Shorty · « **Reply #19 on:** March 23, 2016, 10:11:27 AM »

Quote from: bfisher on March 23, 2016, 05:12:53 AM

I do use heated gloves and ride in the cold. How many watts is the charging system? I too am from beaver county , near hookstown.

New Brighton lad here. I believe the stock Guzzi claims 280 watts vs 500watts on your BMW. There are upgrades you can add to the Guzzi to gain more. Not cheap. http://umotorcycleelectrical.com/edl450 (there may be a cheaper source for this upgrade) The Guzzi also has breaker points for ignition, unless the owner has installed an aftermarket electronic ignition. I do not mean to bash Guzzi. I have owned many of them, and they are very satisfying to ride. I think there is a Guzzi Rally coming up soon, just a few miles from Hookstown, in New Cumberland, WV. You should see numerous Guzzis there, and get plenty of info.

twhitaker · « **Reply #20 on:** March 23, 2016, 10:28:56 AM »

Quote

NEW CUMBERLAND WEST VIRGINIA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARMENT MOTO GUZZI RALLY AND FRIENDS

$30 before May 1st, $35 after. Three days camping, hot showers, 24 hours coffee. Entertainment, local tour maps, 50/50 raffle, door prizes, plaques, Continental breakfast on Sunday morning, food available on site. Sorry – no dogs please. See rally ad in the newsletter for information for local lodging. Contact: John Ashcraft, 507 South Chester Street, New Cumberland, West Virginia 26047-9422. 304-564-5015. Email: jaybyed507@yahoo.com.

bfisher · « **Reply #21 on:** March 23, 2016, 11:05:20 AM »

New Cumberland is 5 miles down my road. That is where my interest began, sitting on the porch and watching 30 Moto Guzzis run by. I have wanted one for a while. I am worried about the seat height, as I am only 5 foot 8. I have to tiptoe my beemer and seat height is 31 inches.

Peter949 · « **Reply #22 on:** March 23, 2016, 12:23:32 PM »

Hello again, I am 5ft 7 inches tall at the very most ...and my 84 Cali II seat height is just fine for me with the suspension set on soft, and my new low profile tires.

Peter (from Creemore)

bigbikerrick · « **Reply #23 on:** March 23, 2016, 12:46:39 PM »

Thanks for the kind words guys, as far as the Cal II ,and seat height, I have a 30 inch inseam, 5'9", I replaced the rear shocks with 12.5" progressives, and brought the fork tubes about 3/4" up through the triple clamps, as well as shaping the seat foam a bit to remove height, and add higher density foam. I can flatfoot the bike just fine with those mods. I figgured, if i needed the bike lower, I could lower the seat another inch easily by cutting/rewelding the mounting posts,as it sits well above the frame, but that wasnt necessary.
Rick.

steven c · « **Reply #24 on:** March 23, 2016, 01:15:49 PM »

I have an 82 that is waiting fpr me to put the gear box back on and figure out how to mount a standard (T-3 etc) seat.

BillinPA · « **Reply #25 on:** March 23, 2016, 03:03:17 PM »

Quote from: bfisher on March 23, 2016, 11:05:20 AM

New Cumberland is 5 miles down my road. That is where my interest began, sitting on the porch and watching 30 Moto Guzzis run by. I have wanted one for a while. I am worried about the seat height, as I am only 5 foot 8. I have to tiptoe my beemer and seat height is 31 inches.

Ha-ha that would do it to a guy. I am in Darlington. Feel free to get in touch for help

Kiwi_Roy · « **Reply #26 on:** March 23, 2016, 03:14:38 PM »

Quote from: bfisher on March 23, 2016, 05:12:53 AM

I do use heated gloves and ride in the cold. How many watts is the charging system? I too am from beaver county , near hookstown.

The manual says 20 Amps at 14V (280 Watts). I normally run Girbing gloves at 100% without care but when running a vest at 100% I have to be careful, turn the vest off several minutes before stopping or turn off the headlight while idling at a stop. The bike has a Voltmeter so it's pretty easy to maintain enough Voltage.
Bump starts easy anyway.

bfisher · « **Reply #27 on:** March 24, 2016, 07:47:10 AM »

Hello again, I am 5ft 7 inches tall at the very most ...and my 84 Cali II seat height is just fine for me with the suspension set on soft, and my new low profile tires.
Thanks for this information.

bfisher · « **Reply #28 on:** March 24, 2016, 07:51:31 AM »

I want to thank everyone for your comments and pictures. Your information is priceless. It is also amazing how many here live within a few miles of my house and offered help. If I end up getting the bike I will certainly need more. I promise not to ask stupid questions.

cookiemech · « **Reply #29 on:** March 24, 2016, 08:54:25 AM »

I know very little about a 1986 Cal II, but a bunch more about the K75. As someone else opined, if you can, keep the K75. I have never run across a more durable, reliable platform than the K75 (I have owned two of them for years). If you keep the splines lubed and change oil and filter once a year, you can't break them. They get the job done.

I also live near Pittsburgh, about 30 miles southeast . . .

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Author Topic: 1986 California II (Read 6886 times)

bfisher

Wildguzzi.com

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oldbike54

Papa Lazarou

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K250

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