Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Mwether on June 21, 2025, 05:53:03 PM
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Hi, all.
My glacial search for a Guzzi continues, and now I have a specific scenario: next summer, in memory of a good friend, I'm planning to do a 50CC (coast to coast in fifty hours) as a benefit for the National Brain Tumor Society.
I'm giving myself a year to acquire the bike and get it sorted and outfitted for this kind of LD trip. (Not to mention an SS1000 or two to get things dialed in.)
I know the right answer to the question is probably an SP or Norge, but I really would like to take a "California to California," if this kind of Iron Butt nonsense is not a ridiculous misapplication of the bike's design brief. (I don't think it is...?)
I've read that there are significant differences between the EV Touring and CalVin seating position and bars. Those are the two leading contenders (due to screen/bags/floorboards), but of course I'm open to Cal II or III ideas (or anything else I'm unaware of)!
Very interested in your thoughts!
ETA: RECOMMENDATIONS ARE BELOW
Guzzis
California 1400: 6 votes (at least)
SP: 2 votes
V85: 2 votes
Various 1100 Calis: 2 votes
Norge: 2 votes
Stelvio: 1 vote
V100: 1 vote
Non-Guzzis
Goldwing: 1 vote
GS Adventure: 1 vote
Ferarri: 1 vote
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50 hours means riding straight through, no sleep. I did it in a car but with a co driver. Things get pretty weird about 4 in the morning. Choices are floorboards or foot pegs. A seat you can tolerate for that long and a decent fairing. A Swanee has them all pretty much beat.
Pete
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50 hours at once is stupid and reckless imho, but floorboards are the way to go.
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I would think a 1400 California would be the best,smoother and more powerful than early EVs.
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EV would be good except for too small fuel tank. Refueling would eat up a lot of time. in my mind a SP1000 would excel for this. 300 miles to a tankful more or less
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As mentioned, gas stops will kill your pace. Take some practice runs and time your stops for gas. Start the timer when you start slowing down for the exit ramp and get the time (for a full tank) until you get back on the road at your travelling speed.
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I’ve owned 3 EVs and IMHO the MG that would provide the best results for your future endeavor would be the California 1400 tourer.
(https://i.ibb.co/8n7WcP9T/IMG-3325.jpg)
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Thanks for these reflections, folks. So far, two votes for the 1400 and one for an SP.
As to the trip itself, this does NOT mean riding for 50 hours straight. That WOULD be crazy. The goal is to complete the ride WITHIN a 50-hour window.
My route is about as short as you can get and still go across the continent: Tybee Island, GA to San Diego, CA., essentially 2400 miles. If I can average 55mph it will take 43.6 hours, leaving 6.4 hours for stops and rests. Google Maps estimates the drive time at 34 hours (~70mph), leaving a 16-hour cushion.
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A new V85 with Goldwing foot pegs. Just as good as floorboards) is the only Guzzi to consider. More comfortable than the others, good wind protection, upright seating, fantastic fuel mileage and range this bike does it all!
Let the hate begin!
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A new V85 with Goldwing foot pegs. Just as good as floorboards) is the only Guzzi to consider. More comfortable than the others, good wind protection, upright seating, fantastic fuel mileage and range this bike does it all!
Let the hate begin!
That has my vote too. Add cruise control if for no other reason than to rest your right wrist.
Pete
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(https://i.ibb.co/zT6jsjB2/2017-MG-Cali-Touring-8-Copy.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/4Rztmb5r/2017-MG-Cali-Touring-1-10.jpg)
(https://ibb.co/LdmRkT27)
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(https://i.ibb.co/wFnX6JPs/304118.jpg)
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I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the Stelvio NTX. an 8.5 gallon tank would be handy on a long trip.
(https://cdn-0.totalmotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/2015-Moto-Guzzi-Stelvio-1200-8V-NTX2-small.jpg)
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1400 California is the bike to get if you want to use a Guzzi. I had a 1400, different model, but they can eat up the miles. The only drawback is small fuel tank and they are a little thirsty, mine averaged 40 mpg. I would carry some type of auxillary fuel supply. It can be done, I rode an R75/5 from Denver to Rhode Island in 46 hours with 6 hours worth of naps. It had a 6.3 gallon fuel tank and 50 mpg, 300 miles per tank was easy.
kk
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The V11 EV would certainly be the bargain of the bunch for effortless cross country cruising. A beautiful one owner 1998 HDM with only 26,000 well cared for miles just sold for $1500 on Marketplace.
(https://i.postimg.cc/qRVKthdL/506208179-1009125458053221-7675661115354691393-n.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
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A great event and doable, though there are few things worse than hours on the super slab.
Back in the day, I did a LOT of Iron Butt runs on my XS 1100. Fuel stops ever 100 miles, average of 80 mph including stops would knock out the 1000 mile run in 13-14 hours, all on superslab.
I think a lot depends on start and end point, your age and reseliency, and obviously the bike. I'd have done it at 30-30, never in my 60's. My son-in-law and I did a Washington DC to Tacoma Washington run back in 2015. We drove straight and switched off. It was brutal.
I just ran the numbers on a New York City to LA. Minimal tolls on a decent route through beautiful country (NY-OK) is just under 2900 miles. If you committed to averaging 80 miles an hour you could do 20 hours on day one, get 8 to 10 hours of rest overnight, and knock out the final 20 hours averaging 80 miles per hour on day two. I'd stick to a 100 to 125 mi stopping distance with or without gas will keep you hydrated give you opportunity to stretch your legs, etc. As long as you kept your average speed over 80 you'd be fine. I would also see if you could do 20 hours, and assess if you could do that 2 days back-to-back. Could be a pretty dangerous proposition if you or your motorcycle or not up to the task.
You asked which California model, I think any of the California 1400s would be fine if...... You had proper wind protection upper and lower. This would be important not only for general fatigue from wind buffeting, but also inclement weather etc. I also think that any properly prepared an equipped motorcycle of 1000cc or higher would be completely adequate. What is the end goal I don't have a lot of experience, but I think the v100 is not up to the task. Any of the older California's or an ev, and certainly the 1400 California's would shrug off long distances like that, as would a Norge.
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Also relevant is what bike would you want to keep after this two day run? Its not like you can rent this.
Pete
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A great event and doable, though there are few things worse than hours on the super slab.
Back in the day, I did a LOT of Iron Butt runs on my XS 1100. Fuel stops ever 100 miles, average of 80 mph including stops would knock out the 1000 mile run in 13-14 hours, all on superslab.
I think a lot depends on start and end point, your age and reseliency, and obviously the bike. I'd have done it at 30-30, never in my 60's. My son-in-law and I did a Washington DC to Tacoma Washington run back in 2015. We drove straight and switched off. It was brutal.
I just ran the numbers on a New York City to LA. Minimal tolls on a decent route through beautiful country (NY-OK) is just under 2900 miles. If you committed to averaging 80 miles an hour you could do 20 hours on day one, get 8 to 10 hours of rest overnight, and knock out the final 20 hours averaging 80 miles per hour on day two. I'd stick to a 100 to 125 mi stopping distance with or without gas will keep you hydrated give you opportunity to stretch your legs, etc. As long as you kept your average speed over 80 you'd be fine. I would also see if you could do 20 hours, and assess if you could do that 2 days back-to-back. Could be a pretty dangerous proposition if you or your motorcycle or not up to the task.
You asked which California model, I think any of the California 1400s would be fine if...... You had proper wind protection upper and lower. This would be important not only for general fatigue from wind buffeting, but also inclement weather etc. I also think that any properly prepared an equipped motorcycle of 1000cc or higher would be completely adequate. What is the end goal I don't have a lot of experience, but I think the v100 is not up to the task. Any of the older California's or an ev, and certainly the 1400 California's would shrug off long distances like that, as would a Norge.
Good luck “averaging” 80 MPH through some states. One may be sending posting your progress from some jurisdictions county or city jail!
My advice would be not to attempt this feat for safety and common sense reasons.
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I've only completed one 1,000+ mile day and that was by necessity on my SPIII, what I found was that around the 700 mile mark I started getting my second wind and probably could have gone farther but I was at my destination. Would I do it for back to back days? Nope.
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A Ferrari California is recommended.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a7/Ferrari_California_30.jpg/250px-Ferrari_California_30.jpg)
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The new V100 is the best Guzzi I've ridden for touring, followed by the Norge.
I'd caution anyone against 1000 miles of riding in a single stint. I know "Ironman" Mike T aka "Rocker59" did the Colorado 1000 on his Nero Corsa LeMans a few years ago, not counting the two way trip from Arkansas.
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I did a bunburner 1500 one time. Glad I don’t have to do that again. I would never try it with floorboards and feet out front. :weiner:
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BMW GSA with electronic cruise. Open ergos, upright neutral seating position, ability to stand up sit down move for and aft, decent wind protection and most of all LT suspension.
Top up the tank, click it into 6th set the cruise and roll for 300 miles. Repeat 10 times. Or add a 4 or 5 gallon salve tank and run 500+ miles between stops.
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My longest day on a motorcycle is 860 miles on my Norton. No windshield, zero electronic nannies. Just wanted to get across Nevada. Rolled into Reno at 11:00 PM and got a room with AC.
Pete
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My longest day on a motorcycle is 860 miles on my Norton. No windshield, zero electronic nannies. Just wanted to get across Nevada. Rolled into Reno at 11:00 PM and got a room with AC.
Pete
So did everyone from the development of motorcycles until -2000ish until electronic Nannie’s were a thing. So what!
My biggest day was 1144 miles in 18:54 on a fairly analog 2009 R1200GSA. Again, so what or more importantly who cares, it’s a personal best not a competition.
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So did everyone from the development of motorcycles until -2000ish until electronic Nannie’s were a thing. So what!
My biggest day was 1144 miles in 18:54 on a fairly analog 2009 R1200GSA. Again, so what or more importantly who cares, it’s a personal best not a competition.
The point is you only need two wheels and a desire to ride. In this case you need a machine that can cruise at least at 70 mph to get there in 50 hours but all that other stuff is superfluous.
Pete
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Also relevant is what bike would you want to keep after this two day run? ...
Super important consideration, Pete.
I really don't dig the ADV look (anymore) so the the Stelvio and V85 are out.
I like old school sport tourers, so in age order, the SPs, Norge, and V100 are on the radar. In my case, the V100 is likely too new to be affordable.
I'm not a cruiser guy but there's something special about the Tonti Californias, specifically the California Vintage. I love the look of Loops (but I don't think I'd try this trip on one) and I think the CalVin comes the closest to a modern Loop aesthetic. I like the flatter seat (like the California II) better than the scooped seat of the California III, California 1100/1100i, and EV. I think the FWP tank looks least offensive on the CalVin too.
But I'm attracted to EVs, because they are plentiful and relatively inexpensive, as Dave Swanson mentioned. (That '98 "McDonalds" for $1500 would have been fantastic. I haven't seen them go that cheaply before.)
I've read great things about the 1400 engine and the biggest Cali. I think it would be super for the LD ride but probably overkill once I was done. It weighs ~710 dry vs. ~580 for the EVs/CalVin.
Like so many things, this is also form vs. function question. The Norge likely makes the most sense in terms of value and capability, but the CalVin is so much more beautiful.
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I had a ‘98 EV. It would easily cruise at 80. Limiting factor is how much wind blast can you tolerate. I just had a flyscreen over the headlight that kept most of air off my chest and my helmet in clean air, no buffeting. A Swanee would keep the windblast off but still let clean air in for cooling. Pressure balanced.
Early EVs had a big 8 bit computer that was not well programmed. Also took a lot of room under the seat which made it a bit harder to find a more comfortable seat. The stock seat sucks. Best to stick with the post hydro valve models. Better seat and mapping.
Handlebars can be swapped out to suit. Lots of good Guzzis to choose from for this.
Pete
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Any good seat maker can craft a seat to one's liking using the original pan.
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After comfort, I think the number 1 concern is fuel range. A 15 minutes gas stop (time yourself one time) every 120-150 miles is a deal killer. Remember, once you start slowing down for the exit ramp you're not going to be getting 75 mile an hour anymore. The longer the range, the less the stop affects your overall 50 hours time limit.
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After comfort, I think the number 1 concern is fuel range. A 15 minutes gas stop (time yourself one time) every 120-150 miles is a deal killer. Remember, once you start slowing down for the exit ramp you're not going to be getting 75 mile an hour anymore. The longer the range, the less the stop affects your overall 50 hours time limit.
If that's really the case for the OP and he really wants to make it on a Tonti Cali, then he just needs to carry an auxiliary fuel tank and plumb it to the main tank. I would think there's a way to mount an auxiliary to a luggage rack. I mean the IBR guys do.
Maybe all it would take is a modified fuel cap with a fitting and a hose from the auxiliary tank that is mounted high enough that it would siphon.
I get why a Norge or Stelvio might be better objectively, but I know I would prefer a Tonti Cali subjectively and it should be relatively cheap and easy to add auxiliary fuel and still have the bike he wants to use.
All that said, I'd rather slow it down a day or two.
I've done it in 7-8 days and I've done it in 5-6 days. I have no desire to do it in 2.
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Cali Vintage with a swannee took me many many many miles. My top score was only 700 miles in one go.
Had a fairly regular 300 mile each way commute though, so I definitely BTDT.
I am going to stress that you absolutely need the aftermarket fairing as the stock windshield is terrible.
I would frequently finish that commute and feel disappointed it was over and want to carry on!!
Good luck and ride safe as you can in this age of smartphone moron cagers.
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If that's really the case for the OP and he really wants to make it on a Tonti Cali, then he just needs to carry an auxiliary fuel tank and plumb it to the main tank. I would think there's a way to mount an auxiliary to a luggage rack. I mean the IBR guys do.
Maybe all it would take is a modified fuel cap with a fitting and a hose from the auxiliary tank that is mounted high enough that it would siphon.
I get why a Norge or Stelvio might be better objectively, but I know I would prefer a Tonti Cali subjectively and it should be relatively cheap and easy to add auxiliary fuel and still have the bike he wants to use.
All that said, I'd rather slow it down a day or two.
I've done it in 7-8 days and I've done it in 5-6 days. I have no desire to do it in 2.
Aux fuel tanks are easy to plumb. Tie the discharge hose of the slave tank into the vent hose of the main tank and as you ride vacuum will pull the fuel from the slave to the main tank and never overfill it. I have a 4 gallons slave tank set up for a GS and it works a treat.
Here is a link to my thread on adding a slave tank with pictures:
https://www.r1200gs.info/threads/aux-fuel-cell.53885/post-321017
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50 years ago I rode a 750 Honda from Vegas to Chicago in 2 days,all interstate,and I was lucky to average 50mpg,stopping to rest only when gassing up and running 70 between stops.
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After comfort, I think the number 1 concern is fuel range. A 15 minutes gas stop (time yourself one time) every 120-150 miles is a deal killer. Remember, once you start slowing down for the exit ramp you're not going to be getting 75 mile an hour anymore. The longer the range, the less the stop affects your overall 50 hours time limit.
The EV has a 5 gallon tank. At 70 if its in decent tune it should get at least 40 mpg. Mine got 43-45 at 65 or so but only after putting in a Power Commander. Another reason to get a later one with a better map.
Too bad the OP doesn’t care for adventure bikes. The V85 easily gets well over 300 miles to a tank even at expressway speeds.
Pete
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I went from Georgia to Tucson on my 2001 EV one summer. Swaunee fairing, perfectly tuned and tried to run 80 on the GPS. That's 85 on the speedo. It was HOT in the 90's the whole way there, and the bike only got 25-30 MPG at that speed and heat. Slow down to an honest 70 and it might get 40 but there are few stations out west, and they are a long way apart even on interstates. You will stop at 100-125 miles or be hitchhiking! FYI the EV only held 4.6 gallons.
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MPGs plummet above 70 mph. Found that out with a brief blast at 95 on the V85.
Pete
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Riding west on 20 thru Iowa at 85 on my 97 injected Cali,I ran out after about 130 miles and had to hitch a 10 mile ride to the nearest town.Roger Pritzel would ride from Denver to Duluth in one day to the rallies on his EV only after he rigged an auxiliary tank.
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Riding west on 20 thru Iowa at 85 on my 97 injected Cali,I ran out after about 130 miles and had to hitch a 10 mile ride to the nearest town.Roger Pritzel would ride from Denver to Duluth in one day to the rallies on his EV only after he rigged an auxiliary tank.
Since the OP's planned route is east to west it is important to keep in mind that the prevailing winds in the US are from the west. This can make a big difference in average fuel consumption, especially on the prairies and westward where the winds run free. It is also an uphill climb from the east coast to the mountains, on average. Both things knock down gas mileage.
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1400 California would be my choice. Be sure and carry spare fuel, just in case you hit a closed gas station along the way. A one or two gallon can or fuel cell can be nice out there.
If you choose an 1100 California, the earlier(1998-2001) have an external fuel pump which makes plumbing an aux fuel cell much easier.
These machines don't have very good fuel economy and don't have great range. There are quite a few stretches of road west of The Mississippi where having spare fuel or aux fuel on board could be helpful.
I ran an aux fuel cell on my Quota 1100 when I rode it on a Saddle Sore 1000 to southeastern Utah. Tapping into the return fuel line of the external fuel pump made it an easy upgrade. The extra couple gallons was nice when a headwind pushed the fuel economy down into the low 30s.
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...there are few things worse than hours on the super slab.
So true!
This is not my idea of fun, but it is my idea of a worthy challenge in memory of a good man who died way too young.
I've done it in 7-8 days and I've done it in 5-6 days. I have no desire to do it in 2.
Kev, I'm hoping to take my time on the return leg!!
Since the OP's planned route is east to west it is important to keep in mind that the prevailing winds in the US are from the west. This can make a big difference in average fuel consumption, especially on the prairies and westward where the winds run free. It is also an uphill climb from the east coast to the mountains, on average. Both things knock down gas mileage.
VERY good point and likely a strong argument for starting in San Diego.
1400 California would be my choice. Be sure and carry spare fuel, just in case you hit a closed gas station along the way. A one or two gallon can or fuel cell can be nice out there.
If you choose an 1100 California, the earlier(1998-2001) have an external fuel pump which makes plumbing an aux fuel cell much easier.
Super helpful, R59.
So many recommendations for an aux. cell; I'm off to research them...
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My 2001 Jackal gets 175 miles to the tank on a good day at 70 or so indicated. Riding west into the wind at higher speed I'd be looking for gas at the 130 mark just to be safe in case it took 20-30 miles to find gas.
I'd do it heading west if I was trying to make a time constraint. Sun is not in your eyes all day.
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My 2001 Jackal gets 175 miles to the tank on a good day at 70 or so indicated. Riding west into the wind at higher speed I'd be looking for gas at the 130 mark just to be safe in case it took 20-30 miles to find gas.
I'd do it heading west if I was trying to make a time constraint. Sun is not in your eyes all day.
The sun is in the east the same amount of time as the west, every day.
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Look into getting a "Air Hawk". Your bottom will fatigue before anything else.
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I'm planning to do a 50CC (coast to coast in fifty hours) as a benefit for the National Brain Tumor Society.
I want to know more about your ride plans and the charity piece.
Will you be running the I-10 route? It's something like 2,350 miles. That's about a 47mph running average to make it in 50 hours. Actually pretty do-able. Atlantic Beach Florida to Ocean Beach San Diego California. Planning, planning, planning is the key to success. And being "in shape" for the ride (used to putting in some big miles).
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If you average 60 on the bike it will take 40 hours,giving yourself 10 hours for all your stops.Read up on how the iron butt riders cope.I hope you have a plan to endure the heat next year.If you can cover 200 miles between gas stops going 65 or better,that’s 3 hours or 36 hours on the bike for the trip,assuming no traffic problems.
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I want to know more about your ride plans and the charity piece.
Will you be running the I-10 route? It's something like 2,350 miles. That's about a 47mph running average to make it in 50 hours. Actually pretty do-able. Atlantic Beach Florida to Ocean Beach San Diego California. Planning, planning, planning is the key to success. And being "in shape" for the ride (used to putting in some big miles).
Michael, I'm initially thinking Tybee Island GA to San Diego. It's about 50 miles further (2,404) but a slightly more northerly route (at least until west Texas) on 20. Somehow staying off the Gulf coast seems like it'll be cooler, but it's probably only in my head! I'm thinking June 2025, but I'm a teacher so I could potentially do it during our Thanksgiving Break that fall. If I decide on the summer, I will DEFINITELY be getting a cooling vest!
I see in your sig line that you've got an '04 EV Touring. Would you do such a trip on your bike? (If you had to! :grin:)
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I don’t think you want to take that route mid summer. Expect a lot of triple digit temps. Better late spring or mid to late fall. Easier to keep warm on a motorcycle than to cool off.
I have to say the shirts you soak in water and then ride do help though.
Pete
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I see in your sig line that you've got an '04 EV Touring. Would you do such a trip on your bike? (If you had to! :grin:)
I recently sold it, but I also used to have a Bassa, which I toured on quite a bit. They're geared pretty tall, and if you get the windshield set up correctly for you, they'll knock down the miles. 500 miles was the longest day on a California for me, and it wasn't that big a deal. We did four of those days on a trip to Virginia and back. Two-up and pulling a trailer.
The biggest problem I encountered in owning two Californias has been the short fuel range. You want to be topping off around the 125 mile mark. My 2004 EV regularly returned 40 mpg on two-lanes running 55-65, but rolling down the highway at 75-80 will put it in the 30s. If I were to run any of the Iron Butt rides, especially out West, I'd definitely have a fuel cell set up.
There have been a couple mentions of the Suwanee fairing. It was also available through Harpers as the H & H fairing. I'd say that would be the best option for wind management on the California. Lots of the others just beat you up.
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I'm well aware of the sun. Leave early and it's not an issue heading west until it starts to set. But that's a nice long time and I'm done by then. 4pm-shower and beer thirty!
But thanks for the head's up.
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I always wanted to live East of work instead of West.
Ya know, sun to your back both ways.
That of course was ~20 years ago when I was still commuting instead of working from home.
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Ok, a 1990 California III in full zoot touring garb makes no sense, right?
I think it's actually pretty good looking. Gotta be long-legged. Acres of hand-laid fiberglass to drop and break. Built the year I graduated from college, 35 years ago. The "new block" the seller mentions in the ad is concerning, but it WAS 20,000 miles ago!
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Some generic photos
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/Bike-Stuff/i-BwR6PPX/0/Lr3tGWdZK7kkN886P469KRq8NCZxc35w3JBvSdGrv/L/1990-caliofornia-3-v0-umsl0kjgqr1f1-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/Bike-Stuff/i-L4NVG5s/0/LcLxsrvJPngStdL87XtZ4R3h5D7kG4GPp5NKzSZM5/L/1990-caliofornia-3-v0-lpgjiz135s1f1-L.jpg)
Link to the actual bike in question (63,000 miles, asking $2K): https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1276295516800569/
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I'm well aware of the sun. Leave early and it's not an issue heading west until it starts to set. But that's a nice long time and I'm done by then. 4pm-shower and beer thirty!
But thanks for the head's up.
I doubt there will be any 4:00 PM showers on this trip. Unless he starts at 4:00 AM. And I doubt even that will get the job done.
The only way to cover 75 miles every hour is to run about 85 mph on the speedometer. And while doing that, you're burning more gas (getting fewer MPG) adding to the number of gas stops (zero miles covered per hour). The fewer and shorter gas stops, the more ground cover which is the a major part of the goal. An aux. fuel tank or a very large tank is the best route in my opinion.
I wouldn't consider any bike unless it had a 400 mile usable range at 75 mph.
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https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1276295516800569/
That bike might be a better choice than an early EV. Not quite the power but simpler to maintain. Not sure why it would need a new block though. Its not far from me. I don’t do Facebook so PM me with a phone number or give them a call if you think you are interested.
As far as 400 mile range I am not aware of any motorcycle that will go that far from the factory. My truck won’t even that go far let alone its driver.
Pete
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https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1276295516800569/
That bike might be a better choice than an early EV. Not quite the power but simpler to maintain. Not sure why it would need a new block though. Its not far from me. I don’t do Facebook so PM me with a phone number or give them a call if you think you are interested.
As far as 400 mile range I am not aware of any motorcycle that will go that far from the factory. My truck won’t even that go far let alone its driver.
Pete
While not stock my 2009 R1200GSA with and almost 9 gallon capacity (filler neck drilled to allow a couple extra liters of fuel more to be loaded in) and a 4ish gallon slave tank had 450/500 mile range traveling at highway speeds and nearing 600 mile range casual two lane riding. That doesn't mean me or my bladder could make it that far before stopping.
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Not a California, but my old '93 SP1000-III would easy do 1,000 mile days... :thumb:
(https://i.ibb.co/JwF7W7K2/Screenshot-2025-06-27-at-7-46-29-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/JwF7W7K2)
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I'm late to this party, and I doubt my anecdote is useful, but...
I think the rider's age has a lot to do with this- I used to do 1000 mile days 'regularly', but nowdays- forget it. By regularly, I mean I would drive my bike from Oakland, CA to about Austin, TX- about 26+ hours straight driving (~1700 miles). I don't recommend this to anyone, but I was young and headstrong and wanted to visit my folks and my friends during breaks from grad school. I'd do this on my '82 G5, which I would recommend as a long distance machine. Nice tank size, decent gas mileage, floorboards and a sofa for a seat.
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VERY useful, jrt. Thanks for the contribution!
I had to look up the G5, which somehow escaped my radar. Essentially a Convert with a traditional 5-speed? Probably pretty rare today?
Looks like a great bike. And oddly, they called it the "Californian" as opposed to "California"? Found a cool review from Rider on TOT:
https://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_more_topics_article_-_rider_-1982-01-_tour-testing_moto_guzzi_g5_californian.html
I'm late to this party, and I doubt my anecdote is useful, but...
I think the rider's age has a lot to do with this- I used to do 1000 mile days 'regularly', but nowdays- forget it. By regularly, I mean I would drive my bike from Oakland, CA to about Austin, TX- about 26+ hours straight driving (~1700 miles). I don't recommend this to anyone, but I was young and headstrong and wanted to visit my folks and my friends during breaks from grad school. I'd do this on my '82 G5, which I would recommend as a long distance machine. Nice tank size, decent gas mileage, floorboards and a sofa for a seat.
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I don’t know much about the early ‘90s CalIIIs. What do they have for charging systems. I assume not the old Bosch stuff from the mid ‘70s. If not, are the voltage regulators reliable? I recall for a few years they were not.
Pete
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VERY useful, jrt. Thanks for the contribution!
I had to look up the G5, which somehow escaped my radar. Essentially a Convert with a traditional 5-speed? Probably pretty rare today?
Looks like a great bike. And oddly, they called it the "Californian" as opposed to "California"? Found a cool review from Rider on TOT:
https://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_more_topics_article_-_rider_-1982-01-_tour-testing_moto_guzzi_g5_californian.html
Well, call me conceited, but I tend to think of the Convert as a G5 with an automatic :cheesy:. But yes- same ergonomics. Same frame as the SP, the LeMans, T3, T and V7 Sport but with different dangly bits and tweaks here and there to the brakes and motors. I see G5's up for sale sometimes, so I don't know if they are exactly 'rare', but they were not the sexiest Guzzi ever made and I don't know how well they sold in the first place.
When I was looking at the one I bought, I was 18 and had a pocket full of cash from working in the oil field. I wanted a bike that I could live off for a year or so and travel the states (I was a dreamy yout'). Looked at BMW's- the 650LS pretty hard- but the dealer (Lone Star Cycle Motive, in Austin) let me take the G5 for a test drive and that, as they say, was that.
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...When I was looking at the one I bought, I was 18 and had a pocket full of cash from working in the oil field. I wanted a bike that I could live off for a year or so and travel the states (I was a dreamy yout'). Looked at BMW's- the 650LS pretty hard- but the dealer (Lone Star Cycle Motive, in Austin) let me take the G5 for a test drive and that, as they say, was that.
Love this story! :thumb:
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I'm not keeping track of when you are leaving but if it's going to be hot when you do this ride, the Cal you found on market place has a very similar fairing to the SPIII and riding my SPIII in hot weather was just miserable. Even freeway speeds made it hot and forget about stop and go traffic.
(https://i.ibb.co/JQKb26h/C0-AE738-A-F706-42-C8-B3-F8-FB621967-AFF8.jpg)
Great cool to cold weather bike but high heat and humidity and I wanted to park the bike.