Cal 2 fork upgrade options?

[brider]

After a Dad's day ride up to P-town in Cape Cod this weekend, I decided AGAIN to research upgrade fork options for my Cal 2. I installed a fork brace and did a spring/damper upgrade a while ago, the fork brace was a HUUUUGE benefit, but even though they perform adequately, they just LOOK too spindly. The general trend toward beefier fork tubes on subsequent models I'm sure was done for good reasons.

Did a search and found that the EV forks are a recommended upgrade; I know the Cal 2 had a much longer head tube, so will subsequent (like Cal 3, EV, 1100, etc?) model forks have a compatible steerer, or is a new tube a simple machining operation?

My other concern is compatibility of re-installing the original fender.

I'm pretty sure there is no bolt-on solution, but I'd like to keep the front-end Guzzi, not Japanese. Can I keep the original wheel and brakes? Better to use new fork wheel and brakes?

Recommendations?

[s1120]

The later EV style bikes have the long head tube also. I dont know if its the same or if it will interchange though. It also "looks" like the spacing of the tubes are wider. Maybe it just looks that way becouse of the bigger tubes of the later forks, but any use of old wheels, and fender would require fab work. Im sure someone has done it, and will help you more.

[Stevex]

What forks have you got fitted, 35mm?
If so, same as my LM2 which has Showa cartridges from a VFR750 in the oem forks and a fork brace, both make a big difference. The forks can be 'tuned' using different air gaps / oil viscosity and have pre load adjustment.

[guzzista]

the Cali 2 has the later tall neck (Tonti) frame , so to fit later forks no problem with the steering stem. The fork spread remains the same at 195mm up to 1997 Cali 1100
 for the easiest swap , a  40mm Cali3/ or 1100  complete fork would be easiest both for the front fender attachments and the  300 mm brake disk/ caliper  configuration
You might have to trim the hub in order for the discs to have a 4-5 mm clearance with the inside of the fork legs.  Your axle will work but  minor  spacer adjustments may be required

[brider]

the Cali 2 has the later tall neck (Tonti) frame , so to fit later forks no problem with the steering stem. The fork spread remains the same at 195mm up to 1997 Cali 1100
 for the easiest swap , a  40mm Cali3/ or 1100  complete fork would be easiest both for the front fender attachments and the  300 mm brake disk/ caliper  configuration
You might have to trim the hub in order for the discs to have a 4-5 mm clearance with the inside of the fork legs.  Your axle will work but  minor  spacer adjustments may be required

This is good info, thanks. Was kinda hoping the 45mm(?) EV forks(?) would be an easy swap, but if the Cal 3 40mm will work, that's better than 35mm.

I have good aftermarket dampers, springs and a fork brave on the Cal 2 forks, but I still think they're undersized for the bike.

[sidecarnutz]

I remember many years ago when I had my Cali II I got the cartridge upgrade that Harpers sold back in the 90's. I put those on mu 89 Mille GT too. Great a great difference in the effectiveness of the dampening! Bitubo's, I think they were called.