Author Topic: Help Identifying a CAL II (Read 1647 times)

ozarquebus · « **on:** August 03, 2020, 09:17:47 AM »

I posted this in an old existing thread, which revived the thread but it appeared to everyone as a " Cal II bike appreciation shot" and no one answered my question, so asking again here in a new topic.

Is this bike a Convert even though it appears to be a regular Cal II?
see pix (tranny cooler?)
In the head-on shot, if magnified in windows photo viewer, you can see the left side of the bike and it looks to me like it has the extra curved lever on the kickstand assy to actuate parking brake, but i dunno'...
I cannot tell by shape of foot shifter lever.
'only got these pictures and the inheriting owner doesn't know, but "thinks" itsa auto.
'will go see it in person if its a convert.

booob · « **Reply #1 on:** August 03, 2020, 09:43:55 AM »

Convert

TOMB · « **Reply #2 on:** August 03, 2020, 09:46:15 AM »

Its a rare Cali 11 CONVERT
TOMB

ozarquebus · « **Reply #3 on:** August 03, 2020, 10:14:30 AM »

Thanks,
I wonder how rare.

Antietam Classic Cycle · « **Reply #4 on:** August 03, 2020, 10:38:23 AM »

California II Auto.

Kiwi_Roy · « **Reply #5 on:** August 03, 2020, 10:42:17 AM »

https://i.ibb.co/DY5FNLM/caiib-Here.jpg
My goodness, what a fuggly rear end, I love it.

fotoguzzi · « **Reply #6 on:** August 03, 2020, 10:58:52 AM »

You can tell it's an auto because it has a radiator, also on the right side shot you can see the fluid line going into the bell housing area.

Daniel Kalal · « **Reply #7 on:** August 03, 2020, 12:10:09 PM »

The Cal2 was available with either a 5-speed transmission or a torque-converter; your photograph shows the version with the torque-converter.
Regardless, it is not a Convert (the Convert being a different and earlier model). Not every guzzi with a torque-converter transmission is a Convert.

ozarquebus · « **Reply #8 on:** August 03, 2020, 02:10:42 PM »

OK, then,

So tell me if I am wrong on my basic assumptions below as I sniff this thing out.

1200 Cal II AUTO
Square Head but its not really last last Tonti Frame model is it? (read that somewhere).
about a 1984
Originally Points Ignition
Nikasil Cylinders

Nothing else significant about model?

Its out on a farm someplace East of Diamond, MO.

fotoguzzi · « **Reply #9 on:** August 03, 2020, 02:45:57 PM »

No it's a 949cc called a 1,000. And yes it's not the last version of the Tonti frame. Looks pretty well used, I wouldn't pay much for it.

ozarquebus · « **Reply #10 on:** August 03, 2020, 02:56:35 PM »

My thoughts, too, fotoguzzi, the owner said it was a ....1200...?

wirespokes · « **Reply #11 on:** August 03, 2020, 05:53:43 PM »

Obviously doesn't know what he's got.

Antietam Classic Cycle · « **Reply #12 on:** August 03, 2020, 06:38:52 PM »

Or the seller bought it just to flip and make a profit (not that there's anything wrong with that), but knows nothing about Moto Guzzis.

bigbikerrick · « **Reply #13 on:** August 04, 2020, 04:32:13 AM »

Pretty rare. I had one, Roper said The Cal II automatic were one of the rarest Guzzis as far as numbers go. They are lovely bikes, once sorted,with a very long, stable wheelbase. One of the best sidecar tugs , too,but this one looks like it needs some work, and has a bit of corrosion. My 84 was in similar shape when I got it. I ended up putting about $2500. in it to get it all cherried out.
Rick.

ozarquebus · « **Reply #14 on:** August 04, 2020, 01:51:17 PM »

bigbikederrek,
Yes, with 2500 invested on this Cal II, it would be lucky to ever get it out. Therefore, making it road worthy would be as far as I would go by combining it with my 76 convert parts bike. I would probably be better off getting another round head convert, but I can't seem to find one priced right near enough to me.

Antietam Classic Cycle · « **Reply #15 on:** August 04, 2020, 05:10:42 PM »

Quote from: ozarquebus on August 04, 2020, 01:51:17 PM

bigbikederrek,
Yes, with 2500 invested on this Cal II, it would be lucky to ever get it out. Therefore, making it road worthy would be as far as I would go by combining it with my 76 convert parts bike. I would probably be better off getting another round head convert, but I can't seem to find one priced right near enough to me.

Mike Skaggs in Tamaroa, IL has a "rough as a cob" Convert for sale for $825.

ozarquebus · « **Reply #16 on:** August 04, 2020, 08:37:18 PM »

Antietam
That Convert in IL is indeed a little rough, but it is in my mad money zone.

grebmrof · « **Reply #17 on:** August 05, 2020, 07:39:59 AM »

Quote from: ozarquebus on August 04, 2020, 01:51:17 PM

bigbikederrek,
Yes, with 2500 invested on this Cal II, it would be lucky to ever get it out.

Well, if you have a Guzzi, it is unlikely that you'll ever get your money out of it, so just enjoy it and when it comes time to pass it along, remember all of the fun it gave you, because you likely won't break even on it. Good luck!

ozarquebus · « **Reply #18 on:** August 05, 2020, 08:39:48 AM »

Greb, So true. I will probably never make a dime on a Guzzi, but the ghosts of my depression era ancestors goad me to at least try to break even. They already are shouting from across the river Jordan: "Don't buy that old thing!". The other bikes in the stable are mumbling: "but there is no room for all of us".
I just like getting them on the road, riding along while polishing the rust while rotating my stock of garage queens.
Life is grand to be retired on a budget with so many good Guzzis out there. I should eliminate my other 6 hobbies that keep me a broke grasshopper. If poverty, heritage and fraternity are prerequisites to be a pasano, I am 66.66% there. If only I could drink the grappa.

News:

Author Topic: Help Identifying a CAL II (Read 1647 times)

booob