Cal 2 vs V1000 ergonomics

[Mor]

Anyone out there with some experience on these 2 models? I'm considering either a V1000 G5 or a California 2.
I'm 6'2'' with a 34'' inseam. I've got a '73 California and want to upgrade to something with brakes and better handling.
Is there a big difference in physical size between the G5 and Cali 2? Seems the Cali has a longer swingarm and higher steering stock.
The loop feels a bit cramped for me but I can manage.
There aren't any of either model near me so I'm looking at buying online without a test ride.
Thanks for any input you guys might have.

[chuck peterson]

Welcome! I’ll take a wack at this…

In the fewest words, ..

G5/V1000 lighter, more nimble

Cali 2 a bit more ponderous, but dances really well for a hippo..

Both can carry a ton of cargo, and maybe ride better that way

For your height the G5 would be better with a long flat seat for letting you move about…with that it becomes important what handlebars are installed

To me the roundhead motor was smoother and quieter, while the square head had a bit more TAKATAKA in the heads and CHUGGACHUGA in the motor

I’ve known a roundhead motor and frame that’s been a cafe, a touring, a standard, a bark-a-lounger, and a track day bike, all in one lifetime of 150k miles

Not likely to happen with the Cali2

It’s a very distinct difference between the two, and your preferred riding is important

50-100 mile days? Or 3 days at 600 miles? Both bikes can do either easily but cargo capacity becomes important

Good luck! The right guzzi will probably pick you

[Mor]

Thanks Chuck, that's great info.
Are the 2 bikes physically more or less the same size so?
I'm leaning towards the G5. I like doing long days on the bike and haven't had a pillion in years even though she still expresses interest from time to time. I'd like it to be comfortable for a pillion too should that ever happen again.
I'm looking at a G5 that's in California mode, nice high screen and a king & queen seat (which might be a bad thing) and cases.

[bigbikerrick]

I have owned both an 84 California II automatic, and currently have a 76 Convert.  The Cal II with its extended wheelbase is a great highway bike, that really eats up the miles. Mine had the "skunk" seat in the longer version, and was not even close in comfort to the Converts nice long seat. The ergonomics are very similar. I like the fact that the Cal II has a tachometer. As far as the round motor vs the square head, the round one does seem to be smoother, and quieter.  The square head seems to cool better, and I could tell the difference in this heat spell we have had, with temps at 105 F. You could tell ,in stop and go riding, the round head was just not "happy" at those temps.

  They are both incredible motorcycles, that are simple,and easy to work on. Nice, unmolested examples seem to be getting harder to find, but they do pop up sometimes.
Good luck with your search,
Rick.

[Mike Craven]

Cali II.. try it first.  I had my shins bump the cylinders on my '83 until I remounted the shorter skunk seat back a couple inches.  I'm 5'7" and I still love my Cali II.  It was like a dang sport bike compared to Viragos/Shadows of fellow riders years ago.  Bigbikerick mentions the wheelbase difference... I think between my '83 and a later one.  Been from Atlanta to Victoria BC with wife on a cushy pillion (not the original seat).

[faffi]

My brother has owned a number of Guzzis over the years, and currently own two that is not in question here. But he has owned a Cali II, Cali III and an EV. I found them all to be cramped due to the floor boars, especially the EV. I am 5'11'' with a 32'' inseam. The II was very lazy, the III not much better, and the 1100 EV had a much better engine, but still lame compared to my V9 in any type of normal riding.

But I digress. The G5, as well as the basically identical T4 and SP apart from their fairings, are far more comfortable for me. YMMV.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Easy. G5. They handle better, look cooler.   

[brider]

I have a Cal 2 and have had several Converts. Convert stock seat is holy grail, but Cal 2 with foam rebuild can be comparable. I think maybe people gave up on the Cal 2 because the stock seat was so hard (looks great, though). Ergos are very similar. Cal 2 is just as easy to flick around, IMO, and I prefer it for long distance miles over the Convert. Not mentioned yet: Convert had an engine breather system that would puke oil prodigiously, Cal 2 system eliminated that problem (somehow).

[Don G]

Both are equally good, but I would prefer the G5, better styling...  DonG

[theoneandonlymin]

Is your Cali a loop frame or Tonti ?

My G5 , which is now a V1000G5 California, is my perfect vehicle. 300,000 miles .
Folks say the original G5 , footpeg/ handle bar / seat set up is the most comfortable way to travel.
Had it that way until about 100k but enjoy the footboards on the Cali frame rails. Big bars put your hands just about on yer knees.

[Tkelly]

You will want the original seat for the G5 which is the same as the Convert,flat  so you can change positions.

[Bulldog9]

I have owned both an 84 California II automatic, and currently have a 76 Convert.  The Cal II with its extended wheelbase is a great highway bike, that really eats up the miles. Mine had the "skunk" seat in the longer version, and was not even close in comfort to the Converts nice long seat. The ergonomics are very similar. I like the fact that the Cal II has a tachometer. As far as the round motor vs the square head, the round one does seem to be smoother, and quieter.  The square head seems to cool better, and I could tell the difference in this heat spell we have had, with temps at 105 F. You could tell ,in stop and go riding, the round head was just not "happy" at those temps.

  They are both incredible motorcycles, that are simple,and easy to work on. Nice, unmolested examples seem to be getting harder to find, but they do pop up sometimes.
Good luck with your search,
Rick.

Hard to beat the motor on the Convert..... Even after sitting months, it kicks in 1/2 a turn. Fastes and easiest starting bike I've ever owned.

My ONLY issue on the Convert is how high my knees are relative to the tank, especially with the floorboards, and feet in front. If the G5 has standard pegs it is probably fine.

[brider]

Big bars put your hands just about on yer knees.

Yes! I've been enjoying this for years on my Cal 2, swapped out those stock swoopy bars for the wide ones with the crossbar and my hands are low and wide...

For a visual of the bars and a general sense of how the Cal 2 is superior with it's roominess, check this out from the Nat'l rally in NH a few years back:





Sadly, my bike is now parked with the dreaded TC-slip. Had a lot of good times on that rascal, I think my plan will be to convert it to a 5-sp.