Best California for 1000 Mile Days?

[Kev m]

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.

[lazlokovacs]

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.

[Perazzimx14]

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

[Tkelly]

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.

[PeteS]

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

[Vagrant]

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.

[PeteS]

MPGs plummet above 70 mph. Found that out with a brief blast at 95 on the V85.

Pete

[Tkelly]

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.

[moto]

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.

[rocker59]

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.

[Mwether]

...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...

[kingoffleece]

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. 

[moto]

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.

[Jose Mendez]

Look into getting a "Air Hawk". Your bottom will fatigue before anything else.

[rocker59]

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).

[Tkelly]

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.

[Mwether]

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! )

[PeteS]

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

[rocker59]

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! )

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.

[kingoffleece]

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.

[Kev m]

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.

[Mwether]

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!
.
Some generic photos





Link to the actual bike in question (63,000 miles, asking $2K): https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1276295516800569/

[ridingron]

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.

[PeteS]

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

[Perazzimx14]

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.

[JJ]

Not a California, but my old '93 SP1000-III would easy do 1,000 mile days...

[jrt]

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. 

[Mwether]

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.

[PeteS]

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

[jrt]

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  .  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.