Newby intro/ G5 vs Cal II

[motoTommaso]

Good Mawnin' Guzzistas!

"Allow me to introduce myself, I'm a man of wealth and taste,"

Well truthfully very little wealth but I like to think an abundance of taste when it comes to machinas. I'm a retired cinematographer and a journeyman wrench.  I spent the last decade rescueing a BMW R90S from serious neglect.  I did a lot of the work myself but farmed out the top end, cylinder honing, re-ringing, rod bearing, and tranny work to a pro.  It turned out quite nice and is a rider that looks fantastic from 6' (2m) away.

I am being seduced by Guzzi's for my next project.  I have always liked the Italian aesthetic to design and motores.  The first car I ever owned was an Alfa Giulietta Sprint so I know, first hand, the frustrations attendant to Italian designs as well.

I lived in Atlanta in the '70's when the APD were riding Guzzi's.  I have often admired the CHP iteration as well.  Now to finally get to the point (if you've stayed with me so far).  I have been looking for a clean, well maintained, G5.  I missed one in Illinois and one in Tejas.  There is a Cal II who's rider has passed away and his wife is selling located about 90 miles from where I live.  They are asking $3500.  I haven't been to see it yet but it looks well maintained and frequently ridden.  It's black and I really wanted a G5 in green or red, so that's a minus.

I want this bike primarily for one-up touring and camping.  Needs to be reliable and field maintainable.  I'm not an Iron Butt so I'm thinking of 250-350 miles/day as typical.

Any thoughts or input on Cal II vs G5 ownership? 

Best Regards,
Tommaso
SoCal

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/mcy/5040161349.html

[Turin]

That cal II looks really, really nice. I'd rather have that than a G5 (nikasil cylinders instead of cast iron bores are one bonus). The Cali II should be as reliable as an anvil and have never heard anything negative about that model.

[nunzio]

It's black and I really wanted a G5 in green or red, so that's a minus.


"You can't always get what you want
 But if you try sometime you find
 You get what you need."

[Tom]

See if they'll take $3K.  Fly-n-ride.     :1:  I'd definitely find out the last time it was ridden.  Set up for touring.  The Cal II won't disappoint you on a long ride.

[Idontwantapickle]

The Cal II won't disappoint you on a long ride.

:1:

Cal II is a great touring/camping bike!

Hunter

[fotoguzzi]

Cal 2 has a slightly enlarged frame and longer wb. Get it, sounds perfect foyou, just get it painted to your fav color.

[donn]

That looks like a particularly sweet California II, too bad it doesn't have a Windjammer already.

What other people have said, plus that's a great seat, possibly unparalleled among Guzzi models.  The caveat, which fotoguzzi hints at, it's a bit taller than ordinary.  I'm 6'2'' but have kind ordinary length legs, and it's real hard for me to walk the bike over any kind of obstacle or incline.

I'm guessing the G5 already had linked brakes, but if not, that's another difference.  I like them.

[motoTommaso]

That looks like a particularly sweet California II, too bad it doesn't have a Windjammer already.

What other people have said, plus that's a great seat, possibly unparalleled among Guzzi models.  The caveat, which fotoguzzi hints at, it's a bit taller than ordinary.  I'm 6'2'' but have kind ordinary length legs, and it's real hard for me to walk the bike over any kind of obstacle or incline.

I'm guessing the G5 already had linked brakes, but if not, that's another difference.  I like them.

Hmmm...I'm 6' with a 32" inseam.  Think it'd be a problem for me?  It's got to be better than any Harley larger than a Sportster.

Tommaso

[Turin]

You'll probably be fine.

[donn]

Well, yeah, I'm sure you're taller than a good share of the people who get along with a California II.  I don't know what the difference is between the G5 and California II - likely something like 1/2 inch.  I could wear 32 inseam, though 33 is more ideal.  On the bright side, that tall seat along with the low floorboards, makes for a real comfortable sitting position where your legs are down a bit, so it's easy to sit up straight.  If you look closely at the wanna-be Vintage, not only has the seat been compromised, the floorboards are higher.  The California II floorboards (and probably G5, to be fair) are on curved struts that extend them down and around the exhaust pipes.

[Tom]

This is a good intro. into Guzzidom at a low cost.  The National Cycle Plexistar II windshield or I is an effective windscreen that works well.   

[travelingbyguzzi]

You cannot go wrong with a Cal II. Indestructible. I have a 31 inch inseam. Find it to to be a very comfortable bike.
I do like a roundhead tho. G5s also have a very good reputation.

[Groover]

I am a die-hard G5 fan, but I think you may be better off going with the Cal2 you linked. Appears to be in nice unmolested conditions, and from what others are saying, probably a better bike for the mileage you are planning to ride. On top of that, it's fully ready for touring (bags, windshield, luggage rack) - It's even harder to find a G5 ready to go like that.

Being almost done with a frame off restoration on my G5, and having closely watched the G5 market in the past few year or so, seems that chances of finding a clean G5 are very slim, or at least not one that you can confidentially get on and go with the turn of the key.

However.... if you are particular about the G5 styling, then wait - you'll find one eventually. Stay tuned, I'll be posting pics of mine soon 

The Alfa Giulietta Sprint you had.. what year was it? I had a late '75 Lancia Fulvia 3.

[Kiwi_Roy]

That looks like a particularly sweet California II, too bad it doesn't have a Windjammer already.

Oh please. I couldn't get rid of the Windjammer fast enough and put the barn door original back.
(thanks to travellingbyguzzi)

The Cali II is a fabulous old bike, great handling and ultra reliable.
$3500 is a fair price for one in good condition at say 80,000 miles.
I would buy another in a heartbeat.

[donn]

Oh please. I couldn't get rid of the Windjammer fast enough and put the barn door original back.

I have the original windshields, two heights, in the basement.  Terrible.  2nd day of a two day ride with that thing, I had traffic backed up behind me because I couldn't bear the head battering at full speed.  Not only is the Windjammer a perfect esthetic match for the California II tank and bars, it's unparalleled for riding comfort.

[Groover]

^ I never thought I'd say this, but the Windjammer does look "right" on that bike. My G5 came with one, and I took it off - but I don't really travel far, as a matter of fact, I just look at my bike in the garage so any windshield is just in my way 

[donn]

To be strictly accurate, I think it isn't quite right, in the photo.  As often happens, mounted a bit too low.  Since then I jacked it up about an inch higher.

[charlie b]

If I had not found the SPIII fairing for mine I was going to put a Windjammer on it.  They may not be the prettiest thing, but, they work really well.  And if you work at it a bit you can cut their weight by about a third with help of a hand grinder.

Of course, anything would look better than the stupid little fairing the T5's came with.  :)

[Kiwi_Roy]

I have the original windshields, two heights, in the basement.  Terrible.  2nd day of a two day ride with that thing, I had traffic backed up behind me because I couldn't bear the head battering at full speed.  Not only is the Windjammer a perfect esthetic match for the California II tank and bars, it's unparalleled for riding comfort.

I have to confess yours looks fine
Mine was a special kind of fugly with the king & queen finished in red velua
One of my friends named it the French Bordello seat
Taken on the day I rode her back from Sedro Woolley to BC


Be Honest, does this make my ass look fat?

[donn]

Sweet tailbox - is that a Maltese cross on top?

[guzzinka]

There's another CalII for sale on Chicago Craigslist, maybe not your style but the price and miles are right, could be a good start -  http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/mcy/5092247180.html

[motoTommaso]

I am a die-hard G5 fan, but I think you may be better off going with the Cal2 you linked. Appears to be in nice unmolested conditions, and from what others are saying, probably a better bike for the mileage you are planning to ride. On top of that, it's fully ready for touring (bags, windshield, luggage rack) - It's even harder to find a G5 ready to go like that.

Being almost done with a frame off restoration on my G5, and having closely watched the G5 market in the past few year or so, seems that chances of finding a clean G5 are very slim, or at least not one that you can confidentially get on and go with the turn of the key.

However.... if you are particular about the G5 styling, then wait - you'll find one eventually. Stay tuned, I'll be posting pics of mine soon 

The Alfa Giulietta Sprint you had.. what year was it? I had a late '75 Lancia Fulvia 3.

Sprint was a '59 I think.  4 speed column shift.  Lovely to tour drive when it was running.  Solex no Veloce Webers.

[hooah54]

I have a Cal II with Vetter side case and topcase.  As donn noted it does look like a maltese cross.  Mine is the black just like the one you referenced.    I added the National cylcle Pexi-Star 2 and it looks so much better and really reduces wind noise and buffeting. 
I have put mine on sale locally but will not part with it until I get my price.  The only reason I am selling is we need the garage space for another new toy.  I love the Cal II. 

There are two on ebay now...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moto-Guzzi-California-II-/261940581686?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3cfce01536&item=261940581686
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moto-Guzzi-/121686562638?forcerrptr=true&hash=item1c5515974e&item=121686562638

[NC Steve]

I have a Cal II with Vetter side case and topcase.  As donn noted it does look like a maltese cross.  Mine is the black just like the one you referenced.    I added the National cylcle Pexi-Star 2 and it looks so much better and really reduces wind noise and buffeting. 
I have put mine on sale locally but will not part with it until I get my price.  The only reason I am selling is we need the garage space for another new toy.  I love the Cal II. 

There are two on ebay now...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moto-Guzzi-California-II-/261940581686?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3cfce01536&item=261940581686
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moto-Guzzi-/121686562638?forcerrptr=true&hash=item1c5515974e&item=121686562638

I've bid on the '83 in Ohio and got passed by the last bidder, but am holding back for a little while to see what happens.
The listing ends in 6 hours, with yet another seller having their auction ending at 4:00am, which could easily hinder bidders, like me for example. Why? You can set these auctions to begin and end at any time you desire. Ah well, guess that's neither here nor there.

[Lannis]

I've bid on the '83 in Ohio and got passed by the last bidder, but am holding back for a little while to see what happens.
The listing ends in 6 hours, with yet another seller having their auction ending at 4:00am, which could easily hinder bidders, like me for example. Why? You can set these auctions to begin and end at any time you desire. Ah well, guess that's neither here nor there.

Why not just bid the top price you'll give for it, and let eBay bid for you up to that total amount?   If the bidding doesn't get that high, you win.

If the bidding goes to that figure, you win.   If the bidding goes over it, you win because you didn't "chase" a price beyond what you wanted to pay, and you've still got your money to bid on the next possible bargain ..... That way it doesn't matter what time it ends ....

Lannis

[NC Steve]

Because it's nice to watch the bidding wars at the auction's end, or maybe bid yourself at the last second if there's a clear window of opportunity. I know, there are two totally differing philosophies of bidding on eBay, I just happen to like the last minute gambles, and have won many more than just a few bargains that way.

[motoTommaso]

Why not just bid the top price you'll give for it, and let eBay bid for you up to that total amount?   If the bidding doesn't get that high, you win.

If the bidding goes to that figure, you win.   If the bidding goes over it, you win because you didn't "chase" a price beyond what you wanted to pay, and you've still got your money to bid on the next possible bargain ..... That way it doesn't matter what time it ends ....

Lannis

This is funny because this is exactly how I got the R90. 

I made a odd number bid and went to bed knowing I would be sniped at 4am by $1.  Much to my surprise I logged in the next morning and found I was the winning bid. 

I was like the dog that caught the car.  I didn't know what to do.  I had to confess to my wife "we" had just one an old motorcycle.  To her credit she was cool with it.

Tommaso

[motoTommaso]

I have a Cal II with Vetter side case and topcase.  As donn noted it does look like a maltese cross.  Mine is the black just like the one you referenced.    I added the National cylcle Pexi-Star 2 and it looks so much better and really reduces wind noise and buffeting. 
I have put mine on sale locally but will not part with it until I get my price.  The only reason I am selling is we need the garage space for another new toy.  I love the Cal II. 

There are two on ebay now...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moto-Guzzi-California-II-/261940581686?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3cfce01536&item=261940581686
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moto-Guzzi-/121686562638?forcerrptr=true&hash=item1c5515974e&item=121686562638

I believe he's making a mistake with an opening bid requirement of $3500.  The bike looks nice as a rider but isn't that about what it's worth? 

Tommaso

[donn]

I know, there are two totally differing philosophies of bidding on eBay, I just happen to like the last minute gambles, and have won many more than just a few bargains that way.

It's more than just a philosophical stance, you can look at bidding histories for a few items and draw your own conclusions, but as a practical matter, you're better off bidding at the end.

As no one did here, though.  I have to say it didn't really make my heart flutter, either.  That first craigslist one in CA, though, from the pictures it looks like it came out of a time capsule, real nice.  Maybe if you touch it, it crumbles into dust, but it sure looks good.  The 2nd ebay item looks nice, too, but don't know how easy it is to replace the tail rack, and it isn't clear what's up with the seat.

[Kiwi_Roy]

Did we ever establish the milage of the bike in question?

A word of advice, don't go and look, it will steal your heart