Convert vs Cal II Auto differences

[bigbikerrick]

Hi Folks, I have an 85 Cal II auto that I really like except for 2 things, the weight is getting to be a bit much for me to maneuver around in the garage, and low speed maneuvers,plus, its  also a very tall bike, even with shorter shocks in the rear. ( 30 inch inseam)  Any one here  that has owned or ridden  both a convert and a cal II auto care to comment on the differences in handling, "feel", etc?  These days it seems the only time I push the Cal II out of the garage is for a longish highway ride, where it excels. Opinions?
Thanks
Rick.

[yogidozer]

message Chuck Peterson on this board. He has had both, still does, I believe

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I "refurbished" a Cal II Auto for a customer a few years ago and owned a '76 Convert at the same time. I had problems reaching the ground on the Cal II Auto (I'm 5' 6", with 30" inseam) and the original 'bars made it harder for me to push around. On the other hand, the Convert with police 'bars seemed lighter and I could get both feet flat on the ground.

The longer wheelbase of the Cal II Auto made it feel "truck-ish" on backroads, but it sure was stable out on the highway. The Convert seemed much more nimble with very little compromise in highway stability. 

[yogidozer]

Rick, that is a REALLY nice looking Cal II. You lowered the shocks already. If the garage issue is the biggest problem, how about one of those lazy susan type things to help in the garage? you can buy one, or make your own. just a thought

[Arizona Wayne]

I've had both `77 & '80 Convert.s with 30" inseam legs and have had no issues w/seat height.  Just the shear weight of the bikes unless mounted to a sidecar I find bothersome at this point in my life (74).   For cruising thru town or cross country they're like riding a scooter not having to worry about shifting. 

[Groover]

Those Cali II seats seems to be a bit higher than the convert seats from what I can tell from photos. Maybe you can try finding an older style seat, off a T3 would be even lower, or maybe something with more of a drop in the driver seat like a Corbin?

[Lannis]

That Cal II looks like a real highway burner.

If it appeared in my garage suddenly, I'd:

1) Trash the seat, and install one of the "Teutonic QSL" solo seats I've got on the shelf".

2)  Either change to footpegs (if I could do it without losing that big sidestand), or put an extension on the back of the boards so I could get my feet under me.

The solo seat would be because those passenger footrests made into the bottom of the crash bars are just torture devices for any passenger but a very short-legged one.    Fay and I rode one like that one summer and we couldn't go 50 miles without having to pull over and get off the bike.  It would be just me riding .... !

And then hit the road and cruise ....

Lannis

[Arizona Wayne]

Yea, those rear crashbars/passenger pegs don't leave you any options on feet movement.

That handlebar is what I prefer to as 'buckaroo' model I took off my `77 Convert.  Not my cup o' tea.  If anyone wants it let me know. 

[brider]

I've had both, and still have the Cal 2.

As far as "feel" between the 2, the Cal 2 definitely is taller (in my un-technical opinion), and with 32" inseam it's tippy-toe with me. I don't remember the Convert being that tall, but it had a thicker, but narrower seat. On paper, I THINK they should be almost the same, since the only difference in frames (I think) is the longer swingarm on the Cal 2. Maybe the forks and shocks are different?

LOVED the Convert, but the shorter swingarm put the passenger and rear top-case weight over or behind the rear wheel, which made the front end too twitchy for me. I had the front tire slide on wet pavement with the missus on the back once, and that did it for me, I looked for a Cal 2 Auto.

The Convert was stable as a rock even with that shorter swingarm (1-up riding), but the Cal 2 definitely feels better as a highway rig. I can flick the Cal 2 around easily, just a question of balance and technique.

Convert also spewed breather oil everywhere, and I could NEVER get the charging system to charge with any authority.

[bigbikerrick]

Thanks for  all the replies, Folks. It may not be readily apparent, but I have already re shaped the foam on the stock seat to make it lower in the front, I also took 1" off the "nose" of the seat pan where it comes up over the gas tank. I always felt the stock seat made the tank look too short,as it was partially under the seat. I added a layer of high density foam to the seat also, to keep from bottoming out on the seat pan. I also put 12.5" long progressive shocks on the back.
Lannis,I am curious, what is a "Teutonic QSL" seat?
I think I would like to try one of the old convert handlebars with a crossbrace. Any opinions on the comfort of those? Are they available as a re pop?
Thanks again,and Happy New Year to all!
Rick.

[mtiberio]

...
I think I would like to try one of the old convert handlebars with a crossbrace. Any opinions on the comfort of those? Are they available as a re pop?
Thanks again,and Happy New Year to all!
Rick.

http://www.sideroadcycles.com/ImportedMotorcycles/ImportHandlebars/ImportStreet/78ChopperWire.html

http://www.sideroadcycles.com/ImportedMotorcycles/ImportHandlebars/ImportStreet/78moreStreet.html

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I think I would like to try one of the old convert handlebars with a crossbrace. Any opinions on the comfort of those? Are they available as a re pop?

http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=52&products_id=832
http://www.harpermoto.com/handlebar-en-2-3-4-5.html

[EldoMike]

Had both...loved the Cal 2 on the highway...hated it around town...if I have a choice, it's the Convert everytime

[brider]

I swapped out those swoopy ("buckhorn") handlebars the first minute I could with a pair of the Convert cross-brace bars. Those Convert bars are the most comfortable upright bars EVER. My opinion, of course.

[Lannis]

Lannis,I am curious, what is a "Teutonic QSL" seat?

Rick.

Teutonic QSL seats were sold in the late 70s and (I think) early 80s as an accessory seat for BMW touring bikes.   They were advertised as the “1000 Mile Day” seat in mags like Road Rider and Rider (the main touring mags of the time).

They came with mounting kits for the various BMW models, but it’s a spring mount and isn’t hard to adapt to other bikes with accessible top tubes.

I think they’d look good on an SP and plan to try them out when I get mine back on the road …..






Lannis

[bigbikerrick]

Thanks guys for the links to the handlebars.
Lannis, those  Teutonic QSL seats seem to have the perfect cuppping for long range comfort!I had never heard of them...learn something new every day.
Eldo Mike, do you think the reason you prefer the regular Convert, is the funky  feeling bars on the Cal II?
I think I will try a handlebar swap, before anything else, and see how that works out.
Rick.

[EldoMike]

Thanks guys for the links to the handlebars.
Lannis, those  Teutonic QSL seats seem to have the perfect cuppping for long range comfort!I had never heard of them...learn something new every day.
Eldo Mike, do you think the reason you prefer the regular Convert, is the funky  feeling bars on the Cal II?
I think I will try a handlebar swap, before anything else, and see how that works out.
Rick.

Fact is...the Cal 2 is just taller heavier and longer...and I'm short

[bigbikerrick]

I hear ya Mike! Where I know for a fact the Call II kicks butt is in highway speed riding in windy conditions. I was riding mine on a super blustery day on I-10 coming in to Tucson eastbound, all the semis were swaying side to side, from the blasting side winds, in the deep canyons on that road. The Cal II was very stable, and confidence inspiring even at 75-85 mph, I mean it was rock solid with the MG touring fairing, much better handling than my GL 1500 goldwing even.
Guzzi engineers, apparently did some amayzing stuff with the chassis  design on that bike!
Rick.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Fact is...the Cal 2 is just taller heavier and longer...and I'm short

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