Too tall for a 2003 California?

[JonathanH]

I'm thinking of buying a 2003 California Special Sport, but when I sat on the bike I found that my knees were quite high and the foot controls awkwardly placed.  I'm 6' 2" tall with a 33" inside leg and can't imagine that this I am particularly unusual.  Are there any other California owners out there of similar height who find the California comfortable, or do they simply accommodate the Cali's dimensions?  I currently ride a V11 but am looking for a more touring orientated Guzzi.  Any advice? 

[audiomick]

Hi Jonathan, no personal experience. Firstly, I'm not even 6' tall, and secondly I've never sat on a Cali, and possibly never will.

Nevertheless, I've seen a number of reports in other forums of exactly your issue: tall blokes who find the tear-drop tank Californias a bit cramped. I believe there are lowered foot-pegs available that fit or can be made to fit, but don't have a link or anything. I just read about it somewhere.

The other thing I've seen a number of times is re-upholstered seats that are an inch or two higher in the "bucket" part. One I saw was a good two inches, and I have to say, it did look a bit weird on the photos. The bloke in question was, I think, even taller than you. He was very happy with the result.

 

Whatever, that seems to be the way that people (successfully) go: raise the seat and/or lower the pegs a bit.

[JonathanH]

What a shame, but I think you're absolutely right.  I had exactly the same issue with my 2003 V11 - I was looking at raising the handlebars and lowering the pegs on it and in the end decided to buy a touring Guzzi to use alongside the V11 for longer runs.  The thought of having to lower the pegs on the Cali is just too much hassle.  Time to look for a Guzzi with more leg room.  Either way, the V11 is a keeper, its simply too good.

[audiomick]

1 hour ago, JonathanH said:

... a Guzzi with more leg room.  ...

From what I have read, and going by the looks of the ones I've seen: the older Californias before they started with the tear-drop tank, or an SP 1000 II or III. If you are more interested in newer models: Breva 1200 or Norge 1200, paying attention with both of them that they have roller tappets.

The blokes I know who have a Norge all swear by them as the ultimate tourer. At least two of them are about your height.

The Breva is pretty much the same thing, but without the fairing.

Edited Friday at 05:53 PM by audiomick

[pete roper]

Both the 1200 Sport and Norges (Both 2V and 4V models.) tend to ‘Lock’ you in to a seating position so it’s probably important to sit on one for a while before deciding if it is suitable for you. Both of these models, along with the Breva 850, 1100 and 1200 ‘Breva Sport’ are versions of one of the four types of CARC bike platforms and use essentially the same frame/tank/seat/footrest architecture.

The 1200 Sport was only produced for a couple of years in 2V form, 2007-8 I believe? In the US it was a one year model in 2008. Confusingly the 4V model was sold for multiple years but sold first as the ‘1200 Sport 4V’ and then in later years, I think 2011 on, it was called the ‘1200 Sport 8V’ but both models are essentially the same and both use the 8V motor. No, I have no idea why? ABS arrived in about 2010, apart from that they are pretty much identical apart from paint. Do note that NONE of the 1200 Sports using the 8V motor were ever sold with roller tappets meaning that it is vital that you find out if they have been converted before you commit to buying. I believe this is because all of the 1200 Sports were manufactured prior to the development and adoption of the roller tappet top end and continued to be sold as ‘Current year’ models from old stock. I know that here in Oz they were still being sold, and plated as, a current model right up until 2015!
 

The 8V Norges we’re produced in both flat tappet and roller tappet form and the date and engine number of the changeover is listed in my ‘Definitive guide’ pinned at the top of this section of the board. Be aware though that there have been cases of both Grisos and Stelvios with engine numbers that post date the factory’s numbers and dates that arrived with flat tappet top ends. Only a few, but that makes any 2012 bike a bit suspect so once again a visual check should be made prior to purchase. I personally have never seen a 2013-on 8V motor in any model with a flat tappet top end so best to aim for a ‘13 on example as roller conversion kits are no longer available from the factory.

Apart from the seat locking you in the Breva/Sport/Norge platform is a superb mile muncher. I’m still keeping my eye out for an 8V Norge here in Oz to turn into a retirement project. They are very rare though and we never got roller motor ones here. I do have a kit to convert one on the shelf but of course owners refuse to accept their motor is destroying itself so they ask far too much for them! That’s fine, I’m not too fussed.

The Norge has higher bars than the Sport and lowered footpegs are available so the ergonomics can be altered to a degree and seats can be remodelled easily enough. If you want to know more PM me your email and we can take this off the board and not clog up the thread.

[JonathanH]

Thank you so much for this information, its really useful stuff and I hope will help others as well.  As you say, if possible it pays to sit on the bike for a while to gauge how comfortable it is.  That said, my V11 felt great for a while and it was only after an hour of riding that my back and wrists started to complain.  That said, its still my favourite Guzzi by far.  

[audiomick]

1 hour ago, JonathanH said:

... it pays to sit on the bike for a while to gauge how comfortable it is.    

Indeed. 

To qualify @pete roper 's comments, if I remember rightly, he is a little taller than me. Maybe scratching six foot. But I only met him for about an hour, and we spent most of it sitting. He does, however, definitely need a bit more physical space than I do with my 65 kg. 

1 hour ago, JonathanH said:

That said, my V11 felt great for a while and it was only after an hour of riding that my back and wrists started to complain.   

The Germans have a saying that has some truth in it: "Wer schön sein will muss leiden können". Roughly: he who wishes to be beautiful must be prepared to suffer. 

My V11 has been to date more problems than riding time. I haven't been on it long enough yet to get really uncomfortable, maximum an hour and a half or so. The seating position suits me and my dimensions very well. But the problems. It has obviously had one or more previous owners who haven't been that fussed about the maintanence (and at least one who was very fussy), and I'm finding it hard to find the time and gumption to get into it. Nevertheless, it's a keeper. Riding it is bliss, even when it is spitting and farting between 2 and 3,000 revs. 

Edited Saturday at 12:38 AM by audiomick

[pete roper]

Well, yes. Since I weigh about 115kg in my birthday suit this is sadly true. Unfortunately the emergency liposuction doesn’t seem to be working!

Oh, and for the record I’m five foot ten but have classic ‘Ducks Disease’, a long torso and weirs stubby little legs. Most people don’t notice though as they are too enthralled by my youthful and Adonis like visage……

Edited Saturday at 02:30 AM by pete roper

[audiomick]

12 hours ago, pete roper said:

my youthful and Adonis like visage……

Yes, I can vouch for that. 

[Sempervee1]

5 10 with both a 07 Norge and 03 EV Cali. The Norge is much more comfortable at the moment than the 03 EV with stock seat, floorboards, and touring-style handlebars... My feet are too high up, and I reach too far forward, where the Norge seat and bars feel much more neutral to me. Need to install bar backs on the EV or change the seat for me.  The torque on the EV is great, both bikes are endearing to own.

Edited 15 hours ago by Sempervee1