RTW on a Cali??
 

HI
What about doing a RTW trip on a Moto Guzzi California?Engine originally built for a generator so its literally bulletproof,comfy,has luggage,easy to fix and shaft drive;what more could you want!Plus all the "character" you can handle.Appreciate any opinions...good or otherwise.
Ta

A great bike for 'tarmac' touring, back in the 80's I used a BMW 100/7 when a few friends used Guzzi's, little to choose between the 2 except they got better fuel consumption but dubious electrics, and they required a Rust warning light!

Generator? Really? I know they made one to replace the mules pulling army trains up in the Italian mountains ages ago (hence "the mechanical mule"), but the Carcano design in your Cali is certainly something else, I'd say.

Anyway: The engine's ancient design makes it easy to work on. Dubious bodywork finish, as said, but that's possible to fix somehow. As are the electrics, which gets better the newer the bike is. I guess most el-bugs have been sorted out during the years of ownership if you buy your bike 2nd hand.

I'd go Guzzi, but that's only because I'm a Guzzi fanatic. What is good about them, though, is their ease of maintenance, cheap parts, durable mechanics and great bunch of fans all over the world :-) I'd take my own Quota, T5 or my wife's Breva RTW any day. And there are Calis doing RTW as we speak, if I remember correctly.