Tonti Frame Versions

[Guest Mattress]

Is there any major difference between the California frames and earlier models? I'm guessing the rear subframe must be different because looking at pictures of a Cali versus a V7 or T-3 I can't see how the latter can have a flatter "standard" style seat and the Cali a cruiser style otherwise. Or maybe it is just optics.

 

Just silly banter, I caught myself wondering if one could take a Cali and replace the seat and tank and end up with something looking like a t-3. I like the early tank styles. I guess I'm thinking of a look like the 1000S, but without the expense.

 

Ebay has a '93 1000S with a buy it now price of $16,000.

 

I'd call it Buy It Never.

[docc]

I've a friend with a magnificent V7 Sport that he'd like ( I think) $8500 for. It needs transmission seals but is otherwise spectacular. I remember when my V11 Sport was worth $8500.

 

I understand the early tanks will bolt up to the later Tonti frames. I've heard of people converting Jackals. Others on the board know more about this so I hope they'll chime in and maybe show us a picture . . .

[Guest Mattress]

I've a friend with a magnificent V7 Sport that he'd like ( I think) $8500 for. It needs transmission seals but is otherwise spectacular. I remember when my V11 Sport was worth $8500.

 

I understand the early tanks will bolt up to the later Tonti frames. I've heard of people converting Jackals. Others on the board know more about this so I hope they'll chime in and maybe show us a picture . . .

 

That sounds like a good deal for a V7 Sport. I would like to own one someday. but currently I don't really have the money for a second bike. I saw a picture on another forum of a california with the seat off. I think maybe it is just the bulbous cali tank that makes the seat look lower. Still, its hard to picture how a V7 tank would fit since the cali tank seems to "rise" up so much from the seat. But the seat frame looked kinda straight across, as if an old school seat would fit.

 

Maybe it would work. Ahhh....someday when I have money to burn.

[Guzzirider]

I think the swingarm is longer on the late Tontis like my Jackal.

 

Guy

[jrt]

There are minor differences in the Tonti frames, but nothing that would keep you from converting a late model into an early model 'look alike'. The early (70's) Tonti frames have shorter swingarms (and so shorter shocks).

The later models have various stiffening struts welded in- I don't remember all the locations, but I think it's mainly around the battery box. There are also a couple of tabs on the frame (under the tank) that would have to be removed to put on an older style tank. Also, I'm not sure about putting old style side covers on- the new ones are slightly different. But- Mike Stewart and David (guzziownr) both have done exactly the conversion your thinking of. Heck, I sold Mike the Jackal that he used (hope it still runs! )

If you are shaped anything other than 5 foot tall with 6 foot arms, the real V7 sport will feel cramped. They are cool bikes, but tiny.

I'm currently working in the other direction- I'm modernizing the brakes and driveline of my (drum brake) Eldorado. I like that style, but I also like to stop.

[Guest Mattress]

There are minor differences in the Tonti frames, but nothing that would keep you from converting a late model into an early model 'look alike'. The early (70's) Tonti frames have shorter swingarms (and so shorter shocks).

The later models have various stiffening struts welded in- I don't remember all the locations, but I think it's mainly around the battery box. There are also a couple of tabs on the frame (under the tank) that would have to be removed to put on an older style tank. Also, I'm not sure about putting old style side covers on- the new ones are slightly different. But- Mike Stewart and David (guzziownr) both have done exactly the conversion your thinking of. Heck, I sold Mike the Jackal that he used (hope it still runs! )

If you are shaped anything other than 5 foot tall with 6 foot arms, the real V7 sport will feel cramped. They are cool bikes, but tiny.

I'm currently working in the other direction- I'm modernizing the brakes and driveline of my (drum brake) Eldorado. I like that style, but I also like to stop.

 

I like the Eldorado too. Some day I might be able to afford a second bike. I'd like one that would be a bit more comfortable for long distance blasts and could support two-up more comfortably than the Sport.

 

(I don't know why I'm so interested. I don't even have a girlfriend yet or even a date on the horizon.)

 

But for some reason, I don't care too much for the syling of the California. However, I do like the new California Vintage. I think the tank and seat look better on this version.

 

Has anyone had a chance to ride one? They do have the two-spark head, but not sure what else changed. I've got Guzziology X, but it only goes up to covering the Griso release.

[Guzzirider]

Another option if you wanted to build a nice Tonti framed cafe racer would be to buy a Le Mans IV or V, which are much cheaper than other LM variants- starting point for a decent one in the UK is about £1800 ($3600).

 

You would already have the frame, suspension, 950 motor, 40mm dellortos and big valves- a good starting point. Get some wire wheels, old style tank, seat unit and side panels and you would be able to build a 1000S style bike for a fraction of the cost. You could even sell all the standard plasticky stuff on EBAY to keep the cost down.

 

Guy

[jrt]

I like the Eldorado too. Some day I might be able to afford a second bike. I'd like one that would be a bit more comfortable for long distance blasts and could support two-up more comfortably than the Sport.

 

(I don't know why I'm so interested. I don't even have a girlfriend yet or even a date on the horizon.)

 

But for some reason, I don't care too much for the syling of the California. However, I do like the new California Vintage. I think the tank and seat look better on this version.

 

 

I think the Eldo is a great bike, but the frame is kind of dated (i.e. flexy). When I ride the Eldo, I don't "blast". I just poke along and smile. It's that kind of bike for me. Greg Field, I would guess, has a different approach.

 

I'm not sure what it is about the Vintage, but you're right- the tank looks ok on that bike. It's the same old tank as always, though. Weird. I do think it's the nicest looking Cali to come out in a decade or two. Ned's Auto and Cycle, a mere 4 hours from you, has one on the showroom floor. I haven't ridden it, but I imagine it's like every other late model that's come out.

[Guest Mattress]

I think the Eldo is a great bike, but the frame is kind of dated (i.e. flexy). When I ride the Eldo, I don't "blast". I just poke along and smile. It's that kind of bike for me. Greg Field, I would guess, has a different approach.

 

I'm not sure what it is about the Vintage, but you're right- the tank looks ok on that bike. It's the same old tank as always, though. Weird. I do think it's the nicest looking Cali to come out in a decade or two. Ned's Auto and Cycle, a mere 4 hours from you, has one on the showroom floor. I haven't ridden it, but I imagine it's like every other late model that's come out.

 

I think it is a visual effect from the neat pinstriping on the Vintage tank. I too had to take a closer look, and yeah it is the same California "bulbous" tank.

 

I'd like to visit Ned's someday. They were at the Iowa rally. Nice people.

 

I need to win the lottery!

[Greg Field]

The late Tontis can be converted into a decent rendition of the V7 Sport look. I say "decent" because the later bikes have a longer steering head that makes them appear a bit too tall ahead of the tank to fully capture the long, low look of the Sport. That was part of the reason the 1000s was only a "decent" rendition, too.

[jrt]

I need to win the lottery!

 

You and me both.

[Frenchbob]

If you are shaped anything other than 5 foot tall with 6 foot arms, the real V7 sport will feel cramped. They are cool bikes, but tiny.

 

I'm six foot tall with five foot arms, and my 750S3 [close relation to V7S] suits me fine.............this may be because I have nine-inch legs.

[jrt]

I'm six foot tall with five foot arms, and my 750S3 [close relation to V7S] suits me fine.............this may be because I have nine-inch legs.

 

Three of them?

[Frenchbob]

Three of them?

 

Well, I would say yes, but on a good day the middle one's longer.

[jrt]

Touché.

 

I'm big enough to admit when you win.