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Is a California jackal a good bike?

Gusable

Tuned and Synch'ed
Joined
May 2, 2017
Messages
40
Location
Dallas
im not a cruiser guy but I like the jackal. Is that a good bike? What kind of problems do they have what should I look for?
 
The '00-02 (Jackal/Bassa/EV) and '07-12 California 1100 are some of the best Guzzi's made. I still have and love my '00 Jackal with over 165k miles on it; https://www.guzzitech.com/thebikes/ToddsJackal.html
If you can find an '02 non-hydraulic lifter model "Stone" - that is one of the best made of that period. The '07+ Cal Vintage is on par as well.

I would recommend to stay away from the (some) '02-05 1100's with hydraulic lifters (not the Jackal).
 
I had a hydraulic lifter EV. Never gave an issue. In fact, the factory update wasn't done until the bike had over 40K miles. Never any trouble from that engine. However, I did not run the recommended 10W40, but Mobil 1 15W50.
 
I had a hydraulic lifter EV. Never gave an issue. In fact, the factory update wasn't done until the bike had over 40K miles. Never any trouble from that engine. However, I did not run the recommended 10W40, but Mobil 1 15W50.

I think they're a sweet motor too (especially after the conversion). All my three have been sold on, bit of a shame but that's progress.

I believe the final oil spec was 5W40.
 
So a solid lifter 1100 bike is what should look at! I see quite a few here and there for sale. Thx for the help!
 
I have a 2001 Jackal. It has pushrods activating the rocker arms. After about 100 Jap bikes this is the bike that has turned me into an unrepentant Guzziholic. I never want any other brand bike now. The Jackal has tons of torque, pulls like Arnold Schwarzennegger at 16 and in the words of a riding buddy who rode a 1700cc Harley, the Jackal is a "Rocket" Nice comparison huh? I LOVE mine to bits. I now have a second Guzzi, a Bellagio and want more..........................
 
This came up after my Jackal video. Freaked me out, The Jackal has so many possibilities for customisation. Wait till you see the JacKatana !
 
I think I made a big mistake back in 2008 when I bought my 2007 Norge from Speaker's. Sometime in the course of the next year or so he offered me a brand new Jackal that somebody had put a deposit on and never picked up. He said give me the $6000 owed on it and you can have it. I said I already have the Norge why do I want another Guzzi? I've regretted that decision just for not trying it to see how I liked it. I probably wouldn't have lost any money on it even if I hated it and sold it.
 
My 2001 has been here for ten years, now just over 100K km (62K miles). Only one real failure: the TPS quit a few years ago, easily replaced, as I had learned from this site how to set it up. Not even fork seals...
If you are not a cruiser guy, a recent thread about rear-sets, plus super bike bars and a better seat will get you going in the right direction.
Sintered bronze brake pads will give you plenty without double discs.
If you want to spend some money on a good one, find a Dynojet tuning center, (after installing a Power Commander); there is a lot of power hidden here, basically the difference between "emission fueling" and "optimum fueling".
The Jackal is a stone axe. You'll love it,
 
My '00 Jackal, sold at 72k miles. Airbox mod, K&N, Power Commander, H crossover, LaFranconi muffs. 13.2 sec. quarter mile @ 101.5 mph. 12743637 1144633918900672 5648877396295456268 n
 
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Hi Geezer.
Nice bike. Tell me did you put the Power Commander on and what difference did it make to the bike?

Man, that was about 15 years ago, I don't remember who put it together, but I know it wasn't me!!!
Probably Tony Foster at PSC in Daytona Beach. Sorry !!!
 
I have had my 2000 Jackal for 11 years. It is as solid as a rock. I have had no problems or issues. It is easy to work on and tune-up; and trust me, I am not a hot shot mechanic. Also you can add accessories and upgrades very easily that customizes it to you and your riding style.
 
I purchased a 2001 Jackal last year from the original owner, who had bought it back from a guy he sold it to before!
Got it with 42,000 miles. Bike was in great shape-needed the usual consumables tnded to as well as a new stator/rotor/regulator.

The bike had LaFranconie pipes and crossover and ran well enough but started a bit hard and popped a bit. Now, after a real tough WNY winter, I got the bike out the other day for the first time as I was very anxious to see how it would run with the new "brain".


It runs FANTASTIC. Much smoother (which I didn't know it needed as it seemed fine), starts right up, no popping in decel, and pulls like a freight train. Another great job done by GuzziTech.
 
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