I have an 1100 Breva set up for touring with panniers and a touring screen, absolutly love it. plenty of touque, lovely sound (after market can) and usually the only one in the car park wherever you stop so always gets looks. The only issue I've had is a common non starting bug due to the way the power to the starter is wired through the switch gear but it's an easy fix and well documented on the Guzzi forums. other than that it's been trouble free.
I also have a Triumph Bonneville America which is a cruiser style similar to the Cali, I think the Guzzi engine is perfectly suited to that style of bike, like you I wanted a cruiser that wasn't an HD
