Moto Guzzi California 1400 - Touring vs Custom vs Audace vs Eldorado vs MGX21 - full owner's review!
Vložit
- čas přidán 14. 07. 2023
- Nik from Pegasus Motorcycle Tours & Consulting LLC brings you a comprehensive review of his gorgeous 2016 Moto Guzzi California 1400 and discusses how it compares to the Touring model, as well as how these differ from the Eldorado, Audace, and MGX 21 models in the Guzzi lineup.
Please support the independence of this channel so that I can continue to bring you honest reviews based on empirical knowledge and shot in stunning environments (as opposed to first impression opinions filmed with a single shot from a helmet cam, talking into a Bluetooth during an unremarkable local ride :)
10% of earnings from this channel will be donated to research focusing on children's' cancers - please see the related video for more information and how to support this endeavor.
A huge thanks to my good friend Elias for giving me the privilege of reviewing his Touring model.
Cheers - Nik
OUR PATREON PAGE - / pegasusmotorcycletours
OUR Merch store - www.pegasusmotorcycletours.co...
Copyright: Pegasus Motorcycle Tours & Consulting LLC, All Rights Reserved 2022
www.PegasusMotorcycleTours.com
Credits: Peng Shi Photography @ www.PengShi.com
Babelli Classics @ babelliclassics.com/
DISCLAIMER:
The suggestions and opinions expressed are the result of a lifetime of daily motorcycling, touring, camping, intl, travel, and overlanding experience, including extensive international adventure touring. The opinions expressed are my own only, and do not necessarily reflect those of any retailer or brand mentioned or reviewed, nor any other third party. This video is entirely unsponsored and completely independent. The purpose of this disclosure is to reassure you, the viewer, that what you are getting is an honest personal opinion, so that you can make the best possible decision as a consumer. If you like what you see, please take a moment to like, share, and subscribe to help this channel grow in order to benefit the largest number of riders. And as always - ride smart, ride safe, and keep the rubber side down. Cheers! Nik
Looking for a fun, unique thing to do while visiting San Diego and Southern California? Check out our private narrated, guided city sidecar tours on a Honda Goldwing GL1800 with a 2 seater Champion Daytona Sidecar - let Nik show you San Diego in the most unique way.
Pegasus Sidecar Tours
www.PegasusSidecarTours.com
Thanks for watching and participating in the conversation.
Cheers - Nik - Auta a dopravní prostředky
As an Audace 1400 owner all I can say is that the 1400 range of Moto Guzzi is the best kept secret in the motorcycle world!
Those bikes ride more like big naked bikes rather than cruiser bikes. Brakes are super handling is inspiring and the engine is a gem! You can ride the torque and take it easy or keep the thing spinning and use the power from 4000 till the red line!! And it shifts on the road you can keep with anything up to 120mph. There is enough ground clearance to have fun in the Twisties. yes you won't get your knee down but You will be smiling from ear to ear!
Well put. The day this review when up a neighbor down the road sold his flying fortress to me, so I'm a happy guy at the moment back on the Guzzi.
MGX-21owner here. I am 38 yrs old and I wil keep this bike forever!
Haha, right there with you brother. The day after this review dropped I picked one up myself. Best bike I've ever had.
2 years ago it seemed they could give those bikes away I really wanted one or atleast I thought I did had a chance to buy one at a tremendous reduced price researched them up and down but in the back of my mind I was always thinking why dont you ever see one and I havnt since not the worst mistake Ive ever made but probably one nonetheless
Nice video! Thanks. I am a owner of 2 Guzzi’s. All Guzzi’ are very agile for the size of the bikes. Driving out of Mandello dell Lario you drive straight into the Alpes. That means hairpins, height variations.. just to say, the works. For me (being Dutch (Netherlands) with my average length (186 cm/6’1 ft)) the saddles 24:52 are a bit to low, but that can be fixed quite easily. My Guzzi’s are a cal 3 (complete rebuild int 50th/60th) and a more or less standard Cal 1100i. I did tons of km’s (miles if you wish) on them and they never failed me. Quite easy to maintain them as well, what saves me a lot of money and is fun as well. You understand much more what is going on under your butt and become a way better bike driver by default.
I enjoyed this video. The Guzzi is a honest bike, a friend for life. If you ever come to Europe, during the end of June we, MGCN (Moto Guzzi Club Nederland) do have our annual International Guzzi meeting. You are more than welcome (everybody owning a motorbike, doesn’t matter what brand, is welcome). Just a small tent and sleeping bag will do.
Thanks for sharing and for the invite. I am actually riding the flying fortress now and absolutely love it. The new Mandelo looks fantastic especially with the luggage.
@@pegasusmotorcycletours Than you haven’t seen the new Stelvio yet. The new Stelvio was available for test drive on our International Guzzi meeting last June. They do very good in Mandello.
Greetzzz
I bought a new 2017 California Touring after 3 decades of BMWs. Hard to say why it took so long to figure it out. Such a fine experience. I’m 70 and might -maybe/maybe not - be moving to a V7 because its lighter, but not sure if it matters enough to bother. The mass is only an issue in personal experience very occasionally: if its necessary to back up and you’ve had a brain freeze and managed to get stopped with the nose downhill a little. Basically impossible to push back alone and without a bit of help in some situations. For me, it only happened once and lesson learned. But honestly the thing just feels great the way it is and its not a big deal. Moving it around on the level garage floor is really not an issue at all for me. Riding, even stop and go, its not an issue. It’s basically still a practical police bike, goes slow fine and fast fine too.
I couldn't agree with you more. I just rode the v85 adventure tragedy and was so pleasantly surprised. Might be my next adventure bike. The day after this review went live I picked up the flying fortress and my goodness, it does not disjoint. Gorgeous to look at, unique with all the carbon fiber, and I dare say rides better due to the 21 raked out front. Thanks for watching and please stay tuned for that review. Cheers. Nik
I’ve had a 2014 Custom with Touring bags for 7 years now. Best bike I’ve had, agree with everything you say, thanks for a great review and yes they are a well kept secret. Will be keeping mine …
Interestingly enough the day this video dropped a flying fortress popped up a mile from my home so of course I had to get it. Please stay tuned for that review. It's as good as I had hoped it would be. What amazing Motors, such a shame they're no longer in production
Great video!
Thanks for watching. Glad you found your time well invested. Cheers. Nik
Great review fella, had my Audace for 5yrs now. Your roads look a lot better than the potholed crap we have in Southern U.K. Get yourself over to Mandello, it’s beautiful around the Lakes.
Thanks for watching and participating in the conversation. I'll be in Italy in a month and will do precisely that ;)
I bought a 2016 Eldorado brand new in 2019. I got it from a dealership in San Diego. It was a demo bike and had 700 miles on it. I took off the stock mufflers and installed 42" chrome fishtail pipes. The straight pipes were a little too loud so I installed some 4" baffles and now it's perfect. I love the smoothness of this bike. It's virtually vibration free. Very nimble for a 700 pound machine. Most people have never seen a Guzzi so I get a lot of compliments. I hope to be riding it for years to come.
Thanks for sharing. They certainly are very underapreciated. The day after this review went live I located and bought the MGX so please stay tuned for that review. Cheers. Nik
Agostini slip ons absolutely a necessity. Block off the SRS to avoid pops and Beetle Remap. its a dream
I haven't heard of the beetle.remap. the day after this review went live I picked up a flying fortress that has gutted pipes and it sounds like.a hot rod. Fantastic bike. I'll have to do the remapping for the backfiring and pops.
Also what is srs?
Had a 2014 California custom. Put 60000 worry free miles on it before I had an unfortunate accident and totaled it. I am replacing it with the MGX 21. Found one with less than 6000 miles. Can’t wait for it to arrive.
The day after this review dropped I picked up the MGX and have been in love with it. Fantastic machine. Thanks for sharing and please stay tuned for that review.
Bought my Cali without ever owning a cruiser just because it looked like it was carved from a single piece of steel. Crazy machine. A twin that revs like a four. A beefy low slung chunk with enough stop, go, & lean to keep the twisties fun. All I’ve done is fit the sport fairing to make it easier to clean the bugs, and upgraded the suspension front and back. It’s sitting right beside me as I type.
I agree fully. It's so aesthetically pleasing but then you get on it and feel the fantastic performance aspects of an Italian hand built machine. I rode the v85 today and lived everything about it. A day after this review dropped I picked up the flying fortress so please stay tuned for that review. Gorgeous, fantastic bike, with usable luggage and a ton of Carbon fiber. I dare say the 21 front rides nicer too. Thanks for watching.
get your xt1200 ECU flashed it transforms the engine . it makes both modes more usable and smoother
I heard that too. I'll have to do it.
What a brilliant presentation.....
Thanks for watching. Glad you found your time well invested. The day after this review dropped, I found the mgx in my town so now I ride the flying fortress. Stay tuned for that review. Cheers. Nik
Thank you for the comprehensive review. 🙌SOLD!!
I found one (014 w/11k miles) and am Seriously considering a purchase. Absolutely stunning
Black ⚫️ Beauty 🤩.
🍻 Cheers. , G. In beautiful Boulder City Nv. USA 🇺🇸
Great to hear it. You won't regret it. Let me know what you think in a month from now
Interesting to see this. I have a 2014 Custom with red anodized valve covers, factory Touring bags, sport screen, Guzzi custom mirrors, Matris adjustable forks and rear shocks, and a Beetle map which smooths out the
Snatchy throttle and improves the overall throttle response. My only complaint is the low side bag leaks when parked in the rain. Pretty disappointing considering the cost of the bags. The locks scratch up easily too if you aren’t really careful. Other than that an absolute hoot to ride. Decent mileage, great handling and brakes. Always gets comments. Impossible to walk away and not look back. I’m keeping mine.
Lots of work went into that one then. The day this review came out, the flying fortress appeared in my town and I snatched it for myself, so now I'm a happy owner of that beastly thing. Same feeling you describe of having to look back as I walk away, and I think that will be the keeper. Please stay tuned for that review. Cheers. Nik
Lovely bike , I already have a Griso , not many California’s for sale in the UK .
They dont male the 1400 any more. I feel like the response has been overall very possitive and people seem to love the Mandelo but definitely a shame they got rid of their cruisers. I ride the flying fortress now and absolutely love it. Stay tuned for that review and please consider subscribing to get notified. Cheers. Nik
Great review and thank you so much. Bought a 2017 Cal touring end of last year here in Canada and only able to ride for two days before I had to put away for the winter. Hoping to ride soon.
Where did you get the red covers?
I've been riding the glying fortress so please stay tuned for that review. Amazing bike. The covers are from af1 racing website.
Gorgeous! I ride a 2000 Cali
Great to hear from Other guzzistas. Ive moved on to the mgx21
Thank you ! How do you think it would be for a passenger ? Compared to a Goldwing for example . I know the wing is a different bike but just curious as I am looking to buy a 2-up touring bike and respect the Wings refinement but totally love the look and feel of the California and Elderado . Thank you
If you're looking for a bike specifically for two up touring, I dare say the passenger is not going to love the good sea especially if you're comparing it to the building. Ultimately it's all about the comfort.
Great review. Can you tell me the name of the 1400 Custom lower side fairings mounted on the forks?
Thanks. The day after this review went live I picked up the flying fortress which is what im riding now. Amazing bike and a keeper. The clear deflectors are generic, picked up from AF1 racing.
Nik how does the air cooled motor perform in California? Do you have any experience with the Stelvio? Found a nice one but unsure with air cooled.
I've never had an issue with overheating. This is more of a concern in Vegas or Phoenix than in San Diego. It rides cooler than a Harley.
Great review, you picked up a sub 😁. I guess I’m like a lot of riders who really appreciate MG, but have never owned one. For so long I wanted one of those 2001-2005 V11’s: LeMans, Sport, Rosso Mandello, Scura… but my budget and my aspirations never could quite align. So I’m older now, looking for a unique tourer to replace my HD RK. Could this be the bike?
This absolutely could be. And if not this than the mgx21 flying fortress which I picked up the very following day after t b is review went live. So please stay tuned for that. Best bike I've ever owned.
I am torn on going back to a cali 1400. I had a 2017 MGX21 flying fortress and I LOVED LOVED the mechanicals of the bike BUT my god the body panel (saddle bags were held to gether with self taping screws and the bag lock was horrendoulsy designed) and lighting build quality was astoundingly bad. I traded for 2021 Goldwing BUT miss tehe cali so I wonder if Id be better off with a touring (same possibly bad body build quality) or a ELDO/Custom/Adauche?
The day after this review wentlive I found and obliged up the MGX. Im loving it predictably. I also dont like the loclomg.kechanism, but overall woth an isotta backrest, I can strap on my viking sissy bar beg. I also have multiple.goldwings in the garage. I ca say Nothing negative about the build quality of the california line.so go for it.
a few months ago, I saw 1400 at Paseo CA gathering. Amongst mostly Harley there was 1400. I don’t know what year model it was. I ride Harley (cafe’d up Roadster) - but I really like Guzzi.
Thanks for sharing. They stand out. The day this review dropped an mgx came on the local craigslist and I picked it up. Quite a unique bike.
Are they the 8 valve job(4 valves per cylinder) with high cams & stubby pushrods with each rocker pushing on 2 valves? In a way similar to the CX Honda.
Yes, they are. 8mm lock nut around a 3mm hex. Easy peasy. 360rider is the channel on CZcams that has a tutorial.
just teasing me with that future xchallenge review. Its okay, i like this too.
My sincere apologies, the audio was not good so I am having to film again. The good news is that the bike is now in the ownership of a good friend, so I do have access to it. I promise I will get it done :) Thank you for your patience/loyalty/support.
@@pegasusmotorcycletours always loyal ;)
@@Ari--d What is your email? I will send it to you as a private video as is, with the poor but useable audio. It's not pretty, I haven't edited in footage, but the info is there if you are just itchin' for it. Unless you absolutely love being so patient and prefer to wait for the real deal.
You sold me. I'm getting a red cherry one soon
You won't regret it. It's a fantastic color as well. The day this review posted I picked up the mgx so I've been riding my Gucci as well
Dude i live in oceanside! This month i’m buying an mgx-21, currently on a harley. We should ride sometime!
Hello Michael. I picked one up the day this video dropped actually. It's a great bike, just as I had imagined it, but I might sell it since the goldwing fits my commuting and business needs better. You're welcome to check it out, take it for a spin. I haven't listed it yet but was planning to do so this weekend. My phone is on my website. Cheers
La California Touring è la moto più bella del Mondo
Italiana do it best. I also find MV agusta superveloce to be gorgeous.
@@pegasusmotorcycletours i know..as a child, there was and MV Agusta 175 "disco volante" in my garage...
Nice bike
Thanks. The next day I found and bought the flying fortresses so please stay tuned for that review
Did you get a MD-X?
The flying fortress? Yes. I'm riding it currently. Amazing bike. The review is coming.
Soft plastic saddle bags help you to store your jet helmet inside.
Nothing wrong with this design.
Thanks for watching. I wear a full face so it doesn't work for my needs. I also dontlike the front hinge. A day after this review went live i picked up the flying fortress and like that luggage more so please stay tuned for that review. Cheers. Nik
Nema problema 😁
Cekam novi video sa nestrpljenjem.
New Audace 1400 for 2024 ?
I haven't heard anything about that.
Moto Goozee (US speak) Moto Guzzee (UK speak)
Precisely that!. Thanks for watching. The next day I picked up the flying fortress and have been LOVING IT. please stay tuned for that review.
The ugliest designed bike with odd engine mounted in the world. BMW R18 boxer takes the second place
The Aesthetics are always so subjective. I agree with you about the bmw, even the new ones with the boxer engine, but I don't agree with you with the Italian. They are very industrial looking but I do love the engine. As for the rest of the bike I think it's one of the most handsome motorcycles on the road. I actually ride the Flying Fortress right now and it's surreal head turner and conversation starter.
@@pegasusmotorcycletours Italian supersports bikes have no match as the most beautiful bikes with its industry inspiring designs. But MotoGuzzi.....errrr. Just because something is ugly, odd would make it unique but it will still remain ugly and odd.
The Suzuki Hayabusa and Yamaha V-Max are considered ugly bikes by many. But they both have a certain unique strange charm, like the Guzzi 1400 has. The Hayabusa is still in production, and the V-Max was for about 25 years.
That’s a long time for a Japanese manufacturer to keep those models in production. Which shows how a lot of riders love them for being different enough with their looks. Not everyone is interested in a cookie cutter looking bike.
Would love to own one
Resale is very favorable for buyers so these can be had for a great deal. I'm rodongthe flying fortress right now and love it.
Their model lineup in 2024 sucks. Ugly bikes with no appeal whatsoever. MG made a very foolish decision in getting rid of this model line
I feel like the response has been oveeall@bery possitive and people seem to love the Mandelo but definitely a shame they got rid of their cruisers. I ride the flying fortress now and absolutely love it. Stay tuned for that review and please consider subscribing to get notified. Cheers. Nik