What are you talking about they’ve been making motorcycles since 1921. Not to mention the California platform from Guzzi has been around since the 1970’s they aren’t “attempting to make a Harley” they are such a better motorcycle than Harley’s ever will be.
As another Guzzi V7 owner, I agree. The only thing that struck me as odd is that he didn't find the Guzzi transmission clunky enough. . . how can that be? I love my Guzzi, but it is not buttery smooth in the shifting department.
@@xMaoxoaMx Yeah, I wish Guzzi would break down and up the V7 to at least 70 to 75hp. That being said, it's still on my top three of potential new bikes.
I owe one built in 2017. Cruise control shuts down either by switching it off, breaking, pull the clutch or opening the throttle. There is definetly no thermal problem with the engine. For a test as a police bike here in Germany it has to run in idle for about 8 hours to support blue warning lights and a horn (e.g. at a motorway accident ground) at 86 degres Fahrenheit and it checked that test with ease. The engine is NOT meant to switch as soon as possible to the highest gear. Since it is running smoth between 2000 - 5500 rpms you take the 2 gear in small villages (20 miles/h) , 3 in larger towns or small roads (30-50 miles/h), 4 th from 50 to 70 miles/h, 5th from 65 to 80 miles/h and 6 for the rest. Since we have changing speeds on the roads in Europe and especially on motorways there is a need to be be in the RIGHT gear either in twisties or high speed sections. Therefore I use cruise control mostly for a speed north of 90 miles/h otherwise it makes no sense here. Very often I use 4 th gear for more than 15 Miles continously between two villages on B roads and never go to 5th or 6th because the power band is widely spread and I don't see any difference in fuel consumption when I try to shift up more often. Just take the gear that fits and let it stay. It will not stress you. It feels fine. Riding 40 years now I owed more than a dozen bikes. BMWs, a VTR1000R Honda, a ZX7R Kawa, CB750 and CB1000 Hondas, a Honda Crosstourer and other ADV bikes. Still have a Beta 250 RR 2 stroke enduro. But I love my Guzzi California and only owed my ZX7R longer (but that was a tuned up Superbike made by Tony Bass called "Slick" the race meachanic of Scott Russel and Carl Fogarty and therefore was very special). Guzzi rules 👍😄
Also had the same dilema. While most people are rooting for Guzzi to succeed, they stay away from them, myself included. But after a big reliability disappointment from BMW, think I will bite the bullet and trade the GS for a V85 TT. Just love how that bike looks and the lack of power in comparison with the 1200GS is not a huge deal breaker for me.
@@atomicgrasshopper4391 I had a similar thought. The looks of the v85TT are incredible, but I have heard its the most boring engine. Dry clutch and a questionable shaft drive are also not my fav. I wish they would put the engine setup from the V100 in a 85tt platform.
Main issue with guzzie is service. I live near Chicago, nearest dealer is a 2 hour ride into Wisconsin, next closest is a similar ride into Michigan. What's worse is most independent shops won't touch it, I had to explain that it's a carb v twin air cooled and I have the service manual available to get a basic saftey inspection. I would not recommend one as a adv unless your able to afford a emergency uhall and driving 300 miles out of route to get parts. Different story in Europe but stateside either become a expert mechanic and carry lots of spare parts or stay away.
@@sebkorsnesI switched from a tracer 9 gt to the v85tt. And will never look back. It’s my forever bike and I honest to God mean that. Already put 2k miles on it in 4 months and as far as a boring motor that’s just someone’s opinion. If you replace the headers and remove the cat and give it a tune it’s a whole new bike. 25+ more hp and sound. The trans to me works just as it should. Just do an early service to replace all fluids and it’s bullet proof.
No mention of the 3 engine modes or traction control. Probably had the Guzzi in touring mode with traction control on 2. Try putting it in sport mode with the traction control on 1 or off. It makes one hell of a difference
So let me get this straight? A motorcycle company made a cruiser that handles well, stops well, and is fun in a higher rev range? And looks great! That is kinda weird.
I owned one of these. I bought it as a modern replacement for my 2003 Guzzi California Stone 1100 which had 150,000 trouble free miles. The 1400 was a fantastic bike but I missed the handling prowess and ground clearance if the Tonti framed California. It could embarrass sport bikes in the tight twisties. Anyhow I sold the 1400 for a Stelvio and its been ADV bikes since then. :). Thanks for the great review.
Also, can we appreciate that for V-shaped engines, _especially_ for air-oil cooled ones, Guzzi's engine orientation is the one that makes more friggin sense? I mean, I have Harleyist friends whose bikes just shut down in scorching summer city traffic? How come Guzzis never do that? And Harley wants double the money?! I'm baffled by how neither of the American brands ever cared to consider the transversal V twin orientation. It's so much more efficient (cause you can put em at an actual 90° between em) and both of the cylinders are cooled in the same way!
There's nothing quite like a Moto Guzzi. I traded my old Ninja 400 in for a 2023 V7 two months ago and have no regrets whatsoever. It's very comfortable and perfect for both weekend trips and daily commuting.
Guzzis are superreliable and easy to maintain..I have owned 3 of them and they have tons of character. A very underrated brand in the US probably because of a limited dealership network.
I have over 55 years of motorcycling behind me. As far as Italian bikes, I have owned a ducati 860, moto morini 500 camel, laverda 3cl 1000, cagiva 650, and currently have a 1989 Moto Guzzi Mille GT 1000 and a 2013 Moto Guzzi Stone 750. Have owned several German bikes to include BMW and Zundaps. Grew up with British bikes-meaning Triumph and BSA. Have never been interested in Harley. Owned several Suzuki's to include 2-stroke models and the Wankel rotary 500. The Moto Guzzis have been my favorite above all the rest. Quirky, reliable, tractor-like in that the Japanese "refinement" is not there. But if you love just being connected to machinery and sound, then Moto Guzzi!- By the way, because it is shaft driven and a new bike it takes some miles to break in the transmission as well as for the brakes to seat well--be patient--mike
I love the bikes, took a Cali, an Audace an best of all, a MGX-21 for a Spin. Great bikes, grear looks and the perform better than every Softail I ever rode.
Throttle is not cabled. It’s ride by wire. It’s the same ECU and throttle body setup as the V85 funny enough. The brake or clutch to disengage cruise is just how they set it up. I learned riding my California back from San Diego that the smoothest way to disengage the cruise is a light touch to the rear brake.
Bought a 2020 California 1400 this year with 2k on the clock for just under 13k. I feel from looking at some reviews that Moto Guzzi addressed and changed the bike a bit from 2014. For example I have a more modern cruise control and it’s controls are on the left handlebar. Anyway I’ve got a couple of thousand miles on it so far and it’s been great.
I once rode a MotoGuzzi California 2005 model, It was a fantastic experiance, handling was great for a cruiser and the engine was a delight! very underrated motorcycles.
Cool bike. That one has a nice aftermarket Corbin seat on it, which probably helped with the comfort. I'm paying a lot more attention to Guzzi since buying a Mandello S a few weeks ago and I really like what I see.
I owned an Audace which is also a 1400. Fantastic bike, just got too heavy for my old worn out body. Guzzi engines are over-square so they like to be wound out. Give them their head and they will leave the Harleys in the dust, doen't matter if it is in a straight line or in the twistys. The cruise was improved on the later models, moved to the other side but I don't believe they had roll back to cancell. Neither does my '22 Bonneville nor can it be cancelled by hitting the button a second time. Anyway Guzzis are great bikes, I still have a V7lll Special as well as the Bonneville.
Spite, you are so in your element here! Love the quirky bikes like this and the aprilias. Great job. Excited to see you do some wrenching and builds too man.
Great bike for a guzzi enthusiast. I remember when they were promoting this bike and always found it lacking “something” personally. Glad to see guzzi is comin into their own lately
Great review of the engine and handling of this bike. I have a 2016 Guzzi Audace. Looks like a cruiser but rides more like a naked. Loves to be revved, loves twisties, doesn't want to be lugged around so frequent gear changes are needed. Not a great bike for long highway hauls but fun for a quick blast around town or your favorite weekend roads. I have no issues with the gearbox it has a nice clunk to it.
turns out it's pretty difficult to mess up making a cheeseburger. :D Guzzi makes some very nice looking stuff and one day I will get to finally ride one.
My freedom loving godfather had a beautiful Moto Guzzi California 3 in full black, costs around 3490 euros nowadays. That bike and his black Porsche 930 turbo with black rims were eyecatchers back in the days. Nostalgia hits hard.
I have a 2017 california 1400 Touring. Wonderful motorcycle. So comfortable. Build quality and durability/ease of service are great and functionality/riding/performance is really remarkable both slow speed tractoring around “parade” duty but also pretty fast back road twists and turns (at “reasonable” fast speeds, its pretty big, but oddly it steers unexpectedly well). On the interstates its great but I don’t really enjoy interstate highways riding very much. The torquey engine pulls hard and easily at low RPM, but also winds up far past what you’d expect with very linear HP increase to fairly high RPMs which allows a lot of throttle controlability on curves and back roads or passing for example. Its quite a smooth running engine. Brakes are strong Brembos and can stop hard very well and also with fine control and feedback that allows trail braking etc with no problem. Valve clearance checks and adjustments are easy, as are oil changes. Shaft service is not so easy but its extremely reliable and durable. Luggage doesn’t leak. Chrome stays intact. Moto Guzzi’s are not the very fastest or most nimble but they are fast and nimble and make you feel very good every time you ride them. Plus they’re sort weird in a very cool way. Everything lasts a long time (as long as you want, a bit like a /2 of /5 BMW airhead, but with modern suspension, metallurgy, fuel injection, ABS, cruise, etc) and is high quality. I have had a lot of motorcycles over many years. This is absolutely one of the very best, created in it its own slightly unusual way. If you want a unique but very useable and fun heavyweight touring cruiser, they really are a perfect choice to consider and try.
I liked the California and it's edgier brother the Audace! Shame the Audace, especially the Carbon ones, are super hard to find in the states. If I can find one near me, I'll buy it in a heartbeat.
The cruise control is like a car's. Once set you can still use the throttle to speed up and overtake and then roll back the throttle back to off and it will drop back to the previous set speed. It doesn't have up and down adjustments once set so this makes up for that. I agree on the recessed button though. Poor design and next to useless with winter gloves on. To fix it I just used a self adhesive black rubber furniture protection button to make the button proud of the control. Works a treat.
I've had only one Guzzi, an old CX100 w no fairing and clip-on. Looked and sounded fantastic, cheap to buy, rode it for 2 years and sold it for a profit...
I like it, its Italian weirdness, revvy engine and its actually handles when the road gets interesting, a mate had one , said the only annoying thing about it was the fuel usage system, it would just tell you how many kms you had done 'since' you went on reserve, now that's Italian !
I have a 2020 California Touring, the last model year for this Guzzi. The cruise control button is totally different and it does have "roll off" function.
The last of the Guzzis with tree pulling 2000rpm on low down stomp were the last of the 5 speeders with heavy flywheels and cranks from the end of the last century. My 89 950cc Cali 3, still with points, condensors, & yes a/a springs will pull hard from 2-2.5k onwards. No pinking. No hesitation. Having small 30 or 36mm carbs instead of 38-40mm carbs helos too.
I've got the California Custom version that was the naked version, but the previous owner installed the factory windshield and hard bags. Great bike. I went over to the dark side (car tire on the rear) about 3 years ago, and have never looked back. The only reason I would ever consider getting rid of it is that the nearest dealer is over 300 miles away, so any major repairs would be a real pain.
Been a Guzzi rider for 37 years. Still have the LeMans IV I bought new in 1986, had a California III Touring and a little Monza (500). Plenty of parts available for the Tongi framed bikes and easy to DIY your own service. Looked at this California but lack of dealer network and modern electronics don’t mix well.
As an owner of Moto Guzzi's 850 LeMans Mk.II, I need to say this - Guzzi's get under your skin, and are unlike most others. And that special feeling they can give an owner stays with you. I have bought and sold many bikes over 55 years, and my Guzzi is in my top 3 all time sytreet bikes. Spite - you have to see if you can get a ride on the new sport Tourer...the V100 Mandello - it even has adaptive fairing panels for rider comfort.
Moto Guzzi has a rich racing heritage and you can feel it in every single bike they make. The V7, California, etc all ride along gently and casually, but twist the throttle and start some weaving, you feel the engine and handling response really come alive. Guzzis love to live above 4k rpm. Fun fact - Moto Guzzi was the first motorcycle company in the world to build and use a wind test tunnel.
Why say 6th gear is an overdrive like it's a bad thing. It should be that way on all vehicles. I don't care if it's a Panigale, if it has a license plate, 6th gear should be a very tall overdrive. It's actually kinda annoying that most bikes aren't this way.
I so fell in love with how this bike looked and wanted to get one. I then talked myself out of it though. Glad I did, Italian motorcycles are really a love/hate relationship and the issues end up being something that always makes me very leery about owning one.
Nice intro! I saw this and had to click because any Moto Guzzi review brings back memories of the 2007 Moto Guzzi Breva 1100 I rode for nearly two years. It was such a cool bike that I wish was still in production!
I have a 2014 Cali 1400 custom. Upgraded suspension. It’s no match for my ninja in the twisties, but it’s got 37 degrees of lean and comfy as sin for a 6’ rider.
Not a cruiser fan myself, but I've ridden a friends Kawasaki Eliminator VN250 v-twin that makes its power in the same sort of rev range & found it a hoot to ride. Maybe I'm wired wrong, but there's something ridiculously entertaining about riding a cruiser that makes its max torque & power at 9500 rpm & 12500 rpm respectively. I can only imagine how much more fun it would be on a bigger bike like the Moto Guzzi California.
One of the best looking cruiser/tourers. I don't know if the US bikes had different bottom end due to emissions, as the Euro bikes were praised for their torque throughout the rev range.
These 1380 engines are not coming back due to EU emission regs. Lets not forget they are still a pushrod air cooled motor and EXTREMELY DE-TUNED. Shops in Germany and Italy are getting 140 hp and 140 lb ft reliably out of these engines. Edit, And they will pull HARD from 2,500 rpm with a totally flat torque curve.
dude thanks so much for soing this review! I love my '16 Eldorado and AF1 is my go-to for parts. I moved to the Eldo from a Guzzi V7iii 750, so why I like it and your comments about how it rides really clicks for me
@michaelhayward7572 Yes and no. I can fix alot, but I'm no mechanic. I get in over my head it's a 4 hour trailer haul to the nearest guy willing to touch it.
I’ve never lived near enough to a Guzzi dealer to risk buying one. I’m not handy enough to self service and I do about 20k a year. I need a dealer to keep my bike up. I’ve heard Guzzi’s regularly get 50 MPG which is quite a selling point, especially if you live out West where gas stations can be few and far between. I’ve heard nothing but good about them in my 69 yrs of riding. The California is a pretty bike. I love the way that windshield looks from the rider vantage point. Very diff from my Goldwing. The engine speed to pass doesn’t impress. I can pass with my GW from 3k. That would be almost 70 mph.
I have a 2014 Custom with a Matris suspension upgrade and a Beetle Map which smooths out the throttle. I totally agree with the cruise control it’s a PITA but not much in 2014 had cruise and it beats nothing. Really fun in the twisties for a big bike, decent mileage, very smooth for a twin, not terrible to service, gets comments everywhere. The dealer network is abysmal.
i have a 2017 touring. just awesome for a v twin cruiser. love it with the wife. can run harley's off the road in the curves and faster in the straights with exhaust. awesome.
I wanted to buy one because it looks so beautiful. Tested it together with wifey, but we both felt cramped on it and lean angle was also very poor. We compared it with a Victory Cross Country Tour and went for the Vic in the end. But I still think the Guzzi is very beautiful in white.
The point of MG’s is that they like to wrung out. Like every MG I’ve ever ridden LOVE being ridden hard. It’s just what they’re made to do! They’re engaging and pretty! Although if you want them to go fast, there are shops that can easily crank out the power. GT Moto out in Southern California will make a real spicy meatball if you want it.
I was seriously looking for a late model Road King but the research into M8 and the cost of making the engine work (better oil pump, cam plate, decent cam and crank case breather) plus the fact that I already have Guzzis led me to the Cali 1400 ……. Sorry Harley.
Thank you for putting in the metric conversion. Small thing but means we who live in the rest of the world dont need to reach for google conversions. 👍
Nice review! I have one since several years, it is a great motorbike! The motorbike caracter and response has a lot to do with the audace (naked version)! , and it is ride by wire btw :)
About time!!! MOOOOTOOOOGUUUUZIII!!!! Love Guzzi's thanks for the review. ;-). All their bikes are unique in feel and ride and, always always fun! Get something different. Get a Guzzi :P
You did not mention ride modes, What riding mode were you driving in? As for the torque,it puls far befoure 5000 rpm that you mentioned. After I tested Custom I decided to sell my Roak King asap and replaced it with beautifoul silver Custom with sissy bar,original hard bags and wind screen... Best decision ever
I’ve been seeing this too much lately and it’s bugging me. Guzzi places their V-Twins LONGITUDINALLY not TRANSVERSE. Harley and Indian are transversely mounted.
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What are you talking about they’ve been making motorcycles since 1921. Not to mention the California platform from Guzzi has been around since the 1970’s they aren’t “attempting to make a Harley” they are such a better motorcycle than Harley’s ever will be.
Love my Guzzi v7. Such a reliable bike. Never any real issues and it turns heads everywhere, for better or for worse. I can't recommend guzzis enough.
As another Guzzi V7 owner, I agree. The only thing that struck me as odd is that he didn't find the Guzzi transmission clunky enough. . . how can that be?
I love my Guzzi, but it is not buttery smooth in the shifting department.
The V7 is an almost perfect bike. If it had just like 50 HP more, it would be Motorcycle perfection.
@@xMaoxoaMx Yeah, I wish Guzzi would break down and up the V7 to at least 70 to 75hp. That being said, it's still on my top three of potential new bikes.
I have a V7 as well, love it!
@@robertcrawford718my V7 Classic started getting ‘smooth’ shifts around the 25,000 miles mark 😂
I owe one built in 2017. Cruise control shuts down either by switching it off, breaking, pull the clutch or opening the throttle.
There is definetly no thermal problem with the engine. For a test as a police bike here in Germany it has to run in idle for about 8 hours to support blue warning lights and a horn (e.g. at a motorway accident ground) at 86 degres Fahrenheit and it checked that test with ease.
The engine is NOT meant to switch as soon as possible to the highest gear. Since it is running smoth between 2000 - 5500 rpms you take the 2 gear in small villages (20 miles/h) , 3 in larger towns or small roads (30-50 miles/h), 4 th from 50 to 70 miles/h, 5th from 65 to 80 miles/h and 6 for the rest. Since we have changing speeds on the roads in Europe and especially on motorways there is a need to be be in the RIGHT gear either in twisties or high speed sections. Therefore I use cruise control mostly for a speed north of 90 miles/h otherwise it makes no sense here. Very often I use 4 th gear for more than 15 Miles continously between two villages on B roads and never go to 5th or 6th because the power band is widely spread and I don't see any difference in fuel consumption when I try to shift up more often. Just take the gear that fits and let it stay. It will not stress you. It feels fine.
Riding 40 years now I owed more than a dozen bikes. BMWs, a VTR1000R Honda, a ZX7R Kawa, CB750 and CB1000 Hondas, a Honda Crosstourer and other ADV bikes. Still have a Beta 250 RR 2 stroke enduro. But I love my Guzzi California and only owed my ZX7R longer (but that was a tuned up Superbike made by Tony Bass called "Slick" the race meachanic of Scott Russel and Carl Fogarty and therefore was very special). Guzzi rules 👍😄
Just picked up a V85TT. Moto Guzzi is such a slept on brand. Absolutely love everything they’ve ever made.
I love moto guzzi. But like most people that love them, ive never owned one.
Also had the same dilema. While most people are rooting for Guzzi to succeed, they stay away from them, myself included. But after a big reliability disappointment from BMW, think I will bite the bullet and trade the GS for a V85 TT. Just love how that bike looks and the lack of power in comparison with the 1200GS is not a huge deal breaker for me.
@@atomicgrasshopper4391 I had a similar thought. The looks of the v85TT are incredible, but I have heard its the most boring engine. Dry clutch and a questionable shaft drive are also not my fav. I wish they would put the engine setup from the V100 in a 85tt platform.
Main issue with guzzie is service. I live near Chicago, nearest dealer is a 2 hour ride into Wisconsin, next closest is a similar ride into Michigan.
What's worse is most independent shops won't touch it, I had to explain that it's a carb v twin air cooled and I have the service manual available to get a basic saftey inspection.
I would not recommend one as a adv unless your able to afford a emergency uhall and driving 300 miles out of route to get parts. Different story in Europe but stateside either become a expert mechanic and carry lots of spare parts or stay away.
@@atomicgrasshopper4391you might want to look into the new V100 Stelvio
@@sebkorsnesI switched from a tracer 9 gt to the v85tt. And will never look back. It’s my forever bike and I honest to God mean that. Already put 2k miles on it in 4 months and as far as a boring motor that’s just someone’s opinion. If you replace the headers and remove the cat and give it a tune it’s a whole new bike. 25+ more hp and sound. The trans to me works just as it should. Just do an early service to replace all fluids and it’s bullet proof.
No mention of the 3 engine modes or traction control. Probably had the Guzzi in touring mode with traction control on 2. Try putting it in sport mode with the traction control on 1 or off. It makes one hell of a difference
So let me get this straight? A motorcycle company made a cruiser that handles well, stops well, and is fun in a higher rev range? And looks great! That is kinda weird.
I owned one of these. I bought it as a modern replacement for my 2003 Guzzi California Stone 1100 which had 150,000 trouble free miles. The 1400 was a fantastic bike but I missed the handling prowess and ground clearance if the Tonti framed California. It could embarrass sport bikes in the tight twisties. Anyhow I sold the 1400 for a Stelvio and its been ADV bikes since then. :). Thanks for the great review.
Also, can we appreciate that for V-shaped engines, _especially_ for air-oil cooled ones, Guzzi's engine orientation is the one that makes more friggin sense? I mean, I have Harleyist friends whose bikes just shut down in scorching summer city traffic? How come Guzzis never do that? And Harley wants double the money?! I'm baffled by how neither of the American brands ever cared to consider the transversal V twin orientation. It's so much more efficient (cause you can put em at an actual 90° between em) and both of the cylinders are cooled in the same way!
it takes away some legroom, especially if you want forward controls. Also, heritage and the importance buyers allocate to heritage.
Indian made a transverse V twin during WW2. Model 841
There's nothing quite like a Moto Guzzi. I traded my old Ninja 400 in for a 2023 V7 two months ago and have no regrets whatsoever. It's very comfortable and perfect for both weekend trips and daily commuting.
Guzzis are superreliable and easy to maintain..I have owned 3 of them and they have tons of character. A very underrated brand in the US probably because of a limited dealership network.
The factory support for the existing dealers is appalling
I have over 55 years of motorcycling behind me. As far as Italian bikes, I have owned a ducati 860, moto morini 500 camel, laverda 3cl 1000, cagiva 650, and currently have a 1989 Moto Guzzi Mille GT 1000 and a 2013 Moto Guzzi Stone 750. Have owned several German bikes to include BMW and Zundaps. Grew up with British bikes-meaning Triumph and BSA. Have never been interested in Harley. Owned several Suzuki's to include 2-stroke models and the Wankel rotary 500. The Moto Guzzis have been my favorite above all the rest. Quirky, reliable, tractor-like in that the Japanese "refinement" is not there. But if you love just being connected to machinery and sound, then Moto Guzzi!- By the way, because it is shaft driven and a new bike it takes some miles to break in the transmission as well as for the brakes to seat well--be patient--mike
I'm a lifelong Guzzi fan. Bravo for this wonderful brand. May it endure forever. ❤😊
I love the bikes, took a Cali, an Audace an best of all, a MGX-21 for a Spin. Great bikes, grear looks and the perform better than every Softail I ever rode.
Great to see some Guzzi-love on the channel, not for everyone but I love mine
Are you sure you were in the right riding mode? These motors max torque comes in @ 3000rpm...
Throttle is not cabled. It’s ride by wire. It’s the same ECU and throttle body setup as the V85 funny enough. The brake or clutch to disengage cruise is just how they set it up. I learned riding my California back from San Diego that the smoothest way to disengage the cruise is a light touch to the rear brake.
Bought a 2020 California 1400 this year with 2k on the clock for just under 13k. I feel from looking at some reviews that Moto Guzzi addressed and changed the bike a bit from 2014. For example I have a more modern cruise control and it’s controls are on the left handlebar. Anyway I’ve got a couple of thousand miles on it so far and it’s been great.
I once rode a MotoGuzzi California 2005 model, It was a fantastic experiance, handling was great for a cruiser and the engine was a delight! very underrated motorcycles.
Cool bike. That one has a nice aftermarket Corbin seat on it, which probably helped with the comfort. I'm paying a lot more attention to Guzzi since buying a Mandello S a few weeks ago and I really like what I see.
Bike's gorgeous, and definitely respect a company trying to make their own cruiser!
I owned an Audace which is also a 1400. Fantastic bike, just got too heavy for my old worn out body. Guzzi engines are over-square so they like to be wound out. Give them their head and they will leave the Harleys in the dust, doen't matter if it is in a straight line or in the twistys. The cruise was improved on the later models, moved to the other side but I don't believe they had roll back to cancell. Neither does my '22 Bonneville nor can it be cancelled by hitting the button a second time. Anyway Guzzis are great bikes, I still have a V7lll Special as well as the Bonneville.
Spite, you are so in your element here! Love the quirky bikes like this and the aprilias. Great job. Excited to see you do some wrenching and builds too man.
Great bike for a guzzi enthusiast. I remember when they were promoting this bike and always found it lacking “something” personally. Glad to see guzzi is comin into their own lately
Great review of the engine and handling of this bike. I have a 2016 Guzzi Audace. Looks like a cruiser but rides more like a naked. Loves to be revved, loves twisties, doesn't want to be lugged around so frequent gear changes are needed. Not a great bike for long highway hauls but fun for a quick blast around town or your favorite weekend roads. I have no issues with the gearbox it has a nice clunk to it.
turns out it's pretty difficult to mess up making a cheeseburger. :D Guzzi makes some very nice looking stuff and one day I will get to finally ride one.
I own a 2003 MG California Special Sport and couldn’t be happier. Would love to pop one of these into my garage.
Reminds me of the Guzzis used in Magnum Force
My freedom loving godfather had a beautiful Moto Guzzi California 3 in full black, costs around 3490 euros nowadays. That bike and his black Porsche 930 turbo with black rims were eyecatchers back in the days. Nostalgia hits hard.
I have a 2017 california 1400 Touring. Wonderful motorcycle. So comfortable. Build quality and durability/ease of service are great and functionality/riding/performance is really remarkable both slow speed tractoring around “parade” duty but also pretty fast back road twists and turns (at “reasonable” fast speeds, its pretty big, but oddly it steers unexpectedly well). On the interstates its great but I don’t really enjoy interstate highways riding very much. The torquey engine pulls hard and easily at low RPM, but also winds up far past what you’d expect with very linear HP increase to fairly high RPMs which allows a lot of throttle controlability on curves and back roads or passing for example. Its quite a smooth running engine. Brakes are strong Brembos and can stop hard very well and also with fine control and feedback that allows trail braking etc with no problem. Valve clearance checks and adjustments are easy, as are oil changes. Shaft service is not so easy but its extremely reliable and durable. Luggage doesn’t leak. Chrome stays intact. Moto Guzzi’s are not the very fastest or most nimble but they are fast and nimble and make you feel very good every time you ride them. Plus they’re sort weird in a very cool way. Everything lasts a long time (as long as you want, a bit like a /2 of /5 BMW airhead, but with modern suspension, metallurgy, fuel injection, ABS, cruise, etc) and is high quality. I have had a lot of motorcycles over many years. This is absolutely one of the very best, created in it its own slightly unusual way. If you want a unique but very useable and fun heavyweight touring cruiser, they really are a perfect choice to consider and try.
Hey Spike, I, like moto guzzi too! Used to belong to, the Atlantic motorcycle cycle club, two members had moto guzzi, great bikes!!!
I liked the California and it's edgier brother the Audace! Shame the Audace, especially the Carbon ones, are super hard to find in the states.
If I can find one near me, I'll buy it in a heartbeat.
I ride a 1997 California 1100 fuel injected. Great bike. Special Vibe and you don't see them on every street corner. The bike has been 100% reliable.
The cruise control is like a car's. Once set you can still use the throttle to speed up and overtake and then roll back the throttle back to off and it will drop back to the previous set speed. It doesn't have up and down adjustments once set so this makes up for that. I agree on the recessed button though. Poor design and next to useless with winter gloves on. To fix it I just used a self adhesive black rubber furniture protection button to make the button proud of the control. Works a treat.
Moto Guzzi has been making better Harley’s since the ‘70’s sir, the California has been around for almost 50 years 😊
I've had only one Guzzi, an old CX100 w no fairing and clip-on. Looked and sounded fantastic, cheap to buy, rode it for 2 years and sold it for a profit...
my buddy has an '01 Jackal. Was cruising around on it yesterday.
I like it, its Italian weirdness, revvy engine and its actually handles when the road gets interesting, a mate had one , said the only annoying thing about it was the fuel usage system, it would just tell you how many kms you had done 'since' you went on reserve, now that's Italian !
I have a 2020 California Touring, the last model year for this Guzzi. The cruise control button is totally different and it does have "roll off" function.
The last of the Guzzis with tree pulling 2000rpm on low down stomp were the last of the 5 speeders with heavy flywheels and cranks from the end of the last century.
My 89 950cc Cali 3, still with points, condensors, & yes a/a springs will pull hard from 2-2.5k onwards.
No pinking. No hesitation. Having small 30 or 36mm carbs instead of 38-40mm carbs helos too.
I've got the California Custom version that was the naked version, but the previous owner installed the factory windshield and hard bags. Great bike. I went over to the dark side (car tire on the rear) about 3 years ago, and have never looked back. The only reason I would ever consider getting rid of it is that the nearest dealer is over 300 miles away, so any major repairs would be a real pain.
Man, you have to see the MGX-21, the Flying Fortress. It is incredible. The Batman fairing is awesome.
Been a Guzzi rider for 37 years. Still have the LeMans IV I bought new in 1986, had a California III Touring and a little Monza (500). Plenty of parts available for the Tongi framed bikes and easy to DIY your own service. Looked at this California but lack of dealer network and modern electronics don’t mix well.
I own a 2014 California Custom and still love it.
As an owner of Moto Guzzi's 850 LeMans Mk.II, I need to say this - Guzzi's get under your skin, and are unlike most others. And that special feeling they can give an owner stays with you. I have bought and sold many bikes over 55 years, and my Guzzi is in my top 3 all time sytreet bikes. Spite - you have to see if you can get a ride on the new sport Tourer...the V100 Mandello - it even has adaptive fairing panels for rider comfort.
You'd really like the MGX-21
Great review, Josh. That cruise control would annoy the crap outta me too. But i still like this more than a Harley.
Once you drive a Guzzi you will never be able to drive other brands. I have the MGX21 and a Griso 1200❤
I like the MG's in Clint Eastwoods movies. They turn into Triumphs when they jump buildings
I have a Guzzi and I love it. They are underrated.
Moto Guzzi has a rich racing heritage and you can feel it in every single bike they make. The V7, California, etc all ride along gently and casually, but twist the throttle and start some weaving, you
feel the engine and handling response really come alive. Guzzis love to live above 4k rpm. Fun fact - Moto Guzzi was the first motorcycle company in the world to build and use a wind test tunnel.
Why say 6th gear is an overdrive like it's a bad thing. It should be that way on all vehicles. I don't care if it's a Panigale, if it has a license plate, 6th gear should be a very tall overdrive. It's actually kinda annoying that most bikes aren't this way.
I so fell in love with how this bike looked and wanted to get one. I then talked myself out of it though. Glad I did, Italian motorcycles are really a love/hate relationship and the issues end up being something that always makes me very leery about owning one.
Nice intro! I saw this and had to click because any Moto Guzzi review brings back memories of the 2007 Moto Guzzi Breva 1100 I rode for nearly two years. It was such a cool bike that I wish was still in production!
Uh… so I have a 2006 blk with red seat. Would you happen to be in S. Texas?
Sorry ...many states away!@@garypleasant3116
Enjoying your channel Spite, keep up the good work! Now, how about taking Flying Fortress version for a ride? That thing is something else...
I have a 2014 Cali 1400 custom. Upgraded suspension. It’s no match for my ninja in the twisties, but it’s got 37 degrees of lean and comfy as sin for a 6’ rider.
can we get a video on the vulcan vaquero or voyage to see what happens when a sushi chef makes a burger
I have a Moto Guzzi V7 Special and I love it. I wanna get a California soon for my cruiser
I like the new short review format. Keep it up!
Great review! I’m in the used bike market more than new bikes so learning about what’s out there is spot on for me as a viewer.
I bought one new and loved it. The only thing was my knees touched the heads. Sold it used for more than I paid new.
Not a cruiser fan myself, but I've ridden a friends Kawasaki Eliminator VN250 v-twin that makes its power in the same sort of rev range & found it a hoot to ride. Maybe I'm wired wrong, but there's something ridiculously entertaining about riding a cruiser that makes its max torque & power at 9500 rpm & 12500 rpm respectively. I can only imagine how much more fun it would be on a bigger bike like the Moto Guzzi California.
One of the best looking cruiser/tourers. I don't know if the US bikes had different bottom end due to emissions, as the Euro bikes were praised for their torque throughout the rev range.
These 1380 engines are not coming back due to EU emission regs.
Lets not forget they are still a pushrod air cooled motor and EXTREMELY DE-TUNED.
Shops in Germany and Italy are getting 140 hp and 140 lb ft reliably out of these engines.
Edit,
And they will pull HARD from 2,500 rpm with a totally flat torque curve.
I wouldn't be surprised the California comes back with the Mandello/Stelvio engine variant.
Can you tell me who gets 140hp from these? Thanks
@@BlackHeart_CZcams_Channel Radical speed shop, Germany.
@@michaelhayward7572 yes, they have 1500ccm and 1700ccm kits upon 165hp and 200nm torque. absolute crazy but you need to change a few things....
@@BlackHeart_CZcams_Channel just a few......
dude thanks so much for soing this review! I love my '16 Eldorado and AF1 is my go-to for parts.
I moved to the Eldo from a Guzzi V7iii 750, so why I like it and your comments about how it rides really clicks for me
Cool looking bike. Different but still somewhat similar to the classic cruiser look.
I've got a 03 California, handed down to me by my dad, love it to death however good luck finding service.
Can you not do the service yourself?
@michaelhayward7572
Yes and no.
I can fix alot, but I'm no mechanic. I get in over my head it's a 4 hour trailer haul to the nearest guy willing to touch it.
I’ve never lived near enough to a Guzzi dealer to risk buying one. I’m not handy enough to self service and I do about 20k a year. I need a dealer to keep my bike up. I’ve heard Guzzi’s regularly get 50 MPG which is quite a selling point, especially if you live out West where gas stations can be few and far between.
I’ve heard nothing but good about them in my 69 yrs of riding.
The California is a pretty bike.
I love the way that windshield looks from the rider vantage point. Very diff from my Goldwing. The engine speed to pass doesn’t impress. I can pass with my GW from 3k. That would be almost 70 mph.
I have a 2014 Custom with a Matris suspension upgrade and a Beetle Map which smooths out the throttle. I totally agree with the cruise control it’s a PITA but not much in 2014 had cruise and it beats nothing. Really fun in the twisties for a big bike, decent mileage, very smooth for a twin, not terrible to service, gets comments everywhere. The dealer network is abysmal.
Probably my favorite large metric cruiser other than the Ducati Diavel.
One of the smoothest comfortable bikes i ever rode!
i have a 2017 touring. just awesome for a v twin cruiser. love it with the wife. can run harley's off the road in the curves and faster in the straights with exhaust. awesome.
Got the custom - a lot of bang for the buck. It’s more of a muscle bike than a cruiser. Still miss low down getting in it.
The motoguzzi California is one of my bucket list bikes. I was pretty sad when they discontinued it.
I wanted to buy one because it looks so beautiful. Tested it together with wifey, but we both felt cramped on it and lean angle was also very poor. We compared it with a Victory Cross Country Tour and went for the Vic in the end. But I still think the Guzzi is very beautiful in white.
The point of MG’s is that they like to wrung out. Like every MG I’ve ever ridden LOVE being ridden hard. It’s just what they’re made to do! They’re engaging and pretty!
Although if you want them to go fast, there are shops that can easily crank out the power. GT Moto out in Southern California will make a real spicy meatball if you want it.
I've been happy on my 850T for years, but two other Guzzis have tempted me: the California and the Griso. MG makes some beautiful bikes.
ive owner 2 Grisos (2015 and 2007) love them both cant go wrong with a Griso!
Went from a Honda to the V7 Stone and never looked back. Oozes character and soul.
I have 4 Guzzi's and not a 1400. Out here on the West Coast you can find California 1400's for $7,000.
I have this bike. Having the cruise button on the right bar is dumb. That hand is busy. It's on the left bar on all my other bikes.
I was seriously looking for a late model Road King but the research into M8 and the cost of making the engine work (better oil pump, cam plate, decent cam and crank case breather) plus the fact that I already have Guzzis led me to the Cali 1400 ……. Sorry Harley.
So is riding the California in Texas a crime?
Thank you for putting in the metric conversion. Small thing but means we who live in the rest of the world dont need to reach for google conversions. 👍
That was the best intro to a video ive ever seen
that windshield is like a fishbowl
Look into the SPECS better. You say this doesn't perform like other cruisers. You're right. It will outrun any Harley or Indian in a 1/4 mile.
I believe that 2016 and later had a more normal cruise control
Nice review! I have one since several years, it is a great motorbike! The motorbike caracter and response has a lot to do with the audace (naked version)! , and it is ride by wire btw :)
I would love to know your opinion on the vulcan 900 classic
Loved the opening line.
About time!!! MOOOOTOOOOGUUUUZIII!!!! Love Guzzi's thanks for the review. ;-). All their bikes are unique in feel and ride and, always always fun! Get something different. Get a Guzzi :P
In-line VTwin. Yeah the cylinders stick out but the crank is in-line, like in a Mustang
You did not mention ride modes,
What riding mode were you driving in?
As for the torque,it puls far befoure 5000 rpm that you mentioned.
After I tested Custom I decided to sell my Roak King asap and replaced it with beautifoul silver Custom with sissy bar,original hard bags and wind screen...
Best decision ever
You had it in touring. Place in sport mode and it's a much different ride
I would ride that over a Harley
Even if the H-D was cheaper than the Guz', I would have no hesitation !
I’ve been seeing this too much lately and it’s bugging me. Guzzi places their V-Twins LONGITUDINALLY not TRANSVERSE. Harley and Indian are transversely mounted.
interesting that you say not much happens below 4000rpm, as I've seen specs that the torque peaks at 2750rpm
I have 2 California’s built in the Italian alps they have their own wind tunnel at the factory they are after all an aero plane manufacturer
Wrong about making aeroplanes.