Thread: What Vlad would have... if Vlad could have it....

Even before I bought my Suzuki GSX1400, I had always wanted a Guzzi.

Sadly then, as now, the price is too rich for me.

Still, a man can dream.....


With that in mind I booked a test ride of the new Moto Guzzi California... 1400cc of glory.

Gotta love it when someone hands you the keys to a $26,000 motorbike and says - see you in half an hour, have fun !

In any event I thought you might enjoy a "review" of sorts....
(Please forgive me my many likely typographical errors)


My impressons:

I love:

• That lumpy V-twin that twists the bike to the right when blipped at the lights.

• The fact that Guzzi have managed to smooth it out as the revs rise, so it doesn't shake your teeth out.

• The modern shaft drive design without that typical torque reaction they used to exhibit.

• The look of the thing.
  
  The one I rode is the "Custom" which is the "naked" version rather than the fukll dresser Touring one. Closer to the GSX (in some ways) you could say. It's freaking GORGEOUS with amazing attention to detail.

• The way it goes !
  
  During the test ride the "pillion in a million" said tome. "I like it but it doesn't go that fast".Well now let's see. The California has 3 different computer maps, though you do need to read Italian to know what they are. One is for rain (can't even recall what word that was). Another - "Turismo" - is relatively self explanatory. The third is not hard to figure out either. Using the rather odd method of thumbing the starter button with the throttle closed to cycle through the modes, I selected "Veloce". Oh yeah. Up into second, l crack open the throttle and HOLY HOLE IN THE DONUT BATMAN !!!!!!! This thing pulls like a teenage boy and cracks on. Before i knew it I was doing (insert your imagination here) kph so I buttoned off and just enjoyed it. I must have had a grin on me wider than my face by this time.
  
  
• The way it stops. ABS brakes, very handy on a large bike.

Not so enamoured by:

• Unwanted application of heat.
  
  The transverse arangement of the cylinders means that unavoidably the riders knees / shins are in very close proximity to some very hot bits of metal. While you're not going to directly contact it (though at 6ft my knees weren't far away from the heads) and there are heat shields (sort of) between you and the exhaust manifolds - there is a lot of hot air that blows against your leg. Noticeably so even through Kevlar Jeans. In cold weather (are you listening you English types?) thsi would be quite handy but here in tropical Queensland... not so much.
  
  
• The gear change and rear brake levers.
  
  Though to be fair this is the first time I've ridden a bike with foot boards rather than pegs. I kept wanting to put my feet a bit further back (GSX style) and felt I had to conciously lift my foot off the board to change gear or use the rear brake. I've no doubt I'd get used to it.
  
  
• Price of bike and (especially) accessories.
  
  It's never a good sign when you ask how much the top box costs and, rather than answer, the salesman says.... "The Moto Guzzi is the Bentley of the motorcycle world. Accessories are not cheap but they are excellent quality items which will last a long time". Perhaps he meant they weren't Italian. Anyway I didn't pursue it.
  
  The price of the (Touring) full dresser version of this bike is AUD $26,990 ride-away. That's about $26K more than I have. This cleaner looking Custom version is a few grand cheaper. But only a very few grand.

Conclusion

I LOVE this bike. If I could afford it I would buy it, no question, and despite it's few foibles.

But - which one?

I'd be planning to do a fair bit of distance riding so for me the Touring version would make more sense, especially as I have a pillion. The seat is plusher with a big grab rail, the bars more swept back, a big screen and spotlights, lovely looking panniers. Optional topbox available also. Effortless cruising. And it's a lovely looking thing.

If, on the other hand, I planned mainly to ride weekends rather than long distance, and not always with a pillion, then I would get the Custom version. Not only is it slightly cheaper but also shows off the lines of the bike even better, with attention to detail not hidden behind panniers etc. The lack of panniers has also allowed Guzzi to fit more sporting suspension. Otherwise the two bikes are mechanically identical. The Custom has straighter bars, with a very slightly more forward position.

If forced to choose, I prefer the Custom version, but (for the life I lead) would own the Touring version. Sure as heck I'd be happy either way.


1400 truly is a magic number !!!!



Feel free to ask any questions..........

and it weighs????

theres a reason it has to have 1400cc's

It weighs 318kg which is not much at all for a cruiser..... back at yer !

Great review Vlad, I suspect it's an improvement on the T5 platform it was born with

That's me on the BMW





Baz.

Thanks. I enjoy writing.

The new Guzzi California is an all-new platform, not based on the previous bike.

Hey Vlad.
A mate has the earlier model Californian,we call him Crash,as thats what he did with all his Valiants.
Anyhow,he buys this brand new Californian to replace his old 880c gutz ache wich he thoroughly loved.
Didnt even get 2000km on it,hugged a roo at well over the speed limit,almost killed him.But Crash is Crash and all the Valiants couldnt kill him either.
Bike was uninsured,he was off work for 3 years,luckily on compo as it was his normal trip to work.
Crash is fixed,so to is the Californian,he rebuilt it,most of the parts had to be imported,its like a brand new machine again.
Not a mojo pilot myself,love the sound of the european V twins over a Harley.Like the Ducatis.
Andrew

Originally Posted by VladTepes

Thanks. I enjoy writing.

The new Guzzi California is an all-new platform, not based on the previous bike.

No worries glad too help

Thanks Vlad,

Well, I can dream too. Guess I will stick to my 750 a bit longer.
You never have trouble finding a neutral with a Guzzi.........

Terry