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..with the nearest guzzi dealer (capable of handling the 1400) 180 miles away, any trip to the dealer for me consisted of calculating the cost of 12 hours of my time (2 trips minimum, one to drop off, negotiate, one to pick up) vs the cost of just fixing the bike myself...
Unlike so many of the hard core guys here, I'm a Sunday morning, fair-weather rider and I really like my California 1400. It's a cruiser, and cruisers don't make good tourers, so I am not surprised at what other posters say.
Personally I see the Cali 1400 an option for the "Harley/Cruiser/Tourer" type rider who is looking for something a little different in terms of performance and motor layout, not to mention style difference (if they're concerned about seeing themselves coming and going).I do think there's a handling difference between a Cali 1400 and a Harley FLH, but I also think that MOST people in that later category won't give a crap, and most people in the Griso/V11 Sport category probably still won't want the Cali.
Not to hijack, but perhaps this is an important related tangent to what the OP or anyone else considering a Cali 1400 should consider.I won't argue the semantics of what is a cruiser or not, but I'll say if that's your definition then there are 75,000 Harley FLH models sold each year (with a high percentage of riders who TOUR on them) who disagree.
I always thought the Cali 1400 was more comparable to the Deluxe (esp in terms of weight) than the Road King (which is a great bike).
****I got over 11,000 miles from the rear tire ...****
****Personally I see the Cali 1400 an option for the "Harley/Cruiser/Tourer" type rider who is looking for something a little different in terms of performance and motor layout, not to mention style difference (if they're concerned about seeing themselves coming and going).****
Bill my friend. I've had so many positive encounters with Harley owners on all 3 of the Guzzis I've owned in thinking your opposite experience is not a result of the bike... :-*
Other than weight, what makes the Cal 14 comparable to the Softail Deluxe ?The Softail has less suspension travel, less ground clearance, and less lean angle than the Road King, and much less than the Cal 14.
I hope to swing a leg on his 1400 at some point. If I go that route, I'd have to choose between the Indian and the 1400. Last ride on the Indian was much more impressive than the first. Life is short, it would be nice to explore other brands a bit. :)