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Oof, that would bottom out the used Cali/EV/Calvin/1400 prices--those pics of concepts look kinda nice---
Zero interest in the potential Stelvio or the V100, but a California would strike my fancy.-AJ
For what it is worth. I have owned a 1400 twice now. The monster torque is the real calling card for that motor. No matter how much they try to "retune" the V100 engine, it simply will not pull the way the 1400 does. Based on the less than successful experiment that BMW tried about 20 years ago with their 1200C models, Americans seem to prefer the torque first type of power plants for their cruisers. Now, I think a Norge version of that engine would be a great idea.
PS—if Americans are so hung up on torquey cruisers, then why isn’t that R18 making a solid profit? Out of all the cruisers, it’s probably got more “American” cruiser heart and especially lots of low end torque—much more and much lower than the newer liquid cooled bikes.
I think a mid weight tourer would be great but here lies the issue, for me anyway. True touring motorcycles offer a full set of bags, including a top case. They offer a total weather elements package including a full fairing, lowers, sound system and a complete comfort package for the second rider...... So if MG cannot offer a true tourer they might as well not offer one at all.
I didn't know this, I always considered my Road King, Cali 1400, and Gold Wing to be "true tourers"? But none of them have a full fairing with lowers, or a trunk (but a DryBag holds just as much when needed). No sound system on the RK or Cali either, the Goldwing does have a radio but it's never been on. I'd give a serious look at a V100 California if done right with hard panniers, shield, comfy seat, heated grips, and cruise. Last place I want weight on my tourer is up high and behind the rear wheel but offer an optional trunk with backrest for the ones who don't care or those who carry a passenger.
....The V100 is not a touring bike. That engine won't go into a true touring bike. Hang onto your 1400.
We talk as if the 1400 was a torque monster compared to others in its class. I’ve not ridden one, but many unpaid rider reviews noted it revs higher than your typical Harley, which is to be expected given the bore/stroke. That said, specs-wise, the V100 puts out more power AND more torque than an Indian Scout (albeit more torque at 1200+ more RPM); and the Scout is a great deal heavier than a V100 in its sport touring styling. A cruiser-style V100 would probably be a little heavier, but I doubt it’ll reach the girth of the Scout, the newer liquid-cooled Sportster, or the BMW R18. So, the performance should be there to compete. They just need to engineer a torquey engine sound ;)PS—if Americans are so hung up on torquey cruisers, then why isn’t that R18 making a solid profit? Out of all the cruisers, it’s probably got more “American” cruiser heart and especially lots of low end torque—much more and much lower than the newer liquid cooled bikes. I think we’re in a new era where the gobs of grunt at low end is being phased out because the liquid cooling allows for more high-revving performance, the water-cooled way. My amateur uneducated opinion, at least.
I found the 1400 engine was calling me back. It does rev about 2 grand higher than the big twin and the victory I had in the past. I consider this it's secret weapon. you get an engine that is fun to ride at low revs and will be happy short shifting all day long, but when you have the need for speed, no other air cooled cruiser touches it from 5000 to 7000 and it is smooth as glass doing it. It will zip up to 100 with ease. With that said, there are probably less than 1,000 1400s in this country of all types, so its a dinosaur, but more of a triceratops than t-rex. As for the BMW 1800, I had 4 BMWs over the years, all of the sport tour variety and they were excellent at that. I would not call the 1800 ugly as sin but it is not to my taste. I saw one at the Ohio rally, nicely finished, good stereo, makes my Eldo look like a middle weight which at a little over 700 lbs it is in the cruiser class where the road king weighs at least 100 lbs more. To each their own.