Your thoughts on a 1400 California Custom ?

[Peter949]

Recently I have been thinking of adding a modern Guzzi to my 1984 California II. What do the owners think about their California Custom?  I never ride in the city, and rarely explore gravel roads, and the 1400 Custom seems to be a great straight forward standard/cruiser style Guzzi. 

[JediMasterII]

I really like my 1400 Custom. I also have a Norge and Cal Vin.

Have the  short windscreen and the touring windshield. I enjoy it more with the short shield. The shorter bar reach (than the tourer) is perfect for me and comfortable.

Recently put C-bow HB  luggage on it.

It is an underrated Guzzi in my opinion. The engine is superb.

Don

[j.r.r.]

I think that your thinking is on the right track :) 1400 series bikes are fantastic, in my opinion the best bikes MG produced. No need to "sort out" anything. Looks like 2016 models are trouble free, some models before 2016 had some H-pipe problems, engine switch failures, and fogging dashboards. I have couple, 2016 Audace and recently purchased 2016 Eldorado. Eldorado replaced my 2019 California Vintage and I have to say it was very good decision. Installed some accessories, side bags, top case, etc., and now I have perfect bikes for short/one day rides as well as proper touring bike. Performance of 1400 bikes are great and with GuzziDiag / maps from Mark you are able to tune the bike to your liking.
Peter, if you like you are welcome to take any of my bikes for a spin, this will help you to make right decision:

[vintagehoarder]

I have owned a ton of bikes, and I will say that my 1400 Touring is one of my all time favorite bikes. Comfortable, and mile eater on the highway!

[Dave Swanson]

I am behind the times when it comes to the 1400s.  Where does the California 1400 Custom slot in with regards to the Eldorado, or California Touring? 

[rocker59]

I am behind the times when it comes to the 1400s.  Where does the California 1400 Custom slot in with regards to the Eldorado, or California Touring?

Cal14 Custom is a naked Touring.

[Dave Swanson]

Cal14 Custom is a naked Touring.

I see it's not a current model.  Replaced by the Eldo?

[rocker59]

I see it's not a current model.  Replaced by the Eldo?

Replaced by Audace.

[kirb]

I like the custom with Audace pegs, MG21 carbon tank sides, red valve covers, round headlight, not fully blacked out...

It's a combo of a lot of 1400 bits not all on one bike, but the custom is the best starting point.

[Lcarlson]

I have one for sale (too many bikes for right now). PM me if interested.

[Huzo]

I’ve never been on one, prolly surprisingly good, but there’s plenty written on these pages by ex owners who sold theirs almost new.
They might give you some information..?

[mjptexas]

I have just hit 35,000 miles on my 2014 Custom.  It has been a great bike for me.  Just completed a 10 day 3,200 mile trip with no issues.  Only complaint I have is that it's heavy - slightly over 700 lbs.  If I were doing it over I would probably buy the Touring model - the windshield easily comes off the Touring, and it's nice to have bags to put stuff in.

[groundhog105]

I have a 2014 custom that I now have over 44000 on it and I swear it runs better the more miles I put on it.  Last year I did the 4 corners of the US challenge.   My wife flew out to Boston and we toured back across the US and Canada. 

[JohninVT]

I have a 2015 Touring.  The Custom, in blue, is what I wanted but I found my Touring at a price I couldn’t say no to.  The Touring has great ground clearance for a cruiser.  I’ve folded the floorboards up a few times but that was in 1st or 2nd gear hairpins where you’d expect it to happen.  The Custom has 1” longer shocks so it should be even better.  They have torque everywhere.  That’s really nice when riding two up.  The brakes are probably the outstanding performance feature on the bike.  They’re powerful, linear and make trail braking drama free.  They do eat up pads and rotors if you ride like a hooligan but that’s to be expected when you ride a 700lb bike aggressively.  I swore I’d never own a bike with ABS but now I have one with a complete electronic package and...it’s GREAT.  I don’t know how I ever lived without cruise control...lol.  I have carpal tunnel in my right hand and cc doubles the length I’m able to ride in a day.  The traction control setting and throttle modes make a real difference and you can completely change the character of a ride in seconds. 

Things I don’t like: the rear tire size, the reach to the bars, the floorboards are a couple inches too far forward and the Touring needs the 1” longer shocks of the Custom.

[blu guzz]

Mine is the Custom in Blue that you wanted.  It's a honey.  My son rides a Multistrada, a pretty sporty ride.  We swapped for a few miles last Sunday and he was shocked at how well a bike of that size and wheelbase handled the twisty sections.  He also really enjoyed the smoothness of the drivetrain and the torque.  He can keep his Multistrada, but he is a young man, so it is OK.  The best descriptor for me of that bike is "nervous". 
As some have mentioned, the suspension is very surprising.  I have had Harleys and a Victory and the Cali is much better than the Harleys and a bit better than the Vicky was.  I am getting ready for a trip to West Virginia tomorrow for a 4 day weekend of riding.  Our ride over is about 350 miles.  With the new Corbin seat, that should be just the right amount for a fun but relaxed day.  I made this trip last year so I know that my bike will hold its own in the twisty bits, but to be real, on a 15 mph hairpin, with a 67 inch wheelbase, you can only do so much.  However, for any turn marked 30 mph or better, she will shine.  Riding the torque wave is the technique for those kinds of roads.  No one has mentioned shifting yet and again, I find it very good, not Honda good, but a fairly light shift and a very accurate clutch engagement, so good that you would think it was a wet clutch if you did not know better.  On my BMW's you never forgot it was a dry clutch. 
So, if you can find one to test ride, I would take advantage of it. Try as many kinds of roads as you can and spend at least 30 minutes.  Good luck.

[vstevens]

Have to say the 1400 models have grown on me.  I didn't care for the aesthetics at first.  Perhaps it was just too different. 

Now when I look at pictures, I'm reminded of early 20th century freight trains.  A husky, robust workhorse.  There is an industrial beauty in the design, I think.

vince

[rocker59]

I'd like to have a blue Cal14 Custom. 

I sure wish Guzzi would add some color to the lineup.  Black and Red get old.  Especially flat black.

[lucian]

Usually when I 'm on my 2014 California Custom , I think about how lucky I am to still be able to saddle up a 700 Lb. bike and hit the road. 

[sanford12]

I bought my 2018 1400 California Touring after a 10 year hiatus from riding. Had wanted a MG since 1978 and after 40 years I finally got one. Knew as soon I head to the car to go see it that it was coming home with me. Biggest bike I've ever had and was easy to learn. It's a great ride.

[Dave Swanson]

You guys have me thinking about trading in my Milwaukee road sofa (2014 Electraglide Limited) on a California Touring!!   

[Cam3512]

I have owned a ton of bikes, and I will say that my 1400 Touring is one of my all time favorite bikes. Comfortable, and mile eater on the highway!

Great photo!  Seems like the 1400's are falling into favor recently. Guess the reality of them going away is really hitting home?

[Kev m]

You guys have me thinking about trading in my Milwaukee road sofa (2014 Electraglide Limited) on a California Touring!!   

I snuck out on my 16 FLHP today.

Nah, don't do it.

You have other Guzzis. So do I.

But the Cali isn't the one.

It could be. I mean, if the damn Eldo had cast tubeless wheels and an actual full paint job I might have been tempted. But the FLH still has crash bars (front and back), better bags (by a long shot), better choices of accessories, easier maintenance,

I dunno. I've ridden and enjoyed the Cali.

I just think our V7s are better Guzzis and my FLHs have been better Harleys.

Remember the Cali was always supposed to be a "Harley" and I get it. My Jackal was an excellent one. It may have even been better at it than any other 1100cc air-cooled V-TWIN ever was. And the 1400 is a damn nice contender. It's got a lot in it's corner. I get why some choose it.

But if you pull back from the anti-Harley crap. There are a lot of reasons to choose the Harley instead.

I'm still keeping and loving our V7s!!!

[Dave Swanson]

I snuck out on my 16 FLHP today.

Nah, don't do it.

You have other Guzzis. So do I.

But the Cali isn't the one.

It could be. I mean, if the damn Eldo had cast tubeless wheels and an actual full paint job I might have been tempted. But the FLH still has crash bars (front and back), better bags (by a long shot), better choices of accessories, easier maintenance,

I dunno. I've ridden and enjoyed the Cali.

I just think our V7s are better Guzzis and my FLHs have been better Harleys.

Remember the Cali was always supposed to be a "Harley" and I get it. My Jackal was an excellent one. It may have even been better at it than any other 1100cc air-cooled V-TWIN ever was. And the 1400 is a damn nice contender. It's got a lot in it's corner. I get why some choose it.

But if you pull back from the anti-Harley crap. There are a lot of reasons to choose the Harley instead.

I'm still keeping and loving our V7s!!!

Well put as usual Kev! 

The Limited has been a peach since day one.  Hard to believe I bought it 5 years ago.  100% reliable,  comfy on long rides,  and a cruise control that works as good or better than the one in my car.  A damn fine bike it is.

I also like the Christmas tree lighting on the back.  If someone doesn't see me from behind they are truly blind or looking at their cell.



Even better at night.  This is brake lights on mode.

[Kev m]

Right?!?

The plug and play lighting that's available is ridiculous.

I swear the Police model I ride, plus additional tail lighting has people wondering, showing down, and giving me more room.

Again, as you know I'm not putting Guzzi down, I'm just saying different horses for different courses.