Author Topic: Why not the Cal1400  (Read 5947 times)

Online bad Chad

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Re: Why not the Cal1400
« Reply #30 on: March 14, 2019, 02:22:19 PM »
In defense of the v9 it is available with different seat configurations and gets 50ish mpg.  But it is definitely smaller than any big block tonti.
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Re: Why not the Cal1400
« Reply #31 on: March 14, 2019, 03:40:38 PM »
I saw my first California 1400 at Sloans when they started carrying the Indian lineup.  Compared to the Indian and Victory I thought the California was a beautiful motorcycle. 

I was riding a Kawasaki Voyager 1700 at the time and had owned a Nomad 1700 for a few months.  I really don't like cruisers with just a windshield.  I have never been able to eliminate the buffeting.  I like riding sans windshield but in the cruiser riding position anything over 55 is a strain because you are not leaning into the wind.
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Online Kev m

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Re: Why not the Cal1400
« Reply #32 on: March 14, 2019, 08:35:16 PM »
So this thread literally came to life today.

Jenn and I pulled up to a big multi-brand dealer on our V7s and we're immediately approached by two riders (1 Goldwing, 1 aluminum-case kitted KLR). The Wing rider asked "where do you get your Guzzis serviced"?

My answer "in my garage" didn't help.

You see in the greater Philly/NJ area we've lost 3-4 Guzzi dealers in the last year or two... Actually two just THIS YEAR.

Turns out this guy HAS a Cali1400 also but might not keep it if he has to go to CT for service.

We talked about how easy it is to set valves and how some of the NJ MGNOC guys or myself would be happy to help teach him, but I get the impression that's not what he wants.

He mentioned that it is a nice bike but it would be shame if he has to sell it for lack of service options.

Bottom line I suspect that most motorcycle owners don't service their own bikes, and those who do leave it largely at fluids and filters... Chains when applicable... And leave their valves alone.

Harley's and Indian's greatest selling points in these situations are that they are pretty much change fluids and ride, and there is a Harley dealer or independent shop nearby for everything and everyone else.
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Re: Why not the Cal1400
« Reply #33 on: March 14, 2019, 08:42:11 PM »
So this thread literally came to life today.

Jenn and I pulled up to a big multi-brand dealer on our V7s and we're immediately approached by two riders (1 Goldwing, 1 aluminum-case kitted KLR). The Wing rider asked "where do you get your Guzzis serviced"?

My answer "in my garage" didn't help.

You see in the greater Philly/NJ area we've lost 3-4 Guzzi dealers in the last year or two... Actually two just THIS YEAR.

Turns out this guy HAS a Cali1400 also but might not keep it if he has to go to CT for service.

We talked about how easy it is to set valves and how some of the NJ MGNOC guys or myself would be happy to help teach him, but I get the impression that's not what he wants.

He mentioned that it is a nice bike but it would be shame if he has to sell it for lack of service options.

Bottom line I suspect that most motorcycle owners don't service their own bikes, and those who do leave it largely at fluids and filters... Chains when applicable... And leave their valves alone.

Harley's and Indian's greatest selling points in these situations are that they are pretty much change fluids and ride, and there is a Harley dealer or independent shop nearby for everything and everyone else.
I think this is an accurate depiction summed up perfectly. This forum and the great guys here is what has kept Guzzis in my basement the last few years.

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Re: Why not the Cal1400
« Reply #33 on: March 14, 2019, 08:42:11 PM »

Offline drbone641

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Re: Why not the Cal1400
« Reply #34 on: March 15, 2019, 08:25:58 PM »
“Ka is a Wheel”
I saw your post and thought about why and how I picked the 1400.
Sold it after I returned from a month long trip and have looked to replace it with another 1400 since I realized how much I had grown to like it.
https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=88565.msg1400187#msg1400187
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Offline kingoffleece

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Re: Why not the Cal1400
« Reply #35 on: March 15, 2019, 09:06:19 PM »
+1, kevm
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Offline vintagehoarder

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Re: Why not the Cal1400
« Reply #36 on: March 18, 2019, 10:40:33 AM »
All I know is I have owned a ton of bikes, and my 1400 Touring is by far my favorite touring bike of what I have owned. (Before that it was a Yamaha V4 Royal Star Venture) 

This old broken down 62 year old body can still do lots of hours and miles in that seat and not be crippled when I am done.  The only change I did was add the comfort gel seat.  That engine is a highway mile eater, and it is so nimble for a BIG bike.  So as you can tell I love mine!!

I do think fear of the unknown is a factor, and limited dealer network.

« Last Edit: March 18, 2019, 10:42:04 AM by vintagehoarder »
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Re: Why not the Cal1400
« Reply #37 on: March 18, 2019, 12:14:54 PM »
I think this is an accurate depiction summed up perfectly. This forum and the great guys here is what has kept Guzzis in my basement the last few years.

That's a shame Dan.  Maybe you can find someone to help bring them out of the basement and back on the road.   :thumb:   :wink:
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Re: Why not the Cal1400
« Reply #38 on: March 18, 2019, 07:58:22 PM »
That's a shame Dan.  Maybe you can find someone to help bring them out of the basement and back on the road.   :thumb:   :wink:
I hear ya Two;)
I think it is a natural feeling to feel a little insecure with any brand of anything one owns when there is little to no factory support for that item. I chose Guzzi because after of 50 years of ridding bikes and most all the modern brands from  Triumph to BSA, all the metrics and HD, in the last chapter of my ridding career I wanted to do something different, so MG was my choice. I have no regrets as I love these bikes and and so glad I have this forum. 


Offline oilhed

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Re: Why not the Cal1400
« Reply #39 on: March 18, 2019, 08:39:18 PM »
I seriously looked at a Cali or Eldo before buying the Road King. It's just the unknown and a good deal on a FLHP that made up my mind. If Guzzi had an updated Cal Vin with a 1200 motor for $14,000 that mighta swayed my decision.  I really liked the Cal Vin. 

I think the future for Guzzi will be V7, V85 & V9 til Euro 5 or 6 kills them. If they do go liquid cooled I hope it's just liquid heads and keep the fins on the cylinders. 
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Re: Why not the Cal1400
« Reply #40 on: March 18, 2019, 09:01:43 PM »
I seriously looked at a Cali or Eldo before buying the Road King. It's just the unknown and a good deal on a FLHP that made up my mind. If Guzzi had an updated Cal Vin with a 1200 motor for $14,000 that mighta swayed my decision.  I really liked the Cal Vin. 

I think the future for Guzzi will be V7, V85 & V9 til Euro 5 or 6 kills them. If they do go liquid cooled I hope it's just liquid heads and keep the fins on the cylinders.
👍I think that's logical thinking, Oil👍

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Re: Why not the Cal1400
« Reply #41 on: March 19, 2019, 07:32:42 AM »
I hear ya Two;)
I think it is a natural feeling to feel a little insecure with any brand of anything one owns when there is little to no factory support for that item. I chose Guzzi because after of 50 years of ridding bikes and most all the modern brands from  Triumph to BSA, all the metrics and HD, in the last chapter of my ridding career I wanted to do something different, so MG was my choice. I have no regrets as I love these bikes and and so glad I have this forum.

For me it was a progression back to my roots of riding.  My first bike was an air cooled, shaft drive, Yamaha XS750 triple.  Over the years I have grew to dislike the look of radiators on bikes, dislike the noise and maintenance of a chain, and the carbs never being dialed in for the altitude I was riding that day.  The V7 brings me back full circle. 

Now I am looking for a small displacement dual sport / adventure bike for all the gravel and chip and seal farm roads within the 30 mile radius of my home. 
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Re: Why not the Cal1400
« Reply #42 on: March 19, 2019, 07:39:42 AM »
Chip and seal.  Good grief, one can almost hear the rummer being ripped off the tires.  I swear 5 days in PA can completely consume a set of tires!
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Re: Why not the Cal1400
« Reply #43 on: March 19, 2019, 08:57:06 AM »
For me it was a progression back to my roots of riding.  My first bike was an air cooled, shaft drive, Yamaha XS750 triple.  Over the years I have grew to dislike the look of radiators on bikes, dislike the noise and maintenance of a chain, and the carbs never being dialed in for the altitude I was riding that day.  The V7 brings me back full circle. 

Now I am looking for a small displacement dual sport / adventure bike for all the gravel and chip and seal farm roads within the 30 mile radius of my home.
I also am looking to add a light all purpose bike along with my 1400. Look back a couple pages as I ask for opinion on the 650 VStrom and there are 5 pages of suggestions, opinions, disagreements, and maybe a little BS but still some good info:)

Offline kballowe

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Re: Why not the Cal1400
« Reply #44 on: March 19, 2019, 10:52:19 AM »
Now I am looking for a small displacement dual sport / adventure bike for all the gravel and chip and seal farm roads within the 30 mile radius of my home.

These are under $4k at most of your finer cycling establishments.  I know - 19" front, and 80/20 tires - but a set of Kenda big block pavers

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« Last Edit: March 19, 2019, 10:58:34 AM by kballowe »

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Re: Why not the Cal1400
« Reply #45 on: March 19, 2019, 02:07:33 PM »
I also am looking to add a light all purpose bike along with my 1400. Look back a couple pages as I ask for opinion on the 650 VStrom and there are 5 pages of suggestions, opinions, disagreements, and maybe a little BS but still some good info:)

I am test riding a Van Van 200 tomorrow.  $4200 OTD for a new '18.  I like the retro style and the huge seat for my screwed up nerves. 
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Offline oilhed

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Re: Why not the Cal1400
« Reply #46 on: March 19, 2019, 09:50:21 PM »
I am test riding a Van Van 200 tomorrow.  $4200 OTD for a new '18.  I like the retro style and the huge seat for my screwed up nerves.

Nice bike. I had a TW. If you ever need to 65, forget it. I really wanted to love it, too.
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Offline JC85

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Re: Why not the Cal1400
« Reply #47 on: March 19, 2019, 10:26:30 PM »
Chip and seal.  Good grief, one can almost hear the rummer being ripped off the tires.  I swear 5 days in PA can completely consume a set of tires!

Try living in a tiny town that lays the chip, every season, without the seal. So you're basically riding on marbles on half of the residential roads. Oofta.
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