Author Topic: Is the California gone?  (Read 2604 times)

Offline v85kris

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Is the California gone?
« on: February 26, 2021, 06:08:09 PM »
Was considering a California touring for a coast to coast to coast trip, was looking for new or slightly used.  Hard to find. Checked with my local dealer, according to them, Moto Guzzi won’t be making them for quite sometime, or at all.  Does anyone know, have they discontinued this model? It’s always been one of my favorites, I’d hate to think they’re doing away with this classic. :sad:
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Offline Dirk_S

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #1 on: February 26, 2021, 06:10:22 PM »
The big blocks aren’t being produced anymore. Check around various dealerships if you’re in the states. Definitely some Eldos, Calis, and MGXs sitting on showroom floors yet.
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Offline Ncdan

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #2 on: February 26, 2021, 07:34:14 PM »
It should be fairly easy to find a used, low mileage 1400 and at good prices 👍

Offline not-fishing

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #3 on: February 26, 2021, 09:06:16 PM »
No Big Blocks Anymore????????

Wow!
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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #3 on: February 26, 2021, 09:06:16 PM »

Offline Mr Revhead

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #4 on: February 26, 2021, 09:20:32 PM »
Well, the original big block was d/c sometime ago now

oldbike54

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #5 on: February 27, 2021, 08:40:52 AM »
 Fellas , this isn't really news , we have known since 2019 (?) that the big blocks were done . Lots of discussion as to why , Guzzi couldn't make them pass newer emission regs , they weren't profitable , the exhaust systems kept falling off (OK , that is kinda silly  :laugh:) , the Keebler Elves who built the gas tanks went on strike ...

 Anyway , there haven't been any new big blocks built in a couple of years now , apparently the 1400 kept showing up in the catalogues were left over models , but the BB is no more . No more BB Norge models , no Stelvios , zip .

 Maybe there is something in the works , no one seems to know , water cooled heads , a V4 (yeah sure) , but at the moment the small block is all Guzzi is building .

 Dusty

Offline TN Mark

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #6 on: February 27, 2021, 09:26:48 AM »
One thing about Moto Guzzi is certain, there will most definitely be a new California. What configuration it ends up being is the only question.

But, yea, all the 1400 models, at this time, are gone from current production.

Offline Ncdan

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #7 on: February 27, 2021, 09:57:59 AM »
One thing about Moto Guzzi is certain, there will most definitely be a new California. What configuration it ends up being is the only question.

But, yea, all the 1400 models, at this time, are gone from current production.
Maybe I should have kept my 2015 Lemmon. It’ll possibly be a collectors item someday and be worth a fortune 😂😂😂😂

Offline Moparnut72

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #8 on: February 27, 2021, 10:44:15 AM »
Was considering a California touring for a coast to coast to coast trip, was looking for new or slightly used.  Hard to find. Checked with my local dealer, according to them, Moto Guzzi won’t be making them for quite sometime, or at all.  Does anyone know, have they discontinued this model? It’s always been one of my favorites, I’d hate to think they’re doing away with this classic. :sad:

There are a couple of used Californias near you. One at GP Cycles in San Diego. EuroCycle in Vegas has two. There are several Eldorados at these dealerships, new and used. EuroCycle will go with decent prices but they do add on additional fees so be sure to get a good deal to start with if you use them. They are also terrible getting paperwork done, especially going from Nevada to California. Took months on both of my bikes.
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Offline TN Mark

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #9 on: February 27, 2021, 03:35:35 PM »
Maybe I should have kept my 2015 Lemmon. It’ll possibly be a collectors item someday and be worth a fortune 😂😂😂😂

You did well by getting rid of your California Lemon.

Online LowRyter

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #10 on: February 27, 2021, 04:56:52 PM »
sad on many levels 


funny, I was driving with my son 100 miles to get his - shot.  Only a few bikes on somewhat chilly 50 degree day, we saw a Stelvio leaving town and a new small block with flat black paint on the way back just a couple miles from home.  I think the fellow must live close to me.  It was a two Guzzi day and not a lot of other bikes out.
« Last Edit: February 27, 2021, 05:01:44 PM by LowRyter »
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Offline drbone641

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #11 on: February 28, 2021, 08:01:03 AM »
I highly recommend the Cali Touring for cross country use. Extremely well suited
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Offline nbags

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #12 on: February 28, 2021, 08:09:46 AM »
750 lbs motorcycle + average age 60 plus do the math as getting older I think a small bike would put fun back into riding specially around town , on the other hand beefed up v7 frame 1400 engine could be fun.

Offline TN Mark

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #13 on: February 28, 2021, 10:57:39 AM »
Some with ‘full size touring bikes’ see the Cal 1400 Touring as a small(er) day trip bike that could be fun.

My brother once ‘toured’ several states with a Kawasaki 200. Just about anything can fit most plans, with the right frame of mind, thinking it through and using the tools one has available at the time.

Thankfully bikes of all sizes, weights, power levels and design are available from many manufacturers.

Offline blu guzz

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #14 on: February 28, 2021, 10:59:39 AM »
i went from the Cali 1400 to the V85. the difference in weight is a hefty passenger and the 7 inch difference in wheelbase can really be felt when the road starts to turn.
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Offline Joliet Jim

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #15 on: February 28, 2021, 11:38:42 AM »
I really liked the look of the Eldo, Audace, and Touring. That said while out on the 02 1100 Stone yesterday, I couldn't think of another bike I'd rather be on at that moment. Not too heavy and plenty of power.
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Offline usedtobefast

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #16 on: February 28, 2021, 11:47:43 AM »
i went from the Cali 1400 to the V85. the difference in weight is a hefty passenger and the 7 inch difference in wheelbase can really be felt when the road starts to turn.

Anythings you miss about the Cali 1400?  I assume long open roads are better on the Cali?
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Offline Moparnut72

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #17 on: February 28, 2021, 11:57:12 AM »
I really like my Audace, it really eats up the miles. A real attention getter also. However its days are somewhat numbered. I am 75 and it is getting kind of heavy. I also have a V7lll waiting to become my main ride.I would like to see a more road going version of the V85, lower and more classically styled. Something between the V7 and the 1400s. The Roamer interested me but I have never seen one and the closer dealers have not had one on the floor. The small tank doesn't do it for me though. In the meantime I will tour on my Audace as long as I am able.
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Offline TN Mark

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #18 on: February 28, 2021, 12:27:33 PM »
I really liked the look of the Eldo, Audace, and Touring. That said while out on the 02 1100 Stone yesterday, I couldn't think of another bike I'd rather be on at that moment. Not too heavy and plenty of power.

Being content with one's motorcycle(s) is one of the greatest pleasures available to the true rider. There's always something faster, lighter, heavier, more powerful, better suited for this or for that. But nothing beats understanding ones bike and being content with it. In 2013, soon after trading in 3 bikes for my 2012 Victory Cross Country Tour I said, "if this is my my last motorcycle, I'm fine with that." Years and 81K miles later, I still feel exactly the same. An easily removed trunk and/or lowers and it's a much different, and still awesome, ride experience. Ten minutes to reinstall those items and cross country two up rides are available in total ease and peace of mind.

Online bad Chad

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #19 on: February 28, 2021, 12:36:01 PM »
It may be out of production today, but a model that iconic to the brand is not likely to be absent for long.   Now what exactly the bones may be is anyone’s guess.
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Offline TN Mark

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #20 on: February 28, 2021, 12:38:53 PM »
Yes, exactly what I posted above. A California model will most certainly return to the Moto Guzzi lineup.

In fact it wouldn’t surprise me at all if Moto Guzzi released a California 100 this year. Exactly what it would be is certainly TBD.
« Last Edit: February 28, 2021, 12:53:42 PM by TN Mark »

Offline fossil

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #21 on: February 28, 2021, 01:03:46 PM »
It may be out of production today, but a model that iconic to the brand is not likely to be absent for long.

Ah, just like the Le Mans?
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Offline TOMB

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #22 on: February 28, 2021, 01:19:30 PM »
Moto Guzzi always has the right bike   " five years to late"

I've never has a new bike always ended up with used Guzzi's  but I've never been disappointed !

New bikes for me  were always in the cards but the dealing of the deck never worked out.

Now in the stable are a 76 Convert and a 72 Eldo. Eldo should be back on the road this year, Wait that's what I said last year.

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Online bad Chad

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #23 on: February 28, 2021, 02:19:11 PM »
Ah, just like the Le Mans?

Yep, I expect a 6th or will it be 7th generation soon.

But I would argue the Cal is more iconic, do the much greater numbers.
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Offline ampm7

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #24 on: March 01, 2021, 02:46:08 PM »
I was extremely sad when I wrecked my 2016 Eldo as the motor is excellent. The numbers don't tell the true story of how the motor goes. But I am almost 70 and I just don't like moving a heavy bike about. But for a heavy bike it cornered well and had plenty of power. I bought an EV and the difference in power is remarkable. Sad to see they are not going to make the 1400 anymore but I am sure they will continue the California name.
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Offline moto

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #25 on: March 02, 2021, 09:19:14 PM »
There is what looks like a very nice 500-mile C14 Touring on Craigslist here in Madison, Wisconsin.

I might buy it but I think it is functionally too close to my Griso, which I've got a lot of sweat equity invested in.

https://madison.craigslist.org/mcy/d/madison-2017-moto-guzzi-california/7282541128.html

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Offline blu guzz

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #26 on: March 03, 2021, 06:25:43 AM »
Used to be:  Sorry for the delay.  Differences are pretty extreme.  Both start and run well to the point that for me, thinking of a new map was unnecessary.  The 1400 feels very quick from a dead stop because the torque rushes in so soon.  I think the 0 to 60 is under 4 seconds.  Every input is a little heavier such as clutch, braking and throttle pull.  Although pretty refined feeling for a large cruiser, the V85 takes that to an entirely new level.  The clutch and shifting are Honda-like, throttle tip in is very smooth.  Although less powerful, once over 3,000 rpm, the v85 really charges forward.  On technical roads, there is simply no contest, shorter wheel base and less weight = more fun.  On the highway, the situation reverses somewhat, but not so much in the 1400's favor as you might think.  The v85 is a good highway bike but the 1400, a former Victory and several BMWs have been better but they all weighed at least 100 lbs. more.  Mileage for the 1400 was about 42 most of the time and 50 or better for the v85 with 55 easily had on the bike naked.  The final thing is the seat height.  Of course, the 1400 is lower and easier to mount, but even lower the weight difference is still pretty obvious.  I mount the v85 like a horse by stepping up on the left peg and then swinging over.  Although an ex-martial arts guy, I just don't like to try and swing over especially with the cases mounted from the ground.  Although on the balls of my feet, paddling the v85 around is not bad. 
Summary - it was time to make the change and I am glad I did so.
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Offline Howard R

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Re: Is the California gone?
« Reply #27 on: March 03, 2021, 12:42:26 PM »
Not really related to the thread, except this is what came tumbling out of my feeble little brain when I saw the thread title.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teIIJfNFj5k

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