I'm Pissed

[ff73148]

I own a 2020 California Touring. The bike is great. But what is with MG that they sell bikes and discontinue or don't make the accessories for it. Starting with heated grips. Once MG went to RBW throttles they didn't make a heated grip kit for the bike. To make matters worse there is a button on the handle bar to turn on the heated grips. Who was the genius that decided not to make the heated grips but give you a button to turn them on!
Since this is a touring bike I would like to mount a top box. They are available at the MG dealers but, guess what, the luggage rack is discontinued! If someone who works at MG reads this post feel free to give me an intelligent answer. Thanks for letting me rant.

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

Well you are preaching to the choir but it's a hell of a sermon!

Check Hepco Becker for that rack. Agostini or Stuchi may make one as well.
If you cant find one from the usual US places (MG Cycle/Harper's/AF1) you might try Stein Dise or TLM across the pond.

Good luck!

[ff73148]

Well you are preaching to the choir but it's a hell of a sermon!

Check Hepco Becker for that rack. Agostini or Stuchi may make one as well.
If you cant find one from the usual US places (MG Cycle/Harper's/AF1) you might try Stein Dise or TLM across the pond.

Good luck!

The Hepco Becker rack is too short to mount the top box. But thanks for the ideas on the other companies.

[kingoffleece]

You're in Jersey.  Call Jim at Hamlin Cycles. He can install the perfect set-up for you.
Bethel, CT.

[ff73148]

You're in Jersey.  Call Jim at Hamlin Cycles. He can install the perfect set-up for you.
Bethel, CT.

I know Jim. We have had this conversation.

[twowheeladdict]

It is not just Moto Guzzi.  When Kawasaki comes out with a new model bike you better buy up all the accessories at the time of purchase.  They typically only do one production run and then don't support the bikes anymore even if the line carries on for 10 years. 

The positive side is those who buy up the accessories can sell them at a premium when they pull them from the bike before trading or selling. 

[ff73148]

It is not just Moto Guzzi.  When Kawasaki comes out with a new model bike you better buy up all the accessories at the time of purchase.  They typically only do one production run and then don't support the bikes anymore even if the line carries on for 10 years. 

The positive side is those who buy up the accessories can sell them at a premium when they pull them from the bike before trading or selling.

If you know of someone who has the luggage rack for sale let me know. I'm willing to pay for it.

[ff73148]

It's not like MG makes the luggage rack. You know someone else is manufacturing it.

[guzziart]

I own a 2020 California Touring. The bike is great. But what is with MG that they sell bikes and discontinue or don't make the accessories for it. Starting with heated grips. Once MG went to RBW throttles they didn't make a heated grip kit for the bike. To make matters worse there is a button on the handle bar to turn on the heated grips. Who was the genius that decided not to make the heated grips but give you a button to turn them on!
Since this is a touring bike I would like to mount a top box. They are available at the MG dealers but, guess what, the luggage rack is discontinued! If someone who works at MG reads this post feel free to give me an intelligent answer. Thanks for letting me rant.

Yeah, MG should catch a clue from HD.  Harley has made boat loads of $$$ with their accessory program (engine perf stuff, chrome crap, clothing with their billboard size logo, etc.) and aftermarket licensing/royalties.  HD doesn't care if they produce a few extra luggage racks that eventually don't sell....they've already made their money on them.  And, how difficult could it have been for MG to reach out to a heated grip manufacturer to make something for your bike that already has a switch for them???  IMO, MG could easily do so much better with very little effort resulting in big returns for them.  This has all been said before in this forum somewhere I'm sure.

[ff73148]

Yeah, MG should catch a clue from HD.  Harley has made boat loads of $$$ with their accessory program (engine perf stuff, chrome crap, clothing with their billboard size logo, etc.) and aftermarket licensing/royalties.  HD doesn't care if they produce a few extra luggage racks that eventually don't sell....they've already made their money on them.  And, how difficult could it have been for MG to reach out to a heated grip manufacturer to make something for your bike that already has a switch for them???  IMO, MG could easily do so much better with very little effort resulting in big returns for them.  This has all been said before in this forum somewhere I'm sure.

There is a disconnect somewhere. I called MG customer service in NYC and the answer I got was they checked with the techs in Italy and was told that the grips were never made and racks were unavailable. I understand that the 1400cc models are discontinued but when you go to the web site they are still on there.

[lucian]

https://motociclo.com.au/product/california-1400-rear-rack/

[Guzzistajohn]

https://motociclo.com.au/product/california-1400-rear-rack/

Now he'll be pissed because it's $700.00 

[ff73148]

https://motociclo.com.au/product/california-1400-rear-rack/

Thanks. I just emailed them.

[ff73148]

Now he'll be pissed because it's $700.00 

That's in Australian dollars. Converts to $485 US dollars.

[sidecarnutz]

Yeah, but then shipping it brings it back up to $700. ;-)

[ff73148]

Yeah, but then shipping it brings it back up to $700. ;-)

I'll let you know when I hear from them.

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

Now he'll be pissed because it's $700.00 

Jeesus! Where did I put that angle iron?

[Fredrik]

Now he'll be pissed because it's $700.00 

Those prices are what similar HD and Indian parts cost here in EU, we cant compare prices straight off in US and EU for example. A part that cost x in EU will cost xx in US and vice versa. We need better trade deals between EU and US and for sure much lower rates on shipping.

[guzziart]

Jeesus! Where did I put that angle iron?

Yeah, that's probably what the original owner of my '72 Eldo said when he heard the cost of a rear rack so he made his own...which I left on the bike.





You have to left click on the pic to see the rack.

[ff73148]

For all the nay sayers out there. I found the California rack in Ontario. Being shipped to me. Dealers have this stuff. You just have to find out which dealer.

[9fingers]

I'm pisssed too.........but I have been drinking interesting bourbons all afternoon........
Scott

[aklawok]

I'm pisssed too.........but I have been drinking interesting bourbons all afternoon........
Scott

"tis better to be pissed off...than pissed on!"
on another note, is there an explanation as to why the 1400 was discontinued? awfully short run for a MC that is not inherently flawed.

[ff73148]

"tis better to be pissed off...than pissed on!"
on another note, is there an explanation as to why the 1400 was discontinued? awfully short run for a MC that is not inherently flawed.

The 140cc engine could not meet the E5 requirements in Europe. That's what MG says.

[Ncdan]

The 140cc engine could not meet the E5 requirements in Europe. That's what MG says.

That makes one wonder why they just didn’t water cool it then?

[ff73148]

That makes one wonder why they just didn’t water cool it then?

Not that easy to reconfigure an engine.

[Ncdan]

Not that easy to reconfigure an engine.

I guess, too bad because it was a great motor. I had a 2015 tourer and it was the most responsive motorcycle I’ve ever owned.

[bad Chad]

There has got to be more to the story.  MG new E5 was coming when they designed the motor.  I’m sure they had a plan to make it E5 compliant but decided against it do to lack luster sales.

[Moparnut72]

I guess, too bad because it was a great motor. I had a 2015 tourer and it was the most responsive motorcycle I’ve ever owned.

My Audace was to me was much more powerful and responsive than the specs indicated. Even my buddies on hopped up Harleys held me back when we were passing a cage. I tried pushing on them, but it didn't help. That 1400 was a great motor.   
kk

[Ncdan]

There has got to be more to the story.  MG new E5 was coming when they designed the motor.  I’m sure they had a plan to make it E5 compliant but decided against it do to lack luster sales.

I think you’re correct BC👍

[ff73148]

I'm sure if MG really wanted to make the 1400 E5 compliant they could have done so. Bu when you look at their marketing plan they seem to change the models every few years. Lets see what happens with the new V100.