Advice / Opinion needed!

[janusz]

This is my first post and I really hope for some advice from owners of Audace and/or California 1400 Custom. I like both bike and at this point need to decide which one to buy (cannot buy both ) I really like both bikes, Audace would be my pick if wouldn't be for the nice discount on 1400 Custom ($2,500 off). Just to clarify, I'm not interested in any other MG models nor any other makes. Any reasons (other than price) I should pick California 1400 Custom over Audace?

Thank you!

[canuguzzi]

Like asking others to help pick a wife with a choice of two women.

[canuguzzi]

OK.

When you wake up in the middle of the night or in the morning, buy the one that comes to mind first.

[oldbike54]

 There are some differences , although my allergy meds are making me a bit , er , well stoned feeling so can't remember what they are 
 A quick search might turn up some pertinent info .

 Read your intro , good on ya picking up motorbikes at 61 years of age , and welcome to WG , hope someone can help 

  Dusty

[boatdetective]

Dude- the difference is not going to be huge. The critical thing to remember is that the 1400 is an AWESOME machine. Congratulations and welcome.

Read the reviews, test ride, and lay your money down.

[Bobbilljim]

You say aside from the money yet you mention money in the reason why you are even considering the 1400. By the Audacious bike. Sapere audāx. I take it by wanting a motocycle in the first place means you are feeling a bit high in the saddle. Well the wind in your face won't let you down no matter what you buy so buy something and ride it. If you don't like it take it back and get the other one. You should know in the first 100 miles which should be your first ride. You never ride a bike more than when you first buy it so if your first ride is home, you might as well take it back.

[lucian]

 First off , welcome and you are wise to do a little homework before a  vehicle purchase.  I pondered the same decision when I purchased my custom. I actually wanted the touring at first as the reason I wanted a bigger bike was for road trips two up. When I did a little homework and discovered the hard panniers( I've always preferred soft) were prone to leaking and were not quick detach, I started leaning towards the custom. Also the custom has better rear shocks and  better lean angles and was available at $3,000 less. I decided I could use that savings to set up the custom with options of my choosing which has worked out very well for us. Another thing I believe is that the newer Audace has an air induction pump to improve emissions which I think is unsightly and another thing to possible cause problems if it should fail. I am sure however either choice will put a huge grin on you face as they truly are wonderful machines on the open road. Best of luck with your purchase.

[Kev m]

Here are my thoughts.

DON'T BUY ON PRICE ALONE - you're bound to have regrets.

There's a big cosmetic difference that would take a good bit of money and work to change one to the other.

And there's a bit of an ergonomic difference.

Do you prefer floorboards placed a little more forward, or pegs that are further back?

I'd probably go with the Audace, though on that size/type of bike I'd probably prefer the floorboards.

<shrug>

[rocker59]

I thought I'd like the Audace better.  However, I don't like the handlebars - Not enough pullback.  And I don't like the pegs - Not quite the right position for me.

So, for me, the Cal 14 Custom's handlebars are perfect, and the floorboards offer options on foot placement.

If I was buying one, and I almost did, I'd buy a leftover Cal 14 Custom and spend the savings on exhaust, luggage, and carbon fiber bling.

[JJ]

Buy the one that "floats your boat!"  aka - the one you think you will most passionate about and want to ride all the time.

Nothing worse than "buyers remorse..." - especially with motorcycles!

[Cool Runnings]

This is my first post and I really hope for some advice from owners of Audace and/or California 1400 Custom. I like both bike and at this point need to decide which one to buy (cannot buy both ) I really like both bikes, Audace would be my pick if wouldn't be for the nice discount on 1400 Custom ($2,500 off). Just to clarify, I'm not interested in any other MG models nor any other makes. Any reasons (other than price) I should pick California 1400 Custom over Audace?

Thank you!

California 1400 Custom  

[PJPR01]

DON'T BUY ON PRICE ALONE - you're bound to have regrets.<shrug>

Bingo!

[Tom]

Hard to decide without a test ride.  Without that and input from others.......solo riding and no touring Audace.  Any hint of touring and/or possibility of 2 up riding Cali 1400 Custom.

[janusz]

I like to thank everybody for the advice and suggestions.

@JJ: I took your advice and today I placed down payment for 2016 Audace, will pick my bike up May 2016.

I know some of you suggested California 1400 Custom, even my wife picked this bike over Audace saying Audace is looking very 'BULKY' and 'HEAVY', but looks like I like bulky and heavy bikes :) I really hope I will be able to handle the bike but we will see in May next year :)

Again, thank you very much,
janusz

[bad Chad]

I would pick the Audace as well.   I think they are both cool, but the Audace is just that much more !  Your a lucky man, pray for a short winter!

[Arizona Wayne]

Wow, you're buying a bike w/o riding it first to see if you can handle it?   Good luck with that.  What bikes have you ridden recently and how much did they weigh?   I hope you don't say none.

[janusz]

Wow, you're buying a bike w/o riding it first to see if you can handle it?   Good luck with that.  What bikes have you ridden recently and how much did they weigh?   I hope you don't say none.

Hey Wayne,
Yes, I did buy this bike without test ride. Why? Two reasons:
1. Considering my age and motorcycle riding experience I think I'm lucky to be allowed to sit on the bike, never mind test ride it :).
2. Even if dealer would allowed me to to take a test ride will I be able to pick the right bike? I seriously doubt it!

To answer your question: I bought Vespa GTV 300 last May and till now I put 6,500 km on the scooter. This is all experience I have.

Funny thing is when I went on Vespa forum at the beginning of the this year querying what type of scooter I should buy most people thought I should start with 50cc or 150cc scooter since I have no riding experience at all. I picked my 300cc scooter from the dealer and managed to drive it home without any problems no experience at all. Will I be able to do the same with Audace? I don't know. But as my friend once said:
- Ask me if I can play violin.
- Can you play violin?
- I don't know, I've never tried!
:)

[bad Chad]

You'l do fine then.  I bought my first Guzzi in 99 without a test ride, never even heard one run up close.  I road home on it the happiest guy on the planet!

[janusz]

You'l do fine then.  I bought my first Guzzi in 99 without a test ride, never even heard one run up close.  I road home on it the happiest guy on the planet!

Thank you Chad for the voice of confidence, I really need it 

[lucian]

Congrats on the Audace! You are in for a sweet surprise if have never ridden such a beast. Just think ahead a little bit about its size and weight and try to avoid parking in situations where you may have to back pedal. Be careful of slow speed tight radius turns like in a parking lot or driveway as once 700 lbs. starts to roll in it ain't easy to stop. A little practice and caution and you will be fine. I hope May comes early for you. Don't forget to post us up some pic's.

[Joliet Jim]

You'l do fine then.  I bought my first Guzzi in 99 without a test ride, never even heard one run up close.  I road home on it the happiest guy on the planet!

Same here in 2001, not all dealers give test rides

[Lcarlson]

For cruisers, these bikes are relatively svelte, but they're still big, heavy machines. You sit very low, though, which makes them pretty easy to handle. And the spacious dimensions and quality components make for a plush, luxurious ride, outstanding on the open road. Lots of people start on Harleys, which are similar in many ways, so relax, take your time getting used to it, your comfort level will rise rapidly.