Greetings -
I'm still getting familiar with my California Custom, awaiting return from its first service at 900 miles.
To my surprise the dealer told me that the rear differential is leaking and needs replacement. Not sure what that involves, or how long it will take. Dealer just found the problem yesterday, has yet to check on part availability and timing.
I'm not angry, just disappointed. It's my third Guzzi and I was hoping that the third time would be the charm since I had issues with both my earlier California (75th anniversary edition) and the Griso 1100 4V. The first Cali had lots of mechanical and cosmetic issues, but I put up with it because I loved the bike. The Griso was too frustrating to keep - computer kept going out, almost constant electronic problems. Sold it in frustration and paid the "Guzzi tax" - 50% loss in less than two years.
I hoped that this time would be different - it's too early to pass judgment, but this isn't the start I wanted. Despite the leak the Custom 1400 is by far the best Guzzi I've owned, and until this happened my favorite bike overall (I've owned over 15 motorcycles over the years). I'm going to wait for the repair and continue ownership - it's too nice a machine to give up over one problem, and I'm hopeful that the fix will be problem free.
