advice needed on new Guzzi purchase

[moltoguzzi]

I'll be purchasing a new bike this fall and thinking of the 1400 touring rig. Want to know if they fixed some the bugs like the cracking crossover etc. or any other problems reported by owners. My 02 EV with 137K miles wants to retire till I retire and can do a full rebuild into a cafe racer.
Other bikes I'm thinking about is the Road King and the Multistrada 1200S.
Thanks in advance for your help.

[bad Chad]

Well, it's Guzzi so it usually takes a good 6 years for the factory to address any bugs, thinking of the in the tank pop off gas filter hose of the 2003-2008 California's!

However, other than the potential to crack the cross over, I can't recall any real bugs on the 1400?

[Bill Hagan]

I have ridden (and like) all three of those in your gunsight.

First, WRT to "fixes," my brother's 2014 Touring had only one (but slightly maddening) issue: the exhaust shield on the right side by floorboard shed fasteners like a black lab drops hair with the seasons.  Yes, of course red loctite fixed that eventually. Otherwise, a flawless machine.  WAY too "fat" for my tastes, but it had lots of power, sounded mighty good with stock cans, and handled way better than its looks might make you think.  A much more advanced frame, engine, and whole package than your (& my) EV, but, again, just too big for me.

RK - IMO, as long as you are a knowing buyer and rider, you simply cannot go wrong.  Time tested and constantly, if incrementally improved, dealers abound, after-market ditto, what's not to like ... well, except they are as ubiquitous as ticks on a field dog, and, despite all those improvements, still take lots of work to make them "perform" on anything tight.  As we all know, however, while every machine has finite limits, lots of that is the rider, too.  I followed two (older?) RK's on U.S. 221 near Floyd a few days ago.  They eventually waved me by, but those gay pirates could ride and we were on "near-technical" pavement!  Still, my personal bottom line is that if I lived in SW Iowa or similar places, I'd have one.  Otherwise, not.

Multistrada 1200S.  My brother just bought one.  He let me "break it in" in ways he won't but doesn't mind me doing.     Holy smokes.  I did a brief review of my impressions here: http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=89935.msg1421293#msg1421293

I did NOT want to like it.  I did.  I really did.

So, torn between three different machines?  Buon fortuna with that.

Bill

[JJ]

Of those three, my advice is to ride each one first, then go with your heart.  :1:

I have had owned and ridden (>125,000+ miles) two FLH-S (predecessor to the Road King), and two late model Road Kings.  Great bikes for all the reasons mentioned, but not a canyon carver or sport bike.   I have a 2014 Victory Vision for touring now...and have no regrets about that purchase.

I have ridden many Ducati's, vintage and modern, but never owned one.  I really liked the ST2 / ST4 series.  I have ridden a MultiStrada - - awesome bike, but expensive to buy and maintain. 

You can't go wrong with the big 1400 Guzzi...again, it all depends what kind of riding you will be doing, and if you are going to ride 2-up often or solo.  Good luck with your decision!  All good bikes in the end! :1:

[Zoom Zoom]

The new 1400's have been slightly improved. The crossover on my bike appears to have some tabs welded between the sides and the crossover pipe to reinforce the joint.

Another thing I recently noticed, which I wish I had, is the switch gear on the New models. I have only seen the Touring SE with this but they moved things around and now the cruise control has more functionality than before.

Mine: On/Off/Set
New: On/Off/Set/Resume/Accel/Coast

The mode switch is now located on the right and the cruise is now located on the left switch gear. It is a little thing I know, and some could care less. But that is a real nice improvement as far as I am concerned. Similar to the MGX but without the radio controls.

The SE also has the winglets already in place that extend the lower part of the shield, as well as a passenger backrest. If you were wanting a trunk, you would still have to change that out for the rack assembly.

I have 10K on my 1400 Eldo and have done nothing but put gas in it and maintain it. I have had no issues with it.

John Henry

[toaster404]

1400 clearly not for everyone.  No trouble with mine except need to adjust valves often and now a minor oil seep somewhere.  Oh, and having to loctite stuff!  Stock tires marginal - noisy.  Put on ROX risers.  Touring hard bags are huge.  Bike likes having them off. 

But this is clearly more of a smooth touring machine for maintaining a good speed over everything than it is an on and off the throttle dancer.  Surprisingly sort of flickable.  I love mine, but not for everyone.  Feels pretty big when riding.

[leafman60]

Ask around about what issues may confront you with the bikes.  What issues will require sorting out? What quality control issues will you have?  If dealer support is important to you, what is the status of that with each bike? What will be the maintenance requirements and costs for the bike?  How much money are you willing to spend to get what you want?

Maybe the most important thing is to ride each bike and see how it feels TO YOU. Others' impressions are theirs and may not be valid to you.  Be aware that a lot of misplaced prejudice exists among bike owners regarding "other brands" besides the one(s) they ride.

If you are interested in the H-D Road King, I suggest that you test ride the new Milwaukee 8 bikes and see what you think - even on a curvy road.

The Ducati is a rocket ship if that's what you want but go back and check the boxes in paragraph one above- especially the maintenance issues.

The Guzzi offers a wonderful riding experience that may trump everything else for you but expect issues like the ones already mentioned by others.

[Kev m]

I literally just ended this debate for myself a few weeks ago and picked up a new/leftover Police RK for a song, out the door cheaper than I would have with a 1400.




That said, there's nothing "wrong" with the 1400 and I might have gone that direction if it just had the right combination of things that I wanted - I probably would have gone for something like a Eldo with a different color paint job, black cast wheels of the same size, and aftermarket bags/shield etc.

For me the handling differences between the 1400 and RK are nil, the lean angles of 32 degrees each side on the RK are fine for 99% of what I would do with a bike that size, though I have manged to already scrape a floorboard in a high speed sweeper. Then again it was at a speed that I would have taken the Sporty or V7 through the same curve at (i.e. I wouldn't be any faster on those bikes in that curve anyway).

The winning factors of the RK for me were features like the quick detach windshield and bags, integrated passing lamps and super simple kit for additional running/brake lamps, the easier rear wheel removal (and better selection of longer lasting rear tires), the easier maintenance (lack of valve adjustments), comparable linked ABS, and slightly shorter wheelbase.

The Eldo is 78# lighter than the RK, though I imagine if you added all the additional things that come standard on the RK: saddlebags, windshield, front and rear crash bars, passing lamps etc. you'd probably get pretty darn close in weight between the two. Though somehow the 1400T (touring) model seems to add most of that with only 17 additional pounds of weight so maybe no matter what you did to an Eldo it would remain at least 50# lighter? 

All that said the red Eldo is a pretty bike - why they couldn't paint the fenders red too I'll never understand.






I've ridden the Multi - it's completely different from the other two, not even something I'd look twice at, but if that's under consideration maybe the other two are the wrong ones to consider.

Anyway, no matter what you decide, ENJOY!

Kev

[moltoguzzi]

Thanks all.
Like the RK for the dealer network and aftermarket support, it's also an awesome motorcycle, not as sporty as the other two. The Multi is also a Twin(a must for me) and very sporty but mostly the riding position is all day comfortable for me, the seat may need work. Haven't tested the Guzzi, just showroom testing and ergonomically is fine for me. If I don't go with the Guzzi I may regret not having the V-90 engine vibes of the Guzzi I've learned to love, not to mention the handling (for a cruiser) and the fact that its a Guzzi. I can be happy with any of the three but I'll reserve the final decision until I can get a test ride on the Guzzi.

Nice write up on the Multi Bill, thanks. its definitely a high maintenance mistress but the Ducati has now 9K service and 18K valve adjustments and I'm aware its a very complex machine so the odds of malfunctions are also high, the extended warranty is must.
Ciao     

[Huzo]

Really only 3 bikes to consider, Red Norge, Black Norge or Silver Norge.... Sorted !

[Kev m]

Thanks all.
Like the RK for the dealer network and aftermarket support, it's also an awesome motorcycle, not as sporty as the other two. The Multi is also a Twin(a must for me) and very sporty but mostly the riding position is all day comfortable for me, the seat may need work. Haven't tested the Guzzi, just showroom testing and ergonomically is fine for me. If I don't go with the Guzzi I may regret not having the V-90 engine vibes of the Guzzi I've learned to love, not to mention the handling (for a cruiser) and the fact that its a Guzzi. I can be happy with any of the three but I'll reserve the final decision until I can get a test ride on the Guzzi.

Nice write up on the Multi Bill, thanks. its definitely a high maintenance mistress but the Ducati has now 9K service and 18K valve adjustments and I'm aware its a very complex machine so the odds of malfunctions are also high, the extended warranty is must.
Ciao     

Listening to that post in my head I'm thinking you'll test ride the Guzzi and BUY the Multi. I mean if the riding position is all day comfortable and a more sporty machine means anything to you - then do it. I still disagree that there's any real difference in the sportyness of a Cali 1400 vs an RK - to say so is measuring with a micrometer when a yardstick would do, but no one can argue the Multi is in a different category all together with regards to sporting performance.

FWIW I realize our Duc is a relatively low mileage machine (just approaching 10k, what can I say, she had two babies since buying it), but it's never needed a single repair. Well, suddenly after storage this winter the rear brake is mush without any apparent reason so that might change soon if a bleed doesn't solve it (it's on the lift now). But other than that it's been a real pleasure to own. I realize it's a ridiculously low sample size, but based on that alone I wouldn't hesitate to try a Duc if it blew my hair back (or is that my back hair?).

Jay seems to have had a trouble-free time with his so far too, more miles and fewer years...

<shrugs>

If I hadn't just made a comment suggesting I think Ducs are VERY reliable these days, one MIGHT take the opportunity to make a snide remark and laugh at the combination of seemingly stereotype and departure from stereotypes in this pic:

[Bud]

     I have a 2014 Touring and LOVE it. Had a clutch issue that was never really resolved but has since gone away.(On the no longer 1400 forum someone had the same issue at the same mileage) FRONT ROTORS. Had mine replaced twice under warranty. I'm easy on the brakes but am now on my third set and out of warranty. This has been a common problem with these bikes.
     I test rode a RK a couple of years ago and found the steering to be slow in comparison to the Touring. The RK was deceptively quick though. As noted above dealer network is much better with Harley but I like the look of the Guzzi and personally like to ride something different.
   You also mentioned you might miss the 90 degree vibration. Not present on the 1400.
    Good luck!

[Chuck in Indiana]

Once out of warranty, the electronic everything    on the Multi would scare me to death. *I don't know* their past reliability, but my experience with Italian electronics isn't particularly good.

[rocker59]

All that said the red Eldo is a pretty bike - why they couldn't paint the fenders red too I'll never understand.
 
Kev

One of my biggest gripes about Guzzis, right now, is all the black fenders and limited paint color choices.

You stop in an Indian dealer or an HD dealer and Guzzi's deficiencies in the paint booth are glaringly apparent.

1)  Paint the fenders body color.
2)  Offer more color choices.
3)  Cruiser customers like metal tanks and fenders.

Oh, and 4)  all that wasted air space behind the Cal 14's tank side covers makes me weep.  There should be fuel there!  Give me six or seven gallons on a "touring" motorcycle, please.  Especially one that struggles to exceed 40 mpg.  I'd like 200 miles between fillups, when travelling west of The Mississippi.

[arveno]

All that said the red Eldo is a pretty bike - why they couldn't paint the fenders red too I'll never understand.

Kev

I Guess Luigi did not order enough red paint and used some leftover black............

[Huzo]

Listening to that post in my head I'm thinking you'll test ride the Guzzi and BUY the Multi. I mean if the riding position is all day comfortable and a more sporty machine means anything to you - then do it. I still disagree that there's any real difference in the sportyness of a Cali 1400 vs an RK - to say so is measuring with a micrometer when a yardstick would do, but no one can argue the Multi is in a different category all together with regards to sporting performance.

FWIW I realize our Duc is a relatively low mileage machine (just approaching 10k, what can I say, she had two babies since buying it), but it's never needed a single repair. Well, suddenly after storage this winter the rear brake is mush without any apparent reason so that might change soon if a bleed doesn't solve it (it's on the lift now). But other than that it's been a real pleasure to own. I realize it's a ridiculously low sample size, but based on that alone I wouldn't hesitate to try a Duc if it blew my hair back (or is that my back hair?).

Jay seems to have had a trouble-free time with his so far too, more miles and fewer years...

<shrugs>

If I hadn't just made a comment suggesting I think Ducs are VERY reliable these days, one MIGHT take the opportunity to make a snide remark and laugh at the combination of seemingly stereotype and departure from stereotypes in this pic:

Yes Kev, nice shed....

[moltoguzzi]

Really only 3 bikes to consider, Red Norge, Black Norge or Silver Norge.... Sorted !

haven"t kept up with progress of the Norge, are you saying that Guzzi has sorted out Norge or referring to used well sorted Norges? I do remember quite a few complaints from Norge owners about panniers, fairing etc..

[moltoguzzi]

"difference in the sportiness of a Cali 1400 vs an RK - to say so is measuring with a micrometer when a yardstick would do" I would hope the Guzzi to be more sporty and the reviews I've seen were very positive in the sportiness. I also remember the Guzzi engineer mentioning how the 1400 had 5 degrees more of leaning clearance over their target bike the RK. I spent a week at Americade with 7 other buddies, all on Harley Ultras tourers and on our rides thru the Vermont mountains they all scraped floor boards often while I never did on my EV lowered by one inch front and back, so those 5 degrees would bring it to about the what I'm used to. That's the basis of my sportiness statement. Test rides on the Guzzi aren't available near me, I'll have to call around in the surrounding states to set one up as Guzzi is close to my heart. I've owned a RK for more than a year loved it, if you can imagine it, someone makes it, the after market is truly remarkable and the thought that you never more than 50 miles from a dealer and a mechanic in every town made me ride with a more relaxed state of mind.
As to the Multi i was referring to the riding position with feet directly under you and knees lower than the hips while sitting upright. The seat was very comfortable for the 20 min. test ride but looks a bit thin to me, I'm just assuming here.
ciao       

[Kev m]

I can't comment on other riders scraping floorboards. That COULD just as easily be poor technique (pivoting the bike under you instead of leaning with it) as it could be a more limited cornering angle.

What's important is whether it works for YOU or not.

The Cali 1400 handled just fine for me, but so does the RK... Though I believe the specs claim another degree or so of lean for the police models.

Anyway, good luck with your decision. The good news I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.

[Huzo]

 

haven"t kept up with progress of the Norge, are you saying that Guzzi has sorted out Norge or referring to used well sorted Norges? I do remember quite a few complaints from Norge owners about panniers, fairing etc..

Was sorta meant as s joke, but pretty true all the same. My Norge is only an old 2 VPC but it's everything I want now. I fitted an extra lock to the front of the pannier lid to keep it firmly closed, they are a bit flimsy, also I cannot understand the overwhelming desire for 4 VPC, got me buggered. Maybe it's because I've not ridden one ??? There's nothing on mine that I feel I need to improve, I've done all the stuff I want or need. Half the fun is fixing this stuff yourself, think of it as a bonding thing..I forgot if you said you' e got something or not, but I'd probably grab the Breva here on the forum and bugger off on that...there's not much that isn't known about 2 VPC Norges. All the stuff you may needto do is well documented and not at all hard. Big enough to cope easily with anything, small enough to pick up ( just), WHEN you drop it in the grass on your own in a foreign country, electric screen, etc... Make sure you have good Valpolini rocker cover gaskets too. There's a story in itself. Don't get something too big, any engine configuration will do as long as it's 90 deg V twin across the frame and 940 cc's or bigger from Italy. Easy peasy...

[LowRyter]

The RK is a nice bike with good brakes and balance, and although sportier than the Indian competition and the few Japanese clones I've ridden, not even close to the performance of the 1400 Guzzis I've ridden.  There is something about have another 2 grand on the tach and some more lean.   Now if Guzzi would get the foot-feet under the rider rather out front like the RK it would make a difference.

Which leads to the liquid cooled R1200RT which is really the best of all worlds.

Of course I am talking about riding impressions, I haven't a clue about reliability and cost of ownership.

[Kev m]

   Now if Guzzi would get the foot-feet under the rider rather out front like the RK it would make a difference.

One of the reasons I'm currently thinking of keeping the police saddle on my new RK is the riding position. It puts me a few inches higher, so much so I'm not fully flat-footing it when stopped, and if I'm not braking/shifting my feet can sit on the back of the boards, almost underneath me.

[boatdetective]

Way different bikes and it does amount to a personal choice. The 1400 is a stylish machine that handles well and seems to be relatively problem free.  I rented a RK and felt like an idiot farting around in it.  I have a friend with a multi and it seems like a really compelling package. I finally sold my 1200S and bought a BMW R1200R- fantastic allrounder.

[Huzo]

You'll just end up confused as buggery. Everyone (including me) will just tell you how good their bike is and how it works for them. Kev put it very well when he said you can't really go "wrong" with any of them. Just buy something with a good reputation and GO !!!