V7 Special to California Touring?

[Beerman]

I love my V7 Special (2016) and I like light bikes. However....on taking the V7 for it's service, a new California 1400 Touring caught my eye. I think it is a beautiful looking 350kg of bike, and - of course - the dealer is willing to do a trade (when are they not?).

I am tempted, but have reservations about the weight, particularly as I have long argued the merits of light bikes. Does anyone have any feedback on the Claifornia 1400 touring - do you like it, do you find it hard to push around when you're not on it? It's not a bike I would use for commuting every day - my Vespa is for that - but for bringing out at the weekend when if the sun is shining (I live in the UK)...

Any input welcome.

Beerman

[JohninVT]

I think if I was short, backing out of parking spaces while seated on the bike would be difficult.  I also think pushing it around a dirt or steep driveway would be a PIA.  My previous bike was 525lbs with a full tank of fuel.  It has taken me some adjusting to the weight of my California Touring.  The first day I had it I nearly dropped the bike at an uphill, heavily cambered stop.

Have the bars straight when you stop.  Other than that, the weight melts away after 10mph.  You're not going to whip it around town like your V7 but the weight isn't something you'll think about once you're rolling.   

[Kev m]

I would think a jump from a V7 to a Cali Touring would be a major change. They're two almost completely different things. But then again the V7 is a lot closer to your Vespa.

Earlier this year I took out each bike in the garage back-to-back all day. I got off the 800# RK (think Cali Touring with an extra tall seat) and hopped on the V7, throwing my inner thigh against the V7 the way I do to get the RK off the side-stand and nearly threw the V7 on the floor.

I have a gravel driveway and I can push any of the 3 smaller bikes around on it if I want to, but I don't even THINK about pushing the RK on the gravel.

I'm actually pretty comfortable with big bikes, and I'm quite happy with the RK for most riding, but I don't think I ever want anything bigger.

I'm not sure I'd want to make the decision of letting either go. But I guess if I really had to get rid of one I'd probably keep the RK because it can do "more" (distance/comfort etc.). Still I'd probably miss the V7 some days.

So I guess you have to ask yourself if you want the additional smoothness, comfort, and power of something like the Cali and if you would miss the light/nimbleness of the V7?

[kingoffleece]

It's never a good decision to sell a V7.  Ever.
But............... ADDING to the mix is a wonderful plan!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sheepdog]

The thing that makes the 1400 Cali a no-go for me is the weight. After watching my old friend (and Guzzi aficionado) Bob pitifully asking for help backing his Road Glide Ultra out of a downhill parking place, I swore I'd never have a bike heavier than my Vintage (about 635 lbs, wet). Those big heavy bikes are great for the interstate highways, but what's the fun in that?

[Attackpug]

Just be aware of where you parking and stopping .You will be fine

[DaddyRabbit]

No doubt about it.  It's heavy, it doesn't play well with gravel or dirt, and I don't care how tall you are...pushing it just sucks.

Now that that's out of the way, I wouldn't trade it for anything on the market.  I think the motor is second to none and it is just excellent on the road.  If you are into stoplight to stoplight conditions where you ride, you likely won't enjoy it like the V7.  If not, its a very satisfying affection.  I had a Calvin before this (also an excellent motorcycle) which I truly liked, and going up in weight to the C1400T is noticeable.  However, FOR ME, the Touring just DELIVERS! 

In the end, the way you ride will decide.  Good luck, you won't be making a bad decision either way. 

[LowRyter]

great performing touring machine.  Great engine, power delivery, handling, comfort and brakes.

The only personal negative is the cruiser riding position but many people like this.  They appear to be pretty reliable based on what I've read on the board.

[Beerman]

Well, this is why I asked the question.

You guys have reminded me of all the reasons why I have avoided very heavy bikes in the past - and the nail in the coffin is Kev's point about heavy bikes and gravel drives. I have one (a gravel drive, that is).

So, thanks for the input - I think you've saved me from making a frankly daft decision.

Beerman

[JohninVT]

If I go to the GF's house I make sure to wear boots with lugged soles because her driveway is gravel.  One slip and the bike would be on its' side.  You're probably making the wise choice.   

I could never live with a V7 as my only bike but now that I have the Cali I am dying to get one.  My old V-strom 1000 can't be replaced by the Cali and I'm already missing cruising at 40-50 on dirt roads.  A V7 with Pirelli Scorpions or Shinko 705's would be ideal for that.  Besides, it's an excuse for two bikes. 

[Lcarlson]

The Californias are substantial machines, to be sure, but compared to much of the competition in the heavy cruiser class (say, Indian Roadmaster at over 950 lbs), they’re positively sveldt. They perform remarkably, and I wouldn’t let their heft deter me even if I had a gravel driveway. They’re not THAT difficult to move around — you just can’t be quite as casual about your technique. That said, come next Spring, a V7 iii could be a tempting addition to the fleet.

[Beerman]

I think the other thing is that riding in the UK is different. I look at the pics many of you post from the US or Canada with envy - here, we are never far from a traffic light (stop light? first used anywhere in the world in Wolverhampton, where I live - and boy have they gone to town on them) or a junction.

Still, I do think the California is just beautiful. What I need is something between the 200kg of the V7 - which I think is a great machine - and the full 350kg porker that is the Cali.

Beerman

[Beerman]

I use the word 'need' advisedly, of course. 'Want' would be more accurate.

Beerman