Heavy bikes - specifically, the Cali 1400

[Beerman]

I have recently bought the Triumph Speedmaster 2018 model - 1200cc, 77bhp, 250kg weight. As Kev M may recall, I was very taken with the Cali, but couldn't get my head around 350kg's of metal having to be pushed around. I started to obsess about the fact that I have a gravel drive - in my mind's eye, I pictured myself wallowing in gravel chippings trying to prevent the Cali from sinking into the morass. You'd think I lived in a stately home at the end of a mile long gravel drive rather than 20 yards from the road (which is the reality).

Kev M thought I was overdoing it a bit. He was right.

The Triumph is a brilliant bike. Brilliant. I'm glad I bought it. But I have found its 250kg's of weight eminently manageable - even on my gravel drive. I think I could have managed the Cali without too much drama - and, aesthetically, as a piece of engineering, the California is the more beautiful bike. I am unable to look at a picture of that bike without having to lie down, with smelling salts.

For now though, I am happy with my beautiful Triumph (and beautiful V7). Though I think I shall return to the Cali, one day.

Beerman

[Sheepdog]

I've always been partial to middleweight bikes. 750-1000ccs and weighing in at-or-about 500lbs suit me best. When I bought my California Vintage back in 2007, I knew that it would be the heaviest I'd ever own at 635lbs wet. My drive is crushed limestone. The old dirt bike tricks work even with something as heavy as the Vintage: never chop your throttle in loose gravel/apply more throttle if the front end starts to wash out.

[Beerman]

I've always been partial to middleweight bikes. 750-1000ccs and weighing in at-or-about 500lbs suit me best. When I bought my California Vintage back in 2007, I knew that it would be the heaviest I'd ever own at 635lbs wet. My drive is crushed limestone. The old dirt bike tricks work even with something as heavy as the Vintage: never chop your throttle in loose gravel/apply more throttle if the front end starts to wash out.

If your working in lbs (as most of you will be) 250kg's is c550lbs. The Cali 1400 touring is c750lbs (ish, give or take some panniers).

Beerman

[vintagehoarder]

For a large bike it is still lighter than most of the competition in this class, and for a big bike I find it very manageable at slow speed, and extremely nimble at speed!  I have owned a ton of bikes, and to date the Cali 1400 touring is my favorite bike of all time.  Yes, and every time I have to go out in the garage my heart still skips a little and I reach for the smelling salts too  , truly a beautiful piece or styling and engineering.

Triumph is making some awfully nice bikes also, Deb is retiring in July and has her eye on a new 2018 Tiger.

[Kev m]

I get it though...I really do.

[Bud]

     The 200 rear tire would have kept you afloat... no worries! I love my 1400 Touring!

[Sasquatch Jim]

I have never heard a bikes handling described as nibble before.  Does that have something to say about how it eats up the miles?

[vintagehoarder]

I have never heard a bikes handling described as nibble before.  Does that have something to say about how it eats up the miles?

I went back and nibbled at the edit and made it nimble like it should have been.      And.... it does truly just eat up the miles.  Love that bike.

[pete roper]

One of the most unsatisfactory and disconcerting things I found with my Cali and others I have ridden is their behaviour on any sort of unsealed surface. Even just pulling off the bitumen onto the hard shoulder makes the front end squirm and wriggle and it feels like it’s going to toss itself on its side! I think it’s down to the flimsiness of the forks which for such a large, heavy bike are simply inadequate. Yes, I know it’s a ‘Cruiser’ but even so......Once again it shows that the biggest issue Guzzi have at the moment is not their motive units, it’s their chassis and suspension which is a sad thing for a marque once famed for its handling.

Pete

[Tom]

The Eldorado 1400 is a better bike.  Has to be the 16" wheels and tires.  Try riding one.