New to Moto Guzzi

[foxbat]

I am a newbie here and looking to buy a Moto Guzzi. I love cruisers and was looking at a used California. I have a Triumph Thunderbird 1600cc right now. I have never ridden a Mottoguzzi before and what are is the advice in buying a California and how different is the ride to other cruisers to the California? Is California the best cruiser of Mottoguzzi?
Thank you very much.

[Dave Swanson]

Which California are you considering?  There have been many over the years.

[delrod]

Welcome to the group. As far as the differences there are many. They are a fun platform.which of the California variants are you looking at? Lots of difference between models only thing that seems to be common is they can take some adjustments if you are a long legged build. Ask some specific questions there are lots of opinions here

[Dave Swanson]

First off we need to know the model year you are looking at.   There have been "California"  model Guzzis since the 70's. 

The 93 California always comes to my mind.  Fine bike by the way if you are contemplating this one.

[oldbike54]

 Are you comfortable with fuel injection and computers ?

 Dusty

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Moto Guzzi

[foxbat]

It is the California jackal 2000 or the 2007 California vintage. My Thunderbird is fuel injection. It is not easy to get a Guzzi around where I am in Canada so the options are limited too.
Thank you very much everyone.

[bad Chad]

Are you comfortable with fuel injection and computers ?

 Dusty

I’d assume so, he currently rides a 1600 Thunderbird!

[oldbike54]

It is the California jackal 2000 or the 2007 California vintage. My Thunderbird is fuel injection. It is not easy to get a Guzzi around where I am in Canada so the options are limited too.
Thank you very much everyone.

 There are some differences , the 2000 Jackal is a basic 2 valve ditch pump that will handle well , the Vintage has the same engine as an early 1100 Sport , a little more power . The basic platform is the same .

 Dusty

[Kiwi_Roy]

It is the California jackal 2000 or the 2007 California vintage. My Thunderbird is fuel injection. It is not easy to get a Guzzi around where I am in Canada so the options are limited too.
Thank you very much everyone.

What part of Canada are you at, lots of Guzzis on the Wet Coast
Thats a good range of years but personally I would look for one without the big P8 ECU, there's nothing wrong with it apart from taking up too much room under the seat. The EV is like a Jackal but a bit glitzier with tubeless wheel rims for some model years.

[Wayne Orwig]

It is the California jackal 2000 or the 2007 California vintage. My Thunderbird is fuel injection. It is not easy to get a Guzzi around where I am in Canada so the options are limited too.

The frame on those two are a lot alike. I believe you will find that the Vintage has some changes to accept a wider rear tire.
Both work with Guzzi Diag. Free diagnostic software that even can remap the fuel. You need a cable for about $20.
The Jackal did not normally come with a second front disk, or a tachometer.

In the US, the dealer network is spars. No idea how it is in Canada. Parts from third parties like MGcycle are usually quick, if you do your own work. Sometimes parts from European sources are easier.
 

[Wayne Orwig]

There are some differences , the 2000 Jackal is a basic 2 valve ditch pump that will handle well , the Vintage has the same engine as an early 1100 Sport , a little more power . The basic platform is the same .

The Vintage is twin plugged, more like a Breva, right?

[foxbat]

I am in the east coast and what is called Atlantic Canada or the Maritimes. It is all Harley territory and I want to get something unique like the MottoGuzzi.  The Triumph Thunderbird is unique here too as I have only seen a few here. But only saw one Guzzi a few years back in a bike show.

[wymple]

Welcome to the clan. There are psychological self help groups available for the addiction. It gets really insane, what with people treating bikes like family & all that.

[oldbike54]

The Vintage is twin plugged, more like a Breva, right?

 Yes , I should have said Breva 1100 , oops . Still , just a little more power than the basic 1100 .

 Dusty

[Kiwi_Roy]

Welcome to the clan. There are psychological self help groups available for the addiction. It gets really insane, what with people treating bikes like family & all that.

How come I'm just hearing about this self help group now?
I'm on Guzzi No 7 and currently have 3 in the stable.
Is there any hope for me?

[foxbat]

The frame on those two are a lot alike. I believe you will find that the Vintage has some changes to accept a wider rear tire.
Both work with Guzzi Diag. Free diagnostic software that even can remap the fuel. You need a cable for about $20.
The Jackal did not normally come with a second front disk, or a tachometer.

In the US, the dealer network is spars. No idea how it is in Canada. Parts from third parties like MGcycle are usually quick, if you do your own work. Sometimes parts from European sources are easier.

Yes spare parts are difficult and I do order them online for the Thunderbird too. I know a top class mechanic who won a national award for custom bikes and he usually does my Thunderbird too. I guess from the information I am getting here I guess I should avoid the jackal then?

What is the difference between the California and the El Dorado?

I sometimes do about 500km on a day occasionally so need a good seat too. I am 5 feet 9 inches and weigh about 90kgs. I ride single so  not fussy about anything behind me. Crossing the various bridges does cause a bit of a problem sometime with the winds and especially if the wind shield is not the right size and since I do not use a closed helmet I need a decent windshield as I do not want to eat so many bugs. LOL.

[foxbat]

Welcome to the clan. There are psychological self help groups available for the addiction. It gets really insane, what with people treating bikes like family & all that.

I understand that. I have always been a fan of European cars and motorcycles compared to the Harleys, Indians, etc. I used to ride a Japanese Bike a Kawasaki Vulcan but found it was smaller than what I was looking for so got the Thunderbird. Beautiful bike too but I have always wanted to buy a Mottoguzzi since I saw one when I was in high school.

[MotoG5]

How come I'm just hearing about this self help group now?
I'm on Guzzi No 7 and currently have 3 in the stable.
Is there any hope for me?

No. Its too late for you Roy. If you have been trying to hide your "issue" your garage is a dead giveaway.

[moto-uno]

  Moto Guzzi  , Peter

[moto]

I understand that. I have always been a fan of European cars and motorcycles compared to the Harleys, Indians, etc. I used to ride a Japanese Bike a Kawasaki Vulcan but found it was smaller than what I was looking for so got the Thunderbird. Beautiful bike too but I have always wanted to buy a Mottoguzzi since I saw one when I was in high school.

If you are considering getting rid of the Thunderbird 1600 for a more comparable Guzzi, you should consider looking for the later California, which is 1400cc and a good bit larger and more sophisticated than the Vintage. For example, it has cruise control for those long Canadian highways. Here's a photo:



Moto

P.S. I don't recall what year the 1400 was introduced, maybe around 2010 2013. Someone else will be able to tell you if you express an interest.

[kingoffleece]

I had a 1600 T-Bird (sold) and now have a 2001 Jackal.  The bikes are similar in a lot of ways.  The T bird was a bit boring to me-and I'm a BIG Triumph fan and have had a lot of them.  The Jackal is much more engaging to ride, and while I wouldn't call the T bird refined the Guzzi is a bit less so.
I prefer the shaft over the belt and the ease of maintaining the Jackal is a big plus.  I manage 500 mile days (850 or so KM's?) so 300 KM a day is no issue.
The mid 2000's California bikes are simply lovely-you would have a real beauty there.  And you will most certainly stand out from the crowd.

[s1120]

Yes spare parts are difficult and I do order them online for the Thunderbird too. I know a top class mechanic who won a national award for custom bikes and he usually does my Thunderbird too. I guess from the information I am getting here I guess I should avoid the jackal then?

What is the difference between the California and the El Dorado?

I

One great thing about Guzzi's is you can work on them. Anyone thats willing to read up on them, will be set. So if you have a good tech, thats welling to study a bit.. your good.   Also no reason to avoid the Jackal.. They are fine bikes. Stone simple, and good runners. Jackals, Cali stone, EV's..they are really the best value out there. A TON of motorcycle for the money. I would watch out for the 03-04 EV's though...  you get into a hydrolic lifter issue, that you would want to do more research on before you jump..  But the rest...  nice solid values.

[foxbat]

Thank you very much. Yes I will look at the mid 2000 Californias then. The Thunderbird is a beautiful bike too but mine does not have the cruise control so I have to use one of those manual ones. I had a choice of buying a Thunderbird or the Rocket 3 but the Rocket 3 gave me problems with my legs as I felt the gear shifters were not at the proper height for my legs and it kind of gave me cramps. The dealership could not change it either.
The California looks very nice. I went up to the Thunderbird from a Kawasaki Vulcan 900 because it was under powered and did not have a 6th gear.

One question about the Guzzis? How does it feel because the tranverse 90 degree engine compared to other bikes?  I may have to go to the US to buy one I feel as not so common or reasonable price in Canada for the Moto Guzzi.

[travelingbyguzzi]

Nothing wrong with the Jackal. It has a good reputation and is a very basic motorbike, which many people prefer.
The Vintage had too many shiny parts for my taste, but after I rode my uncle’s around Florida a few times, I was a believer.
Either one is an excellent choice.


Bill Lovelady     IS
Eskimo Spy

[kingoffleece]

You may want to call Hamlin Cycles in CT.  I know Jim had a very nice California from the early 2000's there.  I've seen the bike and it was nice.  Jim is also a Triumph master tech and ran a Triumph shop for years so he can point out what's what as well as anybody can.
Shop number is 203-942-2232

[Dilliw]

The Vintage has "integrated braking" and the Jackal does not, so be forewarned that braking the Vintage will take a little adjustment time.  It's a great cheat once you get used to it, but sticking your heel on the nub does take a little thought especially when switching from a traditional bike. 

[Bulldog9]

If you are considering getting rid of the Thunderbird 1600 for a more comparable Guzzi, you should consider looking for the later California, which is 1400cc and a good bit larger and more sophisticated than the Vintage. For example, it has cruise control for those long Canadian highways. Here's a photo:



Moto

P.S. I don't recall what year the 1400 was introduced, maybe around 2010 2013. Someone else will be able to tell you if you express an interest.

Agree 100%  I have a buddy with a 1600  Thunderbird, and that bike has serious grunt. If you are looking at a Moto Guzzi, a 1400 California Custom or Audace would be a natural and satisfying addition. Unless you want bags, etc, then a touring or MGX.

I went from an FJR to a Griso and Norge, and it took me a while to adapt to the significant loss in power. I still miss it on occasion. Unless you are looking to cut power by 1/2-3/4 I think you may be significantly disenchanted with the comparative loss of power of an 1100 California/ackal/CalVin.  The 1400 motor is sublime and much closer in output and feel to the Thunderbird.

[LowRyter]

Yes spare parts are difficult and I do order them online for the Thunderbird too. I know a top class mechanic who won a national award for custom bikes and he usually does my Thunderbird too. I guess from the information I am getting here I guess I should avoid the jackal then?

What is the difference between the California and the El Dorado?

I sometimes do about 500km on a day occasionally so need a good seat too. I am 5 feet 9 inches and weigh about 90kgs. I ride single so  not fussy about anything behind me. Crossing the various bridges does cause a bit of a problem sometime with the winds and especially if the wind shield is not the right size and since I do not use a closed helmet I need a decent windshield as I do not want to eat so many bugs. LOL.

Jackals are good bikes.  Perhaps someone meant to avoid Jackal owners?   An understandable mistake.   

No doubt purchasing one, would enhance their reputations.....bei ng a member of the club and all that.

[Kiwi_Roy]

Perhaps this link from the resident photo Wizard might be appropriate
All the Dealerships in Nth America
https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=81314.msg1659933#msg1659933
I bumped it up top.