California 1100 or a Used Sportster for Daily Ride/Tourer?

[oldbike54]

Don't underestimate a Rat Terrier.  They will surprise you with their tenacity, and voracity when they have prey in their sights.

 No doubt , we have a 22 lb Tri-Terrier-of-doom that can herd Pit Bull dogs and humans also . Still , he is a Terrier , a bit unpredictable and he continues trying to "taste" the mail carrier .

 Dusty

[LowRyter]

OP, Instead of listening to us, perhaps just ride the bikes and buy what you like?   Either bike has been in production for years and have been improved over time.  Even the Sportster is perhaps a ride-able bike since the "rubber mount" version came out.  And an XR might be a fun toy for those guys that like a sporty but low revving bike.   

[Ncdan]

After our 13 year old Daisy May crosses the bridge😩 if I ever recover and get another dog it’ll be a Jack Russell 👍

[Dave Swanson]

I gotta ask.

HAVE YOU OWNED A RUBBERMOUNT 1200?!?

Because the difference between a solidmount 1200 (through 03) and a rubbermount (04+) is significant, almost completely different bikes.

I'm struggling for a Guzzi analogy. It's not quite Cali 1100 vs Cali 1400 but it's closer than not.

Yeah it's the same basic frame and engine architecture, but everything about how they work together changed.

Yes Kev, or I would have kept my mouth shut.      Like I said, I like them, and a Sportster certainly could suffice, but compared to a EV 1100 - no comparison for higher speed travel.   

[MMRanch]

Another late to the party feller .

In 2004 when the Sportster went rubber mount the Harley world changed.

My first Harley was just that a 1200cc 2004 Roadster.     

Fuel millage in the mid 50's
Plenty of power
Under 600 pounds
Tires - 150/80 or 140/90 -16" tires rear   with a 19" front   
Parts and accessories  are every where.
No vibration delivered to the driver !  Ride as fast as you dare too , no problem .  Tall gearing and rubber mount !
 
My second Harley was even better - it was a 2007 883 Sportster (Harley finally got one of their models 100% right) the motor is not only rubber mounted but it is very well balanced too. 
I'd still have it but I discovered something better --- the Guzzi V-7II  !
I'm 5'10" and 190#.

[kballowe]

Starting to sound like you need an adventure style bike.  For drop guards, take a look at T-Rex Racing out of Texas.  Solid protection with replaceable contact points.  Those guards might help you choose one of the bikes they make guards for, like the Versys.  https://www.t-rex-racing.com/

Interesting that Kevin mentioned the Versys , they are fun , but comparing the 650 Kawasaki to an 1100 Guzzi is almost strange . The Kwacker is a Rat Terrier , the old Guzzi is a big old Labrador Retriever .

 Dusty

So, I was responding to @twowheeladdict post.  And you know that I had to add a picture.     

Yes, that 650 is a bit of a rat terrier, with copious amounts of Chihuahua in the mix.  Very feisty. 

He does have a big brother.








 

So, the answer (in my mind) is that one needs at least TWO motorcycles.  Just because.   

[Kev m]

Yes Kev, or I would have kept my mouth shut.      Like I said, I like them, and a Sportster certainly could suffice, but compared to a EV 1100 - no comparison for higher speed travel.   

 

I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree on that one.

Maybe it's a personal thing.

I found the vibration in the Jackal to be tolerable but more noticeable than the vibration on our 2007 XL1200Lr.

Chassis wise the Jackal had a smidge more room and wheelbase which helped a little.

Ironically the XLr had the same shocks as the Jackal, and when I say same I mean I installed a pair of 13.25" Progressive 412's from Harper's on it that I'd originally had on the Jackal but later replaced with even better YSS's.

I remember dropping Jenn's Duc off for a major service (valves, belts, fork fluids etc.) at a decent dealer in PA and riding two up with Jenn the hour or so home. We were flying down the PA turnpike running in the 70-75 range and I was thinking we were damn close to magic carpet comfort.

There are differences between them, but I still think most are RCHs and personal preferences.

When hearing the black and white opinions I can't help but wondering if the poster is talking about a solidmount OR one of the too common neutered/lowered models. Hell even an 883 with lower gearing is going to feel different on the highway to a 1200.

 

[kballowe]

I hate this thread

Now I wanna go out and go motorcycle shopping

Thanks a lot

[Kev m]

I hate this thread

Now I wanna go out and go motorcycle shopping

Thanks a lot

When do people named Kevin EVER NOT WANT to go Motorcycle shopping?!?

Is there such a time and place?

 

[Castorp]

MMRanch, what sort of 883? I have been wondering about those (I have riddenly only the 1200). I see lots of the XL "c" or "custom" for sale. Why did you think it even better than the other sporty you had?

Lowryter, believe me I am trying to ride a california. It would be big step in the direction of finally making up my mind. I hoped to go see two this week. Both fell through.  I do not see a lot of the Cali 1100s for sale around here--or for that matter anywhere I am looking.I keep trying. That said, a lot of my questions here are about more than the riding experience alone, and the answers are not something I would ever learn from a test ride. So the conversation here is important to me.

 
 

[s1120]

MMRanch, what sort of 883? I have been wondering about those (I have riddenly only the 1200). I see lots of the XL "c" or "custom" for sale. Why did you think it even better than the other sporty you had?

Lowryter, believe me I am trying to ride a california. It would be big step in the direction of finally making up my mind. I hoped to go see two this week. Both fell through.  I do not see a lot of the Cali 1100s for sale around here--or for that matter anywhere I am looking.I keep trying. That said, a lot of my questions here are about more than the riding experience alone, and the answers are not something I would ever learn from a test ride. So the conversation here is important to me.

 

Its always harder to shop for a Guzzi...  At least in my area HD vs Guzzi is a easy 1000 to 1 ratio in for sale ads!!!   

[Kev m]

Are there are MGNOC or other Guzzi groups in your area?!? (Where are you anyway)?

If you were in NJ I'm sure one of the members here would offer you a ride in one of their Cali 1100s to help you decide.

I've gone I that multiple times over the years.

[oldbike54]

 Kev m ,

 There was something wrong with your Jackal , didn't it have parts breaking because of vibration ? That shouldn't happen .

 Dusty

[Castorp]

Kev, you have touched on something I have been wondering about. Those neutered/lowered sportsters. ... I see them for sale everywhere.  Can the low height be "fixed"  simply with rear shocks from a bigger Harley? I was planning on changing the shocks anyway. But you've made me think maybe I should go read up on that at the XL forum to make sure it's not a bigger deal than i thought. I'm viewing the sportster as a platform that can be set up very much the way I want it, but I don't want to do a lot more work on the setting up than I have to.  I do know that I need to get a post 2004 for the rubber mounts

[Kev m]

Kev m ,

 There was something wrong with your Jackal , didn't it have parts breaking because of vibration ? That shouldn't happen .

 Dusty

No, that was my solidmount Sporty.

The Jackal vibration wasn't bad, maybe similar to my Oilhead but slightly lower frequency. Enough to notice and more than the almost imperceptible waves in the rubbermount 1200 Sporty.

Kev, you have touched on something I have been wondering about. Those neutered/lowered sportsters. ... I see them for sale everywhere.  Can the low height be "fixed"  simply with rear shocks from a bigger Harley? I was planning on changing the shocks anyway. But you've made me think maybe I should go read up on that at the XL forum to make sure it's not a bigger deal than i thought. I'm viewing the sportster as a platform that can be set up very much the way I want it, but I don't want to do a lot more work on the setting up than I have to.  I do know that I need to get a post 2004 for the rubber mounts

Shocks are easy on most/all models. Myself and some other guys on the XL added tall shocks to otherwise stock L models (nothing as low as the SuperLow though) and that alone worked well.

Until you get to the latest years with the cartridge forks you can also get longer damper rods and raise the fine end. Some have even abandoned the cartridge and gone that way on late-model stuff.

Not difficult.

I cheated and installed the whole fork and dual brake assembly from a 1200R Roadster.

[Dilliw]

MMRanch, what sort of 883? I have been wondering about those (I have riddenly only the 1200). I see lots of the XL "c" or "custom" for sale. Why did you think it even better than the other sporty you had?

Lowryter, believe me I am trying to ride a california. It would be big step in the direction of finally making up my mind. I hoped to go see two this week. Both fell through.  I do not see a lot of the Cali 1100s for sale around here--or for that matter anywhere I am looking.I keep trying. That said, a lot of my questions here are about more than the riding experience alone, and the answers are not something I would ever learn from a test ride. So the conversation here is important to me.

 

Test rides are a little "different" on a Cali!  My opinion is that they don't leave a good first impression for the first time Guzziti.  You've come this far so don't get cold feet if you ride an EV with the "nub", can't figure out why the motor sounds like it's about to explode (you didn't rev it enough) or wonder what all the noise is with 5th gear.    All of those fade away after a few hours. 

[Ncdan]

When do people named Kevin EVER NOT WANT to go Motorcycle shopping?!?

Is there such a time and place?

 

LMAO, you were right Kev when you said I should go ahead and make the other Kev an offer on that V9 😂😂😂😂. You can’t make this stuff up, can’t stop laughing 😂🤣🤣🤣😂🤣😂

[kballowe]

LMAO, you were right Kev when you said I should go ahead and make the other Kev an offer on that V9 😂😂😂😂. You can’t make this stuff up, can’t stop laughing 😂🤣🤣🤣😂🤣😂

I'm keeping an eye on you two, and got my 20 pound Tom cat guarding that V9

[twowheeladdict]

I hate this thread

Now I wanna go out and go motorcycle shopping

Thanks a lot

Well Kev, like you I am always motorcycle shopping.  The difference comes in the buying!  My last two test rides were the 2020 Royal Enfield Trials 500 and a 2008 Wide Glide. 

[kballowe]

Well Kev, like you I am always motorcycle shopping.  The difference comes in the buying!  My last two test rides were the 2020 Royal Enfield Trials 500 and a 2008 Wide Glide.

I'm looking at an late model FXDL myself......   

[twowheeladdict]

I'm looking at an late model FXDL myself......   

I would have bought that wide glide but the vibration in the foot controls didn't jive with the nerves in my legs.  It sure was a beautiful bike. 

[s1120]

Kev, you have touched on something I have been wondering about. Those neutered/lowered sportsters. ... I see them for sale everywhere.  Can the low height be "fixed"  simply with rear shocks from a bigger Harley? I was planning on changing the shocks anyway. But you've made me think maybe I should go read up on that at the XL forum to make sure it's not a bigger deal than i thought. I'm viewing the sportster as a platform that can be set up very much the way I want it, but I don't want to do a lot more work on the setting up than I have to.  I do know that I need to get a post 2004 for the rubber mounts

Kev M already answered, but Ill jump in. When I was shopping for my first bike in over 10 years I really wanted a Guzzi..   But they are tough to find around here, and I was keeping my eye out for other options. Sportsters were on that list. Almost every one I looked at was modded, hacked, or had all the textbook bling all over it. Most were lowered to the ground with shocks that had to only have a inch or two of travel..  Being I was looking for the "Sport" in Sportster, I started researching shocks. There are a ton of different options out there for them, in all different lengths..  So no issue with that at all! Im happy I ended up with my 02 stone metal though.. and it was about 2 miles from my house to boot!!!!   

[Lesman]

Are you liniting yourself to 17 to 23 year old Guzzis? If so pick the Sportster. 4-10 year old Sporties can be had cheap. If you are over 5'7' and 160 lbs. Suspension and ride position will make you a tad un happy.
Buy a 1200 if possible. Loud pipes aren't faster.  1200R is a really good bike. Buy a windshield. Be sure to get a rear rack. Maintenance is a breeze.Get some real rear shocks.

[Castorp]

I want to give a HUGE thank you to Steve, a member here, who just let me ride his beautiful California 1100 this afternoon. He also gave me lots of great info and advice about Californias, Guzzis in general, and Guzzi people. I learned huge amounts today. Rode some pretty roads too. THANK YOU. 

And how did I like it? I am still overwhelmed.. I dont' have a lot of experience with different bikes and I've never ridden anything close to the California.  Just about everthing about it was different--seating postion, size, character--everything. (Plus there were other things particular to this bike like the heel shifter and connected brakes that were new to me too). It was a challenge taking it all in. I am still "processing." My first impression is the bike is too big for me--it was bigger than I expected it to be somehow. This very well may be because I'm so used to riding a little bike though. 

Steve told me--and some of you have here too I think--that getting to know these bikes take time. In my experience this seems to be true.. We took a nice ride today, but I feel like I have only scratched the surface.

I am going to go try some Sportsters. It's been a few years since I've ridden one. I may try a versys or a versys competitor too, just for comparison. And as for what I'll do, I have no idea.

But I do know that you all are great, a huge help. Thank you. 



 

 

[Adk.IBO]

I had a really nice 360 mile ride through the Adirondacks (where I live) and the Green Mountains in Vermont yesterday on my Roadster. I had done the same kind of loop on my Norge (and other bikes I’ve owned). Out of 26 motorized 2 wheelers I’ve owned I’ve enjoyed every one. 2 I would not ever ride again, all the others I’d be happy to take for a spin... Ride all you can and buy what speaks to you.

[Ncdan]

I’ve been hesitant to chime in here due to the fact that I’ve never owned a sportster and only ridden a couple, period.
However I can speak for the 1100 California bikes as I’ve had three of them now. The MG California 1100(1064cc) both hydro and solid lifter versions are fantastic mills and the bikes themselves are really capable tourers as well as canyon chasers, with a competent rider aboard. Not making light of the HD but one surly can’t go wrong with the MG either.

[Kev m]

I’ve been hesitant to chime in here due to the fact that I’ve never owned a sportster and only ridden a couple, period.
However I can speak for the 1100 California bikes as I’ve had three of them now. The MG California 1100(1064cc) both hydro and solid lifter versions are fantastic mills and the bikes themselves are really capable tourers as well as canyon chasers, with a competent rider aboard. Not making light of the HD but one surly can’t go wrong with the MG either.

Unless you're looking for a daily commuter and find you have to crab the frame for a rear main or transmission input shaft. They might but be acceptable to someone who needs it to get to work.

Though I'll add, even back em the Jackal was almost new it was leaving a small spot from the rear main seal I never bothered to fix it. But it could have gotten worse, contaminated the clutch and forced the issue...

[Guzzidad]

     Bill, it was a pleasure to meet you and let you test ride my EV. To no surprise, your analysis is exactly the same as the last guy I let try it. Yes, the heel/toe shifting is foreign to most people, and the brakes are a little odd too. But they have become second nature to me. The perception that the bike is too big probably is a result of that big Swanee fairing and Hepko-Becker luggage. Strip those parts off and the bike appears to be much smaller. Hopefully you can find another model to try, a Stone or a Bassa. They'll have the shifting and braking you are used to. Or you might find a 750 Breva to your liking. Good luck with your search. There's a huge variety of bikes out there to choose from.

[Kev m]

The models with pegs as opposed to boards still have the heel-toe shifter BUT you don't have to use the heel as you can get a toe under it. As a matter of fact in my Jackal I just cut off the heel piece (on my Road Kings I've always unbolted and removed the heel piece).

So yeah those models feel "normal" in that sense.

[Guzzidad]

   Oh, one more thing Bill. I now realize my mistake. I chose the wrong roads to ride. I should have led you on faster, straighter roads. I doubt you ever used 4th gear much. Probably mostly 3rd gear. Where the EV really shines is in 5th gear at an indicated 80mph.