*California 1400 Merged Threadfest*

[Kev m]

[rocker59]

That Cal 14 is long and low!  I like it, and can't wait to see some hi-rez photos!

[Kev m]

http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=51709.msg777454#msg777454

[rocker59]

Are those wheels spokes or cast, can't tell?

 

Cast.  And they look super-cool in the other photos I've seen..

[rocker59]

I don't understand the criticism of this bike.  It was past time for an updated California, and that's exactly what this is.  There are just enough styling cues to echo past Cali models; just enough modern elements to distinguish this as something new. Good job!  I think the touring version will look even better.  

I agree.  It's long and low and looks great!

[rocker59]

I'm not digging the flush, integrated tail light, but that's just me. 

I prefer a regular tail light.  The one off the V7C would suit me better than something that looks like it came off a Victory, or something...

[Kev m]

Cast.  And they look super-cool in the other photos I've seen..

Yeah, it was just the first pic in this thread got me wondering if they'd changed them, but yeah, I liked them in the older pics.  ;-T

[JohninVT`]

I'm not digging the flush, integrated tail light, but that's just me. 

I prefer a regular tail light.  The one off the V7C would suit me better than something that looks like it came off a Victory, or something...

Me too.  That's partly why I think it'll look better with mirrors and directionals.  It's borderline too "styled" for me right now.  Once you hang a few things off it(like maybe a rear rack on the fender) it'll look a lot more utilitarian and less poser-ish....I think.  I like the non resevoir shocks on the first concept.  They need to re-think the mounting and dangling resevoir line if they stick with the piggyback units.  That, and the size of the numbers on the gauge are really my only criticisms of the bike.  That's not much to nitpick ;D  

[sbaker]

Yep follow the thread Kev M posted....

[Kev m]

Yeah, I definitely want to see a finished/production model complete with specs.

But for now, I remain MORE interested in getting the new V7 to our shores!

[gooseontheloose]

bump- another couple of photos added

[donn]

Looking at the left side of the engine ... what's going on there with the starter?  As I am largely ignorant of these matters, feel free to discount this accordingly, but it looks like there's room for the whole starter motor, cast into the engine block, and then there might be an actual starter motor bolted on behind it.

[Kev m]

That tail-light is horrible - hopefully that's a one-off and not production.

[skippy]

I find it difficult to comprehend the fact that a bike this size doesn't have a center stand
.

[Atlanta Guzzi]

Outstanding! Although I have my suggestions as well.  ;)

Not a fan or the whole rear fender and taillight assembly.  As mentioned above, it makes me think of something Victory or Honda might dream up for their power cruisers.  Regardless, I'm going to be extremely hopeful that this could mean we're one step closer to seeing a new California go into production.  

My favorite photos of this bike so far has been the older version with the silver engine, two person buddy seat, and saddle bags.  Since that photo didn't show the rear fender, this fender shape and taillights could have been an idea that's been floating around for a while?  Anyway, as long as they steer away from these small design elements appealing to the hot rod motorcycle niche, and keep it an updated italian-retro which really has more interest to their core market...I'm in!  

How exciting and thanks for posting this!

[rocker59]

Major "fail" on the tail light, but otherwise, I really dig it!  

Why not just use the nice looking tail light from the V7C ?

Nice to see right-side photos.  The rear drive appears to be new and specific to this bike.

The CARC fans will be disappointed.

[rocker59]

I find it difficult to comprehend the fact that a bike this size doesn't have a center stand
.

Name a big cruiser that does... 

[Mark West]

Definitely cast wheels near as I can see. I like the look although the ass end looks a bit Victory Visionist, which is not terrible in my mind. While the single gauge gives it a minimalist look, I like a separate tach myself.

Of course it's still early and what comes to market may be completely different from anything we see here.

[rocker59]

Looking at the left side of the engine ... what's going on there with the starter?  

It's in its normal position, but behind a "stylish" cover.

[Wayne Orwig]

It kinda reminds me of a Honda Rune......which I like!

It reminds me of the Rune, which I disliked.

The problem with that tank shape means.............. .Plastic tank.
Wonderful.  ::)

Looks too much like a 'me too' styling goal.

[rocker59]

Of course it's still early and what comes to market may be completely different from anything we see here.

Yes.  This one has a third version of the front fender.

I think they're still working out the details.

[QCGoose]

Looks too much like a 'me too' styling goal.

I agree. While it may look "different", it still looks like it's trying too hard to fit in with the rest of the power-cruiser crowd. Plus the seat-to-floorboard/controls placement looks more forward than past models. Blah, no thanks. And that tank just looks awful.

I'll reserve judgment until I see the final production version, but so far with this concept, I'm not a fan.  :-\

[skippy]

Name a big cruiser that does... 

Moto Guzzi California

[QCGoose]

Moto Guzzi California

:+1

I hope this doesn't mean they're moving the California from a standard in cruiser-clothing to just another me-too cruiser...

[BillinAbilene]

...but that gauge/dash thing sucks. I wanna take everything in at a glance, and that is just to complicated...

I find very little "right" with the gauge cluster.  That is my "professional" and personal opinion.

I passed on buying three different new bikes this past year simply because of the poor design of the gauge cluster.  Instrumentation is important to me (duh!) and, if this is the dash Guzzi will use, I won't even consider the bike.  (Of course the seat height would likely keep me from buying it anyway, so who gives a flip about the gauges, right?).  ::)

[rocker59]

Moto Guzzi California

Nah.  The Tonti California doesn't qualify as a "Big Cruiser".

It's the size of a Sportster.

[Kev m]

The problem with that tank shape means.............. .Plastic tank.
Wonderful.  ::)

I hope not, because that would likely be a deal breaker for me, UNLESS it was a cover over a plastic tank then I MIGHT still consider it.

On the centerstand thing - Yeah, I'd say Tonti Cali doesn't qualify as a "Big Cruiser" but that (the big cruiser market) is what this is directly aimed at so I understand it, even if I'm not sure I'm happy about it.

[Guzzirider]

My initial impressions are good. My reservations are:

1/ Is it going to have enough ground clearance?

2/ Is it too long to steer as sweetly as a Tonti Cali?

3/ Is the fuel tank going to be small taking into account the cut outs for the motor?

Difficult to tell from photos but I hope the new Cali follows the tradition of Guzzi cruisers being made for riding and not posing.

[Kev m]

3/ Is the fuel tank going to be small taking into account the cut outs for the motor?

Assuming they move the airbox under the seat and go with a single throttle body like on the new V7 - I think there is likely no reason to worry about tank size (at least for my uses).

[Bill Hagan]

I find it difficult to comprehend the fact that a bike this size doesn't have a center stand.

Name a big cruiser that does... 

The interest, nigh on to passion, in this thread about this motorcycle is more interesting to me than the machine itself, which almost puts me to sleep.

What does interest me is how they got it up on that maintenance/display stand.  Must have taken a few burly Luigis, Ettores, and Pietros to make that happen!  ;)

Bill