*California 1400 Merged Threadfest*

[JJ]

MG should retire the "California" moniker and call this the "Conestoga".

(+1) - That's too funny! ;D :D ;)

I will reserve further comments until I actually see one in person, but I still think it looks like a cross between a "Sausage-Bike" and a stretched Ducati Diavel! :o :o ::) ::) ;D ;D :D :D ;) ;) :)

[rboe]

Say what you will but the Diavel is selling well. Who knew? :)

[bpreynolds]

NOPE - I could be wrong, but I really don't think so. I blew that shot up and lightened it and I don't think it is.

First the dimensions are off - ever see a bike where the passenger floorboards are bigger than the rider boards?

Then if you look really closely at some other high res pics of this bike that have been posted in the past you'll see a Guzzi decal on that piece - if that was a floorboard the decal would face the ground when it was flipped down and I doubt they're gonna put one in that position.

Speaking of that - the surface is also way too "finished" to be facing downward.

Also, in pics that show the other side it appears as if that remote reservoir for the shock is actually mounted on that suface, or really close to it (speaking of, that's something I don't expect to make it into the production model, those reservoirs, but who knows).

My guess is the piece in question is actually some form of sidecover that is hiding the front of the swingarm.

OK, I found and blew up some better resolution shots of that - though I'll admit it almost looks like part of it might fold out from underneat, but then it would be too thin... but what you thought was a slider, no I don't think that part pivots.

The piece with the MG decal looks almost exactly like the fold out passenger pegs on my Vespa GT200.  Dropped the Vespa off for it's 6k service yesterday or else I'd take a pic and show you how similar they look close up.  They fold directly out like wings, not up or down.  Pure speculation but I would almost guarantee you that's what those are. 

In terms of the bike iteself, I'd be surprised if it was less than 700lbs.  They've added motor and length to the original Cali that, while light in the cruiser market, was close to 600lbs already.  I have a hard time believing they could add all that beef I'm seeing here and still have it clock in at under 700.  But who knows, really.  Lots of speculation in these parts and that's my speculatin'  :)  Even still, I'm liking the bike more and more with the real world pics.  Still lots of little nits to pick with it but I could easily see these fading as well upon seeing the real thing.

[Tom]

Pregnant Shrimp II

 ;D ;D ;D

[Kev m]

BP, but we don't know how much length or mass they've actually added and how much is a visual impact from the styling. Remember the most recent pics with people in them are showing it's not as big as was first assumed.

[bad Chad]

Can't Mike from MPH fill us in with at least some aprox specs?  Surely he was told some basics, or Mike are you under embargo from Piaggio?

[Kev m]

I'm assuming some sort of embargo still.   :(

[JJ]

Pregnant Shrimp II

 ;D ;D ;D

The best description yet! (LMAO!) ;D ;D :D :D ;) :) ;-T

[rboe]

I agree, it looks pretty good from this angle (in my limited experience this usually is not a flattering angle for bikes - or some riders.........)  :)

[Mike Harper]

Just my two cents on this topic.

How many times has this scenario played out????????

Fantastic new model, See the demo we have here, They could be available by (spring-summer-fall-next year???)

It is all the hot button issue but never shows up until two or three years later, All interested folks are by then tired of looking at pictures, hearing rumors, placing orders, getting stalled and stalled and then there is something else new on the horizon.

Sound familiar??  I can remember this with numerous things like the Centauro, the V11 sport and others.

There is a reason that we were not allowed within 10 feet of this bike and that is because it is only a mockup of a bike.  A good part of it is probably wood and nothing more than a model shop exercise.

They do this to gauge the reaction, count the ooooh's and aaaah's and the level of interest so they can go back and see if they think it will sell.

My advice is to not get all enthused about being the first kid on the block with one cause it will be a long time coming if ever.

I'll shut up now

[Kev m]

Mike, were you at the Miami dealer meeting? Just curious.

[rocker59]

what looked fake to me already before Mike spoke up, has been the position of the foot brake pedal.
there is actually no space to travel for said pedal, that seems not to work.

 :BEER:

Same for the shifter.

Yeah, it's a preproduction mockup showbike.

I thought we all knew that?

[rboe]

So, you're sayin' we can't tour on it?   ~;

[bpreynolds]

BP, but we don't know how much length or mass they've actually added and how much is a visual impact from the styling. Remember the most recent pics with people in them are showing it's not as big as was first assumed.

True, but I know it's longer than 8 guys standing side by side  ;D :D :)

Seriously, Kev, you could well be right.  I'm just saying I'd be surprised if it is less than 700.  Not a deal breaker for me but since I've ridden bikes over 700lbs that handled better than some at 500, so there you go. 

The potential new model is big news, certainly, and I actually think the push MG seems to be getting now from Piaggio is like nothing I recall in my last 7 years or so.  New office in Cali, eh?  Nice, and this is nothing new here but maybe since they deem it worth a new Stateside office, how about a new Stateside push to establish a real and really supported dealer network?

[Vasco DG]

Mike? With respect you could say the same of the Griso.

1100's are now much sought after. 1200's, at least in the USA, seem to be dashing out the door in the USA. Sure there was a bit of a wait and it took until the SE was released for them to get a model on the floor that ticked all the boxes for the people who wanted a Griso, (The wire wheels were the deal breaker I guess.) but its now a success.

The latest Norges and Stelvios are really 'World Class' vehicles. No excuses, they can hold their heads up in ANY comparable company! Really.

The Nuovo Cali may well still be in development but the fact that is sparking so much interest on Wildguzzi shows that its target market is waiting with ears pricked. It does nothing for me as I'm not a cruiser guy but it look like it is going to have a lot of new tech along with the traditional quirky aproach to problems that Guzzi has always had. I mean? Who would dream of still using side-draft heads on a Hi-Cam motor in 2012?

It's huge! It's bonkers! I hope they sell them by the boatload!!!!! Wonder if I can slip the 1400 barrels on the Griso? Might need bigger TB's. Hmmmm. The ones off an MGS-01 would do the job....... ;D ;D ;D

VDG

[Tom]

Now that the subject has been broached.  Would be cool if the top-end could be put on some of the later bikes.   ;-T

[Mike Harper]

Mike, were you at the Miami dealer meeting? Just curious.

Yes Curtis and I both were there.

Moto Guzzi was afforded a whole hour out of the meeting.  The rest of the meeting was scooters and Aprilia.

[Kev m]

Yes Curtis and I both were there.

Moto Guzzi was afforded a whole hour out of the meeting.  The rest of the meeting was scooters and Aprilia.

Thanks.

Is there anything else you are allowed to share about this (or about the upcoming updated V7)?

[Mike Harper]

If you are referring too the metal tank model I think they are already coming in.  Martha Lewis in FT Worth already has one in inventory but it may only be the Racer model that she has.  The racer they had in Miami had a steel tank

[Kev m]

If you are referring too the metal tank model I think they are already coming in.  Martha Lewis in FT Worth already has one in inventory but it may only be the Racer model that she has.  The racer they had in Miami had a steel tank

No, actually I'm looking for any more solid information on future availability for the new Basic model with cast wheels and single throttle body.

I'm also interested in finding out how similar (same) the chassis is for accessory purchases.

I'm planning on buying a new V7 basic - and probably one or two wind screens, some HB racks, HB crash bars, possibly Euro sidestand, and sump spacer etc.

[Kev m]

Carl, I'm cautiously optimistic.

Meanwhile, a Piaggio/Guzzi Rep called me back today with regards to my V7 email inquiry.

Kudos for caring, though he had no additional info on V7 availability and quoted the company line of 4th quarter.

I appreciated the effort nonetheless.

[Dogwalker]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou2uhvBsMgI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3hs90bJ1P8&feature=player_embedded



Three versions, that shown is the sportier one.

[rocker59]

Dogwalker,

Thanks for the video links.

 ;-T

[Tom]

Thanks for the vids. ;-T  Explains what the Plan A is.  Touring model on it's way. 

[mphcycles]

Can't Mike from MPH fill us in with at least some aprox specs?  Surely he was told some basics, or Mike are you under embargo from Piaggio?

 There were no specs given at all. Just a look at it, it was on the stage  and we were NOT invited up to look any closer.  There was no mention of the  updated smallblocks either.   Although I did see and learn more about them in Italy last year,  you guys have already deduced most of the facts.  As Mike Harper said, they dont  make much time at these for us lowly Guzzi dealers, and they sure dont care to let the dealers in on whats coming down the road.  Case in point, the new Stelvio offers a traction control system standard.  Me being the curious type, I wanted to know how it works,  throttle shutter, timing retard, RBW, ABS,?  No one seemed to know which type of control it has.  Or seemed interested enough to care.

[youcanrunnaked]

There were no specs given at all....  [T]hey dont  make much time at these for us lowly Guzzi dealers, and they sure dont care to let the dealers in on whats coming down the road.  Case in point, the new Stelvio offers a traction control system standard....  No one seemed to know which type of control it has.  Or seemed interested enough to care.

That's disappointing.  If THEY don't care, why should their potential customers?

[Moto]

I think the video is WAY EXCITING. It is stated that a touring version of the California will be first out of the chute, in the fall. This can only be some kind of "bagger" I think: basic windshield and saddlebags, rather than a full-boat tourer like a Norge.

In fact, I wonder if Muschi's Photoshop specials might not be up the design wall right now in Pasadena!

[bad Chad]

 :) :) :)

[Joe A.]

I've no background re: dealing with MG from a dealer / business perspective, however I find this video very promising.

First of all, I really like the bike!

Secondly, I like the philosophy of how the bike was designed; around the engine, emphasis on the rider experience and the importance of keeping it Italian.

Third, I am encouraged to hear them speak about how they view the future.

Look forward to this fall!

[Kev m]

Joe - agreed on all counts. 

I like how they recognized the defining qualities of Guzzi,  including engine design, torque and handling.

This again suggests that this will be a true descendant of the current Cali.