Author Topic: California 1400 Merged Threadfest (Read 852900 times)

cruzziguzzi · « **Reply #1680 on:** April 07, 2012, 09:43:00 PM »

The more I see of this thing, the more I think it'll be a great mix of my lost and lamented Valkyrie and the current Calvin. As for the oil cooler - while I generally don't like the aesthetically disruptive nature of any cooler - this one has a very purposeful and un-apologetic look that would grow on me. Though I do worry about them being low and trailing the front tires.

kevdog3019 · « **Reply #1681 on:** April 08, 2012, 10:04:27 AM »

Quote from: Atlanta Guzzi on April 07, 2012, 02:43:11 PM

After looking at the photos of the upcoming California 1400 I'm very encouraged. Like many people I'm hoping they'll make a few adjustments (I really don't like the tail light) but over all I'm pleased.

Today I noticed how big the oil cooler is on the front of the bike and I was wondering if there might be a way to hide it? It's so big that for quite a while many people thought it was a radiator. I really love the look of an air cooled engine, and my 2001 California doesn't have any oil cooler to obstruct the view. So today I'm simply speculating since the bike isn't even out yet, and wondering how you might be able to hide this huge oil cooler. I wouldn't want to paint it black, since having it silver at least matches the engine cases. But, has anyone ever mounted a oil cooler to the bottom of the frame to hide it?

Thoughts...suggesti ons?

Thanks,

Robert

Think about what you said Robert. It is a cooler and needs maximum airflow to do its job. They could mount it to the rear or under the seat to hide it, but putting it under the frame rails is about as advantageous for cooling. It looks to be in the best possible place for this purpose. My vote is keep it there!
-Kevin

Chuck in Indiana · « **Reply #1682 on:** April 08, 2012, 10:15:33 AM »

Its a delicate looking booger, considering where it's located. I'll wait until the real thing comes out..

kevdog3019 · « **Reply #1683 on:** April 08, 2012, 10:18:59 AM »

Consider it a splash guard for the engine. Looks like there is one up to of it with a scoop directing air onto it. They made room for the horns between and then the splash guard radiator below. I like the look myself for this ride.

BillinAbilene · « **Reply #1684 on:** April 08, 2012, 04:11:33 PM »

What would hide the oil cooler most effectively would be the speedometer displaying "about" 70 mph and the Rocky Mountains coming into view on an early October morning! What oil cooler... :pop

fotoguzzi · « **Reply #1685 on:** April 08, 2012, 05:56:11 PM »

oh sorry, wrong cooler..

swalker · « **Reply #1686 on:** April 08, 2012, 06:05:13 PM »

Maybe you could install a cowling like is on the new Norge's...I didn't notice the cooler myself...But am glad they are there....for a reason ya know. hehe!!!

youcanrunnaked · « **Reply #1687 on:** April 09, 2012, 01:10:01 PM »

Great pic of the bike. Is that an ABS ring on the front wheel? I sure hope so.

Atlanta Guzzi · « **Reply #1688 on:** April 09, 2012, 02:12:19 PM »

Thanks for the all the ideas and suggestions. ...Even the funny ones! ;D

I'm hopeful that Moto Guzzi corporate will see this thread and at least consider a cosmetic change to hide the oil cooler. For the most part I think they're on that right path, but a little tweaking would help too. In every post I've seen about this bike during the past year, where we all reviewed and speculated about distance concept photos, no one has really been a fan of the following.

1. The rear tail light
2. The extremely busy speedometer

The rest of the bike has basically received mixed reviews, which I find encouraging considering our grumpier posters share their thoughts so frequently it always skews the overall feedback! :D ;D Seriously, there's a lot to like about what they came up with so far and maybe with some constructive criticism they'll tweak a few remaining things to appeal to even more of the core audience.

I know pinpointing the oil cooler is sort of a nitpicking thing, but I do like the look of traditional air cooled engines. To me that's a traditional Guzzi! So since I'm not an engineer, does an oil cooler really need to have the usual square or rectangle shape to be effective? Let's face it. The proposed square oil cooler is so huge and it was mistaken for a radiator for almost a year! What if the oil cooler had more of a wishbone shape and was mounted to the frame accordingly? Below is a quickie drawing I sketched a couple minutes ago to explain.

Once again I'm not an engineer (as you can tell! ;D), and I don't have any idea if something like this would work. Just trying to brainstorm about ideas that would make sure everyone can see that beautiful Guzzi engine coming down the road.

What do you think?

Robert

BillinAbilene · « **Reply #1689 on:** April 09, 2012, 02:42:30 PM »

Robert,

Remember, "off the rack" is always cheaper than "custom." IMHO Guzzi has gone with a "stock" part number from one of their suppliers to keep costs reasonable. The design has proven itself and has been durable (though the fins do get "dinged" but can be straightened with a "fin comb").

Now, if you want a custom oil cooler for your 1400, I know a guy who does beautiful radiators in copper - each one hand made when ordered. Price? Oh, probably 1/10th the cost of your 1400 (after TTL). If you want chrome double the price. :o

Yes, it would be fun to "see" a stylized oil cooler. But I would rather see the Rockies on the horizon and the speedometer reading "abot 70." ;-T

TwoEds · « **Reply #1690 on:** April 09, 2012, 02:48:33 PM »

How about twin coolers, long and slender mounted on each downtube. painted black. Still in the air stream but less 'visible'?

scooterjock · « **Reply #1691 on:** April 09, 2012, 02:52:12 PM »

Any guesses on where that gas tank is going to start rotting out?

bigdogpup · « **Reply #1692 on:** April 09, 2012, 03:38:33 PM »

I think the 1400 looks great.
Y'all can complain about the seat (you will change it anyway).
Now everybody wants them to hide the oil cooler... ;D Remember back when they wanted to show off the that stuff? I had one of these and rode it everywhere until I had a rather nasty wreck on it. It's a little bit 70's Japanese "fugly" but I did always like the unfinned barrels. 1976 Suzuki GT750 "Water Buffalo" water cooled 2 stroke.

bigdogpup · « **Reply #1693 on:** April 09, 2012, 03:45:29 PM »

PS- What's up with the bad Photoshop job where the exhaust magically enters the crankcase (upper pipe)???

Tazturtle · « **Reply #1694 on:** April 09, 2012, 04:05:29 PM »

That 1400 is a damn fine looking motorcycle for a power cruiser.

I think all that cooler needs is a black mesh protector to keep the rocks from the front wheel at bay and make it a bit less obvious.

bigdogpup · « **Reply #1695 on:** April 09, 2012, 04:17:28 PM »

Quote from: Muschi on April 09, 2012, 03:54:36 PM

it's not photoshopped but an original picture, it is the reflection
from the new style footboard carriers that makes it look a little weird.

:BEER:

the Suzuki GT 750 is one of the nicer seventies bikes from Japan IMO.

;-T

Wow, I guess you're right! It sure looks fake even when you zoom way in but I think you're correct.

Yeah, Suzuki was proud to show off their radiator in 1975 (although the real "spaceship" was the RE5 rotary)

Tom · « **Reply #1696 on:** April 18, 2012, 01:54:32 PM »

I figured with the seasonal helmet thread going on. I'd toss this in for the heck of it. :bike :bike :bike :bike :bike :bike

jas67 · « **Reply #1697 on:** April 18, 2012, 02:17:18 PM »

Look..... Squirell!

rocker59 · « **Reply #1698 on:** April 18, 2012, 02:17:46 PM »

Fourteen Hunert?

Why does anyone need so much powah ?

:o

HDGoose · « **Reply #1699 on:** April 18, 2012, 02:19:43 PM »

:+=copcar P:) :BEER:

sbaker · « **Reply #1700 on:** April 18, 2012, 02:26:55 PM »

It's disgusting... IT looks like a modern motorcycle, big block power, sweeping lines, why can't Guzzi stick to the 1970 design that it is famous for... I'd never buy one, but I am sure plenty of people would pass at the chance and Guzzi would go out of business once and for all !!! THEN we can complain that parts are REALLY slow..

bigdogpup · « **Reply #1701 on:** April 18, 2012, 02:34:36 PM »

maybe if it had REAL TUBE tires, I'd consider it...
;D

Joliet Jim · « **Reply #1702 on:** April 18, 2012, 04:12:47 PM »

Gee i wonder if it comes with one of those crappy steering dampers my stone has.

Crusty · « **Reply #1703 on:** April 18, 2012, 04:33:57 PM »

I wonder what kind of oil it takes ???

wrbix · « **Reply #1704 on:** April 18, 2012, 04:39:12 PM »

Will it contribute to Global Climate Change? ???

sbaker · « **Reply #1705 on:** April 18, 2012, 05:11:23 PM »

Quote from: wrbix on April 18, 2012, 04:39:12 PM

Will it contribute to Global Climate Change? ???

Yes you will notice increased wind speed when riding.

jackson · « **Reply #1706 on:** April 18, 2012, 05:21:39 PM »

I heard a rumor that it will have an oil dipstick from "The Dipshit Dipstick Company Inc." ;D

pat manning · « **Reply #1707 on:** April 18, 2012, 05:51:59 PM »

I wonder if the steering head bearings will come with grease or if it would be an option?

goog64 · « **Reply #1708 on:** April 18, 2012, 05:54:42 PM »

I read that it needs a hose clamp on the oil filter.

RichEV · « **Reply #1709 on:** April 18, 2012, 05:58:14 PM »

You guys are never happy........I read that the seat will give you a dose of hemorroids....that alone should help sell it by the thousands....

Rich EV

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Author Topic: *California 1400 Merged Threadfest* (Read 852900 times)

BillinAbilene

swalker

BillinAbilene

scooterjock

goog64

RichEV

Author Topic: California 1400 Merged Threadfest (Read 852900 times)