Cali 1400 vs. V7

[Lcarlson]

Anybody here owned both? Apples and oranges, of course, but I'd be interested in any subjective impressions you might have.

[Kev m]

Don't own both, but own one and ridden the other.

I can't think of two modern Guzzis that are more different.

They share an engine layout and not much more.

Riding positions/ergos, powerbands, suspension, feel, etc. are all pretty different.

[George_S]

 :1:  What he said ^

I know you want comparisons by users but wouldn't they all be subjective opinions?

What works for a 235 lb 6'1" person with 34 inseam and 35" arms won't work for a person that's 5'8 and weighs 165, and... well, you get my point.

They're obviously different sized  bikes aimed at different riding styles and preferences.

The only proof will be for you to rent/borrow/ test ride both.

[Lcarlson]

Sorry, I realize my question was vague and applied to completely dissimilar machines. Also, I own one and have briefly ridden the other. I guess what I was looking for was the subjective impression of someone with ownership of (or at least, extensive experience with) both. Subjective stuff like "which do you find you ride more often" or "if you could only have one, which would it be?"

[JeffOlson]

I have never ridden either, but I think the V7 would be a great complement to the California 1400.

I own the Norge, which I know isn't quite a large as the 1400, but I think the V7 wold make a great complement. A large heavy-weight for out on the highway, and a smaller light-weight for around town and on back roads.

And what is this "if you could have only one" of which you speak?

[Lcarlson]

I have never ridden either, but I think the V7 would be a great complement to the California 1400.

I own the Norge, which I know isn't quite a large as the 1400, but I think the V7 wold make a great complement. A large heavy-weight for out on the highway, and a smaller light-weight for around town and on back roads.

And what is this "if you could have only one" of which you speak?

That's basically what I was thinking. And the "if you could have only one" meant Cali 14 OR V7.

[Murray]

It would depend where you do most of your riding if you mainly ride in urban areas tight twisty roads then the V7 would be better providing you threw some money at the suspension setup. The 1400 would be a better open road machine although it is a big heavy bike, out of the two the Griso would be the better bike IMO for general riding.

[Lcarlson]

It would depend where you do most of your riding if you mainly ride in urban areas tight twisty roads then the V7 would be better providing you threw some money at the suspension setup. The 1400 would be a better open road machine although it is a big heavy bike, out of the two the Griso would be the better bike IMO for general riding.

Most of my riding is on tight rural roads, but not exclusively. Also, I have my BMW, which covers the Griso role.

[JeffOlson]

[T]he "if you could have only one" meant Cali 14 OR V7.

I was joking. Hopefully you can have both! 

[Lcarlson]

Got it -- I was wondering. Both would be nice.

[jas67]

Got it -- I was wondering. Both would be nice.

Both would give you small, medium, large, with the BMW in the middle.

Add a V7, keep all three for a while, and if one doesn't get ridden, that is the one to sell.

[Lcarlson]

Both would give you small, medium, large, with the BMW in the middle.

Add a V7, keep all three for a while, and if one doesn't get ridden, that is the one to sell.

Yep -- that is an appealing scenario for sure....

[Kev m]

I could easily own both, and might someday.

But if the question is what would I do if I could own only one, the one I already own already answers the question. 

[mjptexas]

I own both and have put several hundred miles on both in the last month.

can you be a bit more specific as to what you are looking for wrt comparison?

[Lcarlson]

I own both and have put several hundred miles on both in the last month.

can you be a bit more specific as to what you are looking for wrt comparison?

Actually, I can't. But any observation you want to offer would be fine, and so far, you're the only current owner of both who has responded. So, have at it if you choose --

[El Pescador]

Anybody here owned both? Apples and oranges, of course, but I'd be interested in any subjective impressions you might have.

I'm your huckleberry.  I have a '13 V7 special and a '14 1400 Touring.  They're so different, choosing which bike to take depends really on my mood and what strikes my fancy that day. 
If was a gorgeous day here in Houston, and I had to run pick up parts for my boat so I decided to take the V7.  My wife asked "why don't you take the big one?  It has bags."  I just really wanted to ride the little one. 
Do you have a specific question?

[kingoffleece]

Not a Cali but I do have a Norge and a V7.  Perfect compliments.  I ride the V7 more simply because I always ride day rides but the multi day away time is not as much.

I'm very fond of the Norge as a distance bike-don't care for, want, or need a more technical bike.  That said, the V7 is like the perfect mistress.  After every ride you'll think it can never be better!

[Calijackalbob]

Let's organise a quarter mile drag race. We'll follow the V7 and the 1400 Cali with a Honda cbr1100 Vs a Honda wave. Get some "For Real" comparisons.

[mjptexas]

Actually, I can't. But any observation you want to offer would be fine, and so far, you're the only current owner of both who has responded. So, have at it if you choose --

Since you have a Cali Custom (which is what I own) I'll comment more on the V7.

If I could only have one which would it be?  Considering most of my riding is on back roads and usually a couple of hundred miles at a time, hands down the Cali.  For pure comfort they aren't in the same league.  The Cali is a an all day, multi-day long ride.  As nice a ride as the V7 is I don't think it will turn in as high of a score.  If I were don't more riding around town or commuting on the bike then it would be the V7.

Stating the obvious, the V7 feels really small when you get on it after riding the Cali.  I always feel a little cramped when I first get on, but the feeling goes away quickly and doesn't come back.

I've done a 250+ mile ride on the V7 with the only complaint being the seat (easily fixed).  It handles very nicely and will run mile after mile at 75 mph.

The much aligned 49 hp of the V7 isn't much of an issue until you get up to highway speeds, and then it's only a concern during a high speed pass.  The Cali on the other hand, pulls like a freight train right up to the redline in top gear, so there's plenty of high speed reserve if you need it.  Seat of the pants says the Cali is faster up to 65-70, but the difference is nothing to write home about.  The V7 does a lot with just 49 hp.

Biggest downside to the Cali is that it's a 700 lb. bike, and all the things that go with being heavy.   Wheeling a heavy bike around in the garage, driveway or parking lot is not high on my list of favorite things to do.

As someone mentioned earlier, they complement each other nicely.  I suspect if you add one to the fleet you'll find that it gets a fair amount of riding miles.

[Lcarlson]

Since you have a Cali Custom (which is what I own) I'll comment more on the V7.

If I could only have one which would it be?  Considering most of my riding is on back roads and usually a couple of hundred miles at a time, hands down the Cali.  For pure comfort they aren't in the same league.  The Cali is a an all day, multi-day long ride.  As nice a ride as the V7 is I don't think it will turn in as high of a score.  If I were don't more riding around town or commuting on the bike then it would be the V7.

Stating the obvious, the V7 feels really small when you get on it after riding the Cali.  I always feel a little cramped when I first get on, but the feeling goes away quickly and doesn't come back.

I've done a 250+ mile ride on the V7 with the only complaint being the seat (easily fixed).  It handles very nicely and will run mile after mile at 75 mph.

The much aligned 49 hp of the V7 isn't much of an issue until you get up to highway speeds, and then it's only a concern during a high speed pass.  The Cali on the other hand, pulls like a freight train right up to the redline in top gear, so there's plenty of high speed reserve if you need it.  Seat of the pants says the Cali is faster up to 65-70, but the difference is nothing to write home about.  The V7 does a lot with just 49 hp.

Biggest downside to the Cali is that it's a 700 lb. bike, and all the things that go with being heavy.   Wheeling a heavy bike around in the garage, driveway or parking lot is not high on my list of favorite things to do.

As someone mentioned earlier, they complement each other nicely.  I suspect if you add one to the fleet you'll find that it gets a fair amount of riding miles.

Spot on -- thanks very much. I love my Cali for all the reasons you cited, and your experience pretty much confirms mine. Still, we've got a lot of tight, twisty stuff around here, and the addition of a V7 is mighty tempting too.

[jas67]

Spot on -- thanks very much. I love my Cali for all the reasons you cited, and your experience pretty much confirms mine. Still, we've got a lot of tight, twisty stuff around here, and the addition of a V7 is mighty tempting too.

Buy a V7 already!

Seriously, you won't regret it.

And, if you don't need the new things that the V7II brings to the table, there are great deals to be had on left over '14 and '15 models.

[keithl]

I don't own either but have ridden both...I'm sure some will disagree but the first incarnation of the V7 is a toy in comparison to the 1400.

[jas67]

I don't own either but have ridden both...I'm sure some will disagree but the first incarnation of the V7 is a toy in comparison to the 1400.

All V7's are a toy in comparison to the 1400.  That is what is so fun about them!

[Kev m]

I don't own either but have ridden both...I'm sure some will disagree but the first incarnation of the V7 is a toy in comparison to the 1400.

Meh, define toy?

I mean they're both toys no?

Yes, the V7 feels REALLY small, and I get the comparison, almost "toy like" after a behemoth like a Cali 1400.

But to ME that's a good thing, in both cases. They're both reasons to like the V7 and the Cali.

Then again I see why someone might not like one or the other for that reason too.

[keithl]

I actually like smaller bikes, this was too cramped even for me. Also it is buzzy, it actually feels more like a 500cc than a 750cc.

Meh, define toy?

I mean they're both toys no?

Yes, the V7 feels REALLY small, and I get the comparison, almost "toy like" after a behemoth like a Cali 1400.

But to ME that's a good thing, in both cases. They're both reasons to like the V7 and the Cali.

Then again I see why someone might not like one or the other for that reason too.

[Kev m]

I actually like smaller bikes, this was too cramped even for me. Also it is buzzy, it actually feels more like a 500cc than a 750cc.

The only 500cc I ever owned WAS smaller and more buzzy (VT500 Ascot), not to mention very uncomfortable.

In comparison I find the V7 a lot more similar to say the R65 or R80/7 I owned.

<shrugs>

[mjptexas]

I actually like smaller bikes, this was too cramped even for me. Also it is buzzy, it actually feels more like a 500cc than a 750cc.

Buzzy certainly isn't a word I use describing the V7. 

[kingoffleece]

Those of us who have and love our V7's don't really care about how they compare to any other bike.  Most of us owners have other bikes and feel the compliment each other well.

Had 150hp bikes, top of the line touring bikes, all kinds of stuff.  Don't care.  Love the V7.  I wish ALL my toys were as much fun!

One of the good things in life, no?  You get to buy whatever style of bike you want.