Cal 1400 mileage

[Clydeman]

Hello All,

I haven't been on here for quite a while. Good to see that most of the regular folks are still here! I'm considering a Cal 1400 Custom in excellent condition with 10,000 miles on it. Haven't ridden it yet but having taken a hard look yesterday, the fit and finish is first-class and I love the way it looks. I'm coming off of a Yamaha Super Tenere that is just too tall for my short legs. Great bike but I need something a lot closer to the ground. Never thought much of the cruiser riding position but I have to say that the bike feels great and fits me really well. The floorboards are terrific! So, from what I've learned on this Forum, would I be correct in saying that with those miles, this bike is just nicely broken in and ready for many years of service. I'm looking for a keeper. Thanks a lot.

[Kiwi_Roy]

 :1: for the Super Tenere, My riding buddy has one but as you say way too tall.

Good luck with the Guzzi, it will be interesting to see how they compare.

[Clydeman]

One more thing and this might be a silly question. Does Guzzi, or anyone else, make a center stand for the 1400? Thanks

[Clydeman]

Thanks Roy,

Looking forward to the ride, if it ever warms up a bit around here.

[groundhog105]

I now have 26,000 miles on my 1400 custom and it felt broke in and seemed to run better at 20,000. As far as I have been able to find out, nobody makes a center stand for the 1400 bikes.  I either use a frame lift from harbor freight or I roll it up on my whole bike lift and use a scissors jack to lift up the back end.   It�s a pain but it works. 

[JohninVT]

I went from a V-Strom 1000ADV set up for touring to a 1400 Touring.  I bought mine used with 10,000 miles on it.  I like the floorboards but they're a little too far forward for me.  I've never owned a cruiser so it's taking some time to get used to the ergonomics.  A V-Strom weighs at least 100lbs less than a Tenere so the weight of the Touring is very noticeable to me but might be less of an issue to you.  It's the heaviest bike I've ever owned.  Things like getting it turned around in a steep driveway with a passenger on board is kind of a pain in the ass.

It's my 4th Guzzi so I did a lot of research on the 1400's before I bought it.  Besides the V7 it might be the least trouble prone Guzzi.  Other than burning through tires and complaints about gas mileage(which seem overblown to me since I get about 40mpg riding two up in the mountains) I haven't seen much complaining about them.  If I can get used to the ergos I plan on riding mine 40-50,000 miles in the next few years.             

[rjamesohio]

One more thing and this might be a silly question. Does Guzzi, or anyone else, make a center stand for the 1400? Thanks

Given the heft if the 1400, I would think getting it up on a center stand would take a mighty heave that most folks would not want to deal with. I’d go with the suggestion of using a lift!


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[lucian]

I love my 14 custom, like every bike it has it's pro's and cons . The heft can be a double edge sword depending on what you use it for . Great highway distance bike. Not that well suited for around town stop and go.  I also find the seat to floorboard distance a little close on long rides and can cause discomfort . A slightly higher seat cured that for me. Also it is not well suited for off pavement , but that's pretty obvious. I use mine exclusively for two up trips and have had zero problems in the first 16,000 miles. The 14 motor is a wonderful thing. Good luck!

[mjptexas]

23,000 miles on my 2014 Custom.  No issues.  Consistent 38-40 mpg.

[Clydeman]

I sure appreciate everyone's response. Great feedback! If Honda can make a factory center stand for the Goldwing, it's unfortunate that other manufacturers don't see the need on their big street bikes. Sure makes cleaning and maintenance a lot easier. Sitting on the 1400 Custom the weight is obvious but it's a lot lower to the ground than what I'm used to. As John said, the Super 10 is about 100 lbs less but it carries it's weight much higher. Feels pretty good to get both feet on the ground with the Guzzi so I'm looking forward to riding it.

[JohninVT]

You need to ride it.  It's as fast as your Tenere but you don't have to shift it to access the power.  It's everywhere and the engine pulls hard from 2,500rpm.  Really hard.  It has an equal or better electronics package.  It may hold a line better through a corner than your Tenere(it certainly does better than my V-strom did). 

What it isn't is a gravel tourer.  You can write that off immediately.  I grew up on a dirt road and learned to ride on gravel in my early teens(1980-ish).  I've ridden tens of thousands of miles on gravel on dozens of bikes so I'm very comfortable riding on almost any motorcycle.  The 1400 is borderline scary on gravel.  My 1200 Sport with street tires spent 3-4,000 miles cruising on dirt roads.  I wouldn't dream of doing that on my Cali.  If you're going to miss the go anywhere, all road capability of your Tenere, I'd caution you to buy another motorcycle to go along with the Cali or reconsider.  That is the only thing I miss about my V-Strom.  If that's not an issue for you...go for it!       

[blu guzz]

I bought mine last July with 400 miles on it. 2o15 model. 4200 now. No issues but very close on tire death. 38 to 43 mpg. I got the touring seat and windscreen. Love it to death. Such soul. Also Agostini pipes to wake her up a little.

[Clydeman]

John,
My intentions are to ride it ASAP if the weather decides to cooperate. Possible snow for N. Illinois this weekend. Didn't take the Tenere off road at all so I won't miss that capability. I'd pick up a big single if I wanted to re-kindle my off-road racing days. Nice to see the Cal 1400 is just as sophisticated in the on board electronics dept. as the Yamaha. I'd probably miss some of that.  Really appreciate the information!

blu guzz,
Thanks for the feedback!  Sounds like you'll be keeping your 1400 for a while. I've seen a few pictures of a blue version. Your color?  I'm wondering if there's any new leftovers at dealerships.

[vintagehoarder]

11K on my Touring and never loved a bike more, and I have had a bunch!

[Smithy]

I have owned over 50 bikes across all genres and often get sick of them in a year or two. My Custom 1400 is going nowhere...my favorite bike. It ticks all the boxes for me, looks sensational, is finished beautifully, has the right amount of performance and handling for the street and is just a beaut thing to own.

[drbone641]

+1 on the positive comments re the Cali 14. I bought mine with right at 10k, to take a ride around the country this May. My Duc Multi has stayed in the garage way too much because I love the 1400 so much. Trip to the NC mountains showed her true character and she likes the same roads I do. The Prev owner replaced the stock tires with Exedras and after 7000 miles they still have a few thou left. New set of Exedras in the garage to install before I leave on trip.

[Kjon]

I can only confirm what the other guys have said, great bike.
I have a 2013 touring & love it to bits. Best bike I’ve ever owned, and like every other Guzzi I’ve had, it only get better with mileage.
Depending on what you’re used to it may take some time to adjust to the ergos (I did..) but once you’re there it’s a very comfy place to be.
If you like to throw it around, a 180 on the back rim (as opposed to the standard 200) & 40psi in the front makes a big difference.
Good luck with it.

Jon

[Clydeman]

The continuing responses are much appreciated! I haven't been following the Moto Guzzi model lineup for about 5 years and I'm a bit confused. When was the Cal 1400 Custom discontinued? I keep seeing pictures of a blue version. What year was that? Can someone bring me up to date on this bike's lifespan, and the colors that were available in the US. Thanks