2015 California 1400 advise

[GuzziDog54]

I absolutely love my '15 California 1400, it has plenty of torque and handles better than most bikes of that style. I've had a V11 California Vintage and I like the 1400 a lot better.

[elvisboy77]

Thanks for the responses guys. Yea I would definitely ride it. So Thur far no one has pointed out any real negatives. I realize it�s a little heavier than my 07 but I understand it�s also right much lower center of gravity. It the power much more significant than the 1100?

Don't forget to ride it in VELOCE MODE

[Ncdan]

One more question for you guys that own the 1400 California Touring. I�m meeting the seller Thursday to ride it and make my final decision. On my 07 calvin the floorboards are about 1-2� to high for me. Is the ridding position the same on the 1400? Also this bike is a one owner, older gentleman who came down with cancer a course years ago and had to stop riding, thus I�m looking at a 2015 with 2600 miles total showroom condition. He does not want the headache of any haggling or lowballing so has priced it for me at 8500.00 which is dealer trade in. This seems to me as being an extremely good deal, any opinions on these issues?

[Ncdan]

One more question for you guys that own the 1400 California Touring. I�m meeting the seller Thursday to ride it and make my final decision. On my 07 calvin the floorboards are about 1-2� to high for me. Is the ridding position the same on the 1400? Also this bike is a one owner, older gentleman who came down with cancer a couple years ago and had to stop riding, thus I�m looking at a 2015 with 2600 miles total showroom condition. He does not want the headache of any haggling or lowballing so has priced it for me at 8500.00 which is dealer trade in. This seems to me as being an extremely good deal, any opinions on these issues?

[Zoom Zoom]

The boards are in a much more comfortable position on the 1400. I never did like the Cali boards on the older ones.

ZZ

[Ncdan]

The boards are in a much more comfortable position on the 1400. I never did like the Cali boards on the older ones.

ZZ

Thanks Zoom. I forgot to ask, do they have hydro valves or are adjustments required?

[jGuz]

$8500 is a crazy deal.  I got my california touring for $11k and I thought that was nice.

As many on here have already said, the California 1400 is a sweet bike.  It handles way better than it has any right to - I've never had any scary cornering moments.  I had to mess with the windscreen because of a ridiculous amount of buffeting, but apart from that, I've had to do nothing to it.  Even the stock seat is comfortable for me, and I always change out stock seats. 

Also, I've gotten more compliments on the California than any other bike (except maybe my Bonneville).

[Zoom Zoom]

Thanks Zoom. I forgot to ask, do they have hydro valves or are adjustments required?

Ifters are solid.

ZZ

[Kev m]

The only thing that I'd add is the Cal-Vin (like my Jackal) is very similar in size/weight/performance to my Sportster and I have no reason to get rid of it just because I have an RK (like the Cali 1400, a bigger tourer).

So I agree with those who say get the Cali and hang on to both.

[blu guzz]

In regard to the word "menacing", it was just a descriptor that came to mind.  With that said, I agree about the image problem with the general public so thanks for pointing that out.  But, in this forum I felt more free to use this expression because I am posting among friends who understand.  I will try to be more circumspect when talking with non-riders.

[Ncdan]

Thanks guys for the, first hand knowledge, responses. A couple guys have suggested keeping both bikes. I�ll probably keep the 07 calvin for long enough to be sure I�m willing to make an extended time commitment to the 1400 then offer someone a good deal in the one that doesn�t get chosen. I am OCD and a daily choice would drive me crazy:( I�ll offer a good deal on one or another.

[Lannis]

In regard to the word "menacing", it was just a descriptor that came to mind.  With that said, I agree about the image problem with the general public so thanks for pointing that out.  But, in this forum I felt more free to use this expression because I am posting among friends who understand.  I will try to be more circumspect when talking with non-riders.

I understand; but I just had a letter-writing experience with "RIDER" magazine for describing the bikes they were testing as "menacing", and writing like it was a positive thing.

It's not just sound, the kind of sound that makes 4-year-olds cry and hold their ears when a outlaw-uniformed badass straddles his bat-wing bike and starts it.

It's the "skull mask" bandanas, the "Get-Back" whips, and all the other paraphernalia designed to make a motorcyclist look "threatening" to the general public.   I have an opinion as to why some "riders" do that, but I'll keep it to myself this time, as the word "testicles" might get snipped by an auto-editor ...   

Lannis

[Ncdan]

I understand; but I just had a letter-writing experience with "RIDER" magazine for describing the bikes they were testing as "menacing", and writing like it was a positive thing.

It's not just sound, the kind of sound that makes 4-year-olds cry and hold their ears when a outlaw-uniformed badass straddles his bat-wing bike and starts it.

It's the "skull mask" bandanas, the "Get-Back" whips, and all the other paraphernalia designed to make a motorcyclist look "threatening" to the general public.   I have an opinion as to why some "riders" do that, but I'll keep it to myself this time, as the word "testicles" might get snipped by an auto-editor ...   

Lannis

Yea I just returned from the spring rally at Nags Head NC and it was about 30 % hardcore biker trash, 60% “ want a be “ bikers that actually come from all walks of life and the remanded 10% old burnt out farts like me and my other 5 buddies :).  Now back to my 1400 California tourer. Keep the info coming as I’m meeting the guy Thursday morning with 85 big boys in an envelope. If I dont hear any bad reviews from any of the guys that own and ride these bikes looks like I may be the proud owner of one and possibly have an extremely nice 07 Calvin to pass on to fellow Guzziest.

[LowRyter]

regarding the floorboards.  The Calvin has the same boards as my EV but the CalVin has a lower seat causing a little more cramped riding position IMO.  The 1400 is a little more feet forward with lots of room, in fact it might be long reach for some.   The foot (heel) shifter is a little cumbersome on the 1400, I think some folks have taken a hack saw to it.

$8500 seems a good deal.  The power, handling and braking are first rate for large Touring bike.  it's a whole higher class than the CalVin so far as touring bike.  I am not enamored with the feet forward riding position.  Which has caused me hot-cold and can't make up my mind if I want one or not.

[Lannis]

Keep the info coming as I�m meeting the guy Thursday morning with 85 big boys in an envelope. If I dont hear any bad reviews from any of the guys that own and ride these bikes looks like I may be the proud owner of one and possibly have an extremely nice 07 Calvin to pass on to fellow Guzziest.

Hope that wish comes true!   At least with cash in hand, you're on track to get the best deal rather than going back and forth over the phone!

Lannis

[Tom H]

On keeping both bikes.... I have not ridden a 1400, but I do have an EV that is much like your CalVin. I think that you MAY find the CalVin better for local daily riding and the 1400 better for long rides. If you can, keep both. They are both paid for already right? Insurance and tags would be the main cost of keeping both!

Tom

[lucian]

Just took our first spring ride on the 1400 today. I have been riding the griso for the last month or so. The cali feels so roomy, smooth and comfy in comparison. Every time I ride the 14 I am re impressed on what a super bike they created with it. I think 8,500 is a fantastic deal for that example.  I have never ridden the ev but I'm sure you will be taken back by what a pleasurable ride the 14 touring will be. We have put 20,000 trouble free miles on ours and look forward to the next 20. The valve adjust are the same as you are used to and are similarly easy bikes to home service.  Good luck on Thursday ! Look forward to your ride report/ comparison. Here is a couple that turned up on Me CL for comparison.



https://nh.craigslist.org/mcd/d/2015-moto-guzzi-california/6541756521.html

https://nh.craigslist.org/mcy/d/2014-moto-guzzi-california/6561766230.html

One more thought on the 14. I don't think I could have it as my only bike. It is too big and heavy to be an every day around town bike. I love it for what we use it for which is mainly two up day rides and touring. I opted for the Custom model so I could add removable bags and rear box. The thought being I could downsize it when wanted. I still found it over kill for an around town, errand , commuter bike. Hence came the Griso. I think the touring, along side a light weight around town bike is a great option. Maybe trade the ev for a small block Guzzi of your liking.

[mjptexas]

Just took our first spring ride on the 1400 today. I have been riding the griso for the last month or so. The cali feels so roomy, smooth and comfy in comparison. Every time I ride the 14 I am re impressed on what a super bike they created with it. I think 8,500 is a fantastic deal for that example.  I have never ridden the ev but I'm sure you will be taken back by what a pleasurable ride the 14 touring will be. We have put 20,000 trouble free miles on ours and look forward to the next 20. The valve adjust are the same as you are used to and are similarly easy bikes to home service.  Good luck on Thursday ! Look forward to your ride report/ comparison. Here is a couple that turned up on Me CL for comparison.



https://nh.craigslist.org/mcd/d/2015-moto-guzzi-california/6541756521.html

https://nh.craigslist.org/mcy/d/2014-moto-guzzi-california/6561766230.html

Sorry for the thread drift, but I have been missing my Griso lately.  Been looking at a leftover Griso the local dealer has.  So Lucian, remind me what itch does the Griso scratch that the 1400 misses.

[lucian]

Sorry for the thread drift, but I have been missing my Griso lately.  Been looking at a leftover Griso the local dealer has.  So Lucian, remind me what itch does the Griso scratch that the 1400 misses.

All I can think of Mike is the Goldilocks fable.  " This ones too big ,  This ones too small,  This one's just right"  For one the Griso is such a beautiful bike to just look at, I would miss that alone. Also the visceral feel of the 1200 is unlike anything else , I would miss the hot rod sound and sport bike feel.  And lastly after learning how to rollerize the top end[ thanks Pete] and re map the icu[ thanks mark]  grease the swingarm and dog bone [ thanks Leafman] and familiarize myself with the routine maintenance and nuances I couldn't possibly part with it.

[Ncdan]

I hear you guys when saying keep the 1400 for the heavy Touring bike and a the Calvin for the around town and sporty ride and respect and appreciate the opinion on that point.
Until I got the Calvin my one and only bike was an 03 electrc glide full dresser which was my around town as well as Touring two up bike. Personally I Don�t have an issue with a heavier bike and the 1400 is two hundred pounds less than Harley. Add my wife as no longer rides we are talking 350 pounds less than I�m use to. We will see. I plan to keep the Calvin until I�m sure about the whole deal.
Thanks for all the responses, lots of gaps have been filled in for me through them.

[steveford]

I'm closing in on 50000 miles on my 1400T. After the first set of Dunlops I've been using Bridgestone Excedra Max tires, as are most of the 1400 owners in the Northwest. I've been getting 10000 out of the rears and got almost 20000 on my last front. I've been riding my 01 EV the last few days, and it's a nice change up. The 1400 actually gets better mileage on the road. Keep both bikes, you won't regret it. There's a very nice 1400 T on Seattle Craigslist for $9700 with a little over 10000 miles on it. It's very well equipped with the big touring box, and corbin heated seat. I've got the same stuff on mine, for almost $20000 when I bought it.

[Huzo]

I don't own one or desire to but I do have advice if you like them... TEST RIDE.. tell the owner your serious but need at least 30 hours  minutes seat time..

30 mins wouldn't be within a bull's roar of being long enough would it FG ?
You'd think anything is comfortable under 4 hours.

[Kev m]

Add my wife as no longer rides we are talking 350 pounds less than I�m use to.

In ISOLATION that's a really scary sentence.   

[Ncdan]

In ISOLATION that's a really scary sentence.   

[Scott of the Sahara]

The pleasing sound is half the reason why I ride.
I do not think electric motorcycles will fulfill the satisfaction that a regular motorcycle gives.
The shifting gears, the vibration, and the sound all contribute to a very enjoyable motorcycle experience.
It seems like a great deal for a great bike.

[Utrider]

I went through a 200 rear Metzler in about 5400 hot summer miles. I was out of town when cord started showing and all I could find was a 180/65 to replace it with.  I ain't going back to the 200.  The 180 makes the big girl handle even better (as you would expect). 

Great bike, I also have a Stelvio, but the Cali gets the nod for 2 up touring.  My Cali also has the large tourpak on the back.

[JohninVT]

I bought a California Touring last year.  I'll repeat what everyone else said.  It's kind of a pig to push around the garage.  The controls are forward and take a little getting used to.  The windshield buffets my helmet over 60mph but shimming out the bottom is supposed to help.  On the plus side the bike has a ton of torque barely off idle.  I think it shifts well and I also think it handles great for such a big bike.  It's very comfortable two up.  I have Mistral exhausts on mine.  With the DB killers out it rattled nearby windows.  It was fun for a while but eventually I put them in and while it's still loud, the bike isn't obnoxious and it runs a lot better.   

When you test ride it make sure the throttle is in Tourismo mode.  Veloce is miserable around town and might give you the impression the bike has fueling issues.  It doesn't but IMHO Veloce is a little too aggressive for what the bike is.  I also keep the traction control in the least intrusive setting. 

Test ride it.  Maybe you'll like it and maybe you won't.  Regardless, it's always great to try a bike you've never ridden before and it sounds like if you do like it there's a good deal to be had on it.  Good luck.         

[Utrider]

With regards to the wind buffeting, I had it as well and for me, the biggest difference was with the lower deflectors.  I watch these old Harley dudes with their long gray beards blowing up from the bottom behind their RK shields and got the hint.  I also have an MRA X-screen touring on top of my stock screen.  I will concede it's not the most attractive solution, but functional......... .yeah!  My wife noticed the biggest difference with the X-screen, I noticed the lowers.  About 3 bills for the set, so take that into consideration.

[Ncdan]

The last three post gave me some answers to questions I had in my mind.
On the wind issue one of you guys addressed. I like to look throw windshield not over, old motor cop style, I’m 5, 10” will I need a taller shield? Also on the lowers issue. Are there lowers available from guzzi or will I need to use Harley fork wind deflectors like I modified to fit my Calvin, they work great and only cost 60 bucks!
Also I’ve noticed from pictures of the 1400 that some cone with backrest that can’t be removed. Some come with backrest luggage rack combination and some with neither. Personally I like a removable backrest and rack. The one I’m looking at appears to be a backrest only and built into the grabrail. I would prefer to be able to remove the back rest as 98% of my ridding will be solo.
Your thoughts and information on these subjects would be great!

[Ncdan]

I went through a 200 rear Metzler in about 5400 hot summer miles. I was out of town when cord started showing and all I could find was a 180/65 to replace it with.  I ain't going back to the 200.  The 180 makes the big girl handle even better (as you would expect). 

Great bike, I also have a Stelvio, but the Cali gets the nod for 2 up touring.  My Cali also has the large tourpak on the back.

That’s interesting on the tire issue as I was thinking the 200 series is more costly. So it’s safe to assume the 180 is acceptable and the tire height is about the same as not to throw off the speedometer?