The Moto Guzzi California has a bit of an identity problem; is it a sophisticated, elegant touring cruiser or is it a kick-your-teeth-in hooligan? Actually, it can be both. Harry and Donovan take a closer look.
Got the Custom with black panniers, some additional lights and an Agostini muffler - I will keep this bike forever - such a unique look, feel and sound 😎👌🏻
Like my 2016 El, great comfortable bike. Rode it out to California on a route I did 40 years ago on a 73 bmw across Colorado, Utah, Nevada lonely lands highways, over the mountains then down the coast from the city (SF) to San Diego for a late 600 mile service (2000 + on the bike) then back again to Colorado. Fun, only new bike I have ever owned. I would ride it anywhere.
I have been riding Harley Davidson for the last 30 years love them ,this is the first moto guzzi I really want to own. Did try a 2001 moto guzzi ev1100 was ok but seemed to small. I have just bought a white 1400 California with 1950 miles on it in USA, waiting for it to arrive in Ireland. Great review high spec bike for touring..
I bought a used white touring largely based on Harry's rave. I owned 2 guzzis in the past, but only when they proved themselves capable of offering a motorbike worthy to own for reasons other than "character" , was I going to own one again. This 1400 touring seems to be all that while still being all Guzzi, and quite frankly perhaps the most beautiful modern motorcycle I've seen in quite a while. Congrats to designer Galuzzi...... And BTW, I'm from America, but whatever a "yabbo" is, it describes Donovan perfectly.......
I would like the custom's pipes on the touring model . But the seat remains in question . Getting away from chain and belt drives would be a plus for sure .
I really liked this review and I absolutely love the footage of the California Touring in White. I am putting in my order for one of these in a day or two. I had shied away from it in white as it reminded me of a police bike but on second thought and after a look at one physically it's a superb colour. It sure looks a quality piece of kit and rides beautifully too. Can't wait!
Got a lightly used (under 6,000 mi.) '03 Cali Stone last August. Zero problems/zero regrets. Most stable best handling cruiser i've ever ridden. Plenty of power and mine is 1100cc. The sound thru the stainless LaFranconi mufflers is superb!
For all the pedants getting excited about the mis-pronunciation of Guzzi, can I point out that British bikers have always called these bikes Guzzis (with a soft z). It's a kind of slang and why not? UK and US citizens mis-pronounce much else. Paris, Milan, Valencia? Our version bears no relation to the way the locals pronounce these names. Anyhow, this is a bike review not a language class so just get over yourselves.
i love this episode and i watch it again with a very smug face i cant get enough of these bikes one question thou when are you gonna make a moto guzzi mgx21 aka flying fortres revieuw!
I think it's adorable that the euro espresso sipping cute hair full of product biker wannabes on their little baby roads finally have a v-twin to play with.... And then they call it too loud!!! This whole video was just too cute!!!
Well done, men! Great video review. The style of the touring machine really turned my head. I have to say this bike seems like it is really well put together. It got my attention for sure. But would I trade my Victory Vision for it? Honestly... no I would not. The Vision is just too good a machine to give up. Having said that, should the Vision ever need to be retired I would give this beauty a go and see if she could be a worthy replacement. I would also be in for a spin on the Flying Fortress. Have you guys had a chance to ride the MGX-21 yet? I know others have, but I would love to hear what you guys had to say. Keep up the great work. Cheers!
Haven't read a negative review of the MGX21 yet. General consensus seems to have it handling more like a sport tourer than a big bagger with great brakes, all the bells and whistles save for auto windscreen adj. and really put together well. With a drive shaft that bike may well run 200K+ trouble free miles.
dear bike show, mr yubbo and sophistecated arristocrad can u make a video of the new moto guzzi`s including moor types of guzzi`s from 2015 to 2019 and make a revieuw how they all ride ? thanks for making this vlog its top of the line
They should gave you another moto guzzi for review. What else is more quintessential than Italians making American culture icon than "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly."
I`ve got to say I enjoyed this Video very much, so much so I`m going to get one, ( a Tourer and in White ) more in depth please, Don`t worry ?? I`ll look and listen at what you give, what Upgrades would you suggest please ??
Love the show. I watch from the USA. Would really like to hear weight, liquid and money in US numbers to. I get the show in my email with a RU-vid link and it seems like sometimes they say when we return we will have bla bla. But that is where the show ends. I'm wondering if there is more show that is not included on the RU-vid video? Great show, good reviews. What is the name of the motorcycle store you do some of the shows from? How about a tour of it?
Daniel Dexter Hi Daniel. We try and post as much of each episode as possible but sometimes the 'when we return..' bit is not particularly interesting for anyone other than SA viewers. The dealership we use is called Bavarian BMW and is in Pretoria in South Africa. They are about to move to a bigger and much fancier premises so then, we will do a reveal of that store.
Guys, that bike isn't even close to being loud. I do like the custom but it needs to be brightened up. I'm not a fan of blacked out bikes. When I rode a black bike,no one sees you. Not a good riding experience. When I ride a bright bike. Totally different riding experience all together. I'll take the bright one every time.
The tank incursion into the engine area, you mean. 😀 Guzzi have been doing that for a long time. It's sort of a trademark, except it's not on their small tank models.
Awesome Review guys, really enjoyed the banter and the style of the whole thing (Guzzi was pretty good too) I am taking delivery of a touring in black on Monday. You really from Blackpool? Where are you now matey? Great to hear that you "escaped Blighty" I will be on my way soon also.
It's over 5 years on and yes- the 1400 has turned out to be a very good engine for them. Considering the quality, these bikes are a steal on the used market.
Interesting how the California manages to get extremely positive reviews anywhere but once you surf owner threads you notice a lot of dissatisfied customers. Kinda unfair long-term ownership isn't taken into consideration. Love the Flying Fortress and wouldn't mind trading my 2010 Triumph T-Bird for one but Guzzi's dreadful QC really puts me off
I guess i will have to dig deeper. Other than starter relay issues i haven't found these dissatisfied owners as of yet. Nor have i heard of any QC issues. Maybe they are former H.D. owners feeling a lack of bonding due to the Moto Guzzi not requiring a check of every fastener for tightness.
Great video but the music sucks guys. I do like the Moto but don't like all that electronic crap the incorporated into it. The White California bike needs chrome valve covers.
For every one of you there are 20 that bitch if it doesn't have cruise, 3 rider modes and ABS. I bought a lightly used California Stone last August. The bottom of the range Cali model without all that gadgetry. Love the simplicity of the Stone. No alloy spoked rims on it though. Chrome steelies on it. Still got Brembo brakes however so i'm good.
One big reason i ride M.G. was a co workers 180,000 mile 1980 T3. Carbs had been gone thru but i'm not even sure the valves had ever been done. Not like that would be hard on a V Twin Moto Guzzi.
Only the top of the line California models have floorboards. My Cali Stone doesn't, Audace doesn't. I will admit, their black engine paint job leaves much to be desired but not nearly enough to sour me on the bikes.
You might give the floorboards a test ride. They do allow you to move your feet around on a longer ride. The ground clearance on this bike is substantial compared to other cruisers.
I agree with guy below every review I click on seems to be cruisers on this channel but the hosts just talk shit about cruisers so why even review them?
That custom Cal. engine needs to be bright and the exhaust is too quiet, plus they did not pump up the horse power by 40 or so. And I hate those heel&toe shifting,floor board crap.
I don't like leaving negative comments on RU-vid but every video I have watched on this channel featuring cruiser bikes was the host talking smack about cruiser bikes. You obviously do not liker cruisers so why bother reviewing them? I will not be back.
Don, Here you go again, blabbering away unintelligibly about a bike. What is the point. ? Your mouth moves but I can’t hear what you are saying. Just as well perhaps? Seriously - you sound like noise in the background when talking on the bike.
