Experience the Power & Elegance of the Moto Guzzi California 1400 - A Motorcycle Masterpiece

[@stevewalden3814]

Thank you for posting this. As an update to your Moto Guzzi history: In the late 60s/early 70s a retired CHP officer went to work for the US distributor of Moto Guzzi. Their target was to replace the existing Harleys being used as police bikes. They were very successful. In the 80s and 90s the police departments started to replace the Moto Guzzi with Kawasakis.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

That is noteworthy. Thank you for adding that to our history. It is now pinned to the top.

[@shanechambers8624]

I bought a 2014 new, 50,000 miles later still going strong. I also put something over the gauges if parked in the sun.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

Nice! I enjoy mine as well. Did you have to adjust the valve clearance on yours?

[@randybeliveau6204]

Great video I have owned one of these bikes for about a year now and love it I can ride it for hours and not even realize as time flies by

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

Thank you. You are right about time flying by. Riding helps me clear the mind and time escapes while this happens. Then I come back with some prospective on life.

[@TonRollgroup]

Beautifulll scenery with the lake. Fits the bike perfectly. Nice song as well.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

Thank you! It is all worth it when it is appreciated.

[@TonRollgroup]

@@MotorcycleAuthority You're welcome! If I may ask, where is the view with the lake and the bridge situated?

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

@@TonRollgroup Chandler, Texas

[@TonRollgroup]

@@MotorcycleAuthority Ah, I see it, the bridge over the lake on the highway 315 near the flat creek public boat ramp. Thank you!

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

You got it.

[@avitarmageddon1721]

That's a lovely review of a great looking bike, I hope you're still enjoying it.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

I still enjoy it. Still a favorite! Thanks for taking the time to comment. I had to replace the Throttle Position Sensor since the video but other than that been very happy.

[@Bduh2]

In the 80s I was blessed to buy a brand new Moto Guzzi California II. I never, ever had one issue with it and drove it all over Europe but, never again in England because geez! You really have to concentrate due to the driving on the left but, after a while, you get used to it just not me right off the boat because in those days there wasn't a train tunnel yet. I would LOVE to drive today's Moto Guzzi California 1400 but we'll see because I'm an old fossil. ;-)

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

You don't quit riding because you're old. You get old because You quit riding Well, it makes a good slogan anyway. I hope you are able to stay riding.

[@baricho4771]

Absolutely magnificent motorcycle

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

Thank you! What motorcycle do you have or thinking of getting?

[@baricho4771]

@@MotorcycleAuthority Hi there.. I own a 2013 Moto Guzzi California Custom as well..Just love it!

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

@@baricho4771 makes a good choice!!

[@giovannirusso7984]

MERAVIGLIOSA

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

Grazie goditi la tua guida

[@crjlife_9082]

This bike sounds amazing. Been looking to upgrade from my shadow 750 to a bigger touring bike. Stumbled upon these and I think I'm going to have to go test ride one. If I can find one.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

I enjoyed the Shadow years ago. I do understand wanting a bigger bike. Is the MotoGuzzi 1400 hard to find right now?

[@homeontherange733]

I almost bought the California but opted instead of the Eldorado. Same bike in different clothes. My main reason was on the Eldorado, it has that fat wheel on a 16" rim. I am a sucker for that bobber kinda look. Both bikes are great. Both bikes are easy to work on. You have to check the valves every 6 thousand miles. I do that when i change my fluids. Very easy to do. Oh, best bike i have ever had.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

@@homeontherange733 you are right, that is an excellent bike.

[@graemehooley9903]

Hi. Thank you for your love and passion for bikes and especially the Guzzi. I have a small problem that you may be able to help me with. I have a California 1400 touring SE 2017 model and I have a touch of water in the Speedo unit and the glass screen has marks on it inside and it drives me crazy. Would you know how I can take it apart and dry and clean it properly? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Cheers.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

If it’s just water in it, I would just heat it up carefully with a bow dryer or heat gun and it will turn water to vapor and escape. If that doesn’t work then maybe this video will help. I’m not sure if they are made the same though. Maybe someone else will comment and help as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJikk6Ftfr5rgqs

[@toradog5719]

Would suggest moving the cruise control to the left side of the handlebar. The right hand is busy. It's on the left on my Triumph and only takes on punch, instead of two.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

That makes sense

[@GregoryNeilDavy]

Thanks for taking the time to make such a comprehensive review. Just curious where you got the transparent guards out in front of the hand brake lever and clutch?

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

Thanks, this prompted me to put in links for the accessories. Check the description for the link to the guards. Thanks again.

[@burgerman1966]

thank you !

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

I have removed the original now and left this replacement video. Thanks for all the comments on the other video that made this one better.

[@PaydayGabeBCNV]

🙏🏻Thank you for your Vid. I'm on the brink of purchasing one of these (014 w/11k miles). A stunning Black Beauty ⚫️. So,, I'm hard researching at the moment. Curious,, where are you getting the OEM accessories? The Moto Guzzi website doesn't have a catalog,, granted the machine has been discontinued. Lmk 👌. Cheers 🍻, G. In beautiful Boulder City Nv. USA 🇺🇸

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

I get some from www.af1racing.com/ I get a few from dealers and some times on eBay. www.motoguzzi.com/us_EN/dealer-locator/

[@Audace1400]

Good review. You put a lot of work into that with the editing. I have the Audace version which feels more like a muscle cruiser. I'm thinking to upgrade the suspension next.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

Thanks, I like the Audace too. What suspension where you thinking about?

[@Audace1400]

@@MotorcycleAuthority I'm looking at Matris suspension for front and back. Front. gtmotocycles.com/products/matris-california-1400-audace-cartridge-fork-kit?variant=31633503387691 Rear gtmotocycles.com/products/matris-california-1400-standard-twin-shocks?variant=14327557881899 I'm liking my bike so far but I'm sure yours is a lot more comfy for long distances.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

I checked out the link. I am very interested in these. If you video the install. I would love to post a video of it.

[@Audace1400]

@@MotorcycleAuthority Sure. Although I'll probably get Todd from GTMOTOCYCLES to install it since I want him to revise the tune he did on my bike. Are you on the GuzziTech forum? I have a few vids of of my bike on here in KZbin.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

Send me the link and I’ll look at the videos.

[@autonomousindividual7780]

Where was this filmed? Looks like a nice area. It's a great bike, got one about a month ago. Thorough review.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

It was filmed in east Texas. It is a nice area. Where do you live and where do you like to ride?

[@autonomousindividual7780]

@@MotorcycleAuthority Im from NJ. It has some nice places, contrary to what most think, but not wide open spaces like the west.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

I hope you are able to get out and ride. I have spent so much time replacing plants and trees from our unusual freeze “snowmegaddon” as some call it, that I haven’t had my weekends to ride.

[@homeontherange733]

Much ado is made of the sideways engine torque characteristic. I don't find my Eldorado engine sideways twist intrusive. I think it adds a certain charm. True, it takes some getting used to. But you get used to it quickly. I think a sideways v twin is in some ways superior. Both heads are sticking out in the wind and get equally cooled. The other advantage is valve adjustment is easy. Pop the valve cover and your there! I learned a trick with valve adjustments. Instead of Jacking the back tire / putting the bike in a high gear and turning the back tire to adjust valves, i leave the bike on it's side stand, put the transmission in neutral. On the front of the engine between the horns, there is a rubber plug that you can access the alternator bolt and turn the engine over with it. Very easy to do. Most modern motorcycles are a pain the the butt to service. Not this one!The downside of having an engine like this is when you replace the clutch. You have to pull the back wheel off / remove the transmission to get to the dry clutch. I don't want to do this kind of replacement. I also wished my clutch was a wet clutch. One has to take better care of a dry clutch. If your at a red light for example, dry clutches get hot when the clutch lever is pulled in. It's better to find neutral. You have to treat it like a car with a manual transmission or it will reduce it's life span. Other than that, for me, it's the best bike i have ever owned.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

That is great information. I did not know to put in neutral instead of holding clutch it. Also, thanks for the maintenance tips. I’m sure that others will appreciate this as well! Ride safe!

[@TonRollgroup]

That is true. During a multiple day tour a guy with a guzzi adjusted the valve clearance just before breakfast and his hands where not even dirty!

[@Scout4x]

You say that the exhaust is an upgraded OEM pipe. I've seen a few different manufacturers aftermarket exhaust but not one from Guzzi. Can you tell me what it's called? I'm thinking of getting the MGX-21 version and I'd much rather it sound like yours... which sounds great!

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

I was mistaken, it is an aftermarket Agostini. When I get to a computer later, I will look for the exact one and post it.

[@Scout4x]

@@MotorcycleAuthority Thank you!

[@ultrahuck6807]

@@Scout4x I have the same bike and installed Mistral pipes - very easy install and they really do change the character of the bike. I think they are more versatile (and cheaper) than the Agostini pipes because the Mistrals come with removable baffles. Honestly, the stock pipes on the 1400 are the only downside to this bike. I love my Mistrals. Other downside is MGuzzi chrome finishes on my 2014 1400 are starting to show signs of wear and some corrosion even with constant attention. Great bike, overall.

[@Scout4x]

Thank you!

[@allans7281]

I tried the transverse twin for the first time and I simply didn’t like it. Still felt vibrations at highway speed. Can’t beat a triumph Bonneville🤷‍♂️😉

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

I like them both! lol

[@pierremartin9048]

I REALLY regret selling my 2014, nly saving grace is i sold it to a friend whom still has it and loves it.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

That is some consolation. It is a fun bike to ride.

[@marcoceraso3420]

Quindi l' Harley è la versione americana della Moto Guzzi....... sono belle tutte e due... con personalità diverse. Ciao.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

Good way to put it!

[@simonapeters4372]

I would take a guzzi California over a Harley any day both cylinders are in the wind Harley-Davidson design flaw the rear cylinder only gets the heat off the front cylinder

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

True. Both can get cooler in wind.

[@williamrose2506]

My knees are 1" from the cylinder heads. When braking and shifting they touch them.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

That must have been on another bike, I'm 5' 10'' and they do not come that close. Also, I had a friend who is 6'2" ride the California 1400 and he is not touching either, braking or otherwise.

[@lamilumag]

I‘m 6‘3 and dont have any troubles with that

[@ultrahuck6807]

. . . . yes but that's pretty subtle on my 1400. Best part is even in the summer, the engine never gets overly hot and in the cooler months/winter I hug the engine with my riding jeans and enjoy that heat. Couple that with the heated grips and my Corbin heated seat . . . . sweet!

[@bogiewheelman71]

No Guzzi dealers up north

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

I am a five hour drive from a dealer so I posted a video about how to do the diagnostics yourself. When I bought it, I was two hours away, then I had to do something different. There are many ways to purchase online these days. I hope you are able to find something you like. What kind of bike are you thinking about?

[@javarilla]

I love mine. 37 degrees of lean angle, so she can boogie for a low slung curvy girl.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

Yep! It really is a fun bike.

[@williamrose2506]

Another memo to engineers. The reason all other v-twin engines are mounted fore and aft is because much of the engine's energy is absorbed by the suspension and tires. Not so with a transverse mounted engine.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

Makes sense

[@simonlangmead7]

Air cooled Moto Guzzi like BMW twins, have both cylinders / cylinder heads hanging out in the wind. They get cooled more efficiently and because of this, they can increase the power because the engine sheds the heat more efficiently. Take a Harley Sportster 1200 and a Guzzi 1200. Both V-twins, both air cooled, and the Guzzi puts out 110 horsepower and the Harley 50 horsepower, no contest. The rear cylinder is blocked by the front cylinder so it gets hot.

[@williamrose2506]

@@simonlangmead7 Myth.

[@jimbo4692]

The pipes are not factory. They're after market.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

They are factory made but upgraded. The original pipes are not that loud. My understanding is that if they install them at the factory they won’t meet EPA. But the customer can do anything without that concern. So, after purchasing they can make changes at the dealership or anywhere else.

[@jimbo4692]

@@MotorcycleAuthority 'They're after market pipes from Agostino and they do meet EPA requirements. I have them on my 1400 and Mistal exhausts on my Eldo. Great stuff.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

My mistake, you are correct. I was just repeating a myth from a local bike shop. I should have checked it out first. Thanks for clearing it up!

[@LSTRAW1234]

Narrator sounds like Forest Gump.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

I think Forest would have loved riding a motorcycle.

[@sprezzatura8755]

​@@MotorcycleAuthorityRide Forest, ride!

[@williamrose2506]

Memo to engineers: 1400cc is too big for a transverse mounted engine. The idle is set by the factory at 1200rpm because any lower than that and you wouldn't be able to hold the bike up at idle. It would literally flip on it's side.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

I love data like that, this is something I have never heard before and it really adds to the information about the bike. Reviews are about getting all the information that is out there. Thanks!

[@OldAgima]

I own Guzzi's* since 30 years, and that ist bullshit, sorry. (*actual an Eldorado 1400)

[@erwinroman4217]

That is laughable. The idle is set for emissions reasons. As far as the bike wanting to flip over if the idle were lower, again, laughable. The 1200 sport is only slightly smaller in displacement and has no tendency to "flip on it's side." Fyi, I've been a Guzzi rider since 1986.

[@Robbnok]

Memo to William: The 1400 is the perfect engine for a bike this size. Sad they don't make them anymore but the adventure touring market has pushed MG to smaller bikes, not engineering deficiencies.

[@williamrose2506]

Bought a 2014 Touring out of curiosity. The sideways jerk at idle is extreme and throws all my senses off. I find the bike top heavy, bulky and unstable.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

This is not the right bike for you. I suggest trading it in on a better fit. I do not have the touring model so, I can’t speak for the additional weight of the hard saddle bags. However, I like the way it starts up. It is quite unique and exhilarating. I am used to large cruisers and find it easier to handle than my Harley Ultra Classic. But you are correct, it is not a Ducati in its weight and agility. I hope you are able to find the perfect bike for you and it has not ruined your love of riding. Ride safe

[@williamrose2506]

@@MotorcycleAuthority In 65 years of riding, I've owned everything at least twice. I loved the ergonomics of the EV1100 but it vibrated excessively. The 1400 is the first bike I've ridden that after months of riding I still don't feel like I have full control of the beast.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

@@williamrose2506 I really enjoy communicating with someone that has many years of riding experience. I have never had the chance to ride the EV1100. Out of all the motorcycles you have ridden, what is your absolute favorite? Also, would you think about your top 10 list for the viewers and post that as well. Hopefully, I will be able to find one of those and make a video. Thanks, again.

[@williamrose2506]

@@MotorcycleAuthority Of all the bikes I've owned, I am most fond of my Victory's. This is not to say that I've not had other bikes I've loved, but the Victory Jackpot and Judge seem to have been built for me.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

@@williamrose2506 you are spot on, the Victory was a fine machine, well engineered. I owned a Victory Vision but it was a little large but a great cruiser. The Judge and the Jackpot must have been a great size to ride.

[@sorryociffer]

I'd buy one over a HD....just because it's NOT a HD..... HD's are like buttholes, everyone has one...

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

I hope you do. You will probably enjoy. Check out lots of bikes before you buy though.

[@mirkocometti8452]

La Guzzi non è la versione Italiana di nessuno... È la Guzzi punto e basta!!!

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

True. Thanks for the correction and comment!

[@roaster6980]

nooooooo. piaggio sucks . my audace spends more time in the shop than on the road. it takes months to get parts.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

The nearest dealership is 5 hours drive. I have to do the diagnostic and repair myself. Without the diag that hooks up to the laptop it would be impossible.

[@hermandegroot1946]

If you want to be happy for a day......DRINK, if you want to be happy for a week.......MARRY, if you want to be happy for your life......buy a Moto Guzzi's. BTW. The pipes are downgraded. More noise= bad.

[@MotorcycleAuthority]

I like the saying! And yes, there are times when I would like quiet pipes. The baffles come out. I wonder if there is something you can do to them. Or maybe have different (quieter) version.