How I feel about The Guzzi California

First decent ride on the California thoughts and impressions

[@robertolongaretti1228]

Hi, I learned to ride a motorbike with my father's 2003 Guzzi California, twenty years later when I had enough money to buy a motorbike on my own I bought a 2001 Guzzi Stone. In these twenty years I have tried various motorbikes but none has never given me the same emotion as the Guzzi California, the ones I have tried have always seemed to me to be either bicycles or scooters but not a real motorbike. So I can only say that the Guzzi California is true love, you either love it or hate it. it is hard but enveloping, it is heavy when stationary but very agile when in motion, it is nice to use on soft curves but also when you push on the accelerator it can give you emotion. I also fitted the mistral mufflers... The GUZZI California already has a great deep but polite voice, with the mistral it has become a real bomb, I love it.

[@oldguyinshed1703]

It sounds like you have a real connection with the California, one I couldn't really make

[@hierarchitexture3664]

Similar reason why in here, I grew up around a 96 guzzi california, and now that I ride its all I think about.

[@hitied1]

I have the identical Guzzi and have had so many other makes. They were all different. I love my Guzzi and it’s quality and simplicity. Little things like the visibility and the easy mounting of its boxes, also the floorboards and large kick stand that lets me mount from the starboard side with comfort and confidence . I will load up my camping gear and go see places this year feeling I have the right travel companion.

[@oldguyinshed1703]

Sadly I could not get on with the California and have moved it on, I do agree with you when it comes to quality an simplicity, they really are great bikes.

[@Jodyrides]

There is a 2007 California for sale near me with only 5000 miles on it. I have had 4 Moto Guzzi’s since 1979. and lots of other bikes from two-stroke triples, RDs FIs, Ninja, RZ, I had a Norge, V 11 sport(The most uncomfortable motorcycle in the entire history of the universe), SP 1000, V 50/ll, three ventures, I have a royal star venture at the moment, and Kawasaki Z 400, then this Moto Guzzi, 1100 California showed up for sale with no miles on it.. but I’m not sure if I want to be seen on it.. here in the United States, Pennsylvania to be exact, it took me almost 2 years to sell my Norge, which was garage, kept always, perfect, I’ve always had three street bikes at one time. Usually, Honda, PC 800 which I commuted on for 24 years trouble. Free, V Strom, 1000, GL, 1800 Goldwing, and the Norge in the garage, all at the same time… I must say, none of my Moto Guzzi motorcycles was really the most comfortable motorcycle I ever owned. My Norge seem to be made for a shorter person. I am 5‘10“, 215 pounds, 30 inch inseam. And it just seemed to be cramped.. I always find myself doing what Valentino Rossi started doing towards the end of his career, entering corners on the race track, putting my leg out to get the blood down to my feet after an hour or so in the saddle.. but I do not have that issue on my Venture, or on my Goldwing, or on my BMW, K 1200 LT. Just on the Moto Guzzi‘s… i’m tempted to buy that California, but Moto Guzzi’s are tough to sell here used.. I have tried Harleys, but I don’t get it. I met a man from Spain once when I was selling motorcycles part time. He bought a motorcycle from me, a Suzuki new.. he told me he really wanted to buy a Harley, but he couldn’t afford it. I asked him why he would want to buy a Harley. He said he thought they were the best motorcycles in the world because they were made in the United States. I told him I know they’re made in the United States, but I don’t know where you got the idea that they are the best motorcycles in the world. I don’t knock the other guys merchandise, but I will say, I never had a Harley, and I am not planning on buying one, The same way, I am not planning on getting any face piercings or any tattoos on my face or anywhere.. I remember the days of the tariff that Harley Davidson got imposed on imported motorcycles, which collapsed the motorcycle industry here in the United States over 40 years ago, and it has never recovered to this day. There were 22 motorcycle shops within an hour of my home before the harley tariff, today, here in 2023, there are only three survivors still in business… The tariff may have expired after four years, but the prices of motorcycles went up back in the mid80s and they have continued to go Up.. there were four Moto Guzzi dealerships within an hour and a half of my home, there were three BMW dealerships within an hour of my home. They are all gone. I had one BMW in my life, and that will be the last one I ever own they sure ain’t what they used to be. but the Moto Guzzi’s are what they always were.. Basic and reliable as sledgehammers.. as perfect as all the dozens of Japanese motorcycles I have owned are, and have been, they have no personality. They are just things. Whereas, Moto Guzzi‘s have something no Japanese motorcycle ever had. A Soul.. To me, they are living breathing things. They have quirks, you have to get out the tools every once in a while, but I have never been stranded on one of my moto Guzzi’s over the 250,000+ miles i put on my guzzi’s..they need to get a different supplier for their relays and they’re oil sending units.. That’s always a thrill especially the first time your oil light comes on at 80 miles an hour on the interstate when you’re 100 miles from home at night. That has happened to me on three of my moto Guzzi’s… The first time it happened at night, I pulled over and pulled the valve cover off, started the bike, just to see if I was getting oil flow.. I buttoned it back up and did the 2 1/2 hour ride home with one hand on the clutch lever.. A buddy of mine was 400 miles away when his V 50 sucked a valve.. he was a mechanic at a honda shop..to get home, he pulled the oil pan, removed the connecting rod and piston, he put stainless hose clamps around the rod bearing on the lower end of the connecting rod to maintain oil pressure. He put the oil pan back on, and rode it home as a single. He said you never felt anything vibrate as badly as that bike did, but it made it all the way home from Washington DC to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania as a single.. so one way or another, a Moto Guzzi will always get you home.. as for this California 1100/2007 with only 5000 miles on it near me for sale. I have contacted the owner that has it for sale on a website. It’s been a week and I have not heard from them yet. But I have the same feeling that you do about even being seen on that style of bike… I have just enough room in my one car garage for one more motorcycle. Along with my lift table and all my tools and my 1958 mga that I have owned since before I had a drivers license back in the 60s. I think I’m gonna take a chance on that California… but there is another danger that I have run into several times over the decades. And that is, having two bikes that are very similar at the same time, because this always happens if you have two similar bikes.. at some point of your ride on either bike. this always happened to me. I always wish I had taken the bike that I had left home that day at some point… It’s a concern, it’s a problem, but it’s a nice problem to have

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I find that Guzzis are a bike that requires a long term commitment, so once you have one it's with you for many years.

[@Jodyrides]

@@oldguyinshed1703 You are correct when you say that owning a moto Guzzi is a long-term commitment.. I had my first one, SP 1000 , 1980-88.. V 50, 1987-2002….V 11 sport,2004-2005 (more uncomfortable than my TD2B or TZ250D road race machines..) Moto guzzi Norge, 2008-2021 .. I wish I had video of all my dozens of machines, (only one BMW, K 1200 LT, never again, and zero Harleys )but I only have three videos of my Norge in action here on KZbin after my kids bought me my first GoPro cam for Christmas.. I never had an English motorcycle. I was looking forward to Hesketh coming to the United States. I was offered a 1960s triumph 650 Bonnieville basket case for free by a coworker. He just wanted to get it out of his basement. He had the engine rebuilt and modified two 750 cc, and never plugged the engine back in. I didn’t want it. So he gave it to a young guy in his neighborhood back in the 1990s. That guy is still riding that bike…

[@Simulera]

I am a long time rider at 71 and have had, literally, 3 dozen bikes since 1968. I was a BMW addict for years, now I’m clean and disillusioned of new BMW Motorrad , but I have also had a number of other makes and models. In the last 8 years I have gotten a California 1400 that is like my fine dogs Buster and Katy. I would never get rid of ol’ Buster or Katy, nor would I get rid of this bike. Indeed I might get another M-G, a bit smaller, as well. Or not, but I am keeping the California. If I may suggest - keep that motorcycle. You will notice that it seems to get better and better. Moto Guzzi design and build is a wonderful and unique state of mind. The bikes are great riders bikes. It really doesn’t completely make sense.

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I have become a Guzzi fan after many years of owning various makes. That said I really could not come to terms with the California. A shame as I really did want to like it

[@basdebruin2355]

Hi from the Netherlands… next weekend we celebrate the 2024 international guzzi meeting in ‘Tienhoven aan de Lek’. I take my guzzi cal 1100i out, tent, sleeping bag and a load of good feelings. Driven all kind of bike brands, changed 10 years ago to Guzzi and I love them. Should have done it years earlier. What a load of fun. Thanks for this video… and yes, best brakes in the world, by far 😉👍

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I'm afraid my camping days are over, the old bones can't take it any more. I am the same as you, had lots of bikes then found Guzzis and wished I had done it years ago.

[@DIEGOGONZALEZ-np9ed]

beautiful bike!! Guzzis are so underrated!!

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I could not agree with you more, it seems people are so focused on performance numbers and not real world rideability . Thank you for your comment.

[@CarWizard]

Ive been cruising my "new" 2009 Norge. Im loving it. Glad I watch this channel to see other motorcycle options out there. I just fitted a GPR exhaust on it. It really roars now.

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I've been looking at changing my exhaust as I think the stock item is to muffled

[@peace5655]

The MG vintage so appealing ,looking cool and calm with a soul not found in most modern machines . Classic no nonsense bodyline indeed a piece of Italian art. At 5'45 can only admire from afar.

[@oldguyinshed1703]

Thank you for your comment, take a look at the Guzzi Nevada similar style but smaller.

[@guzzifer]

It's an wery unusual bike, very strange aesthetic but when you catch a Guzzi fever it's forever. I love my Cali Stone. They have this 70%-30% breaking sistem from early 80's. My Imola 350 and V50C from 83. was equipped with it .

[@oldguyinshed1703]

Thank you for your comments, I found the Cali difficult to balance against the Norge so made the decision to part with it and buy different Italian bikes.

[@garypatrick7817]

Beautiful bike…

[@oldguyinshed1703]

Thank you

[@timrains5011]

I have done the sports bikes, sports tourers, naked bikes etc. But like this because it's different and being a guzzi not a cliche like most cruisers style bikes. It's an individual and I would happily be seen on it.

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I know a lot of people love the Cali but I personally found I would get on the Norge first thus rendering the poor Cali redundant, I do agree with you that it is Guzzi through and through

[@richardjohnson3463]

Stick with it, it'll grow on you.....agree with you on the linked brakes, great system. Norge review next??

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I will be doing something with the Norge soon I hope, Thanks for the comment

[@johnnysimpatico]

Ultimately grew bored with the ‘98 that I bought new. Much of the chrome rusted quickly here in Florida. Sold it for peanuts. Now I’m back where I started, on an Eldorado. I love it.

[@oldguyinshed1703]

@@johnnysimpatico They are a bit of an aquired taste but once you have it its hard to change.

[@carljones8334]

Last bike I had was a cruiser, a Triumph Thunderbird LT, which I had for five years, nice, but it didn't excite me as much as the Le Mans MkII does, which I replaced it with. My first Guzzi, come to that, first "sports" bike also. At the age of 63 you would think I would know better, but then I like motorbikes, so what do I know?

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I have become a Guzzi fan and have had touring, commuter and sports bikes, they do have a certain character all of their own. Thanks for the comment.

[@carljones8334]

@@oldguyinshed1703 Thanks for your videos, keep them coming. (Smiley face)

[@revelationakagoldeneagle8045]

Greetings Old Guy In A Shed. Great looking Guzzi, thanks for sharing. Blessings from Georgia, USA. 🪶 Old Guy In The Woods

[@oldguyinshed1703]

Hello Georgia USA great to hear from you

[@narwhal7642]

I’ll take it! I have 200 Jackal and need upgrades like yours for touring. I find it handles quite nimbly for its size.

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I really couldn't come to terms with it so it had to go, no regrets though I did need to experience it/

[@dormantsuperhero]

I have my late father's 92 cali 3 limited edition, a much better looking bike, most of which is down to the fairing, they are quirky without a doubt, if you can make it past 'initial ' ownership and come to appreciate them it's a love that will last, I say older is better imo, looks like they lost their way a bit with the styling and add ons later on.

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I agree with you about the looks getting better the older you go. I couldn't get used to the EV model so sadly it had to go.

[@Grumpy-Goblin]

I really like the look of the Cali although I'm not a fan of the fairing on this one it's a bit awkward looking for me and if it had to have a screen I'd prefer just a plain screen rather than the 1/2 fairing. This bike is actually responsible for me finding your channel after I found it for sale on ebay.

[@oldguyinshed1703]

wow It's strange how things link up on the web, having said that it's also interesting. I will be putting the Cali up for sale again in the spring. Thank you for the comment, always good to hear from fellow bikes.

[@rob12449]

"but do I want to be seen on it?" what a great line! I do get the look. I like the Norge look too and I do not like cruisers but everybody says the Cali is comfy and that's what interests me. My friend likes the Grisso and that one is to me the ugly ducking. I think the simplicity of the engine in looks, proportions, and also the sound, sound and looks not the same thing, but no I think the sound fits the looks and makes it.

[@oldguyinshed1703]

You are definitely right about how the sound fits the looks

[@Tomahawkfalcone]

Absolutely hated the newer California's, now I really want one 🤣. Saw yours when you advertised it, wish I bought it now. Keep going back to this video

[@oldguyinshed1703]

It's interesting how we fixate on a bike like an ich we have to scratch.

[@Tomahawkfalcone]

@@oldguyinshed1703 yes it is, a convert is my other itch

[@clausentumsoton]

You can't beat the style and class of an original 850T3 California.. later models, although excellent bikes, just don't quite do it for me in the looks department.

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I absolutely agree

[@bikerbob7266]

I agree with you about the look of the California, a bike I can respect for it’s ability but could never own one due to its unique looks. I would be interested though to hear your opinion on the Guzzi 1400 California Touring, a much better looking bike in my opinion, could it tempt you to change your mind?

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I was in Italy the year the 1440 was launched and was in awe of its size, I followed one on my 1100 Breva and decided then that for my style of riding the 1400 would not suit me. I prefer the maneuverability of the shorter wheel base. I bought the Cali on a whim and after much deliberation came to the conclusion that the genre is just not me. Good question though thank you.

[@monsterslayer4317]

I don't get it...if you are not sure how you feel about it...what's it doing in your garage? I've never bought a bike I wasn't mad about from the start.

[@oldguyinshed1703]

Well I kind of agree in so far as I fancied the bike but when I got it, rode it and compared it to what I had I became a little disenchanted, it's no longer in my garage, I replaced it with a pretty Moto Morini which I am mad about so all good. Thanks for the comment It's really good to talk about bikes.

[@Team-fabulous]

I have a V11 Le Man's which is a fantastic machine, full of character. It will punch a big hole in 140mph and sounds superb with a pair of end cans. Still fancy a California mind..

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I like all of the Le Mans, I remember when the first ones came here I was blown away with the stye of them, as to the California there is nothing wrong with them as a machine but it just doesn't ring my bell.

[@FireballFoundry]

I had a v11 and bought a cali as a second bike. I ended up preferring the california.

[@oldguyinshed1703]

@@FireballFoundry The Cali does seem to divide opinions' I think they are a good bike but I'm unsure of the styling

[@Team-fabulous]

@@FireballFoundry the chap I bought my V11 from also had a California because he had a dicky back which the V11 didn't help. I have a Kawasaki gtr 1400 for touring but if I didn't I'd have a California. Guzzys rule....

[@FireballFoundry]

@@Team-fabulous I'm going to have a look at one tonight (a 95 cali) in fact. Though I'm tempted by a Griso. Needs to be a daily rider. I've got a real soft spot for guzzis, I'm only 26 so perhaps not the usual guzzi rider. Had to sell mine after a redundancy but I'm looking forward to replacing it.

[@teecee3918]

Of all the Variants of the Cali 1100... EV, Special, Stone, etc., etc. the Touring is perhaps the least visually pleasing. The fairing just makes it a tad awkward looking in my opinion

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I absolutely agree

[@teecee3918]

@@oldguyinshed1703 I have to own up to owning a Special, so perhaps a bit biased 😉 I totally agree with you about the Linked brakes though...just outstanding. Id only ever experienced Honda's version of the system previously, but find these better.

[@oldguyinshed1703]

@@teecee3918 I have a little V35 that has the linked system as well, I think they got it right, I'm always confident when under heavy braking.

[@motofiction4233]

Why care so much what others think?

[@oldguyinshed1703]

It's not about caring it's more about interested in other opinions, I do like to hear about peoples experiences with bikes and what makes one bike stand out against others for the individual.

[@DCGULL01]

Funny, but it evokes a classic cop bike look. Late 1950's CHP, right? But, it's truly full sized like a Whopper or Big Mac. Haha

[@oldguyinshed1703]

Yes it really does have that vibe now you come to mention it

[@rob12449]

found another clip of a California Stone and I think the bags and color scheme makes it a beauty and then the sound and I also realize the cylinder standing out which stands out also fits the bike. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX7UnXV-pZd0js0

[@oldguyinshed1703]

Very cool color scheme

[@rubo1964]

love the fairing what is it?Thks

[@oldguyinshed1703]

Its the stock fairing from Moto Guzzi

[@christophe555]

Harley riders never seem to know how to respond to my Cali super sport, they don’t look down on it when they’re judging. That fairing belongs on a Honda, that bike would look better without it

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I know exactly what you mean, I think Guzzis have a bewildering effect on all genres of bikers, it's one of the many reasons I like them

[@gimmieliberty6514]

Was thinking of one , but the fluffyness at low rpm,s puts me right off, I think they've gone for high bhp by tuning it too high, bet it does 120, pointless for me

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I don't think the engine is that bad it is typical Guzzi but for me it was more the aesthetics and riding position.

[@gimmieliberty6514]

@@oldguyinshed1703 I want a cruiser to be able to pull strongly low down ,so It'll have to be a sportster,running an xj900s now, 70 mm stroke 2 valves per cylinder,will cruise at 30 in top and pulls strong

[@oldguyinshed1703]

@@gimmieliberty6514 If you mean a HD sportster you may be a little disappointed my daughter bought one to partner her panhead, it fell between two stools in that it wasn't long legged enough to replace the pan head and not nippy enough around town. She sold it and has an Aermacchi 350 for tearing around on and the HD for longer rides.

[@garypeterson3293]

@@oldguyinshed1703 Great review. I ride a California 1100 to work everyday. I show up and think "Hmmm. I'm at work". If I ride my '71 Norton I show up with my heart pounding and a big smile. I also have a '72 Ironhead Sportster and it's a lot of fun, but it's no Norton by a long shot. Both the Norton and the Harley have a lot more twist at 1500-2000 rpm. The Harley runs out of steam a lot sooner though, naturally. I just have the Guzzi because it'll absorb a lot of freeway miles. It's no where near as stable (or fun) in high speed sweepers as the Norton or the old Sportster. A few electrical gremlins but mechanically solid as a rock.

[@oldguyinshed1703]

@@garypeterson3293 Certainly agree with the high speed sweepers with the Cali and it would be hard to compare with a Norton, as to the HD I have no real eyes for as they tend to leave me a little cold. The Guzzi will eat up lots of miles without complaint, they really are a mile muncher. Thank you for the comments and your time.

[@davidrude8071]

J ai la même en noir amicalement un Guzziste

[@oldguyinshed1703]

A great bike to own

[@BarryandKaren]

You're right. It's fugly. Like all cruisers IMO. Hideous is the word I'd use to describe the genre. I rode a HD Ultra a few years ago. Absolutely hideous thing to my eyes, and about as exciting to ride as a 90s Cadilac to drive. Land yachts, all of them. Not for me, ever. Sell the thing and keep that Norge! :)

[@oldguyinshed1703]

I did sell it and I still have the Norge,