Moto Guzzi California

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.

[@lamilumag]

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 😎👌🏻

[@dreamworm8]

Can you share a photo?

[@morrisdennis]

A friend had one and said it was a pos, he sold it and bought a indian. I can't see how i luv those.

[@tapadog1941]

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.

[@4420dano]

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.......

[@therealunclevanya]

Yobbo, an uncouth young man :D

[@davealston3881]

Donovan is a great example of fun and uncomplicated freedom of expression for which his motorbike acts as a conduit for it.

[@mcyclecollector]

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..

[@gregorytimmons4777]

I'd be very surprised if you don't love it. More riding...WAY less wrenching. Go Moto Guzzi and get back uneventfully.

[@mcyclecollector]

@@radiozvrk6784 Yes extremely sold my 2015 cvo street glide. and kept the guzzi. Great machine. thanks.

[@travelinben1966]

A work of art.Absolutely stunning!

[@erwinroman4217]

Soon as I wear out my 1986 Guzzi LeMans I'll buy another Guzzi. Great chassis and bomb-proof drivetrains.

[@michelesavarese1497]

They are two beautiful and majestic inponent are a love of Guzzi!

[@ZoneTelevision]

Such a beautiful bike.

[@paulmurray5413]

Nice to ride all class

[@annadelledonne7000]

Zone Television

[@ZoneTelevision]

anna delle donne yes ?

[@spikeyflo]

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!

[@gregorytimmons4777]

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!

[@paulsnify]

Need the loud exhausts on the tourer and will be perfect

[@trailingarm63]

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.

[@bogiewheelman71]

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 .

[@JpOcDenver]

Goot like boot. See like sea. Goot-see. Goot-see. Guzzi.

[@bigbird2523]

They are very well-built bike, I'm looking for a chance to have an Audace version

[@luigidimarzio142]

che arte la guzzi la migliore moto del mono una volta che la provi non la lasci piu

[@garypeatling7927]

Harley started doing discounts after watching these two gorgeous bikes

[@coreprime9552]

If you want to have some vino with Gino both these will get you there.

[@craigpennington1251]

P.S. This one featured here does have chrome covers. Most I've seen don't have them. With the chrome and bright engine, it looks fabulous.

[@ThisIsJoe07]

Looked like dad and his boy riding around town!

[@Brgnalf81]

GOD ALMIGHTY!! It's Guzzi, JUST LIKE PIZZA, Damn Jobos...

[@petermuller74]

Thank the Lord! +1000

[@gabbyhayes1568]

Absolutely...pronounced..."Gootsi".

[@antonheidebrink7716]

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!

[@craigpennington1251]

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.

[@ccollins9981]

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!!!

[@oldsoldier8139]

Point well taken Mr. Murray.

[@dennism1919]

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!

[@gregorytimmons4777]

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.

[@luigidimarzio142]

la moto guzzi e la migliore moto del mondo e la piu manegievole del mondo

[@bigred8438]

Does anyone else think the engine incursion into the tank area is a bit iffy?

[@antonheidebrink7716]

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

[@luigidimarzio142]

per fare una guzzi ci vogliono 10 harley

[@ChaohsiangChen]

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."

[@bigred8438]

Red cylinder heads or rocker covers?

[@rodmitchell8787]

FYI , It’s pronounced Goot-Zee !! 🙄🤦🏻

[@blackbirdpie217]

ZZ has a TS sound as in Pizza not as in guzzle. GootZie. Would you say pizza lik Pee-zah?

[@SaraReynoldsshiny]

It's hard to take either of these guys seriously when neither one can pronounce "Guzzi" correctly.

[@b4bluey]

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 ??

[@baldnutbaz]

Bluey Sc'erri

[@orangemedicals5802]

nice nice i like my dream this bike but better comparison Moto Guzzi mgx 21 such as better... a part of Piaggio Branded

[@electro7416]

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 KZbin 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 KZbin 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?

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

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.

[@electro7416]

The Bike Show Thank you for the info. Look forward to more shows.

[@glynwright5882]

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.

[@johnparola3490]

constructive criticism: the music over the spoken words? Why, are you promoting the music?

[@ivan-ywr]

White beauty Nice video

[@luigidimarzio142]

stilosaaaaaa

[@oquitar]

really nice vid!

[@albertocomesana1248]

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

[@gregorytimmons4777]

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.

[@boatdetective]

The 1400 has been a good engine. If you are the type who expects lots of dealer support- do not buy a Guzzi. However, the forum support is excellent.

[@weeverob]

320,000? what country is this?

[@melciveng]

Rob Weaver South African Rands

[@dennism103]

Yea but are they dependable?

[@boatdetective]

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.

[@RussianBearBiker]

What exhaust in the custom?

[@shamandezu8975]

Zard exhaust

[@robertaccorsini4663]

Loud pipes save lives

[@TheHkluivert]

Good drivers save lives. Loud pipes merely annoy other people...

[@robertaccorsini4663]

Loud pipes wake up bad drivers

[@craigpennington1251]

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.

[@gregorytimmons4777]

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.

[@Mason4Life]

Guzzi Guzzi?

[@antonheidebrink7716]

when are you going to make the new video of the new moto guzzi cruisers

[@craigpennington1251]

P.S. Also I'd buy one if they got rid of those damn floorboards and controls.

[@_audacerider3838]

Try the Audace then it has footpegs not footboards. I have one and I love it!!

[@craigpennington1251]

@@_audacerider3838 I am considering it. But really the black stuff turns my stomach. I've had a black bike and it wasn't fun.

[@craigpennington1251]

P.S. I could always paint it.

[@gregorytimmons4777]

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.

[@boatdetective]

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.

[@Visionery1]

Moto Guzzi... Guzzi pronounced like pizza, not buzzy. :)

[@jefftatum3562]

It's actually pronounced Moto Gootsee

[@peterc7327]

Could you covert to US dollars when you quote prices.

[@snuffa.luffagus7588]

Can this be a bike for a beginner?

[@bigboom4684]

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?

[@CosgroveNotts]

Are you getting a backhander for this review?

[@craigpennington1251]

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.

[@jamieg103]

I don't like leaving negative comments on KZbin 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.

[@IgnitionBikeShow]

Bye bye oh biker of certitude. Bollocks, wrote that after you said cheerio. More fool me. Poes.

[@dutchmountainsnake5379]

what?

[@gregorytimmons4777]

@@dutchmountainsnake5379 Hipsters full of disrespect. I'm mildly shocked that he didn't start with "Ok Boomer.

[@francolarghi2058]

Ma una location migliore ..... nooo ???? Un cumulo di detriti .... bah !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@zaphodbeeblebrox4574]

Way too much, and loud, twangy music. If you want us to listen to you ... lose, or reduce in volume, the (so called) music.

[@umeshthammanna8609]

😂

[@emak4558]

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.

[@hisdrozdness]

focking LED taillights, they just ruin the overall image of the bike..

[@dennism103]

Yea but are they dependable?

[@gregorytimmons4777]

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.