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What are you talking about they’ve been making motorcycles since 1921. Not to mention the California platform from Guzzi has been around since the 1970’s they aren’t “attempting to make a Harley” they are such a better motorcycle than Harley’s ever will be.

Love my Guzzi v7. Such a reliable bike. Never any real issues and it turns heads everywhere, for better or for worse. I can't recommend guzzis enough.

So let me get this straight? A motorcycle company made a cruiser that handles well, stops well, and is fun in a higher rev range? And looks great! That is kinda weird.

Just picked up a V85TT. Moto Guzzi is such a slept on brand. Absolutely love everything they’ve ever made.

No mention of the 3 engine modes or traction control. Probably had the Guzzi in touring mode with traction control on 2. Try putting it in sport mode with the traction control on 1 or off. It makes one hell of a difference

There's nothing quite like a Moto Guzzi. I traded my old Ninja 400 in for a 2023 V7 two months ago and have no regrets whatsoever. It's very comfortable and perfect for both weekend trips and daily commuting.

I love moto guzzi. But like most people that love them, ive never owned one.

I owned one of these. I bought it as a modern replacement for my 2003 Guzzi California Stone 1100 which had 150,000 trouble free miles. The 1400 was a fantastic bike but I missed the handling prowess and ground clearance if the Tonti framed California. It could embarrass sport bikes in the tight twisties. Anyhow I sold the 1400 for a Stelvio and its been ADV bikes since then. :). Thanks for the great review.

Also, can we appreciate that for V-shaped engines, _especially_ for air-oil cooled ones, Guzzi's engine orientation is the one that makes more friggin sense? I mean, I have Harleyist friends whose bikes just shut down in scorching summer city traffic? How come Guzzis never do that? And Harley wants double the money?! I'm baffled by how neither of the American brands ever cared to consider the transversal V twin orientation. It's so much more efficient (cause you can put em at an actual 90° between em) and both of the cylinders are cooled in the same way!

I love the bikes, took a Cali, an Audace an best of all, a MGX-21 for a Spin. Great bikes, grear looks and the perform better than every Softail I ever rode.

Guzzis are superreliable and easy to maintain..I have owned 3 of them and they have tons of character. A very underrated brand in the US probably because of a limited dealership network.

I'm a lifelong Guzzi fan. Bravo for this wonderful brand. May it endure forever. ❤😊

Are you sure you were in the right riding mode? These motors max torque comes in @ 3000rpm...

Great bike for a guzzi enthusiast. I remember when they were promoting this bike and always found it lacking “something” personally. Glad to see guzzi is comin into their own lately

Great to see some Guzzi-love on the channel, not for everyone but I love mine

Throttle is not cabled. It’s ride by wire. It’s the same ECU and throttle body setup as the V85 funny enough. The brake or clutch to disengage cruise is just how they set it up. I learned riding my California back from San Diego that the smoothest way to disengage the cruise is a light touch to the rear brake.

I liked the California and it's edgier brother the Audace! Shame the Audace, especially the Carbon ones, are super hard to find in the states. If I can find one near me, I'll buy it in a heartbeat.

I once rode a MotoGuzzi California 2005 model, It was a fantastic experiance, handling was great for a cruiser and the engine was a delight! very underrated motorcycles.

Spite, you are so in your element here! Love the quirky bikes like this and the aprilias. Great job. Excited to see you do some wrenching and builds too man.

Cool bike. That one has a nice aftermarket Corbin seat on it, which probably helped with the comfort. I'm paying a lot more attention to Guzzi since buying a Mandello S a few weeks ago and I really like what I see.

I owned an Audace which is also a 1400. Fantastic bike, just got too heavy for my old worn out body. Guzzi engines are over-square so they like to be wound out. Give them their head and they will leave the Harleys in the dust, doen't matter if it is in a straight line or in the twistys. The cruise was improved on the later models, moved to the other side but I don't believe they had roll back to cancell. Neither does my '22 Bonneville nor can it be cancelled by hitting the button a second time. Anyway Guzzis are great bikes, I still have a V7lll Special as well as the Bonneville.

I like the new short review format. Keep it up!

Great review of the engine and handling of this bike. I have a 2016 Guzzi Audace. Looks like a cruiser but rides more like a naked. Loves to be revved, loves twisties, doesn't want to be lugged around so frequent gear changes are needed. Not a great bike for long highway hauls but fun for a quick blast around town or your favorite weekend roads. I have no issues with the gearbox it has a nice clunk to it.

I owe one built in 2017. Cruise control shuts down either by switching it off, breaking, pull the clutch or opening the throttle. There is definetly no thermal problem with the engine. For a test as a police bike here in Germany it has to run in idle for about 8 hours to support blue warning lights and a horn (e.g. at a motorway accident ground) at 86 degres Fahrenheit and it checked that test with ease. The engine is NOT meant to switch as soon as possible to the highest gear. Since it is running smoth between 2000 - 5500 rpms you take the 2 gear in small villages (20 miles/h) , 3 in larger towns or small roads (30-50 miles/h), 4 th from 50 to 70 miles/h, 5th from 65 to 80 miles/h and 6 for the rest. Since we have changing speeds on the roads in Europe and especially on motorways there is a need to be be in the RIGHT gear either in twisties or high speed sections. Therefore I use cruise control mostly for a speed north of 90 miles/h otherwise it makes no sense here. Very often I use 4 th gear for more than 15 Miles continously between two villages on B roads and never go to 5th or 6th because the power band is widely spread and I don't see any difference in fuel consumption when I try to shift up more often. Just take the gear that fits and let it stay. It will not stress you. It feels fine. Riding 40 years now I owed more than a dozen bikes. BMWs, a VTR1000R Honda, a ZX7R Kawa, CB750 and CB1000 Hondas, a Honda Crosstourer and other ADV bikes. Still have a Beta 250 RR 2 stroke enduro. But I love my Guzzi California and only owed my ZX7R longer (but that was a tuned up Superbike made by Tony Bass called "Slick" the race meachanic of Scott Russel and Carl Fogarty and therefore was very special). Guzzi rules 👍😄

Bought a 2020 California 1400 this year with 2k on the clock for just under 13k. I feel from looking at some reviews that Moto Guzzi addressed and changed the bike a bit from 2014. For example I have a more modern cruise control and it’s controls are on the left handlebar. Anyway I’ve got a couple of thousand miles on it so far and it’s been great.

Bike's gorgeous, and definitely respect a company trying to make their own cruiser!

Reminds me of the Guzzis used in Magnum Force

Great review! I’m in the used bike market more than new bikes so learning about what’s out there is spot on for me as a viewer.

My freedom loving godfather had a beautiful Moto Guzzi California 3 in full black, costs around 3490 euros nowadays. That bike and his black Porsche 930 turbo with black rims were eyecatchers back in the days. Nostalgia hits hard.

I have a 2020 California Touring, the last model year for this Guzzi. The cruise control button is totally different and it does have "roll off" function.

I own a 2003 MG California Special Sport and couldn’t be happier. Would love to pop one of these into my garage.

I have over 55 years of motorcycling behind me. As far as Italian bikes, I have owned a ducati 860, moto morini 500 camel, laverda 3cl 1000, cagiva 650, and currently have a 1989 Moto Guzzi Mille GT 1000 and a 2013 Moto Guzzi Stone 750. Have owned several German bikes to include BMW and Zundaps. Grew up with British bikes-meaning Triumph and BSA. Have never been interested in Harley. Owned several Suzuki's to include 2-stroke models and the Wankel rotary 500. The Moto Guzzis have been my favorite above all the rest. Quirky, reliable, tractor-like in that the Japanese "refinement" is not there. But if you love just being connected to machinery and sound, then Moto Guzzi!- By the way, because it is shaft driven and a new bike it takes some miles to break in the transmission as well as for the brakes to seat well--be patient--mike

Moto Guzzi has a rich racing heritage and you can feel it in every single bike they make. The V7, California, etc all ride along gently and casually, but twist the throttle and start some weaving, you feel the engine and handling response really come alive. Guzzis love to live above 4k rpm. Fun fact - Moto Guzzi was the first motorcycle company in the world to build and use a wind test tunnel.

Enjoying your channel Spite, keep up the good work! Now, how about taking Flying Fortress version for a ride? That thing is something else...

I've got the California Custom version that was the naked version, but the previous owner installed the factory windshield and hard bags. Great bike. I went over to the dark side (car tire on the rear) about 3 years ago, and have never looked back. The only reason I would ever consider getting rid of it is that the nearest dealer is over 300 miles away, so any major repairs would be a real pain.

I have a 2017 california 1400 Touring. Wonderful motorcycle. So comfortable. Build quality and durability/ease of service are great and functionality/riding/performance is really remarkable both slow speed tractoring around “parade” duty but also pretty fast back road twists and turns (at “reasonable” fast speeds, its pretty big, but oddly it steers unexpectedly well). On the interstates its great but I don’t really enjoy interstate highways riding very much. The torquey engine pulls hard and easily at low RPM, but also winds up far past what you’d expect with very linear HP increase to fairly high RPMs which allows a lot of throttle controlability on curves and back roads or passing for example. Its quite a smooth running engine. Brakes are strong Brembos and can stop hard very well and also with fine control and feedback that allows trail braking etc with no problem. Valve clearance checks and adjustments are easy, as are oil changes. Shaft service is not so easy but its extremely reliable and durable. Luggage doesn’t leak. Chrome stays intact. Moto Guzzi’s are not the very fastest or most nimble but they are fast and nimble and make you feel very good every time you ride them. Plus they’re sort weird in a very cool way. Everything lasts a long time (as long as you want, a bit like a /2 of /5 BMW airhead, but with modern suspension, metallurgy, fuel injection, ABS, cruise, etc) and is high quality. I have had a lot of motorcycles over many years. This is absolutely one of the very best, created in it its own slightly unusual way. If you want a unique but very useable and fun heavyweight touring cruiser, they really are a perfect choice to consider and try.

Great review, Josh. That cruise control would annoy the crap outta me too. But i still like this more than a Harley.

dude thanks so much for soing this review! I love my '16 Eldorado and AF1 is my go-to for parts. I moved to the Eldo from a Guzzi V7iii 750, so why I like it and your comments about how it rides really clicks for me

turns out it's pretty difficult to mess up making a cheeseburger. :D Guzzi makes some very nice looking stuff and one day I will get to finally ride one.

Hey Spike, I, like moto guzzi too! Used to belong to, the Atlantic motorcycle cycle club, two members had moto guzzi, great bikes!!!

The cruise control is like a car's. Once set you can still use the throttle to speed up and overtake and then roll back the throttle back to off and it will drop back to the previous set speed. It doesn't have up and down adjustments once set so this makes up for that. I agree on the recessed button though. Poor design and next to useless with winter gloves on. To fix it I just used a self adhesive black rubber furniture protection button to make the button proud of the control. Works a treat.

Nice intro! I saw this and had to click because any Moto Guzzi review brings back memories of the 2007 Moto Guzzi Breva 1100 I rode for nearly two years. It was such a cool bike that I wish was still in production!

The last of the Guzzis with tree pulling 2000rpm on low down stomp were the last of the 5 speeders with heavy flywheels and cranks from the end of the last century. My 89 950cc Cali 3, still with points, condensors, & yes a/a springs will pull hard from 2-2.5k onwards. No pinking. No hesitation. Having small 30 or 36mm carbs instead of 38-40mm carbs helos too.

I own a 2014 California Custom and still love it.

I like it, its Italian weirdness, revvy engine and its actually handles when the road gets interesting, a mate had one , said the only annoying thing about it was the fuel usage system, it would just tell you how many kms you had done 'since' you went on reserve, now that's Italian !

I like the MG's in Clint Eastwoods movies. They turn into Triumphs when they jump buildings

I ride a 1997 California 1100 fuel injected. Great bike. Special Vibe and you don't see them on every street corner.

my buddy has an '01 Jackal. Was cruising around on it yesterday.

I have a 2014 Cali 1400 custom. Upgraded suspension. It’s no match for my ninja in the twisties, but it’s got 37 degrees of lean and comfy as sin for a 6’ rider.

Moto Guzzi has been making better Harley’s since the ‘70’s sir, the California has been around for almost 50 years 😊

Man, you have to see the MGX-21, the Flying Fortress. It is incredible. The Batman fairing is awesome.

I wanted to buy one because it looks so beautiful. Tested it together with wifey, but we both felt cramped on it and lean angle was also very poor. We compared it with a Victory Cross Country Tour and went for the Vic in the end. But I still think the Guzzi is very beautiful in white.

These 1380 engines are not coming back due to EU emission regs. Lets not forget they are still a pushrod air cooled motor and EXTREMELY DE-TUNED. Shops in Germany and Italy are getting 140 hp and 140 lb ft reliably out of these engines. Edit, And they will pull HARD from 2,500 rpm with a totally flat torque curve.

Been a Guzzi rider for 37 years. Still have the LeMans IV I bought new in 1986, had a California III Touring and a little Monza (500). Plenty of parts available for the Tongi framed bikes and easy to DIY your own service. Looked at this California but lack of dealer network and modern electronics don’t mix well.

I have a Moto Guzzi V7 Special and I love it. I wanna get a California soon for my cruiser

Not a cruiser fan myself, but I've ridden a friends Kawasaki Eliminator VN250 v-twin that makes its power in the same sort of rev range & found it a hoot to ride. Maybe I'm wired wrong, but there's something ridiculously entertaining about riding a cruiser that makes its max torque & power at 9500 rpm & 12500 rpm respectively. I can only imagine how much more fun it would be on a bigger bike like the Moto Guzzi California.

That grill on top of the right cylinder head works great for grilling burgers.

One of the best looking cruiser/tourers. I don't know if the US bikes had different bottom end due to emissions, as the Euro bikes were praised for their torque throughout the rev range.

Nice review! I have one since several years, it is a great motorbike! The motorbike caracter and response has a lot to do with the audace (naked version)! , and it is ride by wire btw :)

Cool looking bike. Different but still somewhat similar to the classic cruiser look.

I so fell in love with how this bike looked and wanted to get one. I then talked myself out of it though. Glad I did, Italian motorcycles are really a love/hate relationship and the issues end up being something that always makes me very leery about owning one.

As an owner of Moto Guzzi's 850 LeMans Mk.II, I need to say this - Guzzi's get under your skin, and are unlike most others. And that special feeling they can give an owner stays with you. I have bought and sold many bikes over 55 years, and my Guzzi is in my top 3 all time sytreet bikes. Spite - you have to see if you can get a ride on the new sport Tourer...the V100 Mandello - it even has adaptive fairing panels for rider comfort.

You'd really like the MGX-21

Loved the opening line.

I have a Guzzi and I love it. They are underrated.

That was the best intro to a video ive ever seen

I would love to know your opinion on the vulcan 900 classic

I have a 2014 Custom with a Matris suspension upgrade and a Beetle Map which smooths out the throttle. I totally agree with the cruise control it’s a PITA but not much in 2014 had cruise and it beats nothing. Really fun in the twisties for a big bike, decent mileage, very smooth for a twin, not terrible to service, gets comments everywhere. The dealer network is abysmal.

WELL DONE SPITE! WOO!

The motoguzzi California is one of my bucket list bikes. I was pretty sad when they discontinued it.

Why say 6th gear is an overdrive like it's a bad thing. It should be that way on all vehicles. I don't care if it's a Panigale, if it has a license plate, 6th gear should be a very tall overdrive. It's actually kinda annoying that most bikes aren't this way.

I bought one new and loved it. The only thing was my knees touched the heads. Sold it used for more than I paid new.

Love it bro!

i have a 2017 touring. just awesome for a v twin cruiser. love it with the wife. can run harley's off the road in the curves and faster in the straights with exhaust. awesome.

I've been happy on my 850T for years, but two other Guzzis have tempted me: the California and the Griso. MG makes some beautiful bikes.

Just curious how big you are for a comparison on how big this bike is . Thank you

Probably my favorite large metric cruiser other than the Ducati Diavel.

In-line VTwin. Yeah the cylinders stick out but the crank is in-line, like in a Mustang

I had one for a little while, I enjoyed it a lot except it got not great fuel economy and too small of a tank to make up for it.

can we get a video on the vulcan vaquero or voyage to see what happens when a sushi chef makes a burger

I have this bike. Having the cruise button on the right bar is dumb. That hand is busy. It's on the left bar on all my other bikes.

Nice video, thank you

Thank you for putting in the metric conversion. Small thing but means we who live in the rest of the world dont need to reach for google conversions. 👍

I have 2 California’s built in the Italian alps they have their own wind tunnel at the factory they are after all an aero plane manufacturer

I’ve never lived near enough to a Guzzi dealer to risk buying one. I’m not handy enough to self service and I do about 20k a year. I need a dealer to keep my bike up. I’ve heard Guzzi’s regularly get 50 MPG which is quite a selling point, especially if you live out West where gas stations can be few and far between. I’ve heard nothing but good about them in my 69 yrs of riding. The California is a pretty bike. I love the way that windshield looks from the rider vantage point. Very diff from my Goldwing. The engine speed to pass doesn’t impress. I can pass with my GW from 3k. That would be almost 70 mph.

Beautiful bike! 👍🏽

The point of MG’s is that they like to wrung out. Like every MG I’ve ever ridden LOVE being ridden hard. It’s just what they’re made to do! They’re engaging and pretty! Although if you want them to go fast, there are shops that can easily crank out the power. GT Moto out in Southern California will make a real spicy meatball if you want it.

Find out how much a new clutch cost to fit.

Got the custom - a lot of bang for the buck. It’s more of a muscle bike than a cruiser. Still miss low down getting in it.

I have 4 Guzzi's and not a 1400. Out here on the West Coast you can find California 1400's for $7,000.

You did not mention ride modes, What riding mode were you driving in? As for the torque,it puls far befoure 5000 rpm that you mentioned. After I tested Custom I decided to sell my Roak King asap and replaced it with beautifoul silver Custom with sissy bar,original hard bags and wind screen... Best decision ever

Went from a Honda to the V7 Stone and never looked back. Oozes character and soul.

I believe that 2016 and later had a more normal cruise control

About time!!! MOOOOTOOOOGUUUUZIII!!!! Love Guzzi's thanks for the review. ;-). All their bikes are unique in feel and ride and, always always fun! Get something different. Get a Guzzi :P

that windshield is like a fishbowl

It's essentially a cruiser made for Europe where riders tend not to ride rather than sit back, do nothing (and rely on heavy torque), if we want to do that we'll buy a car.

I was seriously looking for a late model Road King but the research into M8 and the cost of making the engine work (better oil pump, cam plate, decent cam and crank case breather) plus the fact that I already have Guzzis led me to the Cali 1400 ……. Sorry Harley.

How hot do the heads get? Would you be roasting your shins after a while?

One of the smoothest comfortable bikes i ever rode!