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Rode My First California - Wow

Poppe

Cruisin' Guzzisti
GT Contributor
Joined
Apr 28, 2016
Messages
312
Location
Los Angeles
I happened to be test riding the new Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC yesterday and the shop had a later model (my guess is 2015+) California that we could try too. What a freaking blast.

This was my first time riding a "big" bike. My experience with all bikes had been sub 1000cc and sub 550lb bike (except for a test ride on the 1250GS). The California was massive compared to my v7 but also insanely stable. Just a blast to romp around on the test ride. The power never seemed to stop either. It had Mistrals on and boy did they let loose in the high RPMS. My v7 is very nimble thanks to Guzzitech with some modifications, but I was really surprised how the California through it's weight into the corners. I kept getting that fluttering of the stomach as my instincts kept telling me it can't hold this line, and it always did.

Every single person that was rode it that day came back with a biggest grin on their face.

I just wanted to share how great of a time it was and how jealous I am of you all rolling with the big bikes from Guzzi.
 
My California was also my first heavy bike experience. I have 3 Ducati sportbikes and still enjoy those as well, but my California is a very relaxing ride. I love it!
 
My California was also my first heavy bike experience. I have 3 Ducati sportbikes and still enjoy those as well, but my California is a very relaxing ride. I love it!

That's quite the list you have there. The California feels like you could ride it for days and still be comfortable.

But I have to say, your Le Mans is where it's at. That's the dream.
 
I just wanted to share how great of a time it was and how jealous I am of you all rolling with the big bikes from Guzzi.
They can certainly be made to work impressively well for a 800+ lb bike. I had one in my rental fleet for 1.5 years. Biggest and best thing to do is to put on a 180 rear tire. Same with the V7; exhaust, fueling and suspension also makes it light-years better. Now imagine that motor hot-rodded and half the weight. ;)
 
They can certainly be made to work impressively well for a 800+ lb bike. I had one in my rental fleet for 1.5 years. Biggest and best thing to do is to put on a 180 rear tire. Same with the V7; exhaust, fueling and suspension also makes it light-years better. Now imagine that motor hot-rodded and half the weight. ;)

It felt heavy but it actually didn’t feel that heavy. Had no idea it was that heavy! I bet a rear tire like that with all the normal stuff we all have you do (suspension, exhaust, mapping) and bay bike would be an all out national screamer from coast to coast like a Cadillac v series.
 
It felt heavy but it actually didn’t feel that heavy. Had no idea it was that heavy! I bet a rear tire like that with all the normal stuff we all have you do (suspension, exhaust, mapping) and bay bike would be an all out national screamer from coast to coast like a Cadillac v series.

I thought the Custom dry weight was around 660 pounds. I could be mistaken.
 
I thought the Custom dry weight was around 660 pounds. I could be mistaken.

On a google search I see it at 707lbs dry weight. Crazy difference to my v7 which is significantly lighter than stock from Guzzitech's upgrades haha.
 
On a google search I see it at 707lbs dry weight. Crazy difference to my v7 which is significantly lighter than stock from Guzzitech's upgrades haha.

I actually like the fact that it is heavier. I find it advantageous when carrying a passenger. I always HATED carrying a passenger on my sportbikes. With this California, I barely notice she is on the back....
 
I actually like the fact that it is heavier. I find it advantageous when carrying a passenger. I always HATED carrying a passenger on my sportbikes. With this California, I barely notice she is on the back....

I can see that. I definitely don't care for riding two up on my v7 on the high way with my already being over weight. That's actually waiting for the v85tt. If it feels like it'd struggle with the occasional two up, then I'll go with a Stelvio or a Griso (need to test ride both). But I imagine you could pack a family on the california, the power just never stopped.
 
I actually like the fact that it is heavier. I find it advantageous when carrying a passenger. I always HATED carrying a passenger on my sportbikes. With this California, I barely notice she is on the back....

How long have you had your California? Is it your daily?
 
How long have you had your California? Is it your daily?

I have had my California for 2 years, but I do live in Wisconsin. That means I can only ride 6 months out of the year. I put the most miles on the California, followed by the Ducati 1200S Monster. The Ducati 996 is used for shorter, sportbike rides. I bought the Ducati 851 new in 1992, and now is rarely ridden. I usually just admire it while smoking a fine Honduran cigar and drinking a single malt. :)
 
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