roadventure
GT Reference
1. Rebuilt engine. Should I trust it?
That's a tough one. Up to you and your confidence in the person doing the work. is this a USED bike? If new, it will come with a new warranty.
2. Reliability? I have seen some posts on the cracking of exhaust in the crossover area. A problem on this model? Aftermarket parts are available at a reasonable cost and I have a very good welder friend. So probably not a big issue. I am a good wrench. Any other issues?
The crossover cracked on the 2013 - 2015 California models. Mine did (2014 California) and I bought the "H-pipe" replacement from Todd. Much better design than the MG piece.
Can I trust this bike out in the middle of nowhere? Italian products unfortunately are not some of the most reliable in the world. But are these bikes reliable enough?
I rode mine the first year of ownership across the U.S., up the west coast and back home again (~9000 miles). I was a little nervous, but no problems.
The owner of my independent bike shop said even though he has a soft spot for Moto Guzzis he wouldn't recommend one as daily driver.
Sounds like this individual doesn't know what he is talking about...
3. Parts availability. Dealers are far and few between. Do they stock the common parts?
Don't count on it.
If not how long to get them. In the US or do they have to come from Italy?
2 weeks to 2 years
Harley dealers are on almost every corner but their parts supply is pretty limited but everything is pretty much available in a few days.
When riding an H-D motorcycle you need a dealer on every corner. (sorry, that was just too easy!)
4. The big blocks are rumored to be going away. Will there be support for these if they do? Is there or will there be aftermarket support if the manufacturer doesn't.
Count on no support from Moto Guzzi. When you jump in, you need to plan on being self sufficient. Plus, there is a great deal of experience and knowledge here from many helpful people.
Positives
1. Design and looks. Super. Harley should get a clue. Cutting edge design but still have a traditional overall motorcycle look.
Totally subjective, but I do like the California. I find myself just stopping to stare at it when I walk into the garage when it is parked.
2. Mechanical design and functionality. Dual disks, remote reservoir shocks, driveshaft drive, several different maps among many other things.
3. Moto Guzzi appeals to me as I am a non-conformist and always root for the underdog. I would rather not be a part of the crowd, My Harley is not mainstream Harley but still a member of the majority.
Sorry to be so wordy but I don't want to do something I will regret down the road. The dealer will be giving me a heck of a deal. They get a Harley they can sell in fairly short order in exchange for a Moto Guzzi they have had on the floor for a long time. I know I am speaking to the choir but tell me why I should get the Audace.
Whether you have buyer's remorse or not is solely up to you. My 2014 California was my first European motorcycle that I bought on recommendation of a friend who had owned many different MG models. I took the leap and after starting out a little unsure and nervous I can honestly say that this bike inspire confidence and "out-of-the-box" is one of the most comfortable motorcycles IU have ever owned (that's quite a few, by the way)
If it makes any difference i am 74 years old. I rode Airhead BMW's so I am very familiar with longitudinal layouts in motorcycles so that is not a concern.
The Moto Guzzi 1400 is a V-Twin installed in the correct orientation.
So tell me why I should buy this bike.
Simple, because you must.
That's a tough one. Up to you and your confidence in the person doing the work. is this a USED bike? If new, it will come with a new warranty.
2. Reliability? I have seen some posts on the cracking of exhaust in the crossover area. A problem on this model? Aftermarket parts are available at a reasonable cost and I have a very good welder friend. So probably not a big issue. I am a good wrench. Any other issues?
The crossover cracked on the 2013 - 2015 California models. Mine did (2014 California) and I bought the "H-pipe" replacement from Todd. Much better design than the MG piece.
Can I trust this bike out in the middle of nowhere? Italian products unfortunately are not some of the most reliable in the world. But are these bikes reliable enough?
I rode mine the first year of ownership across the U.S., up the west coast and back home again (~9000 miles). I was a little nervous, but no problems.
The owner of my independent bike shop said even though he has a soft spot for Moto Guzzis he wouldn't recommend one as daily driver.
Sounds like this individual doesn't know what he is talking about...
3. Parts availability. Dealers are far and few between. Do they stock the common parts?
Don't count on it.
If not how long to get them. In the US or do they have to come from Italy?
2 weeks to 2 years
Harley dealers are on almost every corner but their parts supply is pretty limited but everything is pretty much available in a few days.
When riding an H-D motorcycle you need a dealer on every corner. (sorry, that was just too easy!)
4. The big blocks are rumored to be going away. Will there be support for these if they do? Is there or will there be aftermarket support if the manufacturer doesn't.
Count on no support from Moto Guzzi. When you jump in, you need to plan on being self sufficient. Plus, there is a great deal of experience and knowledge here from many helpful people.
Positives
1. Design and looks. Super. Harley should get a clue. Cutting edge design but still have a traditional overall motorcycle look.
Totally subjective, but I do like the California. I find myself just stopping to stare at it when I walk into the garage when it is parked.
2. Mechanical design and functionality. Dual disks, remote reservoir shocks, driveshaft drive, several different maps among many other things.
3. Moto Guzzi appeals to me as I am a non-conformist and always root for the underdog. I would rather not be a part of the crowd, My Harley is not mainstream Harley but still a member of the majority.
Sorry to be so wordy but I don't want to do something I will regret down the road. The dealer will be giving me a heck of a deal. They get a Harley they can sell in fairly short order in exchange for a Moto Guzzi they have had on the floor for a long time. I know I am speaking to the choir but tell me why I should get the Audace.
Whether you have buyer's remorse or not is solely up to you. My 2014 California was my first European motorcycle that I bought on recommendation of a friend who had owned many different MG models. I took the leap and after starting out a little unsure and nervous I can honestly say that this bike inspire confidence and "out-of-the-box" is one of the most comfortable motorcycles IU have ever owned (that's quite a few, by the way)
If it makes any difference i am 74 years old. I rode Airhead BMW's so I am very familiar with longitudinal layouts in motorcycles so that is not a concern.
The Moto Guzzi 1400 is a V-Twin installed in the correct orientation.
So tell me why I should buy this bike.
Simple, because you must.
