Can a California 1400 go on a diet?

[Gavin]

I love the C1400 for its presence and looks but in engineering terms it’s far too heavy
Coming from Cagiva, Ducati and comparing it to the early California T3 the C1400 is about 150-200 Lbs overweight

Normal engineering practice would look at the exhaust, forks, general suspension and naturally wheels….as for every Ilb saved on the wheels is closer to 4 Lbs in unspung actual weight….like a weight on a clock pendulum

Then the general frame and fabrication….but I an NOT going there….but I‘ve already done the exhausts, (full GTM single skin stainless) forks (Matris internals machined in alloy) and their rear suspension all thanks to GTM…..Ive dumped the SAS pump and hoses….I’ve thrown away the airbox and now have a single large conical foam filter….I’ve taken off the side anchors also known as footboards and replaced with Audace pegs and controls……...

but I am curious about wheels….any thoughts on replacement wheels and any other ideas to get this C1400 below the 600 Lbs mark

regards

Gavin
The Scottish Engineer

 

[DeadEye]

I was thinking the same of the V7 III - a custom alloy frame would go a long was towards shaving some weight off…
Anything else would be nickel and dimes.

 

[GTM®]

I was thinking the same of the V7 III - a custom alloy frame would go a long was towards shaving some weight off…
Anything else would be nickel and dimes.

Or better known as a GTM custom build in the ~435 lb range ready to ride.

 

[Gavin]

Todd…..are you aware of alternative and considerably lighter wheels than OEM ?


Thanks
Gavin
The Scottish Engineer

 

[GTM®]

Todd…..are you aware of alternative and considerably lighter wheels than OEM ?

I’m not. Next I have an Eldo wheel off, I’ll weigh it. Perhaps an alloy hoop alternative might knock a few pounds off, but the 1400 isn’t one that is being chased for weight reduction. The Griso frame is close to 80#, so I imagine the 1400 is 100#+
Battery and exhaust is the largest and easiest weight reduction. Next I have the one below in the shop, I’ll weigh it and post.

 

[Louisv97]

I was thinking the same of the V7 III - a custom alloy frame would go a long was towards shaving some weight off…
Anything else would be nickel and dimes.

You read my mind. A titanium frame with thicker tubing would look great.

 

[Rickhinnz]

Or we could all loss the extra lbs we're carrying

 

[Louisv97]

Or we could all loss the extra lbs we're carrying

Working on it, but I'd still be chasing reducing the weight on my V7

 

[Gavin]

Thank you…..and I’ll start my search over here for lighter wheels which undoubtedly will be forged aluminium and not spoked. I’m not trying to re invent the wheel…no pun intended…simply trying to reduce the over engineered and un necessary weight…the over engineering is part of the charm …but the physical weight is substantial

Thanks
Gavin
The Scottish Engineer

 

[GB2020]

It's hard to get the compromise between a stable bike that a pillion moving around on and a side wind has little impact on and something 'lighter'. I bought my 1400 Eldo' cos my last two bikes were too heavy (Victory Crossroads then a Yamaha Roadliner) but in the end only ended up saving about 15kg and do notice the wieght when trying to move her. They do carry the weight low fortunately. However (as you have) changing the mufflers saves a heap. . I sat on a 1400 Touring before buying & it did 'feel' a lot heavier for the 20kg or so extra it weighs.

 

[GTM®]

Thank you…..and I’ll start my search over here for lighter wheels which undoubtedly will be forged aluminium and not spoked. I’m not trying to re invent the wheel…no pun intended…simply trying to reduce the over engineered and un necessary weight…the over engineering is part of the charm …but the physical weight is substantial

Welcome. Be aware that the rear wheel drive hub is complex due to the shaft drive.

 

[Moto-Uno]

"Titanium frame" , good god man , this is a Guzzi forum

 

[Louisv97]

"Titanium frame" , good god man , this is a Guzzi forum

Nothing wrong with being open minded. Hell Todd made an ultra light frame for the big block motors. Sitting on them in person I can tell you they're featherweight

 

[Moto-Uno]

It's more to do with the price of the material alone that I was making reference to . Not to mention
the conditions necessary for proper welding . But if you've seen the pictures of a couple of my bikes
here , you could say I've got a somewhat open mind about what can be done with Moto-Guzzi's . . Peter

 

[Louisv97]

It's more to do with the price of the material alone that I was making reference to . Not to mention
the conditions necessary for proper welding . But if you've seen the pictures of a couple of my bikes
here , you could say I've got a somewhat open mind about what can be done with Moto-Guzzi's . . Peter

Sparked my interest. Thanks I will be looking into it!

 

[Moto-Uno]

What you do with too much idle time ! Peter

 

[Gavin]

Well, the search has been fruitless
There are wheel manufacturer/s making fitments for GUZZI but only for the models such as Griso….not the California

The cast California wheel is lighter than the Eldorado wheel but that is about the only option and I have the California wheel

I might have to just get used to the weight……but it illogical to have something this heavy when there is no need for it.

I am guessing MG wanted to ape the HD with weight and also the self engineered lumpy beat and sound. In real world engineering there would be 2 throttle bodies without the left hand side stealing the fuelling from the right hand side

So…unless you know of a wheel from an alternative MG model that fits……it’s kind of heavy..man

thanks
Gavin
The Scottish Engineer

 

[scottmastrocinque]

Well, the search has been fruitless
There are wheel manufacturer/s making fitments for GUZZI but only for the models such as Griso….not the California

The cast California wheel is lighter than the Eldorado wheel but that is about the only option and I have the California wheel

I might have to just get used to the weight……but it illogical to have something this heavy when there is no need for it.

I am guessing MG wanted to ape the HD with weight and also the self engineered lumpy beat and sound. In real world engineering there would be 2 throttle bodies without the left hand side stealing the fuelling from the right hand side

So…unless you know of a wheel from an alternative MG model that fits……it’s kind of heavy..man

thanks
Gavin
The Scottish Engineer

Umm...

I'm sure that if you send an email to Todd, you could order custom made carbon wheels from Jonich.

They will be $$$$ but you can have what you are after.

As in most things, there is nothing you cannot fix if you are willing to throw enough money at the solution to the problem.

 

[Gavin]

Scott…..I am under the impression that even those wheels are not manufactured for the California 1400

I will have to get used to it……hhmm

thanks

 

[scottmastrocinque]

Scott…..I am under the impression that even those wheels are not manufactured for the California 1400

I will have to get used to it……hhmm

thanks

Jonich makes CUSTOM ORDER wheels also. It's right on their webpage.