I was riding with some of the guys from the New South Wales Guzzi club on Saturday when we came across a new California at Robertson south of Sydney. One of the local JSG guys (Guzzi/Aprilia importer) was putting some miles on the bike before it goes on the press fleet, 2 were specially flown in for some local events.
We had a chance to have a close up look at the bike and I must say that everyone seemed quite impressed by the look and finish, including a couple of current Cali owners.
It is bigger than the old model but not dramatically and no where near as big as the photos make it look.
Still a size down from a Goldwing and full dresser Harleys, which probably makes it viable for a greater range of riders. Certainly more room for your pillion with a big comfortable seat and the standard bags integrate beautifully with the styling.
Chris the JSG guy said although it is bigger than the old model it was nice and light to steer. Although he had been scrapping the rubbing blocks on the footboards he said you could bet a decent level of lean angle. The only issue that might arise for those who have long legs is the proximity of your knees to the cylinder heads, might get a bit hot in 37 degree Celsius days like we had yesterday.
As you can see from the photos it is easily recognisable as a California and follows the old styling cues, a great looking bike in the flesh. On first impressions, I think Guzzi have done a great job with this bike.
We had a chance to have a close up look at the bike and I must say that everyone seemed quite impressed by the look and finish, including a couple of current Cali owners.
It is bigger than the old model but not dramatically and no where near as big as the photos make it look.
Still a size down from a Goldwing and full dresser Harleys, which probably makes it viable for a greater range of riders. Certainly more room for your pillion with a big comfortable seat and the standard bags integrate beautifully with the styling.
Chris the JSG guy said although it is bigger than the old model it was nice and light to steer. Although he had been scrapping the rubbing blocks on the footboards he said you could bet a decent level of lean angle. The only issue that might arise for those who have long legs is the proximity of your knees to the cylinder heads, might get a bit hot in 37 degree Celsius days like we had yesterday.
As you can see from the photos it is easily recognisable as a California and follows the old styling cues, a great looking bike in the flesh. On first impressions, I think Guzzi have done a great job with this bike.
