New to me Moto Guzzi California

[Ollie]

Yesterday I made a 475 mile round trip to pick up this 2014 California Custom 1400. I took it out for 50 miles or so when I got it back and the bike runs and sounds nice so I think I'm going to really enjoy it.
The California series consists of the Custom and Touring and I had been keeping an eye out for either. What I've gathered in researching these models is what differentiates a Custom from the California Touring is lower bars, no panniers, shield, or driving lights, different seat, and 1" longer travel shocks. I was looking for either but knew if I bought a Custom I'd have to factor in the cost of a shield and panniers, or on a Touring probably longer shocks. Also on either one I'd want slip-ons. The fact this Custom came with the bags, shield, and Agostini slip-ons was a big plus for me.

As far as condition it's not bad, I've not even washed it yet so it's dirty but it's been garage kept so no fading and there are no scuffs that I can see. The guy just never rode it much, he bought it new in 2016 and it only had 3,400 miles. I doubt it's been serviced since the initial 1,000 mile one. Oil looks used but fairly clean and the level is just below full. When I got it home I checked the tires before taking it out and they were almost flat at 15 psi.

[url=https://postimg.cc/N5TdP6nH]


You can see the brake fluid is dark so I'll plan on changing it along with the clutch fluid after I clean it up. The tires are original and look and feel good so I plan on running them this year even though they are 8 years old now. The rear is huge so I hate to see what a new set is going to cost but I'll probably install a new pair over Winter.

[url=https://postimg.cc/5jDP37sJ]

[Gone in 60]

Nice ride! I remember when the California first came out. I saw a pair of them parked in front of a small cafe in Malibu. Turns out they were press bikes out for some beauty photos. Have dug the look of them since that first look.

Enjoy riding it, tending to the neglected stuff, and making it your own.

[Tev62]

That's a good looking bike, congrats. The blue paintjob makes quite an impact even before the clean.

[KiowaEagle_imp]

Congratulations! They are beautiful bikes and I love that blue. A friend has one that color but with a tan colored seat that really stands out against the blue.

[Olyrider]

How tall are you? I’m a shade under 6’3”, and have often wondered if the California would work for me. The standard Guzzis don’t.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Gorgeous Ollie.

I have a soft spot for most Moto Guzzis. The Cali Custom is wonderful. This one looks unique in colour. Congratulations!

" ... You can see the brake fluid is dark so ... " - that is dark?? lol - you ought to see my brake fluids.

[Ollie]

Thanks guys! As far as color neither this blue or my CB1100's black wouldn't be my first choices but we used bike buyers can't be so choosey LOL. I will say the blue is growing on me and once I get it cleaned and waxed the bike should look better. Today I took it out again to pick up an oil filter and 4 qts of $$$ 10w-60 oil. I added Techtron before filling it up so I'll run this tank through before changing the oil.

Oly I'm 5-11 with 32" inseam and the ergos are quite good for me, just as good as my Road King which is a compliment. basically similar to the Road King only with the bars a little farther forward.

Thanks Gold. I like my brake fluid to be fresh and clear or maybe with a *slight* amber tint so I change it every 2-3 years. I doubt it's ever been changed in this bike and it's 8 years old now!

[Cormanus]

Lovely looking bike, Ollie. Nothing wrong with that blue at all. Enjoy.

[bioman_imp]

That is a beautiful Guzzi. I have always liked these Californias. Nice blue colour too.

[peterbaron]

For blue and the Guzzi