Comments on: California Vintage Review: 1000 Miles

By: How to adjust suspension on Moto Guzzi California motorcycles | Moto Guzzi California Motorcycles

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:18:50 +0000

[...] the California Vintage, the dial on top of the left fork tube adjusts the compression rate. The dial on top the right [...]

By: How to change a Moto Guzzi California air filter | Moto Guzzi California Motorcycles

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:56:09 +0000

[...] like fun riding, but I tend to baby my California Vintage and can’t imagine riding on dirt or gravel roads with it. Now if I also had a Stelvio (note [...]

By: California Vintage 35W fog bulb swap reduces battery drain | Moto Guzzi California Motorcycles

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 15:02:04 +0000

[...] not sure why the Moto Guzzi factory does not install 35 Watt bulbs in the California Vintage auxiliary lights instead of 55 Watts, other than for Wattage bragging rights, but this is something [...]

By: Annual Motori Italiani show in Charlotte | Moto Guzzi California Motorcycles

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:06:40 +0000

[...] There were a handful of us with our Moto Guzzi Californias, including Frank with his nice blue/blue V11, a white EV, and my black ‘07 California Vintage. [...]

By: Anthony

Anthony — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:40:25 +0000

Hi Steve. I picked the Cali Vintage up on Monday Nov 9th 2009 and last week it had its’ first 500 mile service here in North Wales UK . For the first 450 miles I found it had enough low down grunt (even two up) to change gear at around 2000 rpm without labouring, and it pulled strongly up to a self limiting max of 2800 rpm. For the next 50 mile stretch I took it to 70mph which equated to 3500 rpm in top gear; and at this speed the engine really smoothed out, (the V twin thump tended to be inaudible in the windrush) and pulling like a train gave me the feeling that I could ride forever; even head on into a hurricane. The large screen does an excellent job of keeping the wind off my chest (and face with visor up) and although the horizontally opposed V Twin cylinders prevent me from stretching my legs forward aka previous Harley, the seating position even two up has been perfectly comfortable on the the couple of 200 mile trips done so far. The upside of aforementioned leg room restricting horizontally opposed cylinders is that these same cylinders, coupled with the standard equipment leg shields do a great job of keeping the wind off my lower legs and feet…which is great for real world riding on chilly days here in the UK. Two points worth mentioning: One is that the locks on the panniers tend to be a bit fiddely and two is that although the Guzzi manual says to change the oil in the shaft drive at the first service; the dealer doesn’t actually do this, saying that Guzzi says it is not necessary until the next oil change. A friend of mine who is a motorcyclist and specialist oil seller says that this is ok as the oil in a shaft drive doesn’t work as hard as the oil in a gearbox, and BMW ‘apparently’ follow the same procedure. As far as passenger comfort is concerned; Val says the only extra required to make it more comfortable on a long tour (France, Spain etc next summer all being well) is a sissy bar and pad. Anyway, whilst riding around; never before have I seen so many admiring glances look my way so having deduced that it’s not me they’re looking at I reckon it must be more to do with the Guzzi. That’s all for now..hope you get yours soon and will keep you ‘and anyone else reading this” posted on the latest California Vintage dreaming.

By: Moto Guzzi California oil change | Moto Guzzi California Motorcycles

Moto Guzzi California oil change | Moto Guzzi California Motorcycles — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:00:38 +0000

[...] you start, get yourself a new oil pan gasket and filter. The engine oil is specified in my 2007 California Vintage user and maintenance book is 3 liters of Agip 4T Racing SAE [...]

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 07:21:39 +0000

Anthony, keep us posted on how you like the 2009. The wait to purchase a Cal Vintage is killing me. I’ve heard a few bad reviews lately but most of them are nothing but praise.

By: Anthony

Anthony — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:22:21 +0000

Hi. Thanks for writing your review, it was interesting to read and has clued me up on a few things. I’ve just traded in my 2003 Harley 1200 Anniversary Sportster Custom which I’ve owned from new for a new White 2009 Moto Guzzi California Vintage. I had no intentions of selling the Harley as I’ve been very happy with it but this Vintage Cali got me hooked on looks alone….it was a must have so hence the trade in. I obviously haven’t got anything to report on the Cali as it is not yet in my possession but I’ll keep you posted if that’s ok and keep a watch on any updates that you post. Thanks. Anthony.

By: JD

JD — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:08:29 +0000

There are no differences between these model years. Yes, the oil pan needs to be dropped for oil changes, but it is very easy to do yourself at every 6000 miles per the manual, and is not a big deal at all. My original battery is still working fine. I learned not to run the fog lamps all the time, and since I limited my use of them, no problem starting. Some lower watt bulbs would be good to change to if you want to run them all the time.

By: Kerry

Kerry — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:37:10 +0000

I came across your review. Im considering this motorcycle. I can get one at a good price from my dealer either an 07 or 08. Any differences between the two years? Also I heard but havent confirmed that changing the oil is a BIG hassle, that you have to actually drop the pan to just change the oil filter. Is that true? One last question have you replaced your battery and if so did that fix the slow sounding turnover? Its such a beautiful bike.