Guys, seeing that we are all motorcycle enthusiasts and love big bore V Twins, I'd love opinions on the new 1400 Goose. I am thinking about trading my Softail Deluxe in for one of these!! My bike has been a faithful, loyal servant for four and a bit years, but I need a change!! Guzzis are a long term favourite of mine as my father in law has a 1951 Falcone, and my brother in law has California Vintage. Looked at a Roadking but the Stealers once again made me realise that my pockets are'nt deep enough, and they're doing just fine without my business!! The bikes don't arrive until April, May so I've still got time to sell my bike privately..

I've owned a couple of Moto Guzzis, a V11 LeMans and a Norge GT (2 valve head version). The bikes are full of character and are very much traditional air cooled V-Twins but in a manner that's very similar to what Harley did when they swapped from the evo motors to the twin cams they have somewhat taken away the raw edge. My Norge despite being a lot newer lacked a lot of the raw edge that my LeMans had and the new 4 valve motor as in the new cali is even smoother and more refined.

That may be something you like or you don't but don't assume the new Guzzis feel like the old ones because they really don't.

Your right, I know the new Guzzis are not like the earlier models although the reports so far have been positive. They have 96 HP and 120 Nm at 2750 RPM, and apparently handle brilliantly straight out of the box. Three adjustable maps for touring, speed and wet weather, which all adjust the fuel/air ratios on the go. I LOVE the character of my brother in laws Vintage but the seating position with my shins up against the cylinders was, let's say, odd!
There is more clearance with the new model, but the cylinders are still way out there!!

I kinda love the look of it. Reminds me of a seventies muscle car with a blower hanging out of the engine bay!!

I'll be keen to see this in the flesh when it comes out, been awhile since we've had a new cruiser of note,

was disappointed in the thunderbird when i finally saw it at the shop, great bike but to fat and squat for me

I have had 2 California's, a 1995 and a 2001 model, absolutely loved the '95 model and expect I would still be riding it if I hadn't been cleaned up by a drunken female and the bike written off.... didn't like the '01 model near as much, not too sure why??? The new Cali looks drop-dead BUTT UGLY in my humble opinion though. The California's are a great bike to ride, handle very nicely, the linked brakes work very well and they are very comfortable to do distances on... but they are not a HD and I wouldn't swap my Heritage for half a dozen of them. But that is just my humble opinion... Good luck with your choice which ever way you go.
Cheers,
Chris.

  W T F

Good luck with it robcig , don`t burn/bruise ya knees though , there`s a good reason that babe is mounted side saddle ya know , never been able to get around that aspect of them !
I got an italian mate that swears by his cali , does it all , but he don`t seem to ride it that much anymore , is there a guzzi site , maybe ya could ask them about the pros and cons , but i`m guessin ya already know what they`d say right ?
What was the deal difference between it and the Roadie ya checked out , i traded me heritage softie classic too after bein taken out by a tarago and havin it repaired , it was never quite the same again and am happy so far with me 09 Roadie Classic !
Was just reading how the HD Breakout has re-designed suspension and HD "may" decide to use it on it`s softails in the future , it aparently improves their handling somewhat ?
Actually seen a new looking black faired guzzi last weekend , looked pretty flash from a distance , not sure what it was exactly though ?

They are a good bike, especially since aprilia took them over a few years ago and applied some QC to the production line. God knows who owns them now. All the Italian bike manufacturers are having owner changes. The only downside to the experience is that you will drop a bundle the minute you walk out the door. They are a long term keeper. I used to turn bikes over every year and the "hit" is the only reason I've never bought a guzzi. I also accept the HD is worth shit now, but they are easier to move on the open market. I'd wait a few months till after it's released and follow the USA/European sites for feedback on it before parting with the cash. I remember the early 4 valve griso motors had issues a few years ago with valve component failure and this is a new motor also. Good luck with your decision. You'll have to make new friends now....LOL...

Guys, great feedback thanks to all. I've gotta say I wont be convinced either until I see one in the flesh and take it for a test ride.
I have made another offer on a 2011 Road King, and am using my bike as a trade. I'll keep you posted..

UPDATE!! Moto Guzzi Australia just told me they will have a Custom to test ride in March. Pricing has yet to be finalised but they're saying just under $25,000.

 So we wait till march for a ride report - what sort offarkles cOme with it? 

I've got a PDF brochure. How do I put it up?

How much was the deal on the 2011 Roadking man , tradin up ya should get outa that pretty cheap i reckon , someone hereabouts was saying that PS had a roadglide deal happennin for 24k new old stock clearout ?
Even that would be worth the trip to checkout , as the tourers are a fuggin mad ride !

Scotti, still talking to them mate. I'm going to Blacktown as well this morning..

OK guys, feedback needed!! 2012 Road King two tone, stock standard with 9000 k's. They are willing to trade..
My bike is an 05 Deluxe with Andrews 26 cams. Will be sold stock except for rear axle covers, nostalgic engine guard, chrome sprocket cover.
I get to keep chrome levers, nostalgic grips, chromel linkage cover, chrome front axle covers chrome visor trim ring around headlights.
$8,000 changeover, and they'll lend me the money (interest rate around 8% p.a)
Is this a good deal? I've offered $5000, and they knocked me back!!
Comments welcome guys!!!

My bike is worth $18,500, they want $8,000 for a total sum of $26,500. Remember, this is a  2011 Road King!!
I'll see if they can put some Screaming Eagle pipes on it!! If so, I'll do the deal...

Or maybe Vance and Hines slip ons and reflash the ECU???

is the 2012 RK the bike that you desire ????

if not , your deluxe isnt going to depreciate much if you wait another few months ... and there will always be good deals about for low mileage harleys next year. 

seems like there are a ton of new models about from manufacturers all vying for your hard earned.

 

Sounds ok though I`d ask for 4 point docking hardware a backrest and rack or you`ll walk , that`s @$1k worth of accessories or does it already have it all ?
Or have a look around some more , i reckon you may get a bit better deal than that , ring around and see what they all got too offer mate !

Who cares what other peoples opinions are , if you like it buy it. Next youwill ask us all what colour you should buy!!