I have an '09 Moto Guzzi Norge that I purchased new in '11. For different reasons I was looking hard at Harley's until I made the trek to see a Cali 1400 Custom in person at Thanksgiving time and was able to take one for a 20 some mile test ride. It immediately ended the possibility (for me) to make an HD purchase (again). It handled so well and was buttery smooth. One reason for looking away from MG is the minuscule dealer network. I do my own work but I also can get quite a distance from home on occasion, hence no tools, ect. Enter the CTX1300- thanks to the short blurb in this months Motorcyclists magazine. I'm also 5'3"or 4" and the Norge is just manageable with the lower gel seat. If you go to the Motorcycle Ergonomics website and punch in your numbers the similarity in seating positions between the CTX1300 and Cali 1400 Touring is remarkable. I have found this site to come very close and accurate from an ergonomics standpoint. If the CTX1300 handles like the Cali 1400, it very well could win out on the already very short list between these two. Sounds like the price is very close also. Can't wait to see and ride one! My closest MG dealer is 5-1/2 hrs so a Honda dealer will be easier in many ways. Impatiently waiting, John
Ctx1300 vs Moto Guzzi California 1400 Touring
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I test rode the California 1400 Custom at Leo's South in Minneapolis and loved it! I have the same reservations as you. My closest Guzzi dealer is in KC (3.5 hrs) and that has me worried. That's a lobg way to go for a warranty repair. I've read mixed reviews about Guzzi quality. Based on your Norge experience, how dependable has that bike been? Just curious.
With almost 25k miles in 3 seasons it's given me far more smiles than problems. One absolute essential is Wildguzzi.com. I can probably say that I've had zero problems, but several things may have been avoided with preventative steps taken from the advice of collective knowledge at Wildguzzi.com. I also know my way around a motorcycle pretty well, it's never been back to any dealer. Some of it is luck though. The last ride (220 miles home that day, 220 miles to my mothers 2 days before) that my wife and I took together this year, we pulled into the garage, and it puked a 1/2 quart of oil on the garage floor before I could shut it off. I had an oil cooler line rubbing on the lower fairing since day one, checking it periodically, then forgetting it. It blew the hose as we were coming up the driveway, or shortly before as I had very little oil on my boot. It had to wear through a stainless steel webbing before it got to the rubber hose, guess that's why I forgot about it. The new line had a sharper bend that kept it away from the lower fairing. There were other things that annoyed me, but they are addressed or sorted as they say and it should be pretty easy to care for from here on out. I might even keep it, we'll see. 3 different HD dealers offered me good trade in, one more than once, better than what I could sell it for I think (?).
So time will tell, it's good enough to keep if we can't make an agreeable deal. HD is a lot hungrier than they've ever been in the past, at least with me. I bought my Norge for almost 1/2 of the $ the HD I was looking at at the time. And now the Cali 1400 is cheaper and much superior (in my opinion) to anything they offer. I know Honda's build quality is excellent, but will it speak to me?
So time will tell, it's good enough to keep if we can't make an agreeable deal. HD is a lot hungrier than they've ever been in the past, at least with me. I bought my Norge for almost 1/2 of the $ the HD I was looking at at the time. And now the Cali 1400 is cheaper and much superior (in my opinion) to anything they offer. I know Honda's build quality is excellent, but will it speak to me?
Thanks for the info! It's good to hear that the quality has been pretty decent. I know what you mean about the bike speaking to you. After my ride on the Cali 1400, I had a smile from ear to ear and said to myself, "uh oh, this could be trouble." My conundrum is that I want a bike that's useful for the full riding season here in Nebraska. Spring and Fall really require a good fairing/windshield setup and heated grips due to the chilly temps. I know I could make the MG work, but I don't think the Cali Touring looks nearly as good as the Cali Custom. Conversely, the CTX1300 comes with just about everything I want/need without much modding. I also like Honda's reliability. My VFR's fit/finish was awesome and it was reliable as a rock. So, as you said, we'll see if it speaks to me. If you're interested, Motorcycledaily.com compared the Cali and the Griso. Here's the link: The Tale of Two Guzzis: MD Rides the California 1400 Custom and the Griso 8V SE « MotorcycleDaily.com – Motorcycle News, Editorials, Product Reviews and Bike Reviews It's nice to have choices! 
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I have to agree, it comes with just about everything I can ask for in a bike like this. A bigger windscreen would be needed though, I tend to do long distance riding.Thanks for the info! It's good to hear that the quality has been pretty decent. I know what you mean about the bike speaking to you. After my ride on the Cali 1400, I had a smile from ear to ear and said to myself, "uh oh, this could be trouble." My conundrum is that I want a bike that's useful for the full riding season here in Nebraska. Spring and Fall really require a good fairing/windshield setup and heated grips due to the chilly temps. I know I could make the MG work, but I don't think the Cali Touring looks nearly as good as the Cali Custom. Conversely, the CTX1300 comes with just about everything I want/need without much modding. I also like Honda's reliability. My VFR's fit/finish was awesome and it was reliable as a rock. So, as you said, we'll see if it speaks to me. If you're interested, Motorcycledaily.com compared the Cali and the Griso. Here's the link: The Tale of Two Guzzis: MD Rides the California 1400 Custom and the Griso 8V SE « MotorcycleDaily.com – Motorcycle News, Editorials, Product Reviews and Bike Reviews It's nice to have choices!
Last summer,I too was considering the Guzzi 1400 Tourer and road tested the Classic,same bike minus the bags,windscreen, boards,etc.Well it rode smooth as silk with good performance,but didn't run worth a dam between 1000-2500 rpm.So when I got back from my test ride,I questioned the dealer about it and he said they'd address it and call me back to try it again.Well,they never called me.So three months later,I went back up there and they STILL HAD NOT addressed the problem.Then again recently,I stopped by there again and looked at a Black Tourer they had on the floor.When I asked if they got the demonstrator squared away,he told me there was nothin wrong with it.Well guess what? Wrong answer, hence they can keep their Guzzi.And then while reading alittle more about it,I discovered that it gets terrible fuel mileage with a best of around 40 on the highway and 25 around town,which is totally unacceptable.My new truck gets better mileage then that.So now the Guzzi is definitely out of the picture for me because this dealer DID NOT CARE.They take your money and then FORGET who you are.And that gentlemen,is NOT the way to do business.When I started looking at other shaft drive machines,I ran across the CTX,hence the reason I'm here. Dave!!!
I too was considering the new California 1400 Touring. I think it's a beautiful looking bike. I'm not into the quintessential cruiser type bike, hate the feet-way-forward seating position on many of them, plus I'm just not into the shiny chrome and "bling bling" and loud pipes at all, just not my thing. That being said the California is a nice middle-ground, a crusier-ish tourer with a more standard upright riding postilion, with just enough shiny stuff, done with taste and class. However, I have no clue where the nearest MG dealer is, which means it must be far away because I know all the dealers around here. But, here's the thing, when you spend good money (a lot or a little) on a brand spank'n new bike (or anything for that matter), you expect it should work/run perfect and not give you any significant problems. I'm not saying the MG would give problems, but, the mere fact that people bring the lack of dealer network up scares me. With the Big Three Japanese brands you know you're getting rock solid bikes 99% of the time. And in the very unlikely event you have serious mechanical problem there are dealers on every corner. As much as I like the looks of the MG, I'm going to pass and decide between the BMW R1200RT I rode and loved and the CTX when I can find one around these parts to check out in person.
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If there is a MG in where i lived, it would be hard for me to choose too...
I really like the design of MG California 1400, i read that is the best cruiser of year 2013 from mcn. I also like that is hard to find and make it rare enough on the street, (I have passion for rare thing, limited edition.). where most people go for others brand for cruiser.. like HD etc,. but i dislike the weight of the bike, is not like CTx this one you can feel the heavy of the bike by just to look at it! Again if there is MG here, and the price not so much different, i might going for MG California 1400. However, now NO MG here, so i'm happy buying CTX1300..
I really like the design of MG California 1400, i read that is the best cruiser of year 2013 from mcn. I also like that is hard to find and make it rare enough on the street, (I have passion for rare thing, limited edition.). where most people go for others brand for cruiser.. like HD etc,. but i dislike the weight of the bike, is not like CTx this one you can feel the heavy of the bike by just to look at it! Again if there is MG here, and the price not so much different, i might going for MG California 1400. However, now NO MG here, so i'm happy buying CTX1300..
There are three dealers in my area that sell the "GOOSE" [one in N.H.and two in Ma.] but are spread about 100 miles apart from one another.And what I do NOT like about the CTX is that POS windscreen that comes standard on it,and the lack of floor boards which I have become quite accustomed to after using em for the last 30 some odd years.I'm sure an after market manufacturer will eventually make floor boards for the CTX, or Honda will offer em as an accessory item,as I'm sure C Bailey's will introduce a good windscreen for it.But at WHAT COST and how long before these accessories actually become available.See where I'm comin from?? But the California 1400 comes with these items as STANDARD equipment.Now what I do NOT like about the Goose, is the price and availability of parts for it,plus I got a pretty good idea that half of these so called technicians who assemble and work on em,really don't know what they're doin.[what else is new].But there has to be a SM available for it which I'll jump on at the same time "IF" I buy the Goose.So right now,it's a "CATCH 22".
And BOTH machines have good reports.But until I actually see one of these phantom CTX's,which no one around here has,YET,lol, I'm still not sure which one I like better.But at the moment,I am leaning towards the Goose.Dave!!!
And BOTH machines have good reports.But until I actually see one of these phantom CTX's,which no one around here has,YET,lol, I'm still not sure which one I like better.But at the moment,I am leaning towards the Goose.Dave!!!
Granted, what you want to customize the CTX is extra. But Honda does finally now have what is reported to be a fairly good taller screen. MADSTAD has one NOW also (see RICHB2's posts). I'm sure Kuryakin will likely have floorboards that will fit or some other pegs and floor board maker will if they don't already (they only really have to clear the exhausts and fit the mounting point which is likely a standard Honda mount. Personally I don't like floor boards. I tested them on one bike, a Vulcan Nomad, and didn't care for them. I know, the Burgman scooter has the equivalent of floor boards but I don't count that since there's no shifter or brake to manage. My GW had wide pegs which were nice but I'm fine with factory pegs on any bike so far. My test rides on a CTX showed me that, for how smooth that air stream is going past, I can likely do well as it is. And if I really feel the need to ride in a bubble again there is that Honda option or even the MSR deflector that won't damage the "look" of the bike too much. But that's all just me. That's what the after-market is for. To make up for the impossibility of any mfr to produce the bike that is perfectly fitted for ALL riders.
Even a Guzzi needs mods and after-market accessories to fit it to some riders. I have yet to find someone who has been riding for many years NOT modify their machine with accessories. Only beginners keep their rides perfectly stock... until they find out what it is they want to change.
Even a Guzzi needs mods and after-market accessories to fit it to some riders. I have yet to find someone who has been riding for many years NOT modify their machine with accessories. Only beginners keep their rides perfectly stock... until they find out what it is they want to change.
The last machine I owned before acquiring my Tbird,was a 99 Yamaha RSV [Royal Star Venture] bought brandy new,driven 200,000 trouble free miles, and was pretty much bone stock as nothin was really needed to improve it.However,it was heavy,[869lbs.curb weight],but was,and STILL IS,the "FINEST" machine I have owned or driven to date.But unfortunately,due to that inevitable thing called " OLD AGE" lol,it was time to replace it with a lighter machine,which the TBird was.So, whatever I buy to replace my Tbird,will have some tall shoes to fill,whether it be the CTX ,the Goose,or somethin else. Dave!!!
Yes they do Bob as simple mods can be added to enhance rider/passenger comfort without affecting overall appearance.However,when a factory machine is altered cosmetically,and especially to enhance performance,the sell/trade VALUE of said machine will also be altered,usually reducing it quite dramatically.So that would be somethin to consider "IF" one was planning to alter their machine in some way.Dave!!!
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I bought a cruiser, the Shadow Sabre, and proceeded to buy nearly as much stuff in add-ons as I had paid for the bike. Windshield, crash bars, floorboards, sissy bar with passenger backrest, chrome lowers, luggage rack, soft luggage, etc. I also ended up replacing the stock seat with a Mustang seat (adding a driver backrest) and an AirHawk cushion. While it was in winter storage recently I also added hard saddlebags. All of this was done to improve the comfort of the bike for me, and to add some much-needed storage space. I still cared very much about the looks of the bike, though, so whenever possible the items I bought could be detached from the bike relatively easily.Well then, you'd be the first!
Then again, I'm not usually used to meeting up with cruiser owners. GW owners and ST owners, almost without exception, add or modify their machines... sometimes a lot.
I think if the CTX1300 had been available in 2011, it's the one I might have purchased instead, because (except for the windshield) it has all of my comfort and storage needs taken care of.
That's a heavy bike, but isn't a Goldwing well over 900 lbs depending on options? And it seems many of the older riders gravitate towards them! That being said, at 46 I'm not quite an older rider yet I guess, but still like lighter bikes, which is why I'm considering the BMW R1200RT at just 600 pounds, it's a lot of bike at a fairly light weight.
I used to own the prior version GW. Same weight as the current version... about 898 lbs wet. I sold it due to the weight/size issue and the type of riding I did most often (in town, commuting, store parking lots, etc). Been looking for the same kind of ride but lighter and more nimble since. That's what draws me to the CTX1300.
Lots less cost than a BMW, both in initial buy and parts. And I was just looking at side views of both the GW/f6b and CTX today and the pegs are within 4-5" of each other... almost just the same position for the feet! I really like that!
Lots less cost than a BMW, both in initial buy and parts. And I was just looking at side views of both the GW/f6b and CTX today and the pegs are within 4-5" of each other... almost just the same position for the feet! I really like that!
Actually, the Wing and the Venture were pretty close weight wise,but I believe the Wing was the heavier of the two.I drove both machines and the Wing not only felt heavier, but did not have the roll on power the Venture had,hence the reason I bought the Venture instead of the Wing and never looked back.My only regret is gettin older because when that happens,everything changes and we have to make decisions that we don't always like.
And that's just the way it is. Dave!!!Actually, the Wing and the Venture were pretty close weight wise,but I believe the Wing was the heavier of the two.I drove both machines and the Wing not only felt heavier, but did not have the roll on power the Venture had,hence the reason I bought the Venture instead of the Wing and never looked back.My only regret is gettin older because when that happens,everything changes and we have to make decisions that we don't always like.
Yeah, life has a way of saying "hey you, I'm the boss!". We all get older, I used to own a Silverwing scooter (among other scooters) and really liked it. I already have my golden years planned out if the time comes when riding a motorcycle gets to be too much of a chore. I can't wait to see what maxi-scooters are like in 2035! Then again "Queenie" (Ardys Kellerman, Queenie of Our Hearts - by Voni Glaves,)
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