I own a Cali EV (80) 2002. I’ve got it second hand and I love it from the first time I started the engine. Like the Beach Boy sung: Good Vibrations 😊

I picked up a lightly used 2003 Cali Stone last August as a birthday present to myself and what a gem! Really stole it too as the owner had just dropped it from $3,500 to $2,800! With only 5,800 miles on it! Best bike i have ever owned without question. Best sounding, best handling, most stable and honestly? Plenty of power. I can't imagine what the 1400's must be like but my 1100, 1064 actual, rated mid 70's hp and it is just fine. Honestly i am mostly into vintage bikes. Have an i convert 1000, 1976 and a 1980 XS1100 Yamaha and this Cali Stone really feels nearly as strong. Now i know that the XS1100 pulls harder when really cranked on but honestly, the difference over all is not that much. I see so many video reviews mention the power almost like it's an embarrassment. Far from it and i'm not working it that hard at all. The worst i can say is that i would have preferred a more upscale Cali model with alloy spoked rims but i guess i could swap my i convert rims onto it. Wouldn't be an issue if i didn't know about the upgrade on the top of the line bikes. Or if it was a Harley because the only traditional spoked wheels would be chromed steel, but i do so maybe a swap is in order. Not that fond of not having a tach either but i guess i could rob the mini aftermarket one off the XS1100 that i put on when the factory one died. I better stop trying to write a book here and reveal that i wanted a Griso and i'd found one at a Seattle area Honda dealer for 5K but when i stumbled on the listing for this California Stone for $2,200 less i was in a mental battle as the Griso was low miles also. After much thought and admitting to myself that at age 68 the bargain basement special was a better fit for me. Also, i know the Griso has had some electrical glitches and camshaft and lifter issues i didn't straddle the fence long. Even though i could have reasoned that the Griso riding position is not that sporting i know it does put some weight onto your fore arms. Anyway, i'm so glad i stuck to my convictions, even though i have no idea how many hundreds of miles i am from the nearest Moto Guzzi dealer and didn't wuss out and get a Honda or something real common with actual dealers a reasonable distance away. I'm in love and hope the honeymoon lasts forever. So far so good. Not a single issue with mine. I'll admit to liking the exclusivity of riding and owning Moto Guzzi and i see them commanding good money on the used market for a brand with such limited production and sales. To me they are among the few brands build to last a lifetime and engineered to be rebuildable. If you can rack up that amount of miles. At 55,000 my i convert shows almost no engine wear and i knew a guy with 180,000 on a 1980 850 T3. Enough to get me off my CX500 and on a Moto Guzzi as soon as i could scrape the coin together. OMG! The sound out the LaFranconi's on my Cali is so beautiful and big twin beefy! A bike that exceeded my every expectation. IMO the best kept secret in the world of motorcycles and yes, i've owned a BMW. An R90/S. Good but not near the fun or simplicity and way more ; $$$! Ciao!

@ClevelandMoto

3 жыл бұрын

Guzzi's have the best soul of any motorcycle I've ever owned. They're ridiculously easy to maintain yourself having the only valvetrain that you can adjust in less than an hour. To me the Guzzi is spiritual, it transports my soul as well as my body. The Griso is the best of the bunch and if you can get one that came from the factory with the roller-rockers, you don't need to worry about the Coating Failure on those pushrod 1200's.

These are great motorcycles. They look unusual, but they're a Tonti, and a 98 EV is my first Moto Guzzi. I rode mine 25,000 miles in the first year, and it is an amazing value and sounds beautiful. Because of the appearance they may never be worth much, which means they'll remain a fun, practical, unique and affordable motorcycle. Learn to adjust the throttle position sensor, adjust the valves, and do general maintenance, and these will keep going. A 2008 KTM Superduke R and a 2018 Moto Guzzi V7III Special (bought both of those new; my EV was a $900 turd in someone's front yard) are my two other motorcycles, and neither has been used as much as my 98 V11 EV.

@Spartansrule118

Жыл бұрын

are the jackals reliable?

I have the 1999 Bassa V11 very similar to this one, it has about 73,000 miles it is about the most reliable MC I have owned it will sit all winter pull it out check it over and it starts right up. It's been in my stable for about 20 yr.'s does not have the floor boards but has the heel toe rocker shift which really feels right for this bike. Easy to maintain and joy to ride.

I agree with all of the positive comments listed in this posting on the Guzzi's. I own a 1999 M.G.Bassa & a 2007 M.G.Vintage. No problem's ever with either bike. They are both durable & dependable. They are my favorite bike's, along with my 2014 R1200R BMW. Been riding since age 16 & am now 69y.o.

@Njihalostrave

10 ай бұрын

Please can you tell more about Bassa impressions, I am interested in 99 or 00

@larrywade9041

10 ай бұрын

@@Njihalostrave Hi- I am thinking about selling my 1999 M.G.. Are you located in the USA?

@Njihalostrave

10 ай бұрын

@@larrywade9041 thank you for info, I am not. Croatia located

@larrywade9041

10 ай бұрын

@@Njihalostrave To bad that you are so far away from me.I have a 1999 Bassa in good condition & would have cut you a decent deal. M.G. are an excellent bike & I think you would be happy with one. Make sure that the heads have been torqued to specifications & all required service has been up to date when looking for a used one. Hope this info helps you. Take your time in looking for one. Are you subscribed to "RRR-Refuel Ride Race" He is a Slovenian & puts out some really nice videos. I really like the guy! Have a beautiful day my friend!!! Illinois, USA

Got a 2010 Cali Vintage 3 months ago ( white colour) and love it.I have other 2 smaller bikes ( 2008 650 BMW X Country and 1984 Vespa ).After some big bikes,this is my first MG and i am loving it: the sound,style,sensations....it is a piece of history in your garage.Nice review,pal Cheers from Spain.

@lolosk1

Ай бұрын

I just can't pass it up. I own a 2009 G650X country, a 2021 Vespa model, and most recently a California 2001 model. I think I'm going to love Moto Guzzi. Cheers from korea.

@bukkaker66

Ай бұрын

@@lolosk1 hahahahaha we have same bikes :-)

I had an 1989 carb model red colour.1995 injection model yellow and still drive my 2003 ev .love the California.

The first California model dates back to 1971, it was designed in consultation with LAPD, to replace the V7 that was in use previously there.

@ClevelandMoto

Жыл бұрын

yeah, that's the story I heard.

a very positive happy review

When I bought mine I was surprised how different the riding position was than similarly styled H-Ds I'd owned. Arms were more outstretched and I was seated in a more upright position. Took a bit of getting used to. Like it though.

Great video, the voice sounded very clear even when speeding up quite impressive. I am looking at upgrading from MG Nevada 750 to a Cali 1100 so had you been closer than 7000miles I would have buzzed you.

That's because Moto Guzzi has the brake bias well worked out. Set so the left front comes on enough to maximise stopping power without locking them up.

@ClevelandMoto

3 жыл бұрын

Exactly, you can really get confident with these brakes. Remarkable, considering the age of the machine.

excellent review, I'm always most interested in how smooth a bike is, buzz, rattle, etc, and that bike is really interesting me.

Excellent Review!!

Quite a handsome bike! The audio on the freeway is crystal clear and no visible head shake, so the windshield does a remarkable job. If I may digress a bit what is your opinion of the new V85TT engine? Believe it or not I have also looked at a leftover Milano. I just love the classic chrome pipes over the Stones black. Either way Guzzi is a great value. The dealers though are a good 150 miles away.

@ClevelandMoto

4 жыл бұрын

I love the new V85TT - I feel your pain about the lack of a dealer network. Maybe Piaggio USA will hear your cry and set up a dealer program we all can live with.

Great video mate. I am a Guzzi long term lover. Have an 850 Le Mans 11 and looking for a Cali to share the ride.

@danysmart1972

Ай бұрын

You have a beautiful motorbike, take care of it, it's truly a jewel. I own its less powerful sister, the 850 T5

I wish the mirrors on my 96 Carb Cali were as steady as these or as steady as my 94 Triumph America's. I am still getting used to my "new" Cali, but liking it more with each ride. A PO put 7/33 gearing on it so it does have good acceleration, but the speedo reads 20 MPH high at freeway speeds.

@ClevelandMoto

4 жыл бұрын

This bike is remarkably well put together. I really like it. Fuel Injection and Linked brakes with awesome suspension.

Very good review. I Liked your narration very much. I need/like a motorcycle dealer like you. I would def. buy a bike from you, except that I am in CA. Anyways. If you happen to ship, and if you have bike that I like, maybe I will end up buying from you next time. ( I will check your website for used bike inventory ). I like my Moto Guzzi 750 Breva, and am looking to replace it with either EV11 ( This bike ) or a V11 Le Mans. So far, have not found any in/near my area. Thanks.

I rode a 2000 California Jackal the other day. I’m 5’10” and the bike was the most uncomfortable bike I’ve ever ridden. The Jackal was laughing at me. Totally stock setup. I wanted to strangle the designer. I still think Guzzis are cool. I want to try a Griso.

Is that Corazzo jacket?

You stated that you're a Moto Guzzi dealer. I recently bought a 2000 V11 Bassa. Can't find any info on the "Bassa". Is this the same as the 2000 California?? I want to learn as much as I can about these bikes and where to obtain parts. Great video on this '98. Thanks for any info/help.

@ClevelandMoto

Жыл бұрын

Join a moto guzzi club and reach out to Harper's Guzzi.

I have the 1999 model, under restoration, what valve clearance do you use, I have no manual.

@ClevelandMoto

2 жыл бұрын

Just set to 0.004 inch intake, and 0.006 inch exhaust

My EV is a 2005 model.

Is it sold?

@ClevelandMoto

2 жыл бұрын

Totally.

Real bikers wear boots Common sense isn't that common anymore

@ClevelandMoto

4 ай бұрын

In this video I'm wearing Icons kevlar reinforced Carga motorcycle riding shoes. Do "real bikers" sling insults on youtube videos?

You make the same mistake that many people make. You talk too much. I'm here to listen to the bike. Talk before and after and not while driving. Can talk a little while driving.

@ClevelandMoto

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for you advice, we don't mic the bike. We're mostly here for the info.

@sallhame

10 ай бұрын

@@ClevelandMoto You should make your reviews just like this. Personally I hate it when they just ride for 20 minutes and say nothing. Actually this is a great review of an odd looking but very interesting bike. Now I want one. I just wonder if the injection system is good? I guess it is the same as in my Cagiva Elefant 900 i.e.? No problems with that so far.