ITALIAN MOTOR off to cane the California 1400 in Cannes

We're off later this week to test the new Moto Guzzi 1400 in Cannes, South of France, and we'll have a full review, opinion and exclusive photos in Issue Five of the magazine. It's a model of bike that I would never buy myself, principally because I simply don't buy new bikes, but its looks have grown on me gradually.

Last time we tested two-wheelers in 'sunny' Cannes, it poured with French rain non-stop and temperatures were on the bitter side, but the big posh bath made up for it.

I'm fascinated to see how this 1400cc Guzzi motor really performs, and how far the 'California' model has progressed since when my 1976 T3 California was released.

Just hope the weather will be a bit more like in the photo above this time round.

If you have any specific questions about the new Cali that you want me to ask the Piaggio men in suits, or details you want photographing, or fat tyres you want kicking, now's your chance...

Borranis are back!

Now, I don't know if Borrani alloy rims for classic Italian bikes even ever went away , but I remember enquiring about them over 20 years ago while I lived in Italy, and was told they only made car wheels.
Judging by the eye-watering prices of decent used Borranis on Ebay, it seems they did disappear for some time.

Anyway, now it seems they're back with Borranis for bikes. We were sent these very nice photos from their press office, so here they are. There don't seem to be any details yet on their very nice website at: http://www.ruoteborrani.com but we'll keep an eye on what will be offered, and more importantly, how much. Mmm, maybe a nice new set on the Le Mans 2 special?

New California 1400 - also in white!!

This bike is growing on us - also in white - bit of a tart's handbag, but strangely alluring too - the El Dorado version!

Remember, you saw it first at ITALIAN MOTOR magazine!!

New official Guzzi California 1400 video

Don't like those silencers from behind. Still like to have a ride though....

November fly swatting

Managed to get a couple of hours out on the 750 yesterday - and had forgotten how good it is to get out and ride. What beautiful day it was - wintery, dirty roads but clear blue skies. I never realised there were so many insects out in November - the big headlamp took out a fair few of them.

New old stock surprise for the Guzzi 750

I've owned my 1975 Guzzi S3 750 for about 22 years by now, and when I first had it, it was my only and everyday transport when I lived in North London. I used to leave it parked out on the road, uncovered, unlocked and it didn't bother me. Now, since the value of it has gone up, I keep it locked away, but I'm still a bit concerned if I leave it somewhere unattended that someone is going to nick one of the sidepanels. Not that the side panels are particularly rare, but the badges on them are, seeing as they only built 950 bikes.

I was very surprised then to see these NOS side panel badges for an S3 appear on Italian Ebay last week - I haven't seen spare ones since I bought the bike, and they could never be got from the usual Guzzi spares sellers, her or in Italy. I was even more amazed that my solitary bid at less than 20 quid won them. One of those purchases that is pointless yet pleasing at the same time - NOS stuff is always enjoyable to get in your hands.

Fresh in from Italy

Just bought this from a friend in Italy - '57 Guzzi Lodola 175 ohc. The idea is to sell it on to make a few quid, but I love the condition of it. Haven't had time to check it over properly yet but I know it runs.
I think the appeal of it, is that's in one big piece, unlike most of my other bikes...