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...

California Lovin'

After doing some spannering for Adam on his bike last week, I managed to grab an hour or two yesterday to work on my bike, after finally completing my tiresome tax return. I last rode my '76 T3 California through the mud and wet last September, and it's been left like that ever since. The fork stanchions are getting more rust and pitted, so I'm going to fit some gaiters to hide them (from the MOT man), even though there's no leaks from the fork seals, as the damage isn't really in that area.

Poor bike - covered in dust and crap, unwashed, unloved, paint peeling and with a couple of leaks that need attention. I'm not really a polisher, but I think I'll give it a really good clean. I managed to score a front crashbar in almost new condition for it on Ebay, so I'll fit that, once I can get hold of the right bolts and spacers. I managed to strip the front end down, with alll kinds of filthy water and oild coming from the fork legs. I'll refurbish the forks, check the calipers, and fit a new front tyre. I might even clean the front wheel (Borrani), seeing how much they seem to sell for nowadays. I think I might leave the screen off this time round. Anyway, good to get back into the bikes again...