Guzzi Cali 1400 launch 'official' pics

Some 'official' photos from the launch. The Clifornia 1400 is big, very big, but it still handles sweetly round the bends. Dollops of torque, plentiful power, high quality build.

Full review, opinion and more photos in Issue Five of the magazine, on sale 10th January 2013

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...

The definitive Moto Guzzi Calfornia 1400?

One of Motociclismo magazine's readers spotted what the magazine reckons will be the definitive production version of the promised Moto Guzzi California 1400.

The reader, looking very much like Telly Sevalas even had a cheeky sit on it while the tester was absent. We're not sure what to make of it - like some bits of it - and the torque produced by a 1400cc Guzzi V twin is going to be fun to use, whatever the rest of it looks like. Will no doubt sell in the States, following on the success of the 750 range.