Riding the 2002 Guzzi

Rideamotorcycle.com is the newest motorcycle Internet web site, one that takes a totally fresh approach to catering to the street-oriented two-wheeled enthusiast. Rideamotorcycle.com is focused on 3 groups; the established street motorcycle rider, new motorcyclists, or those who do not currently ride motorcycles but are curious about learning to do so. Rideamotorcycle.com LLC Editor at Large: Bill Heald Webmaster: Mark Lesselyoung Publisher: Dean Adams A Biplane on Two Wheels Ridea test: 2002 Moto-Guzzi California EV By Bill Heald Click to enlarge With all the high-tech whiz-bang gadgetry in our lives, there are times where we feel the need for something more elemental. The manic need to go from A to B, with a quick side-trip to C for a cup of coffee and a pastry full of creamy goodness, is a part of our everyday lives. But just because we have to make the trip doesn't mean we can't control how we get there. Instead of the commute being just another part of modern living, why not use the trip as an excuse to transform ourselves into the Great Waldo Pepper, the famous fictitious flying ace from a much simpler time? This is where the 2002 Moto Guzzi California EV rolls into the picture. Granted, it is a ground-bound cruiser with an air-cooled V-Twin engine and a long, low look. But there is a difference here that makes it different from the garden variety cruisers out there. In fact, this machine is the closest thing you'll find to a two-wheeled Steerman biplane and a great way to inject some serious retro relaxation into your daily flogs. What makes this motorcycle so different? Well, it's the entire package that really makes the experience, but by far the thing that gives this Italian ride its magic is the engine. Unlike other V-Twins that place the cylinders longitudinally in the frame, Moto Guzzi places the 1064cc motor transversely with those big air-cooled cylinders sticking out in the breeze just in front of your legs. The visual effect is much like looking at part of a big, radial aircraft engine that would power you through loop the loops and make thunderous mayhem as you strafe farmyards and levitate chickens with your mighty propwash. This impression is so much a part of this motorcycle that you find yourself yelling "Clear" the first few times you fire up the engine. There's a very real, primitive solidarity to the beast, and those cylinders so close to your knees help keep your legs warm in the cold, as well as provide a constant reminder of the ancient mechanical simplicity of the machine you're riding. Also recalling machines of old (like 70s and 80s motorcycles), we have an excellent centerstand on this bike. These things are all but non-existent on most cruisers, and I welcome this handy device. There are some modern touches, of course, like fuel injection. This makes starting the bike a no brainer, with no choke to mess with as just a push on the starter button is required. A quick twist of the throttle as the big pistons turn over brings things to life, and the Guzzi's exhaust settles into a wonderfully deep, rhythmic rumble. The suspension is also quite contemporary, with adjustable 45mm Marzocchi forks in front and twin WP shocks out back. I'd say they're a cut above the average cruiser suspenders in the class, and work well with the bike's reduces maintenance and a steering damper is standard equipment, to keep the bike from wagging its head under power (although I'd think the conservative cruiser steering geometry would prevent that already). With your helmet, scarf (and goggles, if you have them) in place, you roll off into the wild blue yonder (okay, onto the wild gray pavement). The riding position is a bit sportier than most cruisers, meaning that the floorboards aren't so far forward that you feel like your riding a La-Z-Boy. This is a good thing, as it works better when you need to shift your body around for aggressive riding (like when you're pursuing those bogies at 12 o'clock high, for example). From the first time I rode the bike I was struck by how the mighty throb of the engine is always present but never annoying, and the big V offers excellent low-end and midrange power. The fuel injection is well-sorted and showed no on/off harshness like some of the earlier injected motorcycles have displayed. Meandering around town reveals a quick-steering bike that feels rock-stable on bumpy bends, and the tick of the engine just below you along with the open-air atmosphere completes the illusion of flight. The bliss continues, until a bright red object ruins your day. "Curse you, Red Baron!" you scream, while waving your gauntlet-shrouded fist. Okay, it's just a stoplight. Typical. Perhaps a nice pastry filled with creamy goodness will calm the soul after such an affront. But don't pause for long. You don't want to be late for work. MSRP $11,990 www.motoguzzi-us.com