Moto Guzzi California Stone Metal reviews

I have had the stone black for 6000 mile - no trouble - just a sheer joy to own and ride. Theres nothing like it anywhere do not let anyone tell that this is not a great bike its outstanding and is now being built to high standards. Show less

Had my 2002 Stone Metal 3 weeks, and what a bike. It handles so much better than my previous Le Mans 1000 (1989) The seat is comfortable and the engine (though new) pulls like a train. 1st tankful shows 55 mpg (imperial) Build quality since Aprilia took over is so much sharper than my Le Mans.I really look forward to putting some miles on this bike. Show less

This is an update of a review I posted in late 2002. I have had my 2003 Stone Metal since August 2002 and now have ~7700 miles on the odometer. The bike has been an absolute joy, trouble free and runs like a scalded dog! As the miles pass, the transmission/clutch, which started out somewhat notchy, has started to smooth out quite nicely. The bike runs perfectly, braking is excellent and handling is excellent as well. I have added the Guzzi Stone Touring windshield, some soft luggage from motorbags.com and highway bars/pegs from mgcycle.com and the bike is a pleasure for touring use. It's also a great around town bike and I ride it to work daily, weather permitting(damned Nebraska winters!!) All in all, it's a fantastic bike and I can't see myself ever parting with it. It does everything I want it to do and does it very well. chris in omaha Show less

Bought my California Stone metal on 8/2/02. 4 weeks and 1850 miles later, I have loved every minute of rding thus far! The bike is a blast to ride and the power just keeps building as the revs get higher. My long trip thus far was a 500 miler between Omaha and the Kansas City area...mostly interstate and she ran and handled beautifully and with great passing power. After about 300-350 miles of riding my butt got a little sore, but not too bad. The gearbox was a little notchy at first but has gotten smoother with time and miles. You learn to shift very deliberately and positively, especially early on. Average about 40 mpg, with a best tank of 42 mpg and a worst of about 38.5 mpg thus far. Seating position is pretty upright and seat height is fairly high for a cruiser styled bike at around 29 inches....more like a standard. My dealer, Baxter Cycle is Marne Iowa, has been great. Excellent service thus far. They are motorcycle lovers and sell Triumph and Moto Guzzi new models as well as a ton of older British and other bikes. Worth a visit!! My Guzzi has loads of that indefinable "character" and I can't wait to wake up every day and ride it! Show less