California 1100 → 1400
+21bhp · +30 years
1100 (1996, 75bhp, no electronics) → 1400 (2013, 96bhp, ABS/TC/ride modes). Same shaft-drive transverse V-twin Guzzi character throughout. 1400 was the modern, more comfortable take.
Why was it killed?
Euro 5 emissions
Air-cooled big V-twin couldn't meet Euro 5 emissions without major redesign. MG chose to invest in V100 Mandello (liquid-cooled sport-tourer) instead. California 1400 production ended 2021. The California nameplate is dead for now — MG's lineup pivoted away from cruiser-touring.
vs Harley Road King (rival)
Different brand, similar mission
Road King ($24,099, M8 117 105bhp): more power, more weight (372kg), more dealer presence. California 1400 (final $17,995, 96bhp, 322kg): lighter, cheaper, MG character. Different riders — HD for tradition + dealer support, MG for Italian heritage.
vs Indian Roadmaster (rival)
Different price tier
Roadmaster ($32,499, Thunder Stroke 111 82bhp): full-dress, heavy. California 1400 Touring ($17,995, 96bhp, 322kg): mid-tier cruiser-tourer. Different price points and riders.
Cheapest way in
$3,500 (used Cal 1100)
A clean 1996-2003 California 1100i is the cheapest entry to MG California ownership. $3.5-5.5k for a tidy one. California 1400 (2013-2021) is $8-12k. Watch reg/rec, driveshaft U-joint.
Rider aids count (1996 → 2021)
1 → 5
1100i had only FI. Final 1400 had ABS, ride-by-wire, traction control, 3 ride modes, cruise. Reasonable modern stack — but less comprehensive than HD/Indian competitors.
