February 2024 (G.T.) – The editorial staff received a flyer entitled “2014 Moto Guzzi California Custom Trike 1400cc”, with photos and information on the gorgeous California “custom-built by professional bike & trike builder, Norm Wilding, of Mid-Missouri Motorcycles (USA).”
This trike is spectacular, with a pearlescent white livery and extremely elegant black pinstripes, as well as the following features: 9,800 miles, heated hand grips, Garmin GPS, receiver-type trailer hitch, custom taillights, Lehman trike differential, locking rear travel trunk, padded passenger backrest, driver and passenger floorboards, with 2 sets of keys for everything.
We can just imagine a couple of Guzzi fans cruising down the wide American roads, almost as if they were in a parade, attracting admiring stares, as they travel in comfort and relaxation towards their destination, whatever it may be (a romantic weekend, a trip to discover unknown locations, a Guzzi fan rally?). And the imaginative juices really start to flow just thinking about this extraordinary trike which combines comfort, style, design, and performance. And with its third wheel that provides stability, muscles and legs won’t be tired from the ride - a feature that is especially helpful for riders who love to travel in comfort on those medium-long trips.
And since it piqued our curiosity, we bombarded the Guzzi owner who sent us the flyer with questions. His name is Paul Gilkerson and he’s from Missouri. Here is his story: “I sent the flyer for the Moto Guzzi Trike hoping someone in the factory design team might find it interesting. Harley Davidson has had great success with their TriGlide trike. The Guzzi Trike in the Sale flyer was built by a professional custom motorcycle builder. After receiving it and riding it, I realized that I am not a trike guy and decided to sell it.” Here is the information.
Paul continues, “I bought my first Guzzi in 1976 and have been exclusively riding them, ever since and have owned and enjoyed about a dozen of them. I have also been a member of the Moto Guzzi National Owners Club for well over 40 years. I am thankful Frank Wedge started the club many years ago and has provided his informative monthly newsletter.”
Finally, his request, “I would appreciate it if you could forward the flyer and photos to the factory design, engineering and production departments to check out. I wish they would produce another good touring model with comfortable passenger footpegs or floorboards and comfortable passenger seating. Thank you for your interest in this Trike. It will be sold at the Sullivan Auction on February 19th.”
Flyer sent and message launched! Thank you, Paul, for your loyalty to Moto Guzzi.
Another beautiful Paul Gilkerson’s Moto Guzzi California.
Last note: “Have you experienced the Moto Guzzi National Owners Club (MGNOC) website? It would be nice if you did a story about it in your Wide Magazine. All the volunteers have done such a great job of promoting the Moto Guzzi brand motorcycles and putting on annual state rallies and a national rally for enthusiasts to get together and have fun. Debra Colglazier would be a good person for you to contact for information about the club. She is the daughter of the club founder, Frank Wedge and is instrumental in putting out the monthly newsletter and could probably provide you with details about the club and its history. Thank you for all you do for us Moto Guzzi enthusiasts”, by Paul & Joan Gilkerson, Kahoka, Missouri.
Thank you again to Paul and Joan, we soon prepare an article about the MGNOC and, meantime, here some info about the next 2024 National Rally.
Moto Guzzi National Owners Club, next event: 50th MGNOC NATIONAL RALLY, FROM 27 THROUGH 29 JUNE 2024, GRANT COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, JOHN DAY, OREGON (USA).
www.mgnoc.com
WIDE REWIND-FROM THE ARCHIVES:
wide.piaggiogroup.com/en/articles/events/the-moto-guzzi-california-shines-at-the-columbus-day
