Moto Guzzi California

Moto Guzzi California
Manufacturer Moto Guzzi
Production 1971–
Predecessor V7 roadster
Class cruiser
Engine OHV 2V/cyl. air cooled, four-stroke, V-twin
Transmission 5 or 6 speed, shaft drive
Suspension Front: telescopic forks
Rear: twin shocks
Brakes Front: disc
Rear: drum or disc

The Moto Guzzi California is a cruiser motorcycle manufactured and marketed by Moto Guzzi since 1971, with a standard seating position, footboards, heel-and-toe gearshift, and linked (discontinued for the new 1400 models) Brembo brakes.

The first California was designed in consultation with the Los Angeles Police Department Traffic Division to replace the department's Moto Guzzi V7s.[1][2] It originally had a left-foot gearshift, a bulletproof Lexan windshield and a sprung sidestand, along with the requisite siren, radio, extra police lights, and a standing quarter mile time of under 16 seconds. Later other police departments used them, including the California Highway Patrol.[1]

Moto Guzzi have produced a version of the California almost continuously from 1971 to the present day, and the current iteration is a 1400 cc model.[3] In 2002, Moto Guzzi made an 80th anniversary special edition California model designed by Italian furniture maker Poltrona Frau.

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Moto Guzzi California.
  1. 1.0 1.1 Bolton, James Adam (March–April 2013). "1979 Moto Guzzi: An Italian Motorcycle That’s California Cool". Motorcycle Classics 8 (4). Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  2. "Moto Guzzi Road Tests & Reviews". Rider Magazine. Archived from the original on 8 October 2014.
  3. California