Moto Guzzi California 1998-2012 | Bike Tests | Used Bikes

03 July 2018 / Text Size (-) (+) / Print

A factory on the shores of Northern Italy'due south Lake Como seemed an unlikely source for a competent big-twin cruiser. At least at first

Whether your favourite Italian/American is Ol' Blue Eyes himself, or Sly, or Coppola (The Fonz is my Numero Uno), you could do a lot worse than include a motorcycle on the list – Moto Guzzi's California. The manufactory's blatant model-name statement is one matter, but in reality this Italian immigrant has a pretty practiced handle on the concept behind the fabricated-in-America cruisers. It ticks the boxes for important cruiser factors like looks, feel, comfort and performance.

Moto Guzzi engineer Giulio Carcano developed Moto Guzzi's first 5-twin during the 1960s. By 1969, a focused campaign won acceptance of the 750cc V7 Police model by the LAPD. While its growing success in the US with that model was valuable in its own right, information technology was more important as a trail-blazer for the successful launch of the 750cc V7 California civilian model in 1970.

Over the decades the 'Cali' has evolved and developed with its engine capacity growing progressively. Today we're reviewing the 1100cc models commencing with the EV 1100 introduced hither in 1998, and continuing until the introduction of the 1400 models in 2013.

Every bit a big air-cooled V-twin, the Cali's 1064cc engine fits the conventional cruiser template – admittedly, apart from its across-the-frame orientation. It's an honest toiler, producing effectually 56kW (75hp) max off a really meaty torque curve. All of the EV serial Calis take electronic fuel injection. Drive to the five-speed transmission and shaft final-drive is through a car-type single-plate clutch.

The powertrain is housed in a robust tubular-steel frame riding on conventional telescopic forks and twin-daze rear suspension. The superlative quality Brembo brakes are coupled, linking the rear disc and ane front disc via the pedal, while the handlebar lever operates the other front disc. ABS wasn't offered on pre-1400 models.

Styling is proper classic-cruiser regardless of which California variant you're looking at. The relationship between the very comfortable low seat (750-770mm high) and the handlebars and footboards suits most riders. The width of the seat on some models, despite its depression top, can be an event for some shorter riders, though.

There'southward nothing tricky about riding a Cali. You shortly accommodate to the cradle-type gear-shift; information technology changes gear quite smoothly for a heavy-duty cruiser. The powerful brakes are perfect for a cruiser. The shaft-bulldoze set-up is unobtrusive and nothing-maintenance.

The California is quite light for a cruiser at 246-263kg (dry). Too as making low-speed manoeuvres a piece of cake this contributes to much meliorate overall performance than you await. They get harder and handle better than about cruisers. A peak speed not far shy of 200km/h is a pleasant surprise given the modest max-power figure. It's a really enjoyable cycle to ride that'southward just every bit happy doing the daily commute as information technology is punting down the coast or dragging the footboards through the hills.

The big donk pulls like a tractor from 1500rpm. Information technology loves being short-shifted but doesn't mind being revved out. It's also easy on fuel providing a safe touring range of 280km from its 19-litre tank. Engine vibration is never intrusive. It's simply a textured background to the ride – a character affair. As is the torque-rock effect you get as yous blip the throttle at the lights.

The multitude of Cali models (Touring, Sport, Jackal, Stone, Aluminium, Vintage – and other Specials and Anniversary models) offer buyers a huge range of choices from full-dresser tourers to pared-back urban-community, all built on the same reliable and efficient chassis.

If y'all like its classic-cruiser looks and you appreciate a bit of grapheme in a bike, and y'all're up for something a bit different, a Moto Guzzi California offers the bonus of existence a surprisingly versatile and capable motorcycle.

  1. Weber-Marelli electronic fuel injection with 40mm throttle bodies – its introduction finally consigned carby-fed Cali's to motorcycling history.
  2. Brembo Brakes – the coupled braking system incorporates a forepart/rear pressure-proportioning valve to boost efficiency.
  3. Engine orientation – mounting the Five-twin beyond the frame maximizes ability delivery efficiency through to the shaft last-drive.
  4. Classic-look twin-daze rear interruption – information technology works quite finer, contributing to the Cali's surprisingly capable handling.

What to look for

The big Cali has a great reputation for being trouble free. The exception was the hydraulic valve-lifter models (2003-'05) that had cam-article of clothing issues. These should all take been rectified by a factory recall at the time.

Because cruisers are usually non ridden to their limits, a overnice looking example with a good service record and reasonable kilometres is very unlikely to take subconscious problems.

Always remember to gene in the cost of consumables like brake pads and brake rotors that will before long need replacing.

Service history

The California is a nice uncomplicated bike for routine servicing by DIY owners. Taking the sump off to modify the oil filter seems odd, just it'due south old hat second time effectually.

Take an adept check the fuel-pump/fuel-line connectedness. Some have come adrift. It's a simple fix. Any periodic attending the fuel-injection system needs is also all-time left to experts.

Services including oil and filter changes, valve clearances and new plugs are required every 10,000km. My Guzzi-guru, John Vittorio, from Motociclo in St Peters recommends irresolute oil and filter in between at 5000km.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON EL

1936 – The Harley EL's release sets the depression, sleek styling-template for cruisers that's still seen in today'southward cruisers – including the California.

Moto Guzzi 700 cc v7

1967 – MOTO GUZZI's 700cc V7, its first 5-twin, was adult as a police bike for the Italian domestic marketplace. Civilian versions followed.

Moto Guzzi 750 cc v7

1969 – MOTO GUZZI's 750cc V7 adult for the LAPD was followed by the California, a challenger to Harley-Davidson for civilian sales.

Price Guide

New Price

$20,995(1998)

$24,990 (2012)

Secondhand

$6000 – $xvi,600

As appeared in AMCN Mag Vol 67 No 23