Moto Guzzi California

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (May 2011)

The Moto Guzzi California (aka Cali) is a motorcycle manufactured by Italian company Moto Guzzi since 1971, bringing together the company's heritage, their iconic air-cooled 90° V-twin engines and styling that evokes the classic American Cruiser motorcycle.

At its introduction, the California was part of a trio of motorcycles that included the Special, California and Ambassador and was based on a model sold to the Los Angeles police department. The bike features a standard seating position, footboards, heel-and-toe gearshift, and linked Brembo brakes.

Model names and changes

During the period of 1999 through 2005 no fewer than 14 different names were used to describe three levels of trim. During the same period, all models used a 1,064 cc engine and the Tonti frame.

The Three Trim Levels:

• Base Level: the Jackal, later the Stone; distinguished by a single disk up front, no tachometer, and minimal trim enhancements. Touring version offered.
• Mid Level: Bassa, which later became the California Special, which became the California Special Sport, which then became the Aluminum Special Sport and Titanium.
• Highest Level: The EV; distinguished by adjustable suspension, tubeless wheels, floorboards, heavy chrome detailing and other lesser differences. Touring versions offered. Anniversary editions offered.

• Notably, in 2002 and 2003 the California Stone, the "base" model, was offered with two cosmetic "upgrade" packages: California Stone Metal and California Stone Chrome.

Model change notes:

• Touring models, where offered, generally included side cases and windshields.
• Prior to 1993, all California models were carburated.
• Beginning in 1993 with the California IIIie, models were offered with electronic fuel injection besides the carbureted models.
• Distinctions in model grades include special paint treatments, twin disc brakes vs. single, floorboards vs. pegs, tube vs. tubeless tires, and handle-bar configurations.
• 2000 and 2001 had silver painted engines.
• 2002 onward had black painted engines.
• 2003-2005: These models had hydraulic lifters (aka hydro's).
• 2000-2001: the barebones bikes, the Jackals, were distinguished by tube tires, single disc brakes, non-integrated brakes and (pre-wired for but) no tach.
• 2000-2001: Bassa: tubeless tires, Tachometer and dual integrated disc brakes. Bassa became "California Special" in 2001.
• Stone models came with 12-volt accessory adaptors and a different EVAP canister arrangement.
• Stone models were offered for a few years in Metal Chrome and Metal Black configurations.
• Special Anniversary editions with 'unique' trim (such as the 2002 EV80) have been offered regularly.

Current Models:

California's are currently manufactured in California Vintage and California Classic (non US) models.

Moto Guzzi California

Moto Guzzi California Special (2001)

Moto Guzzi California Jackal (2000)

Moto Guzzi California Vintage (2005)

1971-1993

• 1971 Formal introduction of the California model.
• 1981–1987 California II 948.8 cc
• 1987-1993 California III 948.8 cc

1994-2005

• 1994 California 1100ie
• 1995 California 1100
• 1995 California 1100i
• 1996 California 1100
• 1996 California 1100i
• 1997 California 1100i

1996 California 1100i: , colors: navy blue/beige, red/black, red/red or green/black; red/silver on Anniversary Edition, warranty: 12 mos., unlimited miles; Engine type: air-cooled, longitudinal-crankshaft, 90-degree V-twin, Valve arrangement: OHV, 1 intake, 1 exhaust valve, operated by pushrods, rockers, screw-type adjusters, 1064cc, 92 x 80 mm, Compression ratio: 9.5:1, Weber fuel injection with 2 40 mm throttle bodies, Lubrication: wet sump, 3.2 qt. Transmission: Dry multiplate clutch; 5 speeds, Wheels: Wire-spoke, 18x2.5 front, 17x3.5 rear, Front tire: 110/90-18 Metzeler ME33, tube-type, Rear tire: 140/90-17 Metzeler ME55, tube-type, Front brake: 2, double-action calipers, 11.8-in. discs, Rear brake: single-action caliper, 10.6-in. disc, Front suspension: 40 mm stanchion diameter, 5.5 in. travel, adjustable for spring preload, rebound damping; Rear suspension: dual dampers, 3.8 in. travel, adjustable for spring preload, rebound damping; Fuel capacity: 4.9 gal; Handlebar width: 31.3 in.; Charging output: 350 watts; Battery: 12v, 30AH; Forward lighting: 55/60-watt 7.5-in. headlight, position lights; Instruments: Speedometer, tachometer, odometer, tripmeter; warning lights for neutral, high beam, left turn signal, right turn signal, low fuel, oil pressure, lights-on, engine-management troubleshooting; Wheelbase: 61.4 in. (1560 mm); Seat Height: 31.5 in. (800 mm); Claimed dry Weight: 552 lb (250 kg). (251 kg.).

California V11 Bassa 1999-2000 1999 specifications: Engine Type: 4 stroke air-cooled; Displacement: 1064CC, 90° V-twin; Bore/Stroke: 92 mm x 80 mm; Compression Ratio: 9.5 : 1; Max. H.P: 77 @ 6400 rpm; Max. Torque: 70 lb·ft (95 N·m). @ 5000 rpm; Valve System: OHV with 2 valves per cylinder; Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection; Ignition: Digital Electronic; Transmission: 5 speed with shaft; Clutch: 2 dry Disks; Charging System: 25A x 14V alternator with 30 AH battery; Frame: Chrome Moly tubular duplex cradle; Suspension: Marzocchi 45 mm, dual adjustable forks. Two WP dual adjustable rear shocks; Instruments: Speedometer with tripmeter, tachometer and warning lights; Fuel Capacity: 5.0 US Gallons; Braking: Front: Dual 320 mm floating discs w/ 4 piston calipers, Rear: 282 mm disc; Tires: Front: 110/90 VB 18 tubeless, Rear: 140/80 VB 17 tubeless; Dry Weight: 545 lb (247 kg).; Seat Height: 28.8 inches;

California Jackal: 199_-2000: Essentially a decontented California EV; Engine type: Air-cooled, 90-degree transverse V-twin: Valve arrangement: OHV, 1 intake valve, 1 exhaust valve, operated by pushrods; Displacement, bore x stroke: 1064cc, 92 x 80 mm; Compression ratio: 9.5:1; Carburetion: EFI, 40 mm throats; Transmission: dry, twin driven plates clutch, 5 speeds; Final drive: Shaft; Dry weight: 542 lb (246 kg); Wheels: Wire-spoke, 18.0 x 2.5 in. front, 17.0 x 3.5 in. rear; Front brake: Four-piston, double-action caliper, 12.6-in. disc; Rear brake: Two-piston, double-action caliper, 11.1-in. disc; Front suspension: 45 mm stanchions; Rear suspension: Two dampers, adjustable for preload; Fuel capacity: 5.0 gal.

California Stone: 2001-2004, first availabile in the US in 2002, the California Stone replaced the Jackal. The front disc brake switched sides, handlebar diameter increased, engine cases, front forks, and other components received black paint, and new matte finish paint became available. Other changes include an improved gearbox for easier shifting, wider diameter handlebars (30 mm), hydraulic valves (beginning in 2003), redesigned seat and a wider diameter headlamp (8") Two special models of Stone have been offered: The California Stone Metal, which is essentially a color variation. The other special Stone model is the California Stone Touring, which includes a windscreen and hard bags.

1999 Models

• 1999 V11 Jackal
• 1999 V11 Bassa

2000 Models

• 2000 V11 Jackal
• 2000 V11 Bassa

2001 Models

• 2001 California Jackal
• 2001 California Special
• 2001 California EV

2002 Models

• 2002 California Stone
• 2002 California Stone Metal
• 2002 California Sport Special: frame and swingarm have been designed for a wider rear tire (140/80-17 bias-ply), revised springs in the rear shocks, more seat padding.
• 2002 California EV
• 2002 California EV80: (see below)
• 2002 California EV Touring: Chrome detailing, passenger backrest,

2002 California EV 80 Specifications: 80th Anniversary Edition, introduced formally on October 31, 2001; featuring leather seat, saddlebags, hand grips and key by Poltrona Frau, chrome-plating on the heads, commemorative tank decal, a color-coordinated windscreen, special leg guards, and a larger, more powerful headlight. The design of the saddlebags by Poltrona Frau, allowed the bags to be used as luggage when taken off of the bike: an interior plastic framework allowed the bags to work as suitcases with built-in shoulder straps. The bags included a combination lock and were marked on the side with the Moto Guzzi logo and with the Poltrona Frau logo above the lock. The leather, with its exposed off-white stitching, was a special high-quality leather treated with a dying process to withstand effects of weather and the elements—the bikes included a special individualized motorcycle cover and rain covers for the saddlebags. The EV 80 was offered in one color: Red Vintage, with red leather components, and was produced in a limited edition of 300 numbered units, with 32 imported to the US. Each bike shipped with an original “certificate of ownership” signed by then president Ivano Beggio. The certificates were intended to record information both about the owner and the motorcycle. A special identification plaque aboard the motorcycle indicated the number within the series of the particular bike. A buyer of an EV 80 received a sepia paper drawing of the first 90° V-twin signed by Eng. Giulio Cesare Carcano, father of Motto Guzzi V-twin and The Moto Guzzi V8. The 300 buyers were invited to a special anniversary celebration evening in Mandello del Lario.^[1]

2003 Models

• 2003 California Stone
• 2003 California Stone Metal
• 2003 California Sport Special
• 2003 California Aluminum Special Sport
• 2003 California Titanium Special Sport: small fairing, lower bar and less chrome than Aluminum, titanium gray.
• 2003 California EV:

2003 California EV Touring Specifications; equipped with heated grips, 12V accessory socket, upper and lower fairings, touring seat with pillion backrest and hard bags; ; colors: Red/Black; back/chrome;blue/chrome; dark silver/black; Engine: Air-cooled, 90-degree transverse V-twin; SOHC, 1 intake valve, 1 exhaust valve per cylinder, operated by pushrods, hydraulic adjusters; 1064cc, 92 x 80 mm; compression ratio: 9.8:1; EFI; transmission: 5 speed; Final drive: Shaft; Dry weight: 573 lb (260 kg); Wheelbase: 61.4 in.; Overall length: 93.7 in.; Seat height: 30.7 in.; Wheels: Wire-spoke, 2.50 x 18 in. front, 4.00 x 17 in. rear; Front tire: 110/90 VB18 tubeless; Rear tire: 150/80 VB17 tubeless; Front brake: 2, 4-piston, double-action calipers, 12.6-in. discs; Rear brake: 2-piston, double-action caliper, 11.1-in. disc; Front suspension: Marzocchi 45 mm, 5.5 in. travel, adjustable damping; Rear suspension: Dual dampers, 3.5 in. travel, adjustable for preload and damping; Fuel capacity: 5.01 gal.; Handlebar width: 32.0 in.; Battery: 12v, 16AH; instruments: Speedometer, tachometer, odometer, warning lights.

2004 Model

• 2004 California EV Touring, tall fairing plus lowers, linked triple-disc brakes.
• 2004 California EV, pullback bar, chrome detailing, passenger backrest/luggage rack.
• 2004 California Titanium Special Sport, small fairing, lower bar and less chrome than Aluminum, titanium gray.
• 2004 California Aluminum Special Sport
• 2004 California Stone
• 2004 California Stone Touring, shield and hard sidebags.

2005 Model

• 2005 California EV Touring, tall fairing plus lowers, linked triple-disc brakes.
• 2005 California EV, pullback bar, chrome detailing, passenger backrest/luggage rack.
• 2005 California Titanium Special Sport, small fairing, lower bar and less chrome than Aluminum
• 2005 California Aluminum Special Sport
• 2005 California Stone, little chrome detailing,
• 2005 California Stone Touring, shield and hard sidebags.

2005 California Titanium Special Sport Specifications: Color: Metallic Titanium; Engine: air-cooled 90° V-Twin, 4 stroke, 1064 cc, 92 mm x 80 mm, compression ratio: 9.8:1; Valves & operation: 2 overhead valves moved by light alloy push-rods and rocker arms with hydraulic valves; Maximum power: 74 hp (55 kW) @ 6400 rpm; Maximum torque: 70 lb·ft (95 N·m) @ 5000 rpm; Fuel system: Magneti Marelli IAW Multipoint phased sequential fuel injection Starting system: Electric; Ignition: Magneti Marelli IAW electronic digital ignition; with inductive spark Exhaust system: Steel, 2 tubes connected to an; expansion chamber, connected to 2 steel mufflers catalyzed with Lambda probe Gear box: 5 speed, constant mesh gears with built-in; cush drive; Lubrication: Wet sump, forced oil, cartridge filter; Transmission: Primary: helical gears; Secondary: shaft drive; Clutch: Single disc, dry; Electrical system: 12 V; 12 V alternator; 16 Ah battery; Instruments: Speedometer with tripmeter, tachometer and warning lights; Frame: Detachable tubular duplex cradle; Trail: 4.258" (116.4 mm); Rake: 29.5 °Front suspension: Marzocchi 45 mm hydraulic telescopic fork Front wheel travel: 5.51" (140 mm); Rear suspension: Swing arm with 2 hydraulic shock absorbers with preload adjustment Rear wheel travel: 3.50" (89 mm); Braking System: Integral braking system with proportioning and delay valve Front brakes: Two Brembo ORO Series stainless steel 320 mm floating discs with 4 piston caliper; Rear brakes: Single stainless steel 282 mm fixed disc with Brembo 2 piston caliper; Wheels: Steel spoke rims, Front: 2.50" x 18" Rear: 3.5" x 17"; Tires: Front: 110/90 VB18" Rear: 140/80 VB17"; Overall length: 93.7" (2380 mm); Width: 29.92"(760 mm) Height: 45.27" (1150 mm); Seat Height: 29.52" (750 mm); Ground clearance: 7.48" (190 mm); Wheelbase: 61.41" (1560 mm) Dry weight: 553.36 lb (251 kg); Fuel capacity: 5.01 gallons (19 liters); Reserve: 1.05 gallons (4 liters).

2006-2007

2006 US Model

• 2006 California EV Touring

2007 US Model

• 2007 California Vintage,

California Vintage Specifications The California Vintage is available in one color, black with a two-tone black and white-paneled seat, white pin-striped tank and classically styled locking hard panniers with white pin-striping (and chrome crash bars). Other features include integrated front fairing, lower fairings with chrome crash bars, wire wheels, retro taillight, mechanical odometer and tripmeter, floorboards, spoked wheels, chrome mudguards, throttle body guards, chromed luggage rack, foot guards, heated handgrips (Europe), stainless steel fenders, supplementary fog lights, and its engine imported from the Breva 1100. The twin mufflers contain catalytic converters and now conforms to Euro 3.

Engine: Air-cooled 90-degree V-twin, OHV, operated by pushrods, hydraulic adjusters; Displacement, bore and stroke: 1064cc, 92 x 80 mm; Compression ratio: 9.8:1; Maximum power: 74 hp (55 kW) @ 6,400 rpm; Maximum torque: 40.6 ft·lbf @ 5,000 rpm; Carburetion: Magneti Marelli phased sequential fuel injection; 40 mm injector bodies; Transmission: 5 speeds, dry clutch; Final drive: shaft; Claimed Dry weight: 580 lb (263 kg).; Seat height: 30.7in.; Overall length: 93.7 in.; Wheelbase: 61.4 in.; Front suspension: 45 mm stanchions, 5.5 in. travel, adjustable damping; Rear suspension: 2 dampers, 3.8 in. travel; Wheels: Wire spoke, 18 x 2.50 front, 3.50 x 17 rear; Front tire: 110/90VB-18; Rear tire: 140/70VB-17; Front brake: 2, integrated, 4-piston calipers, 12.6-in. discs; Front brake: Integrated, 2-piston caliper, 11.1-in. disc; Handlebar width: 32.1 in.; Fuel capacity: 5.0 gal.; Instruments: Speedometer, tachometer, odometer, tripmeter; lights for neutral, high beam, low fuel, oil pressure, left turn signal, right turn signal.

California Classic Touring (1,064 cc) (not available in the US)

References