Moto Guzzi California

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.

Moto Guzzi California
ManufacturerMoto Guzzi
Production1971–
Predecessor850GT
Classcruiser
EngineOHV 2V/cyl. air-cooled, four-stroke, V-twin
Transmission5- or 6-speed, manual, shaft drive
SuspensionFront: telescopic forks
Rear: twin shocks
BrakesFront: Disc
Rear: Drum or disc

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. In 2002, Moto Guzzi made an 80th anniversary special edition California model designed by Italian furniture maker Poltrona Frau.

For 2017, Moto Guzzi released a new bagger model called Moto Guzzi MGX21 Flying Fortress. This model is largely based on the California 1400 (1,380 cc) model with its claimed 95 hp and 89 lb-ft. of torque motor. The frame and associated pieces have been tweaked slightly to accommodate the larger 21-inch front wheel and anticipated load, also real carbon fiber is used for all bodywork.[3]

References
  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. Adams, Bradley (August 17, 2016). "2017 Moto Guzzi MGX21 Flying Fortress First Ride Review". Cycle World. Retrieved November 11, 2016.


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