The first generation Moto Guzzi California was launched in 1971. After 35 years, the company decided to celebrate its long lasting model by creating an exclusive Vintage version.

The new 2012 Moto Guzzi California Vintage is basically a retro cruiser with a pronounced Italian style. You’ll especially like the classy windscreen which is decorated with a stainless steel strip. It’s also worthy of being mentioned that the bag is made from rotational nylon, waterproof, lined and protected with chromed steel tubes.

Compared to the standard model, the special edition California Vintage comes with bigger tires and a new engine. Talking about the engine, the 2012 California Vintage is powered by the company’s 1100cc 90° V-Twin unit which has been borrowed from the Breva 1100.

The Moto Guzzi California Vintage is offered with a starting price of $18,995.

Hit the jump for more information on the 2012 Moto Guzzi California Vintage.

2012 Moto Guzzi California Vintage

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Moto Guzzi California Vintage
  • Engine/Motor: 90° V-Twin, 4 stroke
  • Horsepower: 40 @ 6400
  • Torque: 94 @ 5000
  • Transmission: 5 speed, costant mesh gears with built-in cush drive
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Press Release

Over thirty-five years have gone by since its introduction, but the Moto Guzzi California continues to play a leading role in the collective imagination of motorcyclists all over the world. When the California was first introduced back in 1971, the market for customs was split between original motorcycles and Japanese imitations. But then Moto Guzzi introduced a machine with a powerful personality, based on the tried and tested frame of the V7 Special and the legendary 90° V twin engine, with a capacity of 757 cc. This frame/engine combination proved such a tremendous international success that it was eagerly adopted by the L.A.P.D. (Los Angeles Police Department), and later by police departments in other American States. The rest is history – and legend. A familiar protagonist in films and advertisements, the California has every right to be considered as one of the few objects of industrial design that have left a permanent mark. The California’s wheels have never stopped, and neither has its development. Year after year, the bike’s looks and technology have been updated without altering its original character and spirit. Now, 35 years after its introduction, Moto Guzzi has decided to pay tribute to the amazing California by creating an exclusive Vintage version, dedicated to modern riders who want to continue the dream. The styling is obviously retro, as you can see from the stunning spoked wheels, redesigned steel mudguards, new Brembo front calipers, supplementary fog lights controlled from the right hand switch block, windshield with stainless steel trim, shiny chrome handlebars and two-tone seat. The fixed panniers are a further sign of distinction. Made from rotational nylon, they are fully waterproof with inner linings, and are protected against impact by robust chromed steel tube of the same type used for the luggage rack.

Specifications

Engine

Engine Type

90° V-Twin, 4 stroke

Cooling system

air cooled

Displacement

1,064 cc

Bore and stroke

92 x 80 mm

Compression ratio

9.8 : 1

Timing system

2 overhead valves moved by light alloy push–rod sand rocker arm with mechanical tappets

Valve timing

intake open 24° B.T.D.C.

intake close

52° A.B.D.C.

exhaust open

54° B.B.D.C.

exhaust close

22° A.T.D.C.

Maximum power

54 kW at 6,400 rpm

Maximum torque

94 Nm at 5,000 rpm

Fuel system

Magneti Marelli IAW alfa-n system Multipoint phased sequential fuel; 2 throttle bodies of 40 mm with injectors Weber IW 031

Starting system

electric

Ignition Magneti

Marelli IAW 15RC electronic digital ignition, twin spark

Exhaust system

steel, 2 tubes connected to an expansion room, that is connected to 2 steel mufflers; three-way catalyzer with Lambda sensor (Euro 3)

Homologation

Euro 3

Lubrication

with lobes pump and pressure regulator


Transmission

Gearbox

5 speed, costant mesh gears with built-in cush drive

Internal ratios


-1° 14/28 = 1:2

-2° 18/25 = 1:1.389

-3° 21/22 = 1:1.048

-4° 23/20 = 1:0.870

-5° 28/21 = 1:0.750


Primary drive

by helical gears, ratio 17/21 = 1: 1.235

Secondary drive

shaft drive, ratio 8/33 = 1:4.125

Clutch

dual disc dry with


Chassis

Frame

detachable tubular duplex cradle in special high-strengh steel

Wheelbase

1,560 mm

Trail

116 mm

Rake

29°

Front suspension

Marzocchi hydraulic telescopic fork, Ø 45 mm, adjustable separately

Front wheel travel

140 mm

Rear suspension

swing arm with 2 hydraulic shock absorbers, exstension adjustable

Rear wheel travel

96 mm

Breaking system

Integral breaking system, with proportioning and delay valve

Front brake

double Brembo Serie Oro stainless steel floating disc, Ø 320 mm, 4 piston calipers

Rear brake

single Brembo stainless steel floating disc, Ø 282 mm, 2 piston calipers

Wheels

Behr spoked steel rims

Front rim

2.50” x 18”

Rear rim

3.50” x 17”

Front tyre

110/90 VB 18”

Rear tyre

140/70 VB 17”


Electrics

Voltage

12 V

Battery

12 V – 30 Ah

Alternator

12 V – 350 W


Dimensions

Length

2,380 mm

Width

815 mm

Height

1,390 mm

Seat height

780 mm

Ground clearance

190 mm

Handlebar height

1,050 mm

Front footrest height

326 mm

Rear footrest height

385 mm

Dry weight

263 kg

Fuel tank capacity

19 litre

Reserve

4 litre


Quotes

Bikez ---- "This frame/engine combination proved such a tremendous international success that it was eagerly adopted by the L.A.P.D. (Los Angeles Police Department), and later by police departments in other American States. The rest is history – and legend."

twiggersmotorcycles ---- "Technology and tradition have inspired the numerous changes defining the character of the California Vintage, a cult object even before its market launch. The reference to the past is obvious in the delightful spoked wheels, in the newly-designed steel mudguards, in the new Brembo front callipers with black finish and in the supplementary fog lights, controlled by a switch on the right block."