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
- 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."