Between The Lines | Moto Guzzi Gives Us a New California

Don’t count Italy out of the cruiser segment just yet (Ducati Diavel notwithstanding); another twin-cylinder version of the California series is about to hit these shores. At the Piaggio Group Dealer Convention in Miami a few months back, Moto Guzzi announced the new California 1400.

Shown as a prototype last year in Europe, the California 1400 will be offered as a 2013 model, and will go into production sometime later this summer. Styling—at least on the press release photos—will likely be polarizing, though the final version may prove more refined.

While the big V-Twin engine is not expected to deliver more than 110 peak horsepower, we’ve heard that power will likely come at no more than 6000 rpm, and with substantial torque, also from low rpm.

This heavyweight cruiser marks the latest in a long line of ‘Calis—and since the original’s introduction in 1971, overall design of the model has become more refined with every subsequent update. Even with the new, massive engine, the taillights are smartly integrated into the rear fender, while the still-exposed twin shocks use the latest technology. Radial-mount Brembo units look to be carried over from last year’s prototype, and mated to a Tenneco-Marzocchi fork.

The 1400 replaces the current 1100 version, which is available this year in a limited edition version that celebrates Guzzi’s 90th anniversary. Guzzi says a fully dressed touring version will be also be available later in the year.