There are two sizes of Moto...
There are two sizes of Moto Guzzi saddlebags available for the California and this is the smaller version, which still swallowed a week's clothing, camera gear and on-the-road supplies, keeping them safe from weather and sticky fingers.
The details also reveal a bike intended to be used. Standard equipment includes centerstand, hydraulic steering damper, a small passenger backrest, chrome luggage rack, engine guard, and tachometer. The switch layout will be familiar to most riders, with a push-to-cancel turn-signal system. The ignition switch is up atop the fork crown. It's set into the clamp plate that also displays the serial number assigned to each of the 75th anniversary bikes, of which there will be 750. The test unit was number 749. If you buy an anniversary model, we suggest separating the ignition key from any others, since keys bouncing in the clamp plate's face will mar it. A separate key operates the fork lock. Our bike was also equipped with Moto Guzzi's excellent detachable 32-quart-capacity hard bags, a $428 option, and very useful---watertight, capacious, easy to pack, not as bulky as some other quick-detach hard bags, lockable and quickly removable or locked to the bike. A 42-quart size is also available. They add a third key. Though, like other aspects of the bike, the bags are not mainstream cruiser, they are extremely useful to someone who rides frequently and far.
After riding the California, it's easy to understand the fierce loyalty of Moto Guzzi owners. Not a bike for someone who follows the herd, the California nonetheless offers something special for a capable rider looking for cruiser ergonomics and profile with chassis performance far ahead of the average cruiser and a unique look and feel.
HIGH POINTS: Smooth, responsive fuel injection; Suspension control and compliance; Broad powerband
LOW POINTS: Vibration: Awkward foot controls
FIRST CHANGES: Corbin saddle
Designation: California 1100i
Suggested base price: $10,990 ($11,390 75th Anniversary Edition)
Standard colors: navy blue/beige, red/black, red/red or green/black; red/silver on Anniversary Edition
As with the rest of the bike,...
As with the rest of the bike, the instruments favor function over style, with big faces, large warning lights and the ignition lock right up where you can reach it. Each Anniversary model is numbered (ours was 749 of 750) on the handlebar clamp plate.
Standard warranty: 12 mos., unlimited miles
Recommended service interval: 3000 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
Displacement, bore x stroke: 1064cc, 92 x 80mm
Carburetion: Weber fuel injection with 2 40mm throttle bodies
Lubrication: wet sump, 3.2 qt.
Minimum fuel grade: 91 octane
Transmission: Dry multiplate clutch; 5 speeds
Final drive: shaft, 4.125:1
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
Seat height-30.1 in.; Wheelbase-61.4...
Seat height-30.1 in.; Wheelbase-61.4 in.; Wet weight-601 lb. (53% rear wheel); GVWR-1160 lb.; OA length-92.7 in.; Rake: 28 degrees
Front suspension: 40mm 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
Handlebar width: 31.3 in.
Charging output: 350 watts
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
Fuel mileage: 34 to 48 mpg, 41.9 mpg average
RPM at 60 mph, top gear: 3270
200 yard, top-gear acceleration from 50 mph, terminal speed: 72.0 mph
Quarter-mile acceleration: 14.690sec. 90.2 mph