Limited Edition 2012 Moto Guzzi California 90 Unveiled
2012 Moto Guzzi California 90
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2012 Moto Guzzi California 90
2012 Moto Guzzi California 90
2012 Moto Guzzi California 90
2012 Moto Guzzi California 90
2012 Moto Guzzi California 90
2012 Moto Guzzi California 90 Review
2012 Moto Guzzi California 90
The career of the glorious California 1100 culminates with a prestigious commemorative version for the 90th anniversary of Moto Guzzi. Built as a limited edition, the California 90 boasts the most luxurious accessories every realised on this glorious model.
After a long and glorious career the California 1100 dedicates a final, precious version to its many fans which celebrates two important events: the 90 year anniversary of Moto Guzzi and the 40 year anniversary of the California model. Introduced in 1971, the first V7 California was built based on the technical specs of the V7 Special, with the difference of a saddle which was as comfortable as an armchair to allow the rider to enjoy the scenery protected from the wind, protected behind the large windshield which, like the saddlebags, was standard equipment. This was the recipe for a successful bike, loved both in Europe and overseas, where the services of the V7 California were enlisted by the L.A.P.D. (Los Angeles Police Department) and later in other American states, besides becoming the official mount back home for the Cuirassier in the service of the President of the Italian Republic.
This legendary Italian bike has evolved continuously, always respecting the original philosophy, in numerous and esteemed versions developed on subsequent increases of engine capacity, going from 750 to 850 with the T model (1973) and then the T3 (1975), famous for its renowned “integral braking”.
The 1000 engine size (948cc) was reached in 1981 with the new “square head” engine on the California I, while the public would have to wait until 1994 for the current 1100 engine size version (1064 cc), when the California 1100i made its debut, a model which, decked out in numerous accessories, accompanies us to the present, thus becoming the most successful Moto Guzzi California of the more than 50,000 manufactured on the Mandello del Lario assembly line.
Made with the care and attention of an artisan, the new Moto Guzzi California 90 introduces a brand new, two-coloured chromium plated concept called “Anniversario” which matches the metallic “California” orange colour and the “Diamante” white. The first stretches across the lower part of the California 90, while the white dominates the upper part represented by the top of the tank, the front mudguard and the saddlebags which are elegantly connected by a black line. A distinctive element of this new livery is certainly the logo on the tank, which reproduces the writing used by Moto Guzzi in the early 1930s, the years characterised by the legendary Omobono Tenni. In addition to this, the saddle is hand made from cowhide and on the steering yoke, right in front of the rider, there is an identification plate which certifies the numbered production of this final edition of the California 1100.
The beating heart of the California 90 is the standard two cylinder, big block engine, the latest evolution of an engine which was introduced in 1994 and became famous for its tremendous torque and proverbial reliability. With a bore and stroke of 92 and 80 mm respectively, the 1064 cc unit features aluminium alloy cylinders and pistons with a special wear-resistant graphite coating. Fuelled by the Weber Marelli IAW electronic injection system with 40 mm diameter throttle bodies, it boasts low emissions and a weighty thrust even at low RPMs which stems from a maximum torque output of 94 Nm at just 5,000 RPMs, and further capacity to stretch out to 6,400 RPMs where it puts out its maximum power of 74 HP.
Just like the engine, the chassis aspects of the Moto Guzzi California 90 also share the same characteristics as the Vintage version.
The frame is a faultless modular double cradle with a steering radius of 29° which ensures stability and precision in turns. Comfort is guaranteed by quality suspension components. At the front is a Marzocchi fork with 45 mm stanchions and 140 mm wheel travel while at the rear there is a swingarm linked to two shock absorbers, featuring adjustable spring preload and offering 104 mm of wheel travel. The braking system boasts the best components available on the market: it consists of 320 mm dual front floating disc operated by two precious Brembo callipers with 4 pistons and a 282 mm rear disc with Brembo two-piston callipers. It is also characterised by the famous Moto Guzzi integral braking. Other standout features are the spoked wheels, with 18 inches at the front and 17 at the rear to cater for high profile tyres, providing outstanding agility and superlative feel.
2012 Moto Guzzi California 90 Model Highlights
The “Anniversario” graphic has the privilege of enhancing the beautiful spoked wheels, the steel mudguards and the supplementary fog lights, elements which were inherited from the Vintage version along with the windshield with its stainless steel support and the typical cow-horn handlebar, besides the characteristic hard saddlebags with velvet lined interior and the solid, chromium plated luggage carrier.
2012 Moto Guzzi California 90 – International Specifications/Technical Details
MSRP Price: TBA
90° V-shaped twin cylinder, four-stroke, air cooled engine
Engine capacity 1,064 cc
MAX Power 54 kW (73.4 hp) at 6,400 rpm
MAX Torque 94 Nm at 5,000 rpm
Exhaust system in stainless steel, 2 pipes connected to 1 expansion chamber, connected to two chromium plated steel silencers; 3-way catalytic converter and oxygen sensor.
5 speed transmission, permanently meshed gears with built in flexible coupling
Cardan shaft final drive, ratio 8/33 = 1:4,125
Front suspension Marzocchi hydraulic telescopic fork, Ø 45 mm, adjustable separately
Rear suspension swingarm, 2 hydraulic shock absorbers, adjustable hydraulic response
Front brake dual 320 mm stainless steel floating discs and Brembo callipers with 4 differently sized pistons
Rear brake 282 mm stainless steel fixed disc, Brembo calliper with 2 parallel pistons. Combined Moto Guzzi braking system.
Tyres 110/90 VB 18″ (front) – 140/70 VB 17″ (rear)
Max. Length 2.380 mm
Max width 815 mm
Height 1,150 mm
Saddle height 780 mm
Dry weight 251 Kg
Tank capacity 19 litres (including 4 litre reserve)
2012 Moto Guzzi California 90 – US Specifications/Technical Details
USA MSRP Price: $TBA USD
See international specifications listed above.
2012 Moto Guzzi California 90 – Canada Specifications/Technical Details
Canadian MSRP Price: $TBA CDN
See international specifications listed above.
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Updated with pricing and American availability.
Moto Guzzi unveiled a limited edition California touring motorcycle to mark the Italian manufacturer’s 90th anniversary. The special edition model was presented at the manufacturer’s 2011 Guzzi World Days celebration in Mandello del Lario, Italy.
The limited edition 2012 Moto Guzzi California 90 will be the final version of the California 1100 model, which marks its 40th year anniversary this year. Moto Guzzi will be replacing the California with a new model based on the prototype unveiled this February in Monte Carlo.
Based on the California 1100, the 90th anniversary edition features a two-tone paint scheme of California orange and Diamante white. The Guzzi logo on the tank is a reproduction of the font style used by Moto Guzzi in the early ’30s.
Powered by a 1064cc V-Twin engine, the California 90 boasts 74 hp at 6400 rpm and 69 ft-lb. at 5000 rpm. The California 90 is equipped with a Marzocchi fork and a dual shock swingarm with adjustable spring preload. Brakes consist of four-piston Brembo calipers and 320mm disc up front and two-piston Brembo calipers with a 282 mm disc at the rear.
Other highlights include a handmade leather saddle, fog lights, velvet-lined saddlebags and chromium-plated rear rack. An identification plate on the steering yoke identifies a unique number for this limited edition model.
Moto Guzzi California 90 Limited Edition
Contents
The engine was a Air cooled cooled Four stroke, 90° V twin, longitudinally mounted, OHV, 2 valve per cylinder.. The engine featured a 9.8:1 compression ratio.
Power was moderated via the Single disc, dry, with mechanical control.
It came with a 110/90 VB18 front tire and a 140/70 VB17 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via 2x 320mm discs 4 piston calipers in the front and a Single 282mm disc 2 piston caliper in the rear. The front suspension was a 45mm Marzocchi hydraulic telescopic fork, adjustable separately while the rear was equipped with a swing arm with 2 hydraulic shock absorbers, exstension adjustable. The California 90 Limited Edition was fitted with a 19 Liters / 5.0 US gal fuel tank. The bike weighed just 250.8 kg / 553.0 lbs. The wheelbase was 1560 mm / 61.4 in long.
Moto Guzzi California 90 Limited Edition
The career of the glorious California 1100 culminates with a prestigious commemorative version for the 90th anniversary of Moto Guzzi. Built as a limited edition, the California 90 boasts the most luxurious accessories every realised on this glorious model. After a long and glorious career the California 1100 dedicates a final, precious version to its many fans which celebrates two important events: the 90 year anniversary of Moto Guzzi and the 40 year anniversary of the California model. Introduced in 1971, the first V7 California was built based on the technical specs of the V7 Special, with the difference of a saddle which was as comfortable as an armchair to allow the rider to enjoy the scenery protected from the wind, protected behind the large windshield which, like the saddlebags, was standard equipment. This was the recipe for a successful bike, loved both in Europe and overseas, where the services of the V7 California were enlisted by the L.A.P.D. (Los Angeles Police Department) and later in other American states, besides becoming the official mount back home for the Cuirassier in the service of the President of the Italian Republic.
This legendary Italian bike has evolved continuously, always respecting the original philosophy, in numerous and esteemed versions developed on subsequent increases of engine capacity, going from 750 to 850 with the T model (1973) and then the T3 (1975), famous for its renowned “integral braking”. The 1000 engine size (948cc) was reached in 1981 with the new “square head” engine on the California I, while the public would have to wait until 1994 for the current 1100 engine size version (1064 cc), when the California 1100i made its debut, a model which, decked out in numerous accessories, accompanies us to the present, thus becoming the most successful Moto Guzzi California of the more than 50,000 manufactured on the Mandello del Lario assembly line. Made with the care and attention of an artisan, the new Moto Guzzi California 90 introduces a brand new, two-coloured chromium plated concept called “Anniversario” which matches the metallic “California” orange color and the “Diamante” white. The first stretches across the lower part of the California 90, while the white dominates the upper part represented by the top of the tank, the front mudguard and the saddlebags which are elegantly connected by a black line. A distinctive element of this new livery is certainly the logo on the tank, which reproduces the writing used by Moto Guzzi in the early 1930s, the years characterised by the legendary Omobono Tenni. In addition to this, the saddle is hand made from cowhide and on the steering yoke, right in front of the rider, there is an identification plate which certifies the numbered production of this final edition of the California 1100.
The beating heart of the California 90 is the standard two cylinder, big block engine, the latest evolution of an engine which was introduced in 1994 and became famous for its tremendous torque and proverbial reliability. With a bore and stroke of 92 and 80 mm respectively, the 1064 cc unit features aluminum alloy cylinders and pistons with a special wear-resistant graphite coating. Fuelled by the Weber Marelli IAW electronic injection system with 40 mm diameter throttle bodies, it boasts low emissions and a weighty thrust even at low RPMs which stems from a maximum torque output of 94 Nm at just 5,000 RPMs, and further capacity to stretch out to 6,400 RPMs where it puts out its maximum power of 74 HP. Just like the engine, the chassis aspects of the Moto Guzzi California 90 also share the same characteristics as the Vintage version. The frame is a faultless modular double cradle with a steering radius of 29° which ensures stability and precision in turns. Comfort is guaranteed by quality suspension components. At the front is a Marzocchi fork with 45 mm stanchions and 140 mm wheel travel while at the rear there is a swingarm linked to two shock absorbers, featuring adjustable spring preload and offering 104 mm of wheel travel. The braking system boasts the best components available on the market: it consists of 320 mm dual front floating disc operated by two precious Brembo callipers with 4 pistons and a 282 mm rear disc with Brembo two-piston callipers. It is also characterised by the famous Moto Guzzi integral braking. Other standout features are the spoked wheels, with 18 inches at the front and 17 at the rear to cater for high profile tires, providing outstanding agility and superlative feel. Moto Guzzi California 90 Model Highlights The “Anniversario” graphic has the privilege of enhancing the beautiful spoked wheels, the steel mudguards and the supplementary fog lights, elements which were inherited from the Vintage version along with the windshield with its stainless steel support and the typical cow-horn handlebar, besides the characteristic hard saddlebags with velvet lined interior and the solid, chromium plated luggage carrier
History
The company’s first motorcycle was the legendary 8 HP Normale. This was followed by successful models such as the 1928 Guzzi G.T., dubbed “Norge” to commemorate the expedition to the Polar Arctic Circle, and the Airone 250 (1939), which remained Italy’s best selling medium capacity motorcycle for over 15 years. In the meanwhile, the marque also notched up numerous racing successes. The first was in the prestigious Targa Florio in 1921, which marked the beginning of an impressive succession of victories: up until its withdrawal from motorsports in 1957, Moto Guzzi accumulated an enviable collection of accolades including, among other titles, an astonishing 14 world GP championships and 11 Tourist Trophies.
The years following the Second World War spawned models such as the Guzzino 65 (“Cardellino”), which was Europe’s best selling motorcycle for over a decade. This was followed by the legendary Galletto (1950) and the Lodola 175 (1956). In 1950, Moto Guzzi installed a state of the art wind tunnel at Mandello del Lario, making it the first constructor worldwide to do so. The company’s racing division was a team of brilliant minds, with engineers such as Umberto Todero, Enrico Cantoni and the Milanese Giulio Cesare Carcano, who would soon achieve legendary status for creating the 285 Km/h Guzzi Otto Cilindri.
At the end of the 1960s, Moto Guzzi presented the 90° V-twin engine that was to become the very symbol of Moto Guzzi itself. This powerplant was used as the basis for models such as the Guzzi V7, the V7 Special and yet another icon, the Guzzi V7 Sport. The glorious V-twin was also produced as smaller capacity V35 and V50 variants. The largest iteration of this engine powered the definitive Gran Turismo – the Moto Guzzi California, which evolved to include electronic injection and a triple-disc brake system. Dedicated to the US market, together with the Ambassador and Eldorado variants, the California boasted the classic 850 cc engine capacity, a displacement that has since been rediscovered and brought back into the current range. Models like the Le Mans, Daytona, Centauro and Sport 1100 kept the sports heritage of the marque alive. The unmistakable style and character of these bikes were brought right up to date in the 1990s with the new California, Nevada and V11 Sport series.
On 30 December 2004 Moto Guzzi became a part of the Piaggio Group (chairman and managing director Roberto Colaninno), the European leader in the two-wheeler market and one of the world’s major constructors in the sector. Expressing the spirit of this renaissance was the Breva 1100 presented in March 2005, a new and successful Italian offering for the naked segment. September that same year saw the widely acclaimed launch of the Griso 1100, a bike boasting original engineering solutions and unique styling. From April 2006, the Breva and Griso have also been offered with Guzzi’s hallmark 850 cc engine size.
In May 2006, the Norge 1200 marked Guzzi’s return to the Gran Turismo genre: a bike offering total protection from the elements, the new 1200cc V-twin engine and uncompromisingly generous standard equipment for devouring miles in complete comfort. The Norge earned the admiration of the 14 journalists who, in July 2006, rode a convoy of the bikes 4,429 Km to Cape North, following the route taken in 1928 by the bike’s predecessor – the GT 500 created by Giuseppe Guzzi.
Moto Guzzi has answered the dreams of its loyal fans, and the sporting heart of the Mandello Eagle is beating once again: in March 2006 at the legendary Daytona circuit, Gianfranco Guareschi scored a historic double victory by winning both heats of the Battle of Twins. On 6 March 2007, Guareschi repeated the performance and won the following year’s edition in the saddle of his trusty Moto Guzzi. Spurred by these racing victories on the other side of the Atlantic, a new model was created to embody the sporting spirit of Moto Guzzi – the 1200 Sport. Presented in October 2006, the 1200 Sport is a sophisticated naked, brimming with personality in every aspect of its design, chassis architecture and ergonomics, and powered by the latest 1200 cc generation of the 90° V-twin.
A significant testimony to the brand’s quality came when Guzzi won the contract to supply 35 Moto Guzzi Norge GTs to the Berlin police, while 20 Moto Guzzi California Vintage bikes were delivered to the Corazzieri Italian Presidential guard corps the same year. 2009 saw the introduction of the V7 Cafè, a sports variant of the V7 to join the existing Classic, presented in Rome together with the Griso SE in March, and of the Stelvio NTX, which marked the introduction of ABS on the Guzzi’s maxi enduro. This bike, presented to the international press on the roads of the Dolomites, is powered by the first upgrade of the “Quattrovalvole” engine, with new camshafts.
In late 2009 the Piaggio Group also announced a significant investment programme, which involves not only the development of future Moto Guzzi product ranges but also the Mandello del Lario production facility, where a major restructuring project is currently in progress to make the plant more modern, functional and efficient to reflect the rebirth of the brand.
A spate of new Moto Guzzi models was also unveiled at the 2010 edition of EICMA Milan. The all-new family of large 1200 8V bikes with four valves per cylinder – namely the Stelvio 1200 8V, the Stelvio 1200 NTX and the Norge GT 8V – was presented at the show, while the press launch for the bikes was held on the roads of Tuscany in Spring 2011.
2011 – the year of the 90th anniversary of Moto Guzzi – started off with a pleasant surprise: an all new version of the Moto Guzzi California. The prototype for the new California, powered by an all-new 1400 cc transverse 90° V-twin, reinterprets the legacy of a legendary motorcycle in an original new design that emphasises both the architecture of the engine and the generous dimensions of the saddle and the tank, which is sculpted around the cylinders.
But 2011 has many more exciting things in store to mark the 90th birthday of the Eagle brand: on 15 March, the Piaggio Group celebrated the official anniversary of the foundation of Moto Guzzi with a highly anticipated announcement: Mandello del Lario will once again set the stage for the GMG event in mid September this year. Preparations are already under way for an extraordinary “90th Anniversary” edition of the Giornate Mondiali Guzzi, to give thousands of loyal Guzzisti from all over the world the chance to celebrate together with Moto Guzzi, discover the brand’s future models and see at first hand the modernisation and restoration work to transform the historic Mandello del Lario factory into a modern production facility, in which ninety years of glorious motorcycle history live side by side with the latest manufacturing technology.
2012 starts under the sign of the new V7 range. New engine, revamped design, brand new equipment: the legend of the V7 reaches its highest expression yet.
Even before its presentation at the EICMA motor show in Milan, November 2012, the new Moto Guzzi California 1400 captured the attention of motorbike fans all over the world. The announcement heralding the debut of the new cruiser built in the historic factory in Mandello del Lario, and a few early rumours, were all it took to arouse curiosity and anticipation about the latest representative of a tradition that has established Moto Guzzi as an aristocrat among world motorcycle brands.
The new California 1400 is a bike of firsts, starting from the 1400 engine, a record engine size for a V-twin motorcycle engine in Europe. The powerful 90° transverse V-twin, elastically mounted on a brand new chassis, delivers a torque of 120 Nm at just 2750 rpm.
Everything on the California Touring and the California Custom contributes to combining the best of modern, cutting-edge technology with the classic style and elegance of the Moto Guzzi brand: multimap Ride by wWire accelerator, cruise control, MGCT traction control system and two-channel ABS. Hand built in the Mandello del Lario plant, where Moto Guzzi bikes have been turned out without interruption since 1921, the california 1400 models stand out for the attention to craftmanshipwith which each single component is assembled. A level of care that makes every Moto Guzzi California a unique piece, with the powe to match and accentuate the strong personality of a passionate and exlusive clientele.
In 2017, to celebrate the fifty years since the birth of the first model, Moto Guzzi introduces V7 III, the third generation of the globally renowned and most beloved Moto Guzzi, completely revamped but leaving the originality and authenticity so typical of this iconic motorcycle unaltered.
Since 1967, the year the first units were sold in Italy, the V7 became a pillar of the product range and the representative of the Italian motorcycle par excellence, standing out for its content and design, highly popular with a truly transversal and varied public.
The challenge of introducing a new version of such a famous motorcycle with such a rich heritage and so much success is one of the most difficult, considering the fact that the V7, the brand’s best-seller since 2009, constitutes the Moto Guzzi entry-level bike, dedicated to both women and men, in addition to young people who want to proudly own one of the most iconic Mandello del Lario production motorcycles.
V7 III is available in the three versions, Stone, Special and Racer that, compared with the past, now take on stronger connotations and greater characterization. Consistent with the other Moto Guzzi models in the range, the V7 III also has a dark version that stands out for its total black graphics. It is the Stone and a more classic one dominated by chroming, more in line with the design of the forerunner, which is the Special. The Racer, on the other hand, represents the successful sports heritage of Moto Guzzi, a winner of 15 world titles and 11 Tourist Trophies when the decision was made to retire from racing (in 1957). The V7 range has now been expanded: Moto Guzzi pays homage to fifty years of the V7 model by introducing a fourth version, called the Anniversario, a numbered and limited edition, characterized by brand new and exclusive details.
