Moto Guzzi celebrates 90 years with the California 90

View 1 Photos
Moto Guzzi turns 90 this year, and for 40 of those years, the company's California model has epitomized the Italian cruiser. Moto Guzzi is finally winding down the California nameplate, but not before celebrating it with one last special edition: the California 90. Each wears a unique orange-and-white paint scheme cowhide saddle, with a 1930s-style tank logo inspired by the original Moto Guzzi script. In addition, every California 90 will carry an identification plaque and features a comfortable cowhide saddle.

Power is supplied by the 90-degree V-Twin engine that has become synonymous with Moto Guzzi, with 74 horsepower and 69 pound-feet of torque. Despite its classic appearance, the bike features advanced braking technology in the form of dual-floating discs pressed by two four-piston Brembo calipers up front. A two-piston Brembo piece takes care of the rear.

Moto Guzzi dealers will ask a pretty penny for this special edition bike; expect to pay $15,990 plus destination. Hit the jump for the press release.
Show full PR text
Own a Piece of Moto Guzzi History: The California 90 Limited Edition

Celebrating its 90th Anniversary, Europe's oldest motorcycle manufacturer announces the end of an era with the final edition of the iconic Moto Guzzi California model line.

NEW YORK (October 6, 2011) - Last month, Moto Guzzi announced the final edition of the historic California model during its 90th Anniversary celebration at Moto Guzzi World Days in Mandello del Lario, Italy. After 40 years in production, the new California 90 will be the last version of the iconic California family produced and imported to the United States. Guzzisti and interested two-wheel aficionados can contact a local Moto Guzzi dealer, starting today, to pre-order a piece of history. The Moto Guzzi California 90 will have an MSRP of $15,990 and arrives at dealers in March 2012.

Exemplifying a stunningly beautiful lineage of the Guzzi brand, the California 90 was crafted with the same care and attention that has made the brand famous. A few of the highlighted features include:

• A color scheme with a two-colored chromium plated concept of retro California Metallic Orange / Diamond White.
• A tank logo which reproduces the writing used by Moto Guzzi and its original designers in the 1930s.
• An identification plate on the steering yoke that certifies the limited edition production as the final edition of the California.
• A Cowhide saddle as comfortable as an armchair to enjoy the open road on.

The "Anniversario" graphic enhances the beautiful spoked wheels, steel mudguards and fog lights - elements that were inherited from the Vintage model. The California 90 maintains the beautiful fit, finish and attention to detail that Guzzi's are known for. The windshield's stainless steel brackets, a chrome-plated luggage rack, and two saddlebags with velvet lined interior boast "Guzzi Beauty" from start to finish.

The beating heart of the California 90 is the standard big block 90 degree v-twin engine, famous for its tremendous torque and renowned reliability. With a bore and stroke of 92 and 80 mm respectively, the 1064cc unit features aluminium alloy cylinders and pistons with a special wear-resistant graphite coating. Fuelled by a Weber Marelli IAW electronic injection system with 40 mm diameter throttle bodies, it boasts low emissions and a weighty thrust even at low rpm's. The California 90 puts out a healthy 69 ft. lbs. of torque at 5,000 rpm, and further capacity to stretch out to 6,400 rpm 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 modular double cradle with a steering angle of 29 degrees 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 the rear has an aluminum swingarm linked to two shock absorbers, featuring adjustable spring preload and 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, four-piston Brembo calipers and a 282 mm rear disc with a Brembo two-piston caliper. It is also characterized by the famous Moto Guzzi linked braking system. Other standout features are the spoked wheels, with 18-inches at the front and 17-inches at the rear to accommodate high profile tires, providing outstanding agility and a superlative feel.

Moto Guzzi encourages all riders to own a piece of history now with the last branch in the California model family tree. To find a Moto Guzzi USA dealer near you, visit:
www.motoguzzi-us.com.

Share This Photo X