Moto Guzzi California Classic - 2011 Specifications and Reviews

The 2011 Moto Guzzi California Classic is a cruiser designed for riders seeking authentic Italian character and relaxed touring capability. Its air-cooled 1064cc V-twin engine delivers smooth, accessible power with distinctive rumbling character, making it ideal for leisurely highway riding and casual commuting. Best known for its retro styling and reliable pushrod engineering, this classic cruiser appeals to traditionalists who value heritage and heritage-inspired performance over raw horsepower.

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General information

CategoryCustom / cruiser
Year2011
ModelMoto Guzzi California Classic
 
 

Engine and Transmission Specifications

Exhaust systemSteel, 2 tubes connected to an expansion room, that is connected to 2 steel mufflers. Catalyzed with Lambda probe.
Emission detailsEuro 3.
DrivelinePrimary drive: helical gears, ratio 17/21 = 1: 1.235. Secondary drive: shaft drive, ratio 8/33 = 1:4.125
ClutchSingle disc, dry, with mechanical control
Transmission type,final driveShaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox5-speed
Cooling systemAir
Lubrication systemForced lobes, with geared pump and pressure regulator
IgnitionMagneti Marelli IAW 15RC electronic digital ignition with inductive spark
Fuel controlOHV
Fuel systemInjection. Magneti Marelli IAW alfa-n system Multipoint phased sequential injection;
Valves per cylinder2
Bore x stroke92.0 x 80.0 mm (3.6 x 3.1 inches)
Compression9.8:1
Torque88.00 Nm (9.0 kgf-m or 64.9 ft.lbs) @ 5000
Power73.76
Engine details90° V-Twin. 2 overhead valves moved by light alloy pushrod sand rocker arm with mechanical tappets.
Engine typeV2, four-stroke
Capacity:1064.00 ccm (64.93 cubic inches)
 
 

Brakes, suspension, Frame and wheels

WheelsBehr spoked steel rims
Rear brakes diameter282 mm (11.1 inches)
Rear brakesSingle disc. Brembo stainless steel fixed disc, with 2 piston calipers
Front brakes diameter320 mm (12.6 inches)
Front brakesDouble disc. Two Brembo Oro series stainless steel flooating discs, with 4 piston calipers
Rear tyre dimensions150/70-VB17
Front tyre dimensions110/90-VB18
Rear suspension travel96 mm (3.8 inches)
Rear suspensionSwing arm with 2 hydraulic shock absorbers
Front suspension travel140 mm (5.5 inches)
Front suspensionMarzocchi hydraulic telescopic fork, 45 mm
Trail116 mm (4.6 inches)
Rake (fork angle)29.0°
Frame typeDetachable tubular duplex cradle in special high-strengh steel

Physical measures and capacities

Reserve fuel capacity4.00 litres (1.06 gallons)
Fuel capacity19.00 litres (5.02 gallons)
Wheelbase1,560 mm (61.4 inches)
Ground clearance190 mm (7.5 inches)
Overall width815 mm (32.1 inches)
Overall length2,380 mm (93.7 inches)
Seat height780 mm (30.7 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Power/weight ratio0.2881 HP/kg
Weight incl. oil, gas, etc276.0 kg (608.5 pounds)
Dry weight256.0 kg (564.4 pounds)

Other specs

MaintenanceFind parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay
Color optionsBurgundy
StarterElectric

Performance Profile & Rider Fit

73.8 hp
Peak Power
5.8s
0-60 mph

Best For

Track10%
City40%
Cornering30%
Daily Riding60%
Touring72%
Passenger68%

Rider Profile

Best ForSuits riders who have some experience with heavy, shaft-driven cruisers and are comfortable managing low-speed weight and a relaxed, unhurried riding style.
PurposeBuilt for leisurely boulevard cruising and classic-style touring rather than outright speed or sporty handling.
Rider FitA tall seat height combined with substantial wet weight means shorter or less physically confident riders may find slow-speed maneuvering and parking a workout.
CharacterA classic, old-school Italian cruiser with a distinctive transverse V-twin feel, shaft drive smoothness, and understated retro styling rather than raw performance.
Not Ideal ForNot suited to riders seeking sharp cornering agility, quick acceleration, or any off-road capability.

Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.

Rider Fit Visualizer

2011 Moto Guzzi California Classic Rider Ergonomics Assessment

Calculated in your browser only - your height/inseam are never sent to our servers.

Feet:

At 780mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2011 Moto Guzzi California Classic, with a cramped knee angle of around 85 degrees and an upright riding position.

Data quality: measured. Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated (a typical street-bike rule of thumb - stiffer or softer suspension will vary). This is an approximation from category-typical geometry and generic body proportions, not a measurement of this specific bike or you - sit on it before you buy.

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