Naked Motorcycles

2008Moto Guzzi California Vintage

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The 2008 Moto Guzzi California Vintage is a classic cruiser powered by a 1064cc V-twin engine delivering 72 horsepower and strong low-end torque. It appeals to riders seeking authentic retro styling with modern fuel injection and digital ignition technology. Known for its distinctive longitudinal engine layout and commanding presence, it excels as a comfortable, character-rich boulevard cruiser.

Capacity: 1064.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 263.0 kg
Seat height: 780 mm
Power: 72.4 HP (53.3 kW) @ 6400 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 2008 Moto Guzzi California Vintage

vs the 2007

Spec	2007	2008
Power	74.0 HP (54.4 kW) @ 6400 RPM	72.4 HP (53.3 kW) @ 6400 RPM
Torque	94.0 Nm (9.6 kgf-m or 69.3 ft.lbs) @ 5000 RPM	94.0 Nm (9.6 kgf-m or 69.3 ft.lbs)

Other years 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering35%

City riding40%

Daily riding60%

Touring75%

Two-up70%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed boulevard cruising and long, leisurely highway trips rather than sport riding or commuting through tight traffic.
Built for: A classic, old-school Italian V-twin cruiser with shaft drive and retro styling that rewards smooth, unhurried riding over aggressive throttle inputs.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering ability, high-speed thrills, or any genuine off-road capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 780mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2008 Moto Guzzi California Vintage, with a relaxed knee angle of around 125 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1064.0 ccm
Power: 72.4 HP (53.3 kW) @ 6400 RPM
Torque: 94.0 Nm (9.6 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2753 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 92.0 x 80.0 mm
Compression: 9.8:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Magneti Marelli IAW 15RC electronic digital ignition with inductive spark
Valves per cylinder: 2
Lubrication system: Forced lobes, with geared pump and pressure regulator

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Shaft
Clutch: Dual disc dry with mechanical control

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1560 mm
Overall length: 2380 mm
Overall width: 815 mm
Overall height: 1390 mm
Seat height: 780 mm
Dry weight: 263.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 19.00 litres
Ground clearance: 190 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Detachable tubular duplex cradle in special high-strengh steel
Front suspension: Marzocchi hydraulic telescopic fork, 45 mm, adjustable separately
Rear suspension: Swing arm with 2 hydraulic shock absorbers
Front wheel travel: 330 mm
Rear wheel travel: 330 mm
Rake (fork angle): 29.0°
Trail: 116 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc
Front brakes diameter: 320 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 282 mm
Front tyre: 110/90-18
Rear tyre: 140/70-VB17

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2006	2008	2009	2011	2012
Capacity	1064 cc	1064 cc	1064 cc	1064 cc	1064 cc
Dry weight	263 kg	263 kg	263 kg	263 kg	263 kg
Seat height	780 mm	780 mm	780 mm	780 mm	780 mm
Fuel capacity	19 L	19 L	19 L	19 L	19 L