Cruisers

2011Moto Guzzi California Classic

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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.

Capacity: 1064.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 256.0 kg
Seat height: 780 mm
Power: 73.8 HP (54.3 kW) @ 7000 RPM

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Other years 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding40%

Daily riding60%

Touring72%

Two-up68%

Track10%

Best for: Built for leisurely boulevard cruising and classic-style touring rather than outright speed or sporty handling.
Built for: A 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 for: Not suited to riders seeking sharp cornering agility, quick acceleration, or any 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 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.

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 →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1064.0 ccm
Power: 73.8 HP (54.3 kW) @ 7000 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 3 CO2 g/km
Torque: 88.0 Nm (9.0 kgf-m) @ 5000 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2883 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: Single disc, dry, with mechanical control

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1560 mm
Overall length: 2380 mm
Overall width: 815 mm
Overall height: 1150 mm
Seat height: 780 mm
Dry weight: 256.0 kg
Wet weight: 276.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 19.00 litres
Ground clearance: 190 mm
Reserve fuel capacity: 4.00 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Detachable tubular duplex cradle in special high-strengh steel
Front suspension: Marzocchi hydraulic telescopic fork, 45 mm
Rear suspension: Swing arm with 2 hydraulic shock absorbers
Front wheel travel: 140 mm
Rear wheel travel: 96 mm
Rake (fork angle): 29.0°
Trail: 116 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc. Two Brembo Oro series stainless steel flooating discs, with 4 piston calipers
Front brakes diameter: 320 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Brembo stainless steel fixed disc, with 2 piston calipers
Rear brakes diameter: 282 mm
Front tyre: 110/90-VB18
Rear tyre: 150/70-VB17

Other

Color options: Burgundy

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	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011
Capacity	1064 cc	1064 cc	1064 cc	1064 cc	1064 cc
Dry weight	251 kg	251 kg	251 kg	256 kg	256 kg
Seat height	762 mm	780 mm	780 mm	780 mm	780 mm
Fuel capacity	19 L	19 L	19 L	19 L	19 L