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Touring Motorcycles

1981Moto Guzzi 850 T 3 California

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The 1981 Moto Guzzi 850 T 3 California is a cruiser-style motorcycle ideal for riders seeking classic Italian character and comfortable long-distance touring. Powered by a 844cc V-twin engine producing 59 horsepower, it's best known for its distinctive shaft drive, smooth handling, and relaxed riding position. Its air-cooled engine and lightweight 245kg frame make it accessible to experienced riders wanting authentic Guzzi appeal.

Capacity
844.0 ccm
Engine
V-Twin
Gearbox
5-speed
Wet weight
245.0 kg
Seat height
Not on record
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Power
59.0 HP (43.4 kW) @ 6800 RPM
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years
Other years 1980 1981 1982

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 34Agility 39Comfort 75Off-road 15Touring 85Road manners 65
Off-road & trail15%
Cornering40%
City riding40%
Daily riding55%
Touring90%
Two-up75%
Track15%
Best for
Built for long-distance, relaxed touring rather than outright speed or sporty cornering.
Built for
A classic, unhurried cruiser-tourer with a distinctive transverse V-twin thump and old-school shaft-drive shove rather than modern sharpness.
Not ideal for
Not for riders seeking sharp handling, high top speed, 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.

Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
844.0 ccm
Power
59.0 HP (43.4 kW) @ 6800 RPM
Engine type
V-Twin
Power/weight ratio
0.2408 HP/kg (wet)
Bore x stroke
83.0 x 78.0 mm
Compression
9.2:1
Cooling system
Air
Valves per cylinder
2
Torque
Not on record - add it
Transmission
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Shaft
Performance
Top speed
150.0 km/h (93.2 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Wet weight
245.0 kg
Fuel capacity
24.00 litres
Seat height
Not on record - add it
Dry weight
Not on record - add it
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Dual disc
Rear brakes
Single disc
Front tyre
100/90-18
Rear tyre
110/90-18

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 198019811982
Capacity 844 cc 844 cc 844 cc
Fuel capacity 24 L 24 L 24 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Rider Reviews

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Moto Guzzi 850 T 3 California?

The 1981 Moto Guzzi 850 T 3 California has a Capacity of 844.0 ccm (51.50 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Moto Guzzi 850 T 3 California have?

The 1981 Moto Guzzi 850 T 3 California has a Power of 59.0 HP (43.4 kW) @ 6800 RPM.

How many gears does the Moto Guzzi 850 T 3 California have?

The 1981 Moto Guzzi 850 T 3 California has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

How much does the Moto Guzzi 850 T 3 California weigh?

The 1981 Moto Guzzi 850 T 3 California has a Wet weight of 245.0 kg (540.1 pounds).

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