Cruisers
2008Moto Guzzi California Classic
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The 2008 Moto Guzzi California Classic is a cruiser designed for riders seeking classic styling with modern reliability. Its air-cooled 1064cc V-twin engine delivers accessible power and abundant low-end torque, making it ideal for leisurely highway cruising. Known for its iconic Italian charm and comfortable riding position, it appeals to enthusiasts who value character and heritage over raw performance.
- Capacity
- 1064.0 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 251.0 kg
- Seat height
- 780 mm
- Power
- 72.4 HP (53.3 kW) @ 6400 RPM
What’s new for the 2008 Moto Guzzi California Classic
vs the 2007| Spec | 2007 | 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 74.0 HP (55.0 kW) @ 6400 RPM | 72.4 HP (53.3 kW) @ 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 88.0 Nm (9.0 kgf-m or 64.9 ft.lbs) @ 5000 RPM | 94.0 Nm (9.6 kgf-m or 69.3 ft.lbs) |
| Seat height | 762 mm (30.0 inches) | 780 mm (30.7 inches) |
| Front suspension | Marzocchi 40 mm hydraulic | Marzocchi hydraulic telescopic fork, 45 mm |
| Rear suspension | Swing arm in light cast alloy with two dampers, spring adjustable for pre-load and rebound | Swing arm with 2 hydraulic shock absorbers |
| Front brakes | Double disc | Single disc |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- 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?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usEngine
- 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
- 0.2884 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
- 251.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 276.0 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
- 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
- Single disc
- Front brakes diameter
- 320 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes diameter
- 282 mm
- Front tyre
- 110/90-18
- Rear tyre
- 150/70-17
Other
- Color options
- Grigio Trend
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 |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Moto Guzzi California Classic?
The 2008 Moto Guzzi California Classic has a Capacity of 1064.0 ccm (64.93 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Moto Guzzi California Classic have?
The 2008 Moto Guzzi California Classic has a Power of 72.4 HP (53.3 kW) @ 6400 RPM.
How many gears does the Moto Guzzi California Classic have?
The 2008 Moto Guzzi California Classic has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Moto Guzzi California Classic?
The 2008 Moto Guzzi California Classic has a Torque of 94.0 Nm (9.6 kgf-m or 69.3 ft.lbs).
How much does the Moto Guzzi California Classic weigh?
The 2008 Moto Guzzi California Classic has a Dry weight of 251.0 kg (553.4 pounds).
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