Touring Motorcycles

2017Moto Guzzi California SE

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The 2017 Moto Guzzi California SE is a cruiser designed for relaxed, long-distance touring with its spacious 21-liter fuel tank and comfortable 740mm seat height. Known for its classic V-twin character and manageable 370kg weight, it suits riders seeking accessible, unhurried riding with genuine Italian heritage and style.

Capacity: 1380.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 322.0 kg
Seat height: 740 mm
Power: 96.0 HP (70.1 kW) @ 6500 RPM

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How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering35%

City riding35%

Daily riding55%

Touring92%

Two-up85%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed long-distance touring in comfort, with a torquey V-twin, shaft drive, and integrated luggage rather than outright speed or sportiness.
Built for: A classic, characterful Italian cruiser that rewards a relaxed riding style with strong low-end torque, distinctive V-twin feel, and old-school shaft-drive charm.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders seeking sharp cornering agility, off-road capability, or aggressive sport performance.

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 740mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2017 Moto Guzzi California SE, with a cramped knee angle of around 80 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 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1380.0 ccm
Power: 96.0 HP (70.1 kW) @ 6500 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 4 CO2 g/km
Torque: 120.0 Nm (12.2 kgf-m) @ 2750 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2981 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 104.0 x 81.2 mm
Compression: 10.5:1
Cooling system: Oil & air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Ride by Wire with integral management of 3 engine maps

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Shaft

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1665 mm
Overall length: 2445 mm
Overall width: 1030 mm
Overall height: 1460 mm
Seat height: 740 mm
Dry weight: 322.0 kg
Wet weight: 370.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 21.00 litres
Ground clearance: 165 mm
Carrying capacity: 35 litre side panniers.

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Closed double-cradle tubular steel frame with elastokinematic engine fastening
Front suspension: 46 mm hydraulic telescopic fork, with radial calliper mounting brackets.
Rear suspension: Swingarm with double shock absorber with adjustable spring preload. No rebound adjustment on rear shock.
Front wheel travel: 120 mm
Rear wheel travel: 110 mm
Rake (fork angle): 32.0°
Trail: 152 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc. Stainless steel floating discs, Brembo radial callipers with 4 horizontally opposed pistons.
Front brakes diameter: 320 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Stainless steel fixed disc, Brembo floating calliper with 2 parallel pistons.
Rear brakes diameter: 280 mm
Front tyre: 130/70-18
Rear tyre: 200/60-16