Naked Motorcycles

2012Moto Guzzi California Vintage

42 fields on record

The 2012 Moto Guzzi California Vintage is a classic cruiser that appeals to riders seeking vintage styling with modern reliability. Powered by a 1064cc V-twin engine producing 72 horsepower and smooth low-end torque, it delivers the characteristic Guzzi rumble with fuel injection efficiency. Best known for its timeless Italian design and comfortable, accessible riding position, this bike excels as a leisurely touring and cruising machine.

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

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?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

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 2012 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
CO2 Emissions: 3 CO2 g/km
Torque: 94.0 Nm (9.6 kgf-m) @ 5000 RPM
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

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
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, adjustable separately
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. Brembo Serie Oro stainless steel floating disc, 4 piston calipers
Front brakes diameter: 320 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Brembo stainless steel floating disc, 2 piston calipers
Rear brakes diameter: 282 mm
Front tyre: 110/90-VB18
Rear tyre: 140/70-VB17

Other

Color options: Guzzi black, Bianco luna

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