Motorcycle specifications Moto-Guzzi1400 California Touring 2013 Sculpture sur Long Beach

The Calif! An affectionate nickname for a motorcycle that has gone beyond mere existence to become an icon. It's one of those legends for which all faults are forgiven. Now it's time to take on the competition with a presence and muscularity never before seen in this Italian cruiser. In becoming the 1400, the California wipes the slate clean, keeping virtually only the name.

It exuded vintage, now it's premium. Oh, don't worry, it still conveys the idea of tourism, of the Riviera, of the Los Angeles police force, of custom cruising around Lake Como. It's become more assertive, more sophisticated, more technological - too much so, perhaps, for some. When one looks at the other, a time gap separates them; as if 20 years had blown over the old Calif in an instant. And yet, the 1400 has not wished to absolve itself of this eloquent past. The effects have stood the test of time: the black-and-white saddle, the chromed passenger arch, the cowhorn handlebars, the streaks of paint on the fuel tank, the small additional headlights, the cardan shaft transmission and the transverse twin. Step back a little, walk around it, stop at the 3/4 rear and the double row of designer LED lights, judge the finish, let the quality flatter you, look up... Stop! Stop criticizing and listen to your eyes: it's magnificent.

Whether in 850, 1100 or 1400, the California is first and foremost a Guzzi. And a Guzzi is an engine, the famous twin whose cylinders protrude over the sides. It's an identity all its own. In this latest version, it boasts a new caliber of displacement, the largest in Mandello's history. At 1380 cm3, the block is more vigorous and more torquey. Forget the 1100's 73 horsepower - it's now 96 horsepower perched at 6,500 rpm. Torque takes a masterly leap: from one Calif to the next, the force rises from 9.5 to 12.3 mkg. Above all, maximum torque is available twice as early, at 2,750 rpm.
This block can really unleash polemical passion and thrill, skilfully playing on modern technology and historic solutions. In fact, it's not completely unknown: it's derived from the 1200, with the same piston stroke. But the bore has been increased to 104 mm. The styling effect of the cylinders perforating the fuel tank and the sculpted cylinder head covers is striking. In the belly, the contrast is stark. A single ACT per cylinder and tumbled valve timing, but 4 valves on each side, Magnetti Marelli injection, ride-by-wire throttle, and a surprising level of electronics for a custom. The 1400 California features 3 levels of adjustable traction control, cruise control and 3 fuel injection maps (Veloce, Turismo and Pioggia - Sport, Road and Rain). Veloce mode gives the Calif a sporty character, Turismo lives up to its name, and Pioggia reduces torque delivery by 25%. Far from being a gimmick, this system truly changes the face of the 1400 and can save the bike's ass on wet terrain. Speaking of water, it was long thought that this new engine would be water-cooled. But it doesn't! The category still adheres to certain principles, and here heat is dissipated by air and oil.

with its large twin, enhanced on-board electronics and generous lines, the machine could be left at that. But Guzzi has recreated everything for its majestic machine. Starting with a new double-cradle steel frame. Its special feature is the way vibrations are diffused within it. According to the brand, the twin-cylinder's flexible mounting allows its pulsations to propagate at idle, then annihilate them once the gas pedal is mobilized.
Mandello has reworked the gearbox, now with 6 speeds, the cardan shaft transmission and the brakes. Californians will cough a little more when they learn that coupled braking has disappeared. Perhaps they'll be consoled by standard ABS, 4-piston radial calipers, and the new pretensions of the chassis. Everything gets wider: the forks are now 46 mm in diameter, and the front and rear gumshoes are bigger. The front end will split the road with 130 mm of rubber, while the rear will be solidly mounted on 200 mm of bearing. With its 110 and 140 mm tyres, the old 1100 seems to have moped tires.
And the headlight? Check out this intriguing optic. Complex shapes, a lenticular element, LEDs... It almost monopolizes attention. Beneath the large windscreen, another element has been the focus of a great deal of creativity: the instrument panel. A single, round, chrome-rimmed dial in front of the fork crown, with a central digital window and a host of information. Simple yet complete, elegant, modern, superb!

A true invitation to riding pleasure, the new Moto-Guzzi 1400 California carries on its hips a pair of (very handsome) suitcases, each with a capacity of 35 liters; unfortunately, they can't hold a helmet. The machine stands out for its design, its engine and its corpulence. 337 kilos, 1,685 mm wheelbase, almost 2.50 m long - that's a lot of motorcycle weight. Equipped with advanced electronics, a copious twin and a serious chassis, the Italian cruiser became a serious competitor to American and related products. The Harley Road King, Victory Cross Roads and Kawa 1700 Tourer have all found someone to talk to.
The 1400 California is also available in a more stripped-down Custom version, stripped of its tourer equipment, and clearly more "bad"...

M.B - Manufacturer's photos