Motorcycle specifications Moto-Guzzi1000 California III Carenatura Integrale 1992

Many Italian brands know how to blend tradition and modernism. Brands such as Ducati and Moto Guzzi have had their fetish engine architecture for ages, but it is regularly updated.

today, Moto-Guzzi's V2 is its greatest asset. And yet, this architecture was first used by the eagle of Mandello del Lario in 1967 on its V7 700. This engine evolved several times until 1990. It was then that the V2 surely underwent the mutation to which it owes its continued existence to this day: electronic fuel injection.

the first model to benefit was the placid and classic California III, in both standard and CI (Integral Fairing) versions. This didn't stop Guzzi from offering the best in injection technology at the time: a Weber-Marelli ignition-injection system almost identical to that found on the Ducati 851 supersports bikes.

as soon as you get used to it, some of the details are surprising, such as the disappearance of the body-builder used as a throttle. With electronic fuel injection, the engine still roars as much as ever, but the throttle is finally smooth. Idle is much more stable than before, and the bike heats up smoothly without stalling. At every level, the engine has gained in smoothness. Yet the engine has not lost its character. The I.E. has simply erased its negative aspects: no more gaps or lag time on acceleration, an engine that picks up much lower down but still has the same character at the top. Only the gearbox lags behind. It's still very slow, and you need to know how to use it. But when you're driving smoothly, it's easy to forget, as long as you break down the movement properly.

the new engine allows you to concentrate much more than before on the pleasure of riding and the strengths of the chassis. It's surprisingly easy to handle, given the weight and size of the machine. Like any self-respecting Guzzi, it favors stability over agility, but this character trait fits well with its American GT vocation. Comfort is pullman-like, and the integral braking system (a Guzzi exclusive - Honda will be introducing it much later) is very reassuring. The California III CI is a true invitation to ride. With a cruising speed of between 130 and 140 km/h with passenger, weapons and luggage (suitcases and top-case as standard), it can take you to the ends of the earth in complete relaxation.

this full fairing version has another undeniable advantage: its cost. at 77,700 FF when it came out in 1990, it's certainly an expensive bike, but very competitive with its direct rivals (Honda GoldWing, Yamaha Venture or HD FLHS). What's more, electronic fuel injection adds a little extra to the budget. The California has become a real camel, with 4.9 liters per 100km in quiet driving; the 25-litre fuel tank gives a range of over 500 km.

following its policy of regular updates, Moto Guzzi still keeps the California in its catalog today, now in 1400cc but still with its historic V2.

Tanthallas - Manufacturer's photos