Moto Guzzi is a proud Italian company that has been making motorcycles for close to 100 years. Prior to WWII, they were primarily small-displacement singles and twins, and they have a long history of success in racing, with 14 World GP Championships and 11 TT wins. At the end of the 1960’s, they produced their first transverse twin that powered their iconic V7 line. There were also smaller displacement V35 and V50 models. In the 1960’s, the Los Angeles Police Department consulted with Moto Guzzi on a purpose-built law enforcement bike based on the V7, and the result was the California. Displacement was bumped to 850cc’s for their required performance, and the bike was built to LAPD specs, with floorboards, left hand shift, and provisions for extra lighting and luggage, not to mention the large, bullet-proof windshield. The California spawned a long line of Guzzi cruisers that are still being made today.
By 1985 the California had been bumped to 948cc to become the California II. This bike is one of those. It has been in one family since new, and the owner has extensive records as well as service manuals and the all-important “Guzziology”, the Guzzi owner’s bible of sorts. He has done quite a bit of work recently on the bike, and it has several functional upgrades (air and oil filters, Dyna ignition) as well as full bags and that lovely Swanee Aerofoil fairing.
Mileage is only 26,800, barely broken in for a well-cared for Guzzi. With all the work recently done on this bike and it’s documented history and commission, this Guzzi is a steal at $3,900.
You find this Guzzi here on Craigslist. It is located in Macon, Georgia.