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February 10, 2002

By Keith Allen

Its name is synonymous with Beach Boys' cruisin'. Moto Guzzi's California is one of several Moto Guzzi models launched by importers Veloce Motorcycles last year.

Adding even more colour to the wonderful variety of bikes available to South Africans, these rugged Italians have a well-deserved reputation for reliability, with many of their predecessors still giving great service after more than 20 years of hard use.

So perhaps it's a good thing that - although some changes have been made to their brakes, carburation and cosmetics - the heart of the California is essentially the same across-the-frame, air-cooled 90-degree V-twin with two-valve cylinder heads that's powered many a Moto Guzzi since pa fell off the bus.

Now bored out to 1064cc, it's quite the torque Titan, developing 94Nm at 5000rpm, and 54kW at 6400rpm. Like its opposition, America's own Harley-Davidson, the California's torque is spread generously from take-off into the mid-range to lug rider, passengers and kit with elephant-like ease.

Fuel supply is via a multipoint, phased sequential fuel injection system made by Magneti Marelli, as is the electronic digital ignition with inductive spark.

Many of my most enjoyable breakfast runs last year were done on a thumping 1981 1000SP, so it was interesting to note that, although the fuel-injection system has smoothed the newer engine's linear torque curve, it is still characteristically lumpy under about 1500rpm and sometimes even coughed and stalled after riding in traffic.

The California's mill smooths out above 2000rpm and pulls strongly up to its 8000rpm red line - though going that high is pointless because of its vast mid-range.

Low-rev fluffiness aside, though, the Cali runs hard to as high as 210km/h on the speedo, where its windscreen causes a weave despite the bike having a steering damper. Still, such a turn of speed makes the Cali faster than most in its class, despite usually having the smallest engine capacity!

The Guzzi is never going to contest 400m dices with a dry weight of 251kg but it does get going with rorty alacrity and its makers have succeeded in giving it exactly the right sort of exhaust note - a deep, V-twin rumble that's rewarding but not too loud.

The new California is a handsome retro machine that has specially formed rims to enable tubeless tyres to seal on its traditional wire-spoked wheels and Moto Guzzi eagle emblems are proudly etched into the chromework and its attractive, white-faced gauges.

A folding back support for the pillion is pretty handy - as were the test bike's cowboy-style black leather saddlebags - while expensive chrome abounds.

One such plated panel houses its warning lights but unfortunately they're so faint and small they're about as useful as old Christmas decorations.

Of greater value are the bike's beautifully braided brake hoses and Guzzi's renowned integral braking system. Two 320mm stainless-steel discs up front with Brembo ORO series four-piston callipers are also exactly what a big, heavy bike like this needs.

Strong-looking multi-adjustable twin shocks support the weight of rider and passenger well but proved back-thumpingly stiff on rebound.

The obvious trade off with the taut suspension, though, is a cruiser that handles well, with safe, sure-footed cornering at reasonable lean angles before anything scrapes.

Perhaps it was simply the way the old-style gear lever was set up, but getting used to the now little-used heel-and-toe system was an unnecessary irritation because there simply wasn't enough room under the lever to make up-changes with my toe, necessitating lifting my boot heel to change up and toe to change down.

The gearbox shifts well enough (except when finding neutral) and the two-plate dry clutch is fairly light. For old Guzzi riders with right forearms like Popeye, the fuel-injected Cali is blessed with a light and responsive throttle.

No novice would choose the thumping 1980s "iron" feel of the big Guzzi as a first steed but, to those who know 'em and love 'em, the strong character and reliability of these big Italian twins is adequate compensation for any lack of refinement. They're also good value for money.

Just to sweeten the pot, prices of the California (R90 000) and its stablemates remain relatively unaffected by the rand's slump.

Even the delectable Aprilia Mille still costs "only" R119 000, making Veloce's big Guzzi and Aprilia ranges more affordable than most.

Thanks to Dean Ford of Veloce Motorcycles in Gauteng for the California. Contact him on 082-334-2002 for details.

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