The California is easily one of Moto Guzzi’s best-known and best-loved models. It was born of a collaboration with the Los Angeles Police Department back in 1969, and built around Moto Guzzi’s equally iconic V7 roadster. The bike was a hit and found itself added to the fleets of a number of other police departments. But it wasn’t too long before changes were needed. Capacity was increased, various features were added, but things still weren’t quite right. Eventually, Moto Guzzi unveiled the California II. Manufactured from 1981 to 1987, it featured a 948cc air-cooled V-twin, mounted in the signature longitudinal position that helps give Moto Guzzis their character.
Peak power output was near 67 horsepower and torque topped out at 55.6 lb-ft. Not exactly blow-you-away numbers but enough to create an experience that is endearing and addictive. You can still find plenty of these bikes zipping along back roads in Europe, and the consistent cheerfulness of their riders is the sort of thing to induce envy.
Speaking of endearing, I particularly like the “cold start” video that accompanies this listing. The seller is located in Louisiana. Having been born in East Texas, it is nice to hear a familiar accent.
That’s probably not a reason in and of itself to buy a 40-year-old Italian motorcycle ─ especially with all of the potential gremlins that implies ─ but it doesn’t hurt. To help you with the practical side of things, it appears there are a number of forums and websites dedicated to the maintenance and enjoyment of the California II. At the very least you’ll have people to commiserate with.
Although, for the time being, things appear OK with this particular example. It starts easy, and the seller assures us that it “runs great and is fun to ride.”
With 91,000 miles on the clock, this California II is for sale for $3,700 in Prairieville, Louisiana, here on Facebook Marketplace.