By Dean Devito


Just like your momma used to tell you, the Moto Guzzi re-taught me an old favorite lesson; never judge a book by its cover. After all, this bike looks old, a bit too classy for real fun, and far too akin to something my dad would like. Surely it would be a burden running around the mountains of North Georgia, and Editor Kenn was going to owe me one for doing this write up…

The California Vintage takes much of its styling cues from a bike Moto Guzzi provided for the California Highway Patrol nearly three decades ago. However, further inspection, and one quick ride, shows that this is clearly a modern motorcycle. Although no one ever pulled over for me, the chrome fenders, front spot lights, rich gloss black paint, and broad white pin stripes all pay homage to the bike’s pedigree as a one time tool for law enforcement.

The nostalgic styling is carried throughout the entire motorcycle, from the chromed luggage rack to the Metzeler bias ply tires with an old style tread pattern. Moto Guzzi even opted for a 140 series rear tire snubbing the current trend among cruiser manufacturers to fit over-sized rear tires that dominate a bike's profile.

The bike certainly looked full of Italian charm, as it sat rocking side-to-side thumping the unique beat of its dual exhaust. Blipping the throttle exhibits the relatively quick revving nature of the engine, and causes the whole bike to lean to the right, a sensation that disappears once under way. First gear seems a bit too tall, but a slip of the dry clutch and you’re off. Even though engagement is smooth and predictable, smaller hands may object as they reach for a non-adjustable lever that engages in the latter part of its travel.

Once motoring, the fuel injected 1064cc 90 degree twin is a willing accomplice. While it is functional and fun, it is not totally refined. Character is the word…and the Guzzi has it in excess. The valves tick away audibly just below the rider’s legs and the exhaust and intake growl when asked to work. Shifts are positive and easy, but are met with a reaffirming clunk. There was very little lash from the shaft driven drive line as well as very little "jacking" of the bike when rolling on the throttle. 

The Vintage seems to be happiest and smoothest spinning between 3,000 and 4,000 RPM’s, but speedy get-aways are best accomplished using a bit more sweep of the Guzzi’s tachometer which comes as standard equipment. The engine lacks some of the raw low end grunt of larger displacement twins in this category, but stretch the throttle cable, and shift somewhere between 4,000 and 7,000 RPM’s and the Guzzi will reward it’s rider with a soulful exhaust note and speedy forward progress.

The chassis easily handles any pace the engine, and your right wrist, are willing to provide, and the high and tight floorboard mounting pays huge dividends when cornering clearance is considered. When other cruisers are throwing sparks and scratching various chrome bits on the apex of unforgiving corners, the Guzzi simply asks for a bit of counter steer, and rewards smooth bike lean by going right where the rider points with no drama, sparks, or chrome damage. The centerstand drags first…but much later than you’d expect. The California Vintage is graced with a fork brace and a steering dampener that aids the stability, and makes this bike at home on sweeping corners. Roll on the throttle, press a little more to get that last bit of lean, and start planning for the next corner.