MOTO GUZZI California 1100 EV Special (2000-2001) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 2000, the Italian motorcycle maker launched the Moto Guzzi California 1100 EV Special, the latest interpretation of the long-running California series, with excellent built quality and finish. The bike was basically the same as previous models.

The Moto Guzzi California was a cruiser motorcycle that debuted in 1971 as a replacement model for the Moto Guzzi 850 GT and was manufactured until 2021. The bike featured a standard seating position, footboards, heel-and-toe shifter, and linked Brembo brakes (discontinued for the 1400 models).

Visually, the bike was similar to previous models, wearing standard features, such as a round headlight upfront with instruments mounted on top, a wide, pulled-back handlebar, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a two-piece dual seat with a passenger backrest, a small luggage rack, a dual exhaust system, and wire-spoke wheels.

It was built around a double-cradle steel frame softened by a 45 mm Marzocchi telescopic fork on the front and twin side-mounted adjustable shock absorbers, providing optimum suspension performance and handling.

The braking power was delivered by two 320 mm discs bolted on the front wheel with four-piston calipers in charge and a 282 mm brake disc mounted on the rear wheels, engaged by a dual-piston caliper.

The 2000 Moto Guzzi California 1100 EV Special had its heartbeat set by a 1,064cc four-stroke air-cooled V-twin engine handled by an Electronic fuel injection system, boasting 74 hp at 6,400 rpm and 94 Nm (69 lb-ft) torque at 5,000 rpm.