MOTO GUZZI California III (1987-1993) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Moto Guzzi California was a cruiser motorcycle manufactured by Moto Guzzi from 1971 as a replacement model for the Moto Guzzi 850 GT and continued production until 2021. The manufacturer produced a version almost continuously from 1971 to 2021.

In 1987, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Moto Guzzi California III, a cruiser motorcycle that replaced the California II model. It packed the same engine but featured a more cruiser-oriented design as the previous one.

In the aesthetic department, the bike was equipped with standard fittings, like a round headlight upfront, a tall windscreen, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a two-piece dual seat with a small passenger backrest, side-mounted leather bags, side-mounted rear shocks, a dual exhaust system with a muffler on each side, and wire-spoke wheels.

In the suspension department, the bike was softened by a telescopic fork on the front and twin Koni five-way preload-adjustable shock absorbers on the rear, providing optimum handling capabilities.

As for the braking power, the bike's 18-inch spoke wheels were fitted with two 300 mm brake discs on the front, engaged by a dual-piston caliper and a 275 mm brake disc on the rear, coupled to a two-piston caliper.

The 1987 Moto Guzzi California III had installed a 948cc four-stroke air-cooled V-twin engine underneath its fuel tank, boasting 65 hp with a peak force at 6,700 rpm and 79 Nm (58 lb-ft) torque at 3,200 rpm.