For the 2005 model year, Moto Guzzi released six models of the California, a motorcycle that the Italian manufacturer had produced since 1971 retro-inspired by American cruiser bikes. The six models are named the California Stone, California Stone Touring, California Aluminum, California Titanium, California EV and California EV Touring. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the 2005 Moto Guzzi California are $9,999, $10,490, $11,490, $11,690, $12,490 and $13,490, respectively. Three of the models – the California Stone Touring, California EV and California EV Touring – are styled as touring cruisers. They were thus marketed to riders with more of an emphasis on recreational or leisure driving.
Each 2005 Moto Guzzi California is powered by a four-stroke, air-cooled, V-twin (two-cylinder) overhead valve engine, with a 1,064-cubic centimeter displacement and Magneti Marelli fuel injection. It generates 74 horsepower at 6,400 revolutions per minute (RPM) and 70 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 RPM. The engine has a bore and stroke of 92 x 80 millimeters (3.62 x 3.15 inches) and a compression ratio of 9.8 to 1.
The 2005 Moto Guzzi California has a five-speed transmission and a shaft drive to complete the bike’s powertrain. For starting the bike, Moto Guzzi installed an electric ignition. For fuel, the 2005 California has a 5-gallon (19-liter) gas tank, with a 1.1-gallon (4-liter) reserve.
For stopping power, the 2005 Moto Guzzi California uses an all-wheel disc Brembo® braking system, which is superior to an all-wheel drum or front-disc-brake rear-drum-brake system. It consists of a 12.6-inch (320-mm) disc at the front and the 11.1-inch (282-mm) disc at the back. The EV models have front dual disc brakes, thus adding more braking prowess to the bike. The suspension on the 2005 California is composed of an 1.8-inch (45-mm) Marzocchi telescopic fork and a twin-sided swing arm with two rear shock absorbers.
Available as a black, red or silver cruiser, the 2005 Moto Guzzi California is made of a steel frame for sturdiness. It was generally designed as a ""naked bike."" However, the Titanium and EV Touring trims have a plastic shell (upper fairing) over its upper half. Moto Guzzi added a tinted wind deflector on the EV models. A kick stand goes on each bike for parking it, and a halogen headlight and a pair of side mirrors provide enhanced visibility
For seating, each 2005 Moto Guzzi California has a vinyl seat big enough to accommodate two people. The one on the EV models, though, has an additional backrest for the passenger. Digital instrumentation on the cruiser consists of a trip odometer, speedometer and fuel level warning light, with a tachometer added on the Aluminum, Titanium, EV, and EV Touring models. There’s a storage space underneath the seat of all models. The EV gets an additional rear rack, while the EV Touring also has a lockable compartment and two vinyl side cases with a 6.8-gallon (30-liter) capacity. Also included on the EV Touring is a power outlet for charging a mobile phone.