Moto Guzzi New bikes

April 2001 :

MOTO GUZZI has unveiled two new cruisers which give us a taste of the direction the firm is going in under new owner Aprilia.

Both are based on the long-time favorite California cruiser and will be produced in strictly limited numbers.

The new California Stone is a stripped-to-the-bone version of the venerable V-twin. Even the chrome is restrained. It will be available in black, gray white or orange, each in a matt finish.

The most significant changes are under the skin. The engine is still the basic 74 bhp, 1064cc twin, but to increase reliability, many of the electronics have been changed.

This revamp caries through to parts like the controls and switches on the bars, which have been replaced with new, Aprilia-derived versions. Altogether, there are around 200 new parts on the bike.

The same improvements appear on the firm's. An other new limited-edition machine the California Special Sport. On this you get two-tone paint, extra chrome, twin front discs and high-rise bars.

Both bikes are going into production now and should go on sale in the UK in the next couple of months.

Expect the Stone to cost around £6000 and the Special Sport to be over £7000.