1998 Moto Guzzi 1,064cc California
Registration no. S3 PPL
Frame no. KD130507
Engine no. KD25482

An engine design that originated in the early post-war years, Moto Guzzi's venerable 90-degree v-twin is still around today powering the company's latest generation of superbikes, tourers and cruisers. Guzzi's take on the latter first appeared in the mid 1970s in the form of the 850 T3 California. The styling was unashamedly American inspired: fat 'buddy' seat, cow-horn 'bars, king-size mudguards, foot boards, panniers, screen and lashings of chrome, all of which conspired to make it look like Italy's answer to the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide. The design has changed in detail over the years, the engine growing to 1,064cc and the cycle parts being upgraded with the latest kit, but the concept remains unchanged. 'This isn't some faceless Japanese pretend cruiser, but an original,' as Bike magazine observed in 1998.

This example was purchased by the vendor's late brother in September 2005, having had three previous owners, and was used as part of the guard of honour at his funeral in June 2015. It has been in storage since then. Currently displaying a total of 19,149 miles on the odometer, the machine is offered with sundry bills and a V5C registration document. Panniers and a top box are included in the sale.