Moto Guzzi
Moto Guzzi California 1400 specifications and features
Discontinued 2020Every figure from the manufacturer's sheet, plus what each feature actually does for you.
The numbers in context
Each figure read against the 65 cruisers we have reviewed.
The figures below are the manufacturer's. To make them mean something, each is read against the 65 cruisers we have reviewed: the class average is the number to beat, and the rank shows how far the California 1400 is from the ends of the field.
The 1380 cc engine is 450 cc above the class average of 930 cc, 12th of 65. Peak power of 95 bhp is 29.9 bhp above the class average of 65.1 bhp, 13th of 62. The extra power is what you feel on an overtake with a pillion. Torque of 121 Nm is 39.2 Nm above the class average of 81.8 Nm, 15th of 65. High torque for the class means fewer downshifts in traffic.
Kerb weight is 318 kg, 86 kg above the class average of 232 kg, 59th of 63. Expect that mass to show in traffic and when paddling it backwards, though it also helps stability at speed. Seat height is 740 mm, right on the class average of 740 mm. Most riders from about 5'2" will get both feet flat. Ground clearance is 165 mm, 22 mm above the class average of 143 mm, 14th of 58.
Fuel tank is 20 litres, 5.5 litres above the class average of 14.5 litres, 4th of 65. At a realistic 9 kmpl that is roughly 170 km between fills. Wheelbase is 1685 mm, 175 mm above the class average of 1510 mm, 2nd of 63. A longer wheelbase trades some agility for stability at speed and with a pillion.
Full specification sheet
Dimensions
- Kerb weight
- 318 kg
- Fuel tank
- 20 L
- Seat height
- 740 mm
- Ground clearance
- 165 mm
- Wheelbase
- 1685 mm
- Length
- 2445 mm
- Width
- 1030 mm
- Height
- 1460 mm
Tyres
- Front tyre
- 130/70R18
- Rear tyre
- 200/60R16
Engine
- Engine
- 1380 cc
- Engine type
- 2 Cylinder, Air Cooled, 4 Valves
- Power
- 95 bhp
- Torque
- 121 Nm
- Claimed mileage
- 10 kmpl
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Transmission
- 6 Speed
Brakes & suspension
- Front brake
- Disc, 320 mm
- Rear brake
- Disc, 282 mm
- ABS / CBS
- Dual Channel ABS
- Front suspension
- 46 mm hydraulic telescopic fork
- Rear suspension
- swingarm with double shock absorber
Source: Moto Guzzi official specifications. Figures can differ between variants; the table shows the range offered.
Dimensions in practice
The California 1400 weighs 318 kg with fluids, has an 740 mm seat, 165 mm of ground clearance, and rides on a 1685 mm wheelbase. Clearance is average for the class.
The fuel tank holds 20 litres.
Tyres are 130/70R18 front and 200/60R16 rear, tubeless.
Features, and why each matters
Grouped by what they do for you. Underlined items link to a plain-English explainer.
Safety and braking
Stops both wheels from locking under panic braking. The single biggest safety upgrade on a two-wheeler.
Front disc brake
Sheds heat and works when wet. Worth the small premium over a drum on any commuter.
Rear disc brake
Adds feel and fade resistance at the back; matters more on heavier or faster bikes.
Tubeless tyres
A puncture deflates slowly instead of instantly, and roadside repair takes ten minutes.
Chassis
Alloy wheels
Lighter than spoked wheels and they allow tubeless tyres.
Convenience
Engine kill switch
Switch the engine off from the right bar without reaching for the key.
Equipment against Chief Dark Horse, Fat Bob and Heritage Classic
Equipment present on at least one variant of each; check the variant table for trim-specific items.
Only the California 1400 has
- Nothing its rivals lack
Rivals have, it lacks
- Side-stand engine cut-off
- Hazard lamps
- LED headlamp
- LED daytime running lamp
- LED tail lamp
- Digital console
- Ride modes
- USB charging port
- Rear monoshock
Colours
California 1400 specs: questions people ask
- What is the engine capacity and power of the California 1400?
- It uses a 1380cc engine producing 95 bhp and 121 Nm, with a 6 speed.
- Is the California 1400 suitable for short riders?
- Yes. Seat height is 740 mm, low for the class, so riders around 5'2" and above can reach the ground comfortably.
- Does the California 1400 have ABS?
- Yes, dual-channel ABS on at least one variant; check the variant table, as lower trims may get single-channel.
- What features does the California 1400 have?
- 6 items across 3 groups, including dual-channel abs, front disc brake, rear disc brake, tubeless tyres and alloy wheels. Some are variant-specific.