Current Moto Guzzi California is set for a big-bore makeover’

 

Moto Guzzi is setting its sights on Harley-Davidson with an all-new 1600cc cruiser, MCN reveals this week.

Conceived to take on Harley’s 1584cc ‘big twins’, the new bike will be a new, big-bore version of the Italian firm’s Guzzi’s traditional across-the-frame V-twin and will carry the historic ‘California’ name.

in an exclusive interview with MCN, Moto Guzzi’s Head of Communications, Daniele Torresan said: “Our American importer has asked us to consider making a big cruiser for their market.

"The largest capacity we can go to with our current four-valve head engine is close to 1400cc. That would not be big enough, so we are thinking of producing a simple two-valve head design, which can be 1600cc.”

“The bike is only at design stage at the moment, but we may produce a prototype for the Milan show later this year.

"I have seen some of the sketches and it’s a typical cruiser style, a bit like the Yamaha Midnight Star, but obviously typically a Moto Guzzi.”

Read more in this week’s MCN, out now