Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
The year was 1971, and the California V7 was born. After a limited number of models with the 750 engine and chassis of the V7 special, since 1972 it has been offered in the 850 version. The 750 version and the first batch of the 850 were fitted with a double cam front brake and later a four cam front brake. Halfway through production, the black and chrome tank with white threads becomes black with the Moto Guzzi writing on the sides (in the photo). The latest version, which loses the V7 nomenclature, is called 850 GT California from 1974 and features the Brembo single disc on the front end. In a country, the United States, which until then had only been invaded by Harley Davidsons and their Japanese copies, something new was finally appearing which maintained the "cruiser" spirit typical of that market while introducing new stylistic qualities. Particular reference to the typical Moto Guzzi engine, an air-cooled V-twin (like Harley Davidsons) but with a 90° angle between the banks and longitudinal forward-facing arrangement. The universal joint transmission was another important distinguishing feature.
The chassis of the V7 Special, whose road qualities were reference points at the time, gave the V7 California driving and safety qualities previously unknown to the Cruiser genre. In 1973 Moto Guzzi launched the 850 T, followed in 1975 by the 850 T3 (which among other things was equipped with the integral braking system, patented by Moto Guzzi-Brembo) equipped with the new "double closed cradle" frame designed by Eng. Tonti which will also equip the very sporty "Le Mans". A California version is derived from the 850 T3 version by intervening on the aesthetic parts.
The year was 1971, and the California V7 was born. After a limited number of models with the 750 engine and chassis of the V7 special, since 1972 it has been offered in the 850 version. The 750 version and the first batch of the 850 were fitted with a double cam front brake and later a four cam front brake. Halfway through production, the black and chrome tank with white threads becomes black with the Moto Guzzi writing on the sides (in the photo). The latest version, which loses the V7 nomenclature, is called 850 GT California from 1974 and features the Brembo single disc on the front end. In a country, the United States, which until then had only been invaded by Harley Davidsons and their Japanese copies, something new was finally appearing which maintained the "cruiser" spirit typical of that market while introducing new stylistic qualities. Particular reference to the typical Moto Guzzi engine, an air-cooled V-twin (like Harley Davidsons) but with a 90° angle between the banks and longitudinal forward-facing arrangement. The universal joint transmission was another important distinguishing feature.
The chassis of the V7 Special, whose road qualities were reference points at the time, gave the V7 California driving and safety qualities previously unknown to the Cruiser genre. In 1973 Moto Guzzi launched the 850 T, followed in 1975 by the 850 T3 (which among other things was equipped with the integral braking system, patented by Moto Guzzi-Brembo) equipped with the new "double closed cradle" frame designed by Eng. Tonti which will also equip the very sporty "Le Mans". A California version is derived from the 850 T3 version by intervening on the aesthetic parts.
