Moto Guzzi California Motorcycles
Moto Guzzi California Motorcycle Owners News, Reviews and More
Moto Guzzi California Black Eagle 2010
The Moto Guzzi California Black Eagle edition has been announced for the 2010 model year. This new Cali has a matte black paint scheme, named Aquila Nera, and shares some formerly unique features of the California Vintage.
The often debated retro style tail light from the Vintage now also comes on the Black Eagle edition. I do get a variety of comments about the tail light on my California Vintage. Some say it looks just like it came from an old motorcycle (as intended) and they like it, while others think it looks like it came from a hardware store to fit on a tractor or maybe a boat trailer. Personally, I believe it fits the retro style, but I do wish it had the chrome trim ring that the early Vintage model publicity photos showed.
Speaking of chrome, there is plenty of it on the Black Eagle edition California. It creates a strong contrast against the Aquila Nera black paint. While most matte black motorcycles tend to have several blacked-out or muted features, this one has polished aluminum and chrome all over. Borrowing again from the Vintage, the all black seat is wide and comfortable for most, and has a tubular chrome grab bar that wraps around the rear of it. It’s actually not very functional as a passenger grab bar, but is more for style as a tamed version of what came on the older Guzzis.
The 1064cc fuel injected, pushrod v-twin with a 5 speed gearbox are retained from the previous California models. This is a good thing, especially for proven reliability and durability. It’s quite nice not to have to wonder about how the engine or transmission will hold up over time.
The fenders are not from the Vintage, which some folks might be happy about, and are painted in the same Aquila Nero matte finish to match the tank and side covers. There are some painted components that a have the traditional gloss black finish. This including the frame, the fork brace, fork clamps, and swingarm.
The Black Eagle edition Moto Guzzi California looks ripe for a range of accessories. We’d like to see some optional side bags, a removable windshield, and a passenger backrest to be made available. Adding on a set of chrome or matching black crash bars might also help finish off the look of this new member of the Cali family.
Categorized Under
About John Clay
John Clay is the author of MotoGuzziCalifornia.Com. He and his family reside in North Carolina in the United States. A graduate of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Experienced Rider Course, he enjoys riding and maintaining his Moto Guzzi California Vintage.
Suggested Articles
-
Battery Tender Junior installed on Guzzi
To put an end to any lingering battery worries, I bought a Deltran Battery Tender Junior. I love this gadget and wanted to share a few installation tips and photos of how I installed it on my Moto Guzzi California motorcycle.
-
How to replace headlight bulb on Cali
Just after reaching 20,000 miles on my 2007 Moto Guzzi California Vintage, the headlight finally burned out. I replaced it with a Philips MotoVision bulb that gives off an orange glow to help be seen in traffic.
-
Moto Guzzi California Valve Cover Gaskets
Replacing a valve cover gasket on a Moto Guzzi California very easy to do, like on an older car. The California Vintage has 1064cc push rod engine with 2 valves per cylinder. This engine pretty much the same as the Moto Guzzi California V11 engine. It is simple and beautiful.
Hi Greg, congratulations on getting your California! I am sure you will love it. Glad to hear you took the MSF course, it is a great start. I also recommend reading Proficient Motorcycling. It is a wealth of safe riding strategies and advice, and is well written. No matter how long you have been riding, there is always more to learn. For crash bars, part number 30450260 crash bar kit that was on the EV and other Californias might be the way to go, but you’ll need to verify if it will fit yours or not. I think it costs about $135. Otherwise, you always could add the bars from the California Vintage, but I’d look at the EV bars first.
John
Just bought an 2011 California Black Eagle. This is my first bike outside the realm of scooters and vespas. I did take the MSF classbut am definitely still a little nervous the size and power. I plan to go slow and ride a lot back streets, empty parking lots, and take a lot of riding courses until I feel comfortable. But I have to add I am very excited about taking for its first ride.
Can any suggest where I can get some chrome crash bars?
Much thanks!
The bike can certainly handle, and your limit of grip isnt the OEM tyres either!
Hi,
I have a 2010 Aquila Nera, and its a great bike!
Its the same bike as the Vintage really, but with the stunning metallic matte paint and no screen, luggage, etc.
However, as its the same bike if you want to retro fit this, you can do so. So it might end up becoming a matte black Vintage after all!
“Aquila Nera”, not “Aquila Nero”. 😉
Good website and GREAT bike.
Greetings from Italy (by an italian California owner).
Fulvio