Beskrivning
This motorcycle is Lot 5 of Bonhams Motorcycles Online – The Spring Sale; open for bidding 13-23rd February 2026. This Lot is available for public view and eventual collection from Bonhams Motorcycle Department, Milton Keynes.
Please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Bidding on all Lots commences Friday 13 February, 12:00 noon.
Bidding closes Monday 23 February, 12:00 noon, starting with Lot 5
Each subsequent Lot will then close one minute apart unless bidding remains active.
Public Viewing (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY):
All Lots:
Wednesday 18 February, 9am - 5pm
Please email using the button below with your availability to schedule an appointment.
Lot 5
1995 Moto Guzzi California 1100i
Registration no. P899 WFW
Frame no. KD* 12686*
Engine no. KD* 012627*
An engine design that originated in the early post-war years, Moto Guzzi's venerable 90-degree v-twin is still around today, albeit much modified and updated, 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 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.
Offered here is an example of the extensively improved California that was launched in 1993, initially as an '1100', with a short-lived 1, 000cc version being added the following year. Unusually, the new California could be had with either carburettor induction or fuel injection, while revisions were made to the frame, wheels, brakes, suspension and gearing, the latter being raised. According to marque authority, Ian Falloon: "It was the general improvement in the quality of finish and fittings that set the 1100 apart from its predecessor. Improved switches, fuel taps, seat latch and anti-vibration footboards were complemented by new paint for the engine and transmission and more durable plastic parts."
A fuel-injected model, this Moto Guzzi California was purchased by the private vendor in 1998. Although the VIN plaque states that the machine was manufactured in 1995, the HPI records the year of manufacture as 1997 and the date of first registration in the UK as 1st February 1997. It should also be noted that the HPI report lists the previous colour as Black/ Yellow.
Purchased for long-distance touring, this California was a regular entry at 'V Twin' rallies at Shaftesbury and later Fordingbridge, organised by the Moto Guzzi owners' club. The Guzzi has also toured mainland Europe: France, Spain, Italy, Germany, etc and in 2001 was shipped to Toronto, Canada to take part in the Moto Guzzi owners' club rally in the USA. New numberplates were obtained in Canada and the Guzzi continued its journey south across the Niagara Falls border control to the rally in the USA, although it did not win the award for the furthest travelled entry, which went to an Italian owner. The California was subsequently flown back to the UK and completely a journey to the Arctic Circle in Norway a couple of years later.
The machine has benefited from annual maintenance and been kept in the owner's heated garage since purchase. Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/ or restoration to a greater or lesser extent and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding. A set of panniers is included in the sale.
Accompanying documents include the following:
Current V5C Registration Certificate
Expired MoTs
Expired tax disc (1997)
Various invoices
Moto Guzzi related literature
Service logbook
1998 purchase receipt
£2, 000 - 3, 000
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
