Unveiled at EICMA: Special edition Moto Guzzis take the stage

Moto has showcased quite a few of its California-based bikes for 2015 including a concept and a couple of special one-offs. The Italian brand’s podium featured two new California models: the California Audace and the California Eldorado, the MGX-21 Concept, and the California 1400 Touring S.E.

2015 MOTO GUZZI CALIFORNIA AUDACE

Meaning ‘Bold’ in Italian, the Audace is essentially an evolution of the Moto Guzzi California sharing its gas-charged Sachs shock absorbers. However, this bolder version comes with a new matte-black colour scheme, polished edges on the cylinder fins and valve-cover ribs, and megaphone-shaped mufflers. This old-school styling is matched by its drag handlebar bar with tall risers, its “naked” front fork, and the suede-trimmed seat, which has contrasting red double stitching. What really gives the Audace a bolder look is the fatter 200/65 17 rear tyre, and marking a departure for the California is the use of footpegs replacing the floorboards. This means that the rocker-type shifter has been replaced by a conventional “push-down/pull-up” shift lever.

2015 MOTO GUZZI CALIFORNIA ELDORADO

Harking back to a 1960s Moto Guzzi original, is the Eldorado, which gets cruise control in addition to all the electronic aids offered on other Californias. It differs from its brethren with unique touches like the chrome inserts on the rear half of the fuel tank, the 16-inch spoked rear wheel, the white-sidewall tyres, and the ampler spoon-shaped seat, which is only 28.5 inches (724mm) above the ground.

2015 MOTO GUZZI MGX-21 CONCEPT

It is as yet unclear why Moto Guzzi displayed this concept, whether they actually plan to bring it to production or use it as an exercise is unknown. However, the prototype is a customised version of Moto Guzzi’s California 1400 with loads of carbon fibre, slpashes of matte black paint, exhaust wrap and red highlights on the brake callipers, front fender and the 1380cc V-twin engine.

The Italian brand had this to say about their concept:

“MGX-21 is the emblem, the most extreme summary of this fascinating and courageous project. It is a surprising idea that opens up a new path to touring according the Moto Guzzi. MGX-21 takes and combines elements, seeks out the influence of different cultures but drafts each foundation to lead everything back to the riding experience which belongs to every Moto Guzzi.”

2015 MOTO GUZZI CALIFORNIA 1400 TOURING S.E.

This special edition of the California 1400 shares virtually everything with its standard siblings but does sport a passenger backrest, chromium grab handle, chromium-plated sealed fork tubes and a two-tone paint scheme.