850-T3/4/5 California

844cc OHV transverse V-twin || 490lb || 120mph || 1974-1983 Refusing to rest on Moto Guzzi’s considerable laurels, designer Lino Tonti took the 750 S3 and expanded it to become the improved 850 T3, which was in many ways the most important Moto Guzzi made in the 1970s. Lighter than the touring-oriented California and far more sporting than the also new 949cc two-speed semi-automatic Convert, the 1975 Moto Guzzi 850 T3 was the bridge between the Moto Guzzi V7 Sport and the bigger models. The T3, and the subsequent 4 and 5 variants are grand touring classics, using components designed for the big tourers like the Convert but with less weight and better agility for riders looking for both long-distance capacity and performance. There was also the California, a machine developed from a police bike ordered by the LAPD and California Highway Patrol to replace their Harley-Davidsons. Dripping with chrome and stainless steel, the California was Moto Guzzi’s best-selling model for many years.

Price

low £3000 || high £7500