Fitting somewhere in-between the Royal Enfields and purely modern bikes, the 2011 Moto Guzzi California Black Eagle is an accessible step back in time.
The ergonomics and feel of the naked version of the venerable California Vintage is a cruiser like no other.With high floorboards for good ground clearance and a strong, torquey motor, the 1064cc Eagle is ready to fly gracefully through the canyons.
Modern conveniences such as fuel injection are tempered with a manual fast-idle handlebar control.While the suspension may not look high-tech, the forks and shocks are fully adjustable. Linked brakes are particularly effective.
2011 MotoGuzzi California Black Eagle
ENGINE TYPE: Pushrod V-Twin
BORE x STROKE: N/A
COMP. RATIO: N/A
TRANSMISSION: 5-Speed
WHEELBASE: N/A
RAKE: N/A
DRY WEIGHT: 553 pounds
PRICE: N/A
For a look into the entire 2011 motorcycle lineup, check out the Ultimate MotorCycling Digital Buyer’s Guide.
Benda motorcycles are beginning to make a ripple on US shores with four intriguing and competitive models, courtesy of its partnership with Keeway Group. We were impressed with the Napoleonbob 500 and have now gotten our gloves on the persuasive, entry-level 2026 Benda Chinchilla 300, with its modest MSRP of $4999. It would be difficult to design a more welcoming entry-level cruiser than this easy-handling, visually appealing boulevard bobber. Editor Don Williams and Associate Editor Kelly Callan discuss the Benda Chinchilla 300 and how it actually rode for them.
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Our guest this episode is Jesse Merriman, Chief Technician for Jeremy McWilliams at the Arch Motorcycle racing project. Arch Racing was founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reevs to compete in the Moto America Super Hooligan race series. Teejay Adams chats with Jesse about the Arch motorcycle and the challenges of extracting the absolute most from an air-cooled V-Twin racing engine and custom chassis.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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