Moto Guzzi celebrated the launch of their new California 1400 Touring and Custom motorcycles at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel on Friday. April 5, 2013 Moto Guzzi gained prominence in the American market via its exclusive contract with the LAPD and California Highway Patrol, over 40 years ago. In 1970, Moto Guzzi won the first motorcycle fleet contract in America ever awarded to a foreign manufacturer and developed the California model for the LAPD and the California Highway Patrol. It was this model that propelled the Italian brand to success in the U.S. market. The Moto Guzzi California designed for the LAPD was decidedly different from the base model V7 sold in dealerships. The California featured an oversized saddle, bullhorn handlebars, platform footrests and an abundance of chrome protection. Since then, seven generations and four engine capacities (750, 850, 1000, 1100) have alternated in more than 100,000 units manufactured. Founded in 1921, Moto Guzzi is Europe’s oldest continuously operating manufacturer of motorcycles. The brand continues to produce bikes from its original location on the shores of Lake Como in the village of Mandello del Lario, Italy.