1973 Moto Guzzi Eldorado
My old (not age wise…?) racing friend Steve Allen of www.bevelheaven.com owned an Eldorado…or maybe it was an Ambassador, either one it doesn’t matter, he loved it. My friends Eric and Ken (both are Bonneville Land Speed record holders) run a Guzzi streamliner at Bonneville and I have always lusted after one. I have ridden Eldorado’s , 850 and 1000 Le Mans and even a fairly newer California model. Loved ’em all. And so did the LAPD and the California Highway Patrol. There is just something about a simple tractor motor put into a motorcycle fame that’s just w
wonderful.
The Eldorado has a whopping 64 horsepower, a long chassis, a boat-load of torque and looks a lot heavier than it really is. Is it easy to ride? Oh yeah. Would you race your buddy through your local canyon road? No. Would you take your wife or girlfriend (not both at the same time…) from Santa Monica to Nova Scotia…absolutely. The Eldorado was designed for long distance. Smooth easy loping motor, very predictable handling, great ergonomics…what more could you ask for? Smoother shifting and better brakes.
The Eldo is a bike that you really need to anticipate whats coming up. Shifting is clunky unless you’re slow and deliberate. It’s a long throw and takes a bit of getting used to unless you’re used to old bikes. The brakes…well, plan ahead. The brakes work fine but the 9″ drum is a bit weak if you’re used to modern disc’s . Give yourself plenty of time and distance and you’ll get used to it. Remember, the Eldorado is a traveler, not a Sportbike. The bike is most comfortable on the road between 65-80mph, after that the handling or should I say ‘handling response’ becomes a little less than confidence inspiring, especially two up. But still, it is a fabulous long distance mount
I found a really great one on ebay this morning that is truly a fly and buy bike. It has been upgraded with a 1000cc engine kit, well maintained and the stock handlebars. This is a good deal. Besides riding around South Carolina this time of year sounds like a lot of fun.
Click on the link below for more info and pictures
<a target=”_self” href=”http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5574881880&toolid=10001&campid=5336495545&customid=1973+Moto+Guzzi+Eldorado&icep_item=201555350176&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg”>
1973 Moto Guzzi Eldorado</a><img style=”text-decoration:none;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;” src=”http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=2&pub=5574881880&toolid=10001&campid=5336495545&customid=1973+Moto+Guzzi+Eldorado&item=201555350176&mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]”>