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I love the Converts and had three of them over the years.
I've been a B to B manufacturers rep for a long time. I greatly enjoy what I do. Though I can't imagine being a manufacturer rep for the Piaggio Group, Moto Guzzi line. I bought my first Moto Guzzi in 1977. It was a silver 1976 Convert with a Vetter fairing. I love the Converts and had three of them over the years. But I've been a fan of the Moto Guzzi brand since that first Convert in 1977.Anyway, about a month and a half ago I started looking around at current Guzzi offerings in the 1400 line. I've followed them somewhat remotely through magazines, websites and internet forums since 2012/2013 when the 1400 was first coming out. In the 1400 line, the Eldorado is, to me, 'the one'. I first saw it up close at RPM in Dallas several weeks ago. I thought the designer did a great job with the bones he had to work with. In addition to the aesthetics, the ergonomics of the seat, handlebars and floorboards on the Eldo seem best suited to me. Especially good looking to me is the Eldorado in black and red. For me it's like the EV and the Bassa. I thought the EV was aesthetically a bit awkward looking. And that awkwardness was smoothed over with the Bassa fenders and rear tail light. Others must have agreed since the later EV's used those items from the Bassa/California Special to finish out the EV Touring line.I've been to five Guzzi dealers so far. Only two of the five had an Eldorado in stock. But only one of them, RPM, had the bike prepped so it could be ridden. The three dealers without an Eldorado (or much of any 1400) in stock all said "they sell well when we have them on the floor.". To which the obvious question was "Then why don't you keep them on the floor"? Only one of the five had a clue about Eldorado accessories or even if the CA Touring windshield, driving lights or the heated grips would fit on the Eldorado. I should be back in Dallas next month and will take RPM up their offer for an extended demo ride. Their version of extended is all the way home to Chattanooga, TN. My version is about 30 minutes in varying traffic conditions. My heart says: buy that beautiful motorcycle. Then my head reminds me of the somewhat spotty dealer network, the limited factory accessory list, the even more limited after market support and how to price a 3 model year old brand new Moto Guzzi. The Eldorado couldn't replace my Victory Cross Country Tour due to the Vic's luggage and two up capabilities. Therefore I'd really have to justify a second one up motorcycle. I really do love the Victory in any riding condition I've ever been in with it so it's difficult to justify a second bike.So, as has been discussed at length on Wildguzzi for many years; what's Piaggio to do with Moto Guzzi? From my sample of 5 dealers, 4 of them need to know about the bikes. I'm thrilled Piaggio has done all they have with Moto Guzzi. The V7 and now the V9 lines seem well rounded. From a manufacturing standpoint, it's very difficult to justify utilizing somewhat limited R&D resources without a reasonable expectation of a 2 or 3 year return on that investment. I don't mean that as Piaggio has limited R&D resources. But that they likely have to charge the cost of R&D to a specific division and model line. Piaggio has clearly been putting money into the Guzzi line for a while now.I 'was' hoping the Eldorado would be further developed into maybe a 'touring' version. Though an Internet search turns up nearly a dozen Eldorados currently at dealers around the country. The exact number could be a bit higher. They're priced anywhere from $11,600 to $16,800. Obviously the OTD prices would all need to be verified. Plus the Piaggio warehouse seems to still have Eldos available. So I've now mostly given up hope of an Eldorado touring version. Yes, I know the CA Touring saddlebags can be mounted to an Eldorado and that Guzzi and Hepco Becker have saddlebag options available. Decisons, decisions. Yes, no or not now are really the only options.
I'd like to see a little bit more from the 1400 series as well. Certainly agree the Eldo needs a touring package with hard bags and trunk.I'd like to see a standard/sport 1400 with mid-mounts myself. Lots of potential.
Just thought I'd leave this here.
I don't think Mark wants a motorcycle with less than a 100 hp and associated torque.
I certainly understand that the dealer situation gives pause. Cadre in Cincinnati, Blue Ash, actually is half the distance that RPM is. While I don't know that they have a Eldo on hand, they have had a 1400 right along, and are crazy responsive/service oriented. I've dealt with them on parts and have been witness to remarkable service to others. I hope they're under consideration.I'm led to believe he has a 2016 NOS Eldo (Black) on the floor right now, as well as an Audace (the Most Victory of the 1400 line, if I may suggest such a thing), and is looking to move them. do eeet.
I would absolutely love to have the black & red Eldo modified with mufflers so it sounds like an air/oil cooled V-Twin, the CA Touring windshield, CA Touring driving lights and the passenger backrest/luggage rack as shown in the old Guzzi show video. Apparently that passenger backrest/luggage rack combo could be coming out through an alternate source. Anyway, an Eldorado, or literally any Moto Guzzi is simply not going to happen at this point. Try as I did over the last couple of months to talk to my wife about it, she is in no way what so ever on board. Certainly not with having a Moto Guzzi, any Moto Guzzi in our garage. We've only been married for 32 years and we fully intend to go another 32 and many more after that. So, I know when to say when as I value a healthy relationship with her more than just about anything. The Moto Guzzi signs will however, remain hanging on the garage wall.
I've been to five Guzzi dealers so far. Only one of the five had a clue about Eldorado accessories or even if the CA Touring windshield, driving lights or the heated grips would fit on the Eldorado. My heart says: buy that beautiful motorcycle. Then my head reminds me of the somewhat spotty dealer network, the limited factory accessory list, the even more limited after market support and how to price a 3 model year old brand new Moto Guzzi.
NCDan, No sir, selling or trading away the Victory is most definitely, not on the table or a even consideration of any kind. PS - I just sent you a PM.