New To Me 2016 Eldorado 1400

[Skysailor64]

Hi Mark,  I certainly agree with you regarding the horn.  I had the same issue with my old BMW R1200CLC and changed it to a more appropriate sounding one.  Let us know and hear what you come up with! 

[blu guzz]

Another agreement on the horn, what a joke. But, years ago in Europe, some cars had a 2 setting horn with city and country.  It may be that in the urban areas in Europe, the db are limited.

[TN Mark]

These are due in on Thursday from Amazon. 125db should get the job done. I didn’t want to go too large, so I’ll see how these fit. $30

FARBIN Car Horns 12v Loud High Tone/Low Tone Metal Twin Horns Kit with Relay Harness,Universal Horn for Truck Car Motorcycle (Black horn with wire harness)

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71nC+gi1WcL._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg

[TN Mark]

It looks like I found a Unicorn part, 2S000538.
These are the Eldorado 1400 leather saddlebag mounts. They should deliver on Friday so I’ll confirm then.

[TN Mark]

I stopped at Cadre Cycle this morning on my way up north and ordered the corresponding Eldorado specific leather saddlebags. Whohoo.

[Mike Crenshaw]

TN Mark, I've been reading your post with interest.  I've owned a 2014 California 1400 Touring for a few years now.  I'm the third owner and I'm pretty sure the second owner never made any changes to the motor.  Your comments about the engine mapping have me wondering if the stock map has been changed.  How to determine if I have a remap?  Can this be tested by Guzzi Diag? 

[blu guzz]

I wanted the Gucci Guzzi bags too, but was too cheap to part with the money.  Yours will be a real stunner when you have finished with it. 
Keep going, I look forward to seeing how far you can take it.

[TN Mark]

TN Mark, I've been reading your post with interest.  I've owned a 2014 California 1400 Touring for a few years now.  I'm the third owner and I'm pretty sure the second owner never made any changes to the motor.  Your comments about the engine mapping have me wondering if the stock map has been changed.  How to determine if I have a remap?  Can this be tested by Guzzi Diag?

In my case my Eldorado has an aftermarket PCV (Power Commander Five) with an AT-300 (Auto Tune). It’s currently running a ‘base’ map that was generated on an actual dyno by, as far as I know, the only professional dyno tuner on a Moto Guzzi in the country. It’s not a map you download from the internet for a donation in your garage with a laptop and cables. The ECU in the 1400 was intentionally designed not to allow or encourage that scenario. Plus I trust the actual before and after dyno run results on actual dyno with the same bike configuration I have. There’s only one option for the real thing regarding a 1400.

Today, the newer bikes can get an actual good fuel map from Piaggio because their team in CA knows what they’re doing, and they use a dyno.

The PCV and the AT have the fuel map that allows the engine to run in its optimum settings based on the air filter, the air box configuration and the exhaust system on my bike. Also in my case, the entire exhaust system has been replaced. The entire OEM exhaust system has been relocated to my attic.

The exhaust system, slip on mufflers, the crossover, the stepped head pipes, the Power Commander (6) and the air filters are readily available from a different Moto Guzzi internet forum. A Technical Guzzi forum.

I test road a stock 2014 CA Tour about 5 years ago. I wanted to like the bike because I inherently like the Moto Guzzi brand. The bike ran so poorly I couldn’t return to the dealer fast enough. Hanging throttle plus every other poor running condition they were originally sold with.

I admit to being biased as every bike I own gets tuned properly by the aftermarket, with aftermarket parts. IMHO, my  Eldorado runs better than the Guzzi R&D design and engineering teams ever thought it could. It also runs cooler than other 1400’s.

I’ve been chasing down and collecting a few other unobrainium 1400 accessories in the US and Italy. In the coming weeks I’ll be able to spend some time in the garage to install many of them. Knee replacement surgery next month will keep me off the road at work for a while. That equates to Guzzi Garage Time.

I have no idea when the bags will show up. I also don’t currently know how to post a picture here because I don’t have an online photo storage site etc. Apparently iCloud doesn’t count. But I’ll get that figured out as well.

[TN Mark]

Next week my work travel throttles way back so I’ll have some garage time with Bella.

In the meantime time, I’ve been busy gathering a lot of ‘unobtanium’ accessories. An eBay seller in Italy has been particularly helpful and so easy to deal with.. My fourth shipment from them was delivered yesterday. No muss, no fuss, fantastic deliveries with DHL combined with excellent pricing.

On Monday I confirmed I found a real unicorn part and ordered it. The OEM Eldorado specific leather saddlebag brackets (unicorn) are scheduled to deliver tomorrow. The OEM Eldorado leather saddlebags are on order with my somewhat ‘local’ dealer (Cadre Cycle) but I don’t have an ETA yet. The bags are in stock in Italy.
Pro Tip: this is a great time of year to ask about ‘Black Friday’ pricing on expensive items. ;)

I’m into the Eldorado for the long haul, therefore I’ve also been building up a supply of regular maintenance items (spark plug wires, plugs, seals etc) as well as some unique 1400 items (1400 dash, lock set, spare keys) that once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.

I also bought the Becker Technic work stand for cleaning and regular maintenance. After changing the oil with a scissors jack under the engine it was clear the jack was more in the way than it was helpful. I contacted Simon Becker through email because their website doesn’t allow shipping into the US, or Canada. Simon was also a breeze to work with, he gave me the non VAT price and his ‘lift’ is on its way to me.

[TN Mark]

The Eldorado ‘Grip Enhancement Phase’ is nearly done. So far I’ve completed installing:
B064270 - Heated grip kit
2S000339 - Grip ends, DPM
B064245 - Black billet ‘trapezoid’ mirrors on 1” risers
606438M and 606439M - Adjustable billet levers, DPM
Hand guards, smoke color, generic that attach to the mirror mount

Next up:
B064243 - GPS mount, DPM, with a used TomTom Rider 2
2S000464 - Black billet reservoir covers, DPM
2S000350 and 2S000352 - Brake & Shifter lever trim, DPM
2S000538 - Eldorado leather saddlebag mounts

I’ve been completely impressed with the design and the quality of the Moto Guzzi DPM accessories.








The Becker-Tecnic ‘lift’ came in over the weekend. It’s exactly what I was wanting for maintenance etc. it’s quick, easy , stable and completely out of the way. Pretty sure I’ll love using it.

[TN Mark]

There was some thought and comment on another Guzzi forum that suggested I spent a lot of money on these DPM accessories. That’s not altogether true.

For one thing, the design and the quality of the DPM items are very good. Very good indeed. Second is they’re getting quite old at this point. So, expect to pay much less than when they were sold on a current model.

I found an eBay seller in Italy, VALER14, that has been stellar in pricing and delivery through DHL. I can 100% recommend them as an excellent source.

Pro Tip: combining multiple items in one purchase greatly reduces the cost of each item as well as greatly reduces the shipping cost. For instance, I bought the reservoir covers for $47. I added the brake and shifter trim pieces for only another $100, $50 each for the lever trim pieces that separately would be about $250. Plus, no extra shipping costs by adding the two trim pieces.

Another thing is to watch a companies website. I bought two other items at very low prices. The DPM front wheel trim, center piece with the ring on the ABS side, for $39, new in the original packaging.

I also bought the DPM bar ends for $29. These were pictured as just the ends without hardware or spacers. Sure enough, they came in the original packaging as well with everything included. These two item came from AF1Racing in Texas.

The matching OEM Comfort Cell rear seat came in yesterday from a UK eBay seller. This particular eBay seller was just ‘ok’ compared to the one in Italy.

[TN Mark]

Two of the DPM accessories that were already on the Eldorado when I got are the Rider Heat Shields between the intake track and the head, item number 2S000032 and the Rear Brake Reservoir Cover, item number B064288. 

Both very high quality in design, execution, aesthetics and/or function.

The eBay seller I mentioned, VALER14, has the Rider Heat Shields, but, they’re pricey.

[TN Mark]

A little more enhancement to what I'm calling, tongue in cheek, the world's most enhanced 2016 Moto Guzzi Eldorado.

Last week I went out to install the DPM brake trim, item: 2S000350 and the DPM shifter trim, item: 2S000352. What I soon realized is I'd have to remove the brake and shifter levers from the bike. I thought, hmm, that was more work than I had time to address.

I quickly remembered my favorite Italian eBay seller (VALER14) also had the DPM billet driver floorboards, item: B064249. I sent him a message through eBay asking if he also had the DPM billet brake pad, item: 2S000351. Yes, he did. he just hadn't put it on eBay yet. He sold them to me for a combined $200. So, a little extra Christmas Season enhancements were soon inbound. These two items were purchased by me on Thursday night. They were picked up by DHL on Friday and they were delivered to my door today, Wednesday. Talk about great service! This was my fourth purchase from VALER14 and all went perfectly. All were shipped and delivered by DHL in absolute record time. No muss, no fuss, nothing whatsoever to question or be concerned about. The DHL app informed me at every scan of the package.

Thank you VALER14 and DHL, thank you very much!

The other night I had a few minutes to examine how the leather saddlebag mounts (2S000538) actually mount in conjunction with the Eldorado heavy luggage rack. I quickly got my answer and confirmed what I was reading on the heavy luggage rack installation instructions. Thankfully, the previous owner kept every sheet of every installation instructions that came with all the accessories he had installed. All in a single notebook. Very nice.

Over the next several days I'll try to grab some garage time to install the billet lever covers, the billet floorboards and the billet brake pad. To make the installation easier I'll first remove the oem floorboards and then install all the new bling at once.

It will also be much easier and likely much faster to remove the heavy luggage rack and the rear fender to install the saddlebag mounts. I'll very likely wait to install the mounts when the saddlebags actually come in.

[Huzo]

Do you do clutchless shifts ?
How about adding a quick shifter?

[TN Mark]

Do you do clutchless shifts ?
How about adding a quick shifter?

You sir, have a terrific sense of humor. Well done, well done indeed.

[Huzo]

You sir, have a terrific sense of humor. Well done, well done indeed.

Well spotted..
Clearly so do you, congrats on your new ride and you will love it for sure…

[Ncdan]

You sir, have a terrific sense of humor. Well done, well done indeed.

I’m afraid my good friend down under may be under the influence of fermented kangaroo piss again🤣

[TN Mark]

Unless you’ve tried fermented kangaroo piss …

[bobrebos1]

I got to see Marks bike today!  Awesome!!

[nc43bsa]

What was the battery drain problem you found?

[TN Mark]

What was the battery drain problem you found?

The shop the installed the GTM fueling system wired the AT directly to the battery instead of to a switched power source as per the instructions. Therefore it was always drawing from the battery.

By the way, the GTM fueling system wired system paired either the GTM exhaust system is absolutely awesome.

[TN Mark]

Last Friday I snuck out for the day to ride the Eldorado. The weather was sunny and 60F by the time I got home. It was just a little round trip from Chattanooga, TN to Sevierville, TN and back. An easy, scenic and fun little 270 mile ride.
Up on beautiful 2 lane back roads and back down on the interstate.

I said it before, but: the 1400, with the GTM fueling system combined with the GTM full exhaust, punches amazingly far above its weight. The bike is running the GTM base map which the system was shipped with. These two systems are fantastic complements to each other. Strangers at gas stations not only comment on how beautiful the Guzzi is, but also on how nice it sounds.

If you’ve been thinking about these upgrades, stop procrastinating and go for it. If you haven’t considered these two GTM systems, do so. You’ll be richly rewarded from the purchases. You’ll likely also realize what your Guzzi was capable of all along.

I’m anxious to see what tweaks, if any, GTM thinks the map may need.
Sadly for me, that will have to wait until I can ride again after knee replacement surgery this week.

But, there’s coming a day!

This recent ride I averaged 36.55 mpg and the ride out to Alabama earlier this month for lunch I averaged 35.65 mpg. So, it’s pretty consistent. I did not rely on the bikes mpg software and instead used the trip odometer divided by gallons to refill. My speedometer does read about 4mph faster than the gps at 75mph.

Would the Calibration feature on the 1400 'fix' the speedomter error or is that just inherent in how the speedometer reads speed?
 

[blu guzz]

My understanding of the calibration feature is that it does not change the error but if you used tires of a slightly different diameter, it recalibrates the ABS and Traction Control.  I accidentally activated it on my first 1400 once and had a booger of a time getting it to go off, so, be warned.
Interesting about your mileage, I have whatever maps came with both of my 1400s and seldom go below 40 mpg, if using the fly screen, usually 42-44 which for a machine of its size and power, I consider very good.  Also, Premium or Regular fuel does not seem to make a difference.  It does not knock even in 90s summer time heat even on regular.

[SIR REAL ED]

What was the battery drain problem you found?

I'd assume it was due to the electrical draw of the quick shifter.

There are no free lunches you know....

[Bill W]

I get between 37-40 mpg on the highway with GTM kit on my 1400 Touring ( airbox mod and baffled Agostini's ).

[TN Mark]

No quickshifter on my Eldo. The battery drain was due to the GTM fueling system installer wiring the AT directly to the battery instead of to a switched 12VDC source.

My Eldo still has under 2,000 miles on it so it’s still well within the break-in stage. I have no idea if the mpg will improve. But I can confirm it sees well over 100mph quite easily.

Once I can get back on the bike I’ll contact GTM to what changes, if any, they’d like to make to the map. The previous owner only put 88 miles on the bike after installing the suspension, fueling and exhaust mods.

[bad Chad]

Cool beans!  Glad to hear your letting the girls legs stretch!

[TN Mark]

The Eldorado leather bags arrived at Cadre yesterday. They sent them out to me today. The bags will look great under the Christmas tree.

The Cadre team is so great to work with.

[TN Mark]

Wow, 100% impressed.
The Guzzi Eldorado leather saddlebags were delivered today. And yes, they look awesome under the Christmas tree!
But, that’s not the super impressive part.

The super impressive parts are the overall design, fit, finish and the attention to detail. Yes, there’s a dedicated left and right bag. That’s how they attach to the mounting brackets. And so each Moto Guzzi eagle logo faces forward. The leather is super strong as currently as stiff as a leather sole of a good shoe.

They have a left and a right rain cover and even the hardware on the shoulder straps is beefy and heavy duty.

The custom mounts, attached to the bike as well as the mounts attached to the bags are also quite strong and impressive. The entire package was most definitely not just an ‘add on’ to sell an accessory. These bags were ‘designed’ to impress. Like the rest of the bike itself.

I’m a tinkerer and as such, I find there’s no better way to learn about a bike than to put your hands on it for repair, maintenance or modifications etc. After removing the seats, tank and side covers, what’s designed ‘under the skin’ on these bikes is as impressive as the outside. Except for having to remove the rear wheel to change the gear oil or to remove a decorative cover to change the transmission oil. But, it is what it is and you’re better off just timing those things correctly.

Anyway, I don’t expect anyone to purchase these leather bags just because of a forum post. But if you have previously or if you do, I do expect you were as impressed as I am or that you will be. If you do buy a set, the Cadre Cycle team will most certainly treat you right. Now, if Piaggio would just make enough mount sets to match the bag sets!

At this point, these bags and mounts are ‘keepers’. Meaning I’d keep them if I ever sold or traded away Betty. Why? Because I’d modify the bike mounts to fit another Moto Guzzi. These bags are that good in form and function. They look like they’d easily outlast me by several decades. Looking and functioning well the whole time.

[Ncdan]

Wow, 100% impressed.
The Guzzi Eldorado leather saddlebags were delivered today. And yes, they look awesome under the Christmas tree!
But, that’s not the super impressive part.

The super impressive parts are the overall design, fit, finish and the attention to detail. Yes, there’s a dedicated left and right bag. That’s how they attach to the mounting brackets. And so each Moto Guzzi eagle logo faces forward. The leather is super strong as currently as stiff as a leather sole of a good shoe.

They have a left and a right rain cover and even the hardware on the shoulder straps is beefy and heavy duty.

The custom mounts, attached to the bike as well as the mounts attached to the bags are also quite strong and impressive. The entire package was most definitely not just an ‘add on’ to sell an accessory. These bags were ‘designed’ to impress. Like the rest of the bike itself.

I’m a tinkerer and as such, I find there’s no better way to learn about a bike than to put your hands on it for repair, maintenance or modifications etc. After removing the seats, tank and side covers, what’s designed ‘under the skin’ on these bikes is as impressive as the outside. Except for having to remove the rear wheel to change the gear oil or to remove a decorative cover to change the transmission oil. But, it is what it is and you’re better off just timing those things correctly.

Anyway, I don’t expect anyone to purchase these leather bags just because of a forum post. But if you have previously or if you do, I do expect you were as impressed as I am or that you will be. If you do buy a set, the Cadre Cycle team will most certainly treat you right. Now, if Piaggio would just make enough mount sets to match the bag sets!

At this point, these bags and mounts are ‘keepers’. Meaning I’d keep them if I ever sold or traded away Betty. Why? Because I’d modify the bike mounts to fit another Moto Guzzi. These bags are that good in form and function. They look like they’d easily outlast me by several decades. Looking and functioning well the whole time.

Send us some pictures when you get them mounted.
And have a Merry Christmas, mark. 🎅🏼