1974 Eldo (was chrome bores)

[SED]

I'm going to look at this Eldorado this weekend and want to know if there is a way to distinguish chrome bores from the outside. 

My perception is that there are 3 choices - chrome, cast iron and nicasil.  Any distinguishing marks?

The other question is if it is a police spec bike.  I'll take pictures and ask more questions then.
Thank you!

[Turin]

If the barrels were replaced with a Gilardoni kit, then you will see the name stamped into the bottom off the cylinder at the bottom fin.

I don't know of any other external cues.

[SED]

If the barrels were replaced with a Gilardoni kit, then you will see the name stamped into the bottom off the cylinder at the bottom fin.

I don't know of any other external cues.

Thank you Turin!

[TOMB]

Buy the bike, there are plenty of people that would buy it in a heart beat.
 
Disk Brake Eldo,  very desirable and worth the investment if you decide to take it on .

A true Police  Bike should have the ignition switch on the left side under the seat, and usually no tool box on the left side as the ignition switch takes up that space. but there are variations due to Police dept. requirements and after all these years what has been changed by previous owners.

Hopefully some one here can help with the Serial number ranges

Others will chime in .

TOMB

[Cam3512]

That does appear to be a police bike.  Most likely a '74.  Round tail light or rectangular?

[TOMB]

Just noticed that there is a setup ball attachments for a sidecar dont  overlook any abnormal ware (forks out of alignment etc.)

Please keep us informed.

TOMB

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

The Gilardoni name doesn't always appear on new Nikasil plated cylinder sets. I suspect some of the casting was outsourced to another foundry.

Easiest way to determine what you have:
1. remove a spark plug
2. make sure the piston is down from TDC
3. Insert a "pencil magnet" in through the plug hole and touch the cylinder wall.

Zero magnetic attraction = chrome, very slight = Nikasil, strong = iron liners.

If the seller isn't okay with you doing this simple, non-invasive test, then it might be best to walk away unless the price is very reasonable.

[SED]

Round taillight. 

Thanks guys.  I was asked to help sell it, so just gathering info now. 

Am I correct that all Eldos had chrome bores originally?  And that they could have been replaced with either cast iron or nicasil?

Grazie!

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Round taillight. 

Thanks guys.  I was asked to help sell it, so just gathering info now. 

Am I correct that all Eldos had chrome bores originally?  And that they could have been replaced with either cast iron or nicasil?

Grazie!

Yes, all chrome bores originally. Some that saw use with police depts. may have (big bore) iron liners installed already, others might have been done later. Liners were the "fix" up until replating became common in the '90s.

[SED]

Thank you Charlie!

Any external clues to "big bore" replacements?

[Turin]

Nope. The Gilardoni stamping is the only external clue I know of. The only sure fire way of knowing is the magnet test listed above, and that won't tell you about the bore.

[jwinwi]

So there were Civilain Eldos with 2 separate gauges and footpegs and 'Police' versions with footboards, a single aluminum speedometer housing and higher handlebars. But weren't a 16" rear wheel and the left side ignition switch features of bikes actually used by LEOs?

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

So there were Civilain Eldos with 2 separate gauges and footpegs and 'Police' versions with footboards, a single aluminum speedometer housing and higher handlebars. But weren't a 16" rear wheel and the left side ignition switch features of bikes actually used by LEOs?

AFAIK, the 16" rear wheel was used by the CHP only.

A siren mount or the ground off remnants of one are a dead giveaway of it being a "real" police Loop. But, not all PDs used friction sirens, so just because it doesn't use one doesn't meant it was used by a PD.

[Cam3512]

And not all police model bikes were actually in service with a PD.  Some were sold directly to civilians after removing the siren bracket.

[JC85]

And not all police model bikes were actually in service with a PD.  Some were sold directly to civilians after removing the siren bracket.

Some police models were also imported and sold directly to the civilian market. Mine is an example of that. True police model with all of the upgraded features (aluminum dash, oversized, locking kickstand, steering stabilizer, left side ignition, etc,) but never saw police service.

[Yeahoo Whoyah]

I'll take pictures and ask more questions then

SED: Anxiously waiting for photos, questions, and....did you buy it!

[SED]

Looks like an original paint Police Eldo.  Even the paniers were pinstriped the same as the fenders and tank.  vin tag says Apr. 1974.  Gilardoni cylinders.

It had a very long side stand and steering damper.  It also had a skid plate of sorts, bolted under the sump.  Didn't find anything that looked like a siren mount, but it does have sidecar brackets.  It looks like a great, honest bike that needs some TLC.  There are more pictures but these show most of it. 





Any idea what it is worth?
Thank you!
Shawn

[siabeid]

Shawn, Is this the  bike from Dirk's estate? I paid 5k for mine, which was a heck of a deal for it's condition. I would think that this one  is worth at least that in a quick sale and probably quite a bit more. If I remember correctly, Dirk's  bike was in pretty good running condition.

[fotoguzzi]

Is it for sale? If yes send me a pm.

[JC85]

Looks like an original paint Police Eldo.  Even the paniers were pinstriped the same as the fenders and tank.  vin tag says Apr. 1974.  Gilardoni cylinders.

It had a very long side stand and steering damper.  It also had a skid plate of sorts, bolted under the sump.  Didn't find anything that looked like a siren mount, but it does have sidecar brackets.  It looks like a great, honest bike that needs some TLC.  There are more pictures but these show most of it. 





Any idea what it is worth?
Thank you!
Shawn

Yep. With that dash, the Kickstand, and the steering damper, definitely a Police Model. And a 74, to boot! That's the apex of the loop frames, right there. If you're able to acquire this thing, you'll absolutely love it. As far as what it's worth, I can't help on that. I've never been interested in selling mine, so I have no real idea. 

[Tom]

When in doubt, change the oil. 

[Yeahoo Whoyah]

Any idea what it is worth?

IMO it would be a minimum of $5000.  Doesn't the seller have a price in mind?

[Cam3512]

IMO it would be a minimum of $5000.  Doesn't the seller have a price in mind?

Agreed.  Minimum $5K all day long.

[Denis]

That is a damn nice Eldorado.

[SED]

Thanks for the interest and estimates guys.  I was thinking $5000 min too, but don't have much expertise.

The bike will be sold and she wants it to go to a good home.  She has fond memories of times on the Eldo.  She is well connected socially and very level headed, but doesn't have internet.  I've passed along the info so it's up to her now.  I'll let you know when I know more.

Thank you!
Shawn

 

[Yeahoo Whoyah]

The bike will be sold and she wants it to go to a good home

SED:  Where is the Eldorado located?  I've read this post several times but didn't see it mentioned. 

[SED]

SED:  Where is the Eldorado located?  I've read this post several times but didn't see it mentioned. 

I avoided mentioning because the owner hadn't told me what she wanted until today.  The Eldo located in north of Seattle.  She's asking $6000 and hoping it sells locally.  She knows I've asked for your (WG) knowledge and opinions and that a couple of you have expressed interest.  If it doesn't I'm willing to ride and report for a distant buyer, but we need to wait until she's ready to do that.  She is fond of the bike and I think would like to meet the buyer.

[Tom]

It currently runs? or needs some work to get it running?

[SED]

It currently runs? or needs some work to get it running?

It's a runner - battery had to be charged.