Black and Red Eldorado 1400

[TN Mark]

I had a few minutes this afternoon and realized I was only a few miles away from RPM Cycle in Dallas, TX. I haven't owned a Moto Guzzi since March 2013 when I traded off a Cal Vin plus two other bikes for a Victory Cross Country Tour. I absolutely love the Victory and have no intention of ever letting it go as long as it and me can ride.

RPM has a nice assortment of Guzzis. But I really only like two of the 1400 models, the Touring and the Eldorado. I test rode a very slightly used Touring a few months back and simply hated most everything about how it ran and felt. Reading on this forum of a new fuel injection map does give the bike a nice lift in my opinion though. The burgundy Touring was a couple of years old and the stock seat felt much better than the Corbin seat that was on the used one I rode. But just like the used one I test rode, the handlebars were adjusted ridiculously low. Oh well, that's a simple 1 minute adjustment scenario with an allen wrench. The Eldorado was black with white pinstripes and larger driver seat portion felt very nice. But when you add up the accessory costs of adding hard bags, a windshield, driving lights and a passenger backrest with a luggage rack it just doesn't make much financial sense. Getting much of that already on the Touring is clearly what Guzzi wants people to do. But I do much prefer the Eldorado chrome tank sides, fuller fenders, tubeless spoked wheels and the single round tail light over the Touring. Aesthetically, the designers at Piaggio / Moto Guzzi did a wonderful job with the Eldorado. As I was getting ready to leave I walked past the Service area. They had just finished putting a battery in a new black and red Eldorado. WOW, that's a B E A U T I F U L motorcycle. The gloss black and the bright red tank and side covers look wonderful. What an attention magnet.

As I said above, I'm no where near moving away from my Victory but that black and red Eldo will have me thinking over a few things in the years to come.

I truly hope the Piaggio Group can continue to refine the Moto Guzzi line and that they'll work tirelessly to improve the dealer network. Even after Polaris killed off Victory, the parts and service options are nearly as good as they were previously. As I was talking to one of the RPM sales reps, we were looking at the MGX-21. He asked why I thought that model doesn't sell better. I said Piaggio had a great opportunity a couple years ago when they brought a bunch of them to Sturgis. The reaction from most of the magazines and the test riders was pretty good. But I suspect that when most testers used their smartphone to find a dealer near them they likely crossed Moto Guzzi off their list. Many of the Sturgis test riders were likely H-D owners who are used to having several dealers near them to choose from. 

Forza Moto Guzzi       

[Zoom Zoom]

Just to qualify some of what you mentioned, Guzzi technically does not offer the hard side bags for the Eldo. It is possible to buy the kit for the custom and use some spacers between the mounts and the bags in order to get them to clear the fender and covered shocks, and when complete, look like the belong there. The bracket that goes around the back to tie the brackets together has to have some work done as well. I just recently added the rear rack and trunk for mine.

I would add that the stock seat is pretty darn good as is. I opted to get the factory gel seat and that is even a little better. You are correct when you stated that you get much more up front with the Touring. I have no doubt that I spent more outfitting my bike to that touring status, but I wanted the Eldo.




Parts store pinstripes just to complete the look on the bags.

John Henry 

[elvisboy77]

I'll never think of a motorcycle as an "investment".  The Eldorado is a joy to ride and I accessorized it to my liking.

[John in PA]

I've got approaching 6K miles on my 2016 Eldorado.  Corbin saddle, Guzzi shield with winglets and a Laminar Lip, Hepco-Becker tail rack with Givi universal mounting plate for a Givi Maxia topcase, Guzzi hard bags custom fitted to the Eldo frame (really just fabricating some spacers, longer hardware, and a bit of cold blacksmithing on the spreader bracket) Mistral pipes with "quiet version" db killers tuned to my liking, and a Dimsport Rabidbike EVO piggyback FI computer to clean up leanness.  I'm very happy with handling, power, fuel economy, wind management, and comfort.  Hoping to put many more miles on this machine in days, months, and years to come.

[TN Mark]

     It's great to see these Eldo's set up for serious touring and looking so nice. I prefer the aesthetics of the Eldo over the Touring but at least they make both models available. It's strange though that Piaggio hasn't made Eldorado specific hard bags with mounts and a passenger backrest/rack available. It's nice to know the Touring bags and mounts can be made to work though. The official Moto Guzzi electronic brochure only shows 6 items available for the Eldorado. Only one of which, the leather bags, are actually specific to the model. Why not an Eldorado 'Touring' package? Maybe the models are due for an update or they just don't sell enough to invest in the Accessories department. 

I asked the Parts guy at RPM Cycle today about the Touring windshield kit ($549), the driving lights kit ($429) and the hard saddlebags kit ($2200). He showed me on his computer these kits were available and that they're complete. But when I read the Guzzi literature it says the mounting kits and the items need to be purchased separately. Not a whole lot has changed in Moto Guzzi land has it?

 

[kingoffleece]

Lovely seat there.  Corbin owners are my number 2 customer.

[Bud]

     John in PA, I have a 2014 Touring and am considering a Corbin seat as it is a bit wider than the stock touring seat. Have heard it takes a while to break in, some like them and some don't.What's your take. Stunning bike by the way!

[mjptexas]

     John in PA, I have a 2014 Touring and am considering a Corbin seat as it is a bit wider than the stock touring seat. Have heard it takes a while to break in, some like them and some don't.What's your take. Stunning bike by the way!

Let me butt in regarding the Corbin seat.  I've had one on my Cali Custom for a couple of years.  Corbin seats are an acquired taste.  They are hard and stay that way, at least mine has after 10,000 miles.  Having said that, it is a 500 mile seat - your ass doesn't hurt for the first 500 miles.  Biggest thing I had to get used to was how the additional width affected my foot placement when stopped- harder to flat foot the bike.  I got used to it.

[harry h]

     It's great to see these Eldo's set up for serious touring and looking so nice. I prefer the aesthetics of the Eldo over the Touring but at least they make both models available. It's strange though that Piaggio hasn't made Eldorado specific hard bags with mounts and a passenger backrest/rack available. It's nice to know the Touring bags and mounts can be made to work though. The official Moto Guzzi electronic brochure only shows 6 items available for the Eldorado. Only one of which, the leather bags, are actually specific to the model. Why not an Eldorado 'Touring' package? Maybe the models are due for an update or they just don't sell enough to invest in the Accessories department. 

I asked the Parts guy at RPM Cycle today about the Touring windshield kit ($549), the driving lights kit ($429) and the hard saddlebags kit ($2200). He showed me on his computer these kits were available and that they're complete. But when I read the Guzzi literature it says the mounting kits and the items need to be purchased separately. Not a whole lot has changed in Moto Guzzi land has it?

They did design a backrest but never made them, a friend who was responsible for the Eldo called Italy to see what happened and it just slipped through the cracks.  Todd over at Guzzitech is making one, he had my bike for a couple of weeks a while ago, should be available soon.  The catalog I have shows a few more than 6 items.  I got the smaller tank bag pictured for the MGX-21 and most likely other things would work as well.  I tried attaching the catalog but the file is too large.

[oilhed]

So I'm told there are two or three different screens for the Eldorado. The smallest I think is called the medium but I have yet to see one in the flesh. I love the Eldorado but I'd need a screen.  Not a big barn door but something to keep the wind off my chin & chest.  Anyone have pics?

[Lcarlson]

Let me butt in regarding the Corbin seat.  I've had one on my Cali Custom for a couple of years.  Corbin seats are an acquired taste.  They are hard and stay that way, at least mine has after 10,000 miles.  Having said that, it is a 500 mile seat - your ass doesn't hurt for the first 500 miles.  Biggest thing I had to get used to was how the additional width affected my foot placement when stopped- harder to flat foot the bike.  I got used to it.

I’ll chime in here. I’ve had several Corbin saddles on various bikes. They are excessively heavy, usually don’t fit right without some drilling, shimming etc. Their customer support is miserable. Also, they feel very hard initially,and I never noticed that they really broke in at all. BUT, the quality of the seat is high, and — to get to the most Important point — you aren’t thinking about the saddle after 300 miles. So while a Corbin probably wouldn’t be my first choice In aftermarket saddles, I can’t deny that they get the job done.

[twowheeladdict]

I’ll chime in here. I’ve had several Corbin saddles on various bikes. They are excessively heavy, usually don’t fit right without some drilling, shimming etc. Their customer support is miserable. Also, they feel very hard initially,and I never noticed that they really broke in at all. BUT, the quality of the seat is high, and — to get to the most Important point — you aren’t thinking about the saddle after 300 miles. So while a Corbin probably wouldn’t be my first choice In aftermarket saddles, I can’t deny that they get the job done.

I guess I have lucked out with the 3 Corbins I have owned.  All three fit perfect, but only one was a click in seat.  The other two required a screw at the rear.  Yes, they are heavy!  They are leather so require constant upkeep.  They are very comfortable for those who prefer firm seating.

[rocker59]

So I'm told there are two or three different screens for the Eldorado. The smallest I think is called the medium but I have yet to see one in the flesh. I love the Eldorado but I'd need a screen.  Not a big barn door but something to keep the wind off my chin & chest.  Anyone have pics?

For minimalism, there is the flyscreen-sized one from Guzzi:

https://www.motociclo.com.au/products/bikes-related-items/bike-accessories/moto-guzzi/cali-1400/windscreen-kit-california-1400

[dawdish]

This is the direction I went with my Eldo. I adapted the vintage Wixom bags for her, touring seat, (fits me better), bar risers, and the not so visible Guzzitech upgrades.

[kidsmoke]

Dawdish...that is an epic shot. On many levels. Nice job with the Wixoms.

I'd be interested in shots of both of your other Guzzi's as well. Seems you go the extra mile to dress these bikes.

[mjptexas]

For minimalism, there is the flyscreen-sized one from Guzzi:

https://www.motociclo.com.au/products/bikes-related-items/bike-accessories/moto-guzzi/cali-1400/windscreen-kit-california-1400

Here it is installed on my Cali Custom:

[oilhed]

Here it is installed on my Cali Custom:

That looks nice!  So my research shows there are two different mounts, each with a medium and tall screen but I guess they are different somehow.  That fly screen I haven't come across anywhere before.  Dark smoke would look cool!

[j.r.r.]

Just to qualify some of what you mentioned, Guzzi technically does not offer the hard side bags for the Eldo. It is possible to buy the kit for the custom and use some spacers between the mounts and the bags in order to get them to clear the fender and covered shocks, and when complete, look like the belong there. The bracket that goes around the back to tie the brackets together has to have some work done as well. I just recently added the rear rack and trunk for mine.

I would add that the stock seat is pretty darn good as is. I opted to get the factory gel seat and that is even a little better. You are correct when you stated that you get much more up front with the Touring. I have no doubt that I spent more outfitting my bike to that touring status, but I wanted the Eldo.




Parts store pinstripes just to complete the look on the bags.

John Henry

I'm sorry for responding to old post but I like to know where I can buy pinstripes, are they available from Moto Guzzi dealers? I will pick up 2016 Eldorado (black) in May and looking for options regarding side bags. In my opinion bags from California Touring look very good on Eldorado and this is want I want to install. At this time dealer is looking into possible options and I should have some info ($$) this coming Monday.

BTW John, your bike presents itself great. Bags you installed definitely enhance the look of your bike.

[twowings]

John Henry is nothing if not stylish! 

[Zoom Zoom]

I'm sorry for responding to old post but I like to know where I can buy pinstripes, are they available from Moto Guzzi dealers? I will pick up 2016 Eldorado (black) in May and looking for options regarding side bags. In my opinion bags from California Touring look very good on Eldorado and this is want I want to install. At this time dealer is looking into possible options and I should have some info ($$) this coming Monday.

BTW John, your bike presents itself great. Bags you installed definitely enhance the look of your bike.

Thanks, I appreciate the compliment. As for the pin stripes, local auto parts store. Just simple double tape stripes.

John Henry

[j.r.r.]

Thanks, I appreciate the compliment. As for the pin stripes, local auto parts store. Just simple double tape stripes.

John Henry

Great, I located something which may work on Amazon but will wait for bike delivery to get the best possible match. I hope you don't mind me stealing your idea but it really looks like the factory finish. Thank you!

[Zoom Zoom]

Great, I located something which may work on Amazon but will wait for bike delivery to get the best possible match. I hope you don't mind me stealing your idea but it really looks like the factory finish. Thank you!

I don't mind at all. In fact, I would consider it a compliment. If you end up pursuing this route, don't be shy if you have questions.

John Henry

[TN Mark]

The Eldorado 1400 is still, to me, the most beautiful Moto Guzzi available today. It will be interesting to see if Piaggio authorizes another run of them once the 2016 models are sold out. At the current blowout prices it may not make fiscal sense to make more without some significant upgrades.

[bpreynolds]

What kind of mpg and range are you guys getting with your Eldos?

[twowheeladdict]

The Eldorado 1400 is still, to me, the most beautiful Moto Guzzi available today. It will be interesting to see if Piaggio authorizes another run of them once the 2016 models are sold out. At the current blowout prices it may not make fiscal sense to make more without some significant upgrades.

Why aren't you  buying one from seacoast at the crazy blow out price?

[j.r.r.]

John Henry and John in PA, asking a huge favor. If this is not big hassle can you provide more details (pictures would be great) about mods you did to install Touring hard-bags on your Eldorados? Looks like I will have to tackle the installation by myself and not sure I will be able to handle this task. Hate to spend $4k and end up with nothing. Yesterday went to MG dealer and was told that if I want hard bags I have to buy California Touring :(

Thank you very much!

[TN Mark]

Why aren't you  buying one from seacoast at the crazy blow out price?

A Moto Guzzi isn't going to happen for me at this time.

If I were to buy another motorcycle today I'd get the black & white 2016 Victory Highball that Randy's Cycle in Marengo, IL has (had?) for sale when I was their a few weeks ago. It only had 650 miles on it plus it had some excellent Lloyds performance mods done to it. They had it listed for $9,999.

[Joliet Jim]

A Moto Guzzi isn't going to happen for me at this time.

If I were to buy another motorcycle today I'd get the black & white 2016 Victory Highball that Randy's Cycle in Marengo, IL has (had?) for sale when I was their a few weeks ago. It only had 650 miles on it plus it had some excellent Lloyds performance mods done to it. They had it listed for $9,999.

I would have thought the Kingpin with flames would be more you :)

[John in PA]

Let me butt in regarding the Corbin seat.  I've had one on my Cali Custom for a couple of years.  Corbin seats are an acquired taste.  They are hard and stay that way, at least mine has after 10,000 miles.  Having said that, it is a 500 mile seat - your ass doesn't hurt for the first 500 miles.  Biggest thing I had to get used to was how the additional width affected my foot placement when stopped- harder to flat foot the bike.  I got used to it.

Hi, Bud:  I find the seat considerably more comfortable than either the stock or the Guzzi Cal Touring gel saddle, which is what MI had put on the bike when I bought it.  I've had Corbins that were comfortable and one on a Honda ST1100 back in the late 90's that I regretted purchasing. They are firmer than many other seats. This one works well because the wide dish shape spreads weight bearing very well with no "hot spots" that tend to show up after 45 minutes or more on a bike.

One thing I wish I had been aware of is that the internal post for mounting a Corbin back rest can be deleted from the build. I wish I had known this as I would have skipped it. When pressing back firmly to teh rear, I can feel that post poking me in the lower lumbar area. If I could figure out how to et it out of there, I'd take it out myself. In fairness to Corbin, they would remove it for *free*, but losing the saddle for a few weeks, and paying what I bet would end up being in excess of $100 in shipping kept me from sending it back for service.  It's a slight annoyance, not a deal breaker, but, as I said, if you have no intent on using their backrest option, definitely get them to leave it out of the build (it will be present by default otherwise)  Cosmetics and build quality, as you can see, are top notch, and materials and colors available certainly allow personalizing your build.  I chose vinyl products for seat covers rather than leather for the weatherproofing aspect, YMMV.

[Jerryd]

Why aren't you  buying one from seacoast at the crazy blow out price?

I didn't see an Eldorado on the Seacoast site, but there were 2 Touring's. 13,490 for the black one seems like a great price! Do they have tubeless tires? Crazy or not, I would consider trading my new 2019 H-D Lowrider for one Did I say that?