Living with the Perfect Motorcycle: A celebration of a classic - 1972 Moto Guzzi Eldorado 

Agreed. Some of the 'improvements' make good sense: ABS, fuel injection (for cleaner air) etc. but most seem unnecessary for real-world riding.

That's great Millard. Those generator mounts were (and are) always a problem. Congrats on still riding in your eighties. I hope to be doing the same. I always say, riding keeps you young, mobile and sharp. You are living proof. Stay well. Ride safely.

Thanks Daniel. She's scruffy, but well used.

Ciao Danilo, grazie mille per le belle parole. Adoro la tua descrizione della bicicletta come amplificatore di emozioni (anche se è così che la traduce Google). Sono sicuro che ci sono posti meravigliosi e strade bellissime in Italia, la patria della Moto Guzzi. Stammi bene. Guida in sicurezza e goditi la vita.

Thank you Scott. May you enjoy many more wonderful miles on your Guzzis.

Thanks JN. That's a sentiment I've heard before. They combine charm and robustness - a great mix. Stay well. Nick.

Thanks John. Yes it's a disease. If you haven't stumbled across it, you might like my latest (cross-Canada epic) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-JzTpAELS1HE.html Nick

Whatever works eh Phil? 😄

... and the new "V7"s are a cheap and bland commuter bike with a tiny engine and tinny note. WHY Guzzi couldn't come up with a different name - say, the Elblando is one of the many mysteries of the company.

Thanks Mate.Sorry to hear about your accident. I hope you are able to get around OK and enjoy life - even if any motorcycling pleasure has to come through the computer. Stay well.

Thanks Terry

I'm deeply envious. A lifetime with such a wonderful bike - fabulous.

Thanks Ian. I was amazed the JBWeld held for so long. Have a great trip.

Thanks BJL1. Stay well.

Great bikes aren't they. Easy to fall in love with. I'm not sure there's too much difference in performance between the five and four speeds. Stay well and enjoy your ride.

Thank you Damion

Thanks. She's got a few years in her yet.

Thanks Chuck. Enjoy the V85TT. I rode one briefly and was impressed - a modern development of an ancient lineage.

Thanks Darren

Thanks Richie. Safe riding. Treat her well.

Too bad about the crash, but you stuck with it for 21 years so you must have liked it.

@@nick949eldo I loved it! :) They're bulletproof.

Thanks to you too. With any luck I'll be able to put some serious miles on my M120 this coming year. Stay well.

The motorcycling world is a broad church with room enough for everyone. I've met many people who wouldn't be caught dead riding something without traction control and 100+ horsepower and good luck to them - it's just not my thing.

It's a seductive feeling isn't it. Long days roll by effortlessly. Stay well. Nick

Thanks Chris.

Congratulations Curt. Let her dignity guide your riding style and she'll carry you for many happy miles. Good luck.

@@nick949eldo Thank you, this will make our 8th Moro Guzzi and the one desired most since our love of Moto Started at AMA Vintage days in 2008, when we saw our fist Eldo. I have a wife that shares my passion for collecting motorcycles. So I'm lucky, 1990 Cal III, 1984 Cal II (convert), 2019 Roamer, 2006 Cal Vintage, 2014 V7 Special, 2014 Cal 1400 Touring and we love them all different reasons but all for their Italian styling and appeal. You did a nice job describing the appeal and experience! I have also enjoyed reading your books. We did a couple as door prizes at the Kentucky Moto Guzzi Rally last year :-)

@@nick949eldo Here is the back story to the Eldo so it will be extra special; We are getting our dream bike finally, a 1973 Moto Guzzi Eldorado 850!! Around 2008 when Deb and first started collecting old bikes, and she was heavy into the old Honda CX500 transverse twins, we came across our first Moto Guzzi Eldorado at AMA Vintage days, and both were immediately in lust. Through the years we came across several opportunities, but things just never seemed to come together on any of them. One day making sales calls in Carrollton, KY. I was wearing a Moto Guzzi jacket and standing at a guard shack waiting to get into a plant. A truck driver standing next to me noticed the shirt, and said “Moto Guzzi huh, there this guy up the road that has a barn full of them”. He told me, “he is pretty private so sorry I can’t tell you where”. Well of course I wanted to meet this guy. Fast forward about a year and I ask a friend in the area Kevin Combs, if he knows of this guy. He said yes that’s Ken Kline and made introductions. Ken was a very private guy, but we hit it off right away. Both Guzzi lovers and both had elderly Mothers we were trying to look after, we had lots in common. From that Blossomed a great friendship. Dropped in on Ken and his barn full of Guzzi’s on a regular basis, hung out, went on rides together, and Debbie just adored him. He had an amazing collection of bikes, and his pride and joy was a 1973 Moto Guzzi Eldorado that I drooled over every time I was there, I often joked you’re going to leave me that in the will, right? As I knew he would never sell it. Ken had some health issues, but overall seemed to be fairing well. A few months back I got word that Ken had died in his sleep, we were devastated, and heart broken. There was no funeral or wake, so I had no idea what happened to his collection. Fast forward to around Christmas and I got a call from his brother Larry in Atlanta who I did not know. He had taken all the bikes there. Some way through the grapevine he learned of my passion for Ken’s favorite bike, and our friendship, and allowed me to purchase the bike. So, I can’t tell you how precious this bike is to us, not only because it is the one bike Deb and I have been wanting to add to the collection forever, but because it was Ken’s. The opportunity also came at a time when I had a little mad money, so the stars aligned. I can’t help but feel Ken’s hand from above was in there somewhere. I love ya buddy, and I will take as good of care of it as you did and will treasure this bike the rest of our lives. I'd undo it all to have you back! Thank you for the introduction Kevin.

@@CurtEdwards Terrific story Curt. Sometimes the universe does seem to unfold beautifully. Take care of yourselves and take care of that great bike. Best. Nick

@@nick949eldo thanks Nick I've enjoyed your work.

Thanks Colin. Glad you enjoyed it.

Thanks Steve. Stay well. Nick

Dont forget to make sure the chrome bores have been replaced (check into it if you don't know). Good luck Dave.

Lovely comment Irvin - many thanks. Glad your old 85 is still jangling your heart strings. Stay well. Nick.

Lucky you. The best and most usable classics.

I love those airheads. Keep riding. Stay well.

Thanks George. They do hit a nerve, don't they? 😁

Bang on MS. It's not really about which bike or which manufacturer. It's about the way the two fit. Most people would find my old Eldorado almost unrideable - slow, bad brakes, noisy, weird flat spots in carburation.....but, it suits me. Stay well and enjoy that 1200 Sport.

I got the notification on today's video, but it hasn't shown up on line. But to answer your question, while I don't like automatic cars, I like the auto on the Convert. So far no issues. I had to replace the clutch and it leaks a little ATF, but other than that it has been rock solid. It's extremely simple - just a torque converter (ie two vanes spinning in ATF). The two-speed gearbox is a separate unit (and I almost always just use high).

@@nick949eldo Are you saying it has the same clutch as a manual. But only used to stop and start? There is a pretty nice believe 76 model 1r 2 owner in B.C. $3500 on the MGNOC website at top of the page.

@@henryhawk7038 It has a similar clutch to the original Stornello or Nuovo Falcone, so lighter duty than the big twins clutch, and yes, only used for stop/start. In fact, changing between low and high on the move is discouraged as it caused wear of the dogs (and is unnecessary). See if you can find one to ride before buying. I really enjoy it, but they are odd and it may not appeal to you (although it may - since you like Guzzis, you're obviously in left-field already...haha).

@@nick949eldo I'll keep a look for something closer to home. Test ride would be good. Thanks Nick.

I suppose it's not the crotch rockets' fault. The bikes are perfectly fine and durable but they do seem to encourage a certain lunacy. The old Guzzis and Airheads just encourage mile-munching at a sedate pace.

Thanks Rick. Good luck with the Convert resto. Mine's in bits at the moment awaiting new clutch, seals and driveline parts. Stay well. N

@Nobby Barnes None at all. Many top-notch parts suppliers for new and used parts (MgCycle and Harpers Moto Guzzi) and world-beating owner support groups.

Thank you Alberto. You make great bikes in your home town. Stay well and have a good Christmas.

@@nick949eldo 4 sure, in my Home Town and also in my Garage😂 Merry Christmas to U and all Your Family, Best Regards.

That's some serious distance. I knew MZ's were good, but that is very impressive. Stay well, safe riding

Thanks Chris. I've only ridden a 1400 once, briefly, and I was impressed. Lovely power. I'm sure yours is already a Guzzi classic. Treat it and yourself well. Safe riding. Nick

Thanks William. Give the old girl a whirl. She may not be the fastest, but probably the most robust.

@@nick949eldo That’s OK, I don’t go that fast anyways because I refuse to convert the beautiful drum brake to a disc on the front. Ha ha. Thanks again.

Thank you Karol. Best wishes and safe riding to you too.

Hah. We all have those 'one that got away' stories. Still, I imagine you enjoyed the Harley. Ride safely.

All bikes good David. 😄

Hi Paul. Just a harmless Rat Snake. They put on a good show but that's all. From what I've read, just about everything in Oz is poisonous but I'd love to find out for myself. Right now I'd take my chances with the wildlife in exchange for the snow and ice we have. Probably no riding for a month or two.

you would always be welcome to visit, winter is better and mild. just ask.

@@nick949eldo happy to put you up if you come through South Australia Nick

@@ZoomStranger You're very kind Blaaade. Unfortunately my travelling budget doesn't allow for too many flights to the other side of the world (ie. none 😩) but I really appreciate the offer. Stay well. Nick

Thank you Jabba. Enjoy life.

@@nick949eldo thanks Nick, I try. I like your old Guzzi and I like your attitude to it, it was built to ride after all and not polished up asleep under a dust sheet