2016 Moto Guzzi Eldorado Test Ride & Review

Awesome styling, excellent handling, oodles of power, unbelievably smooth gearbox, really good instrument pod with all the info you will ever need, replaceable foot board scrapers to let you know you're getting close, three ride modes which you can change whilst in transit - Veloce (speed), Turismo (touring), & Pioggia (wet weather).


The difference between Pioggia and Veloce is chalk and cheese; so much power is cut when in rain mode. Some more plusses are the pillion seat comes off with two small bolts, leaving a solo seat and rear rack for one up riding. The seat is lockable using the key, which has an engine disabler chip in it. The starter is old school, sort of. You insert the key, locking the steering is to the left, firing up the fuel pump and electrics to the right.


The start button can then be pressed, but once the engine is running, the starter button then doubles as the mode change button. Once the bike roars to a start, it shakes like mad until you get going, then it becomes incredibly smooth. The exhaust is WAY too quiet, but that's expected, so I'd recommend buying a set of chrome Agostini mufflers with the bike.

Some things to be aware of: the indicators did not seem to be self-cancelling, the tubeless alloy rims need to be cleaned regularly, otherwise they will stain/tarnish, and, this may not be a negative, but the front and rear guards are plastic. The Eldorado does come with cruise control, but it's a bit awkward to use, and quite basic. However, I did like the fact that full power was available to you whilst in cruise mode, eg to overtake a car/truck, then settle back into the set speed. It was just a bit awkward to engage and disengage.

All in all, this was a very enjoyable bike to ride. Test ride one today and see what you think.