Living with the Perfect Motorcycle: A celebration of a classic - 1972 Moto Guzzi Eldorado
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- čas přidán 8. 05. 2020
- I've been riding my 1972 Moto Guzzi Eldorado for quite a few years and many thousands of mile and as each year goes by my affection and respect for this wonderful motorcycle increases. It's not that the bike is so wonderful in and of itself, and compared to more recent motorcycles, it's rough, clunky and slow. After 100,000 miles of fairly rough life, it's no longer as pretty as it once was, but I still find it deeply satisfying to ride. It
Imo Guzzis are very special. Once you’re hooked, you’re hooked.
Wonderful film. Cheers from a Chicago area Bmw airhead guy.
Thank you. This is the second time I’ve watched this. This just takes me to the planet I belong..
When you know you know and there’s nothing you can do about it and that’s a good thing… it’s called love ❤👍👍☺️
nice said! Nothing beats an old Guzzi!
nice video, greetings from a german moto guzzi california
aquila nera driver.
Ti invidio molto Nick nel senso buono del termine, viaggi in località bellissime sei un vero centauro e mototurista, libero di esplorare posti nuovi con un mezzo che definisco un grande amplificatore di emozioni ciao amico Guzzista buon viaggio.
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.
I still have the 1000 SP I bought in 1985. I zigzagged Europe with that. All original.
beautiful story.
The motorcycle industry has changed according to customer needs. That's why today, in the vast majority of them, we have motorcycles loaded with all kinds of devices, complicated electronics and what's worse, aesthetics, beauty, simplicity and comfort have been abandoned. People have become too picky! I have three motorcycles, '92, '95, '95. All I need is a solid frame, a durable motor and a comfortable seat!
Agreed. Some of the 'improvements' make good sense: ABS, fuel injection (for cleaner air) etc. but most seem unnecessary for real-world riding.
Man, I love books and audio books too. But vids of the Guzzi travel now that's living!
Very Good. My bike is an 83 BMW R80RT. I feel the same way about it! And ride it the same way.!
I love those airheads. Keep riding. Stay well.
I fell in love with a Moto Guzzi v9 but I was simply crowded on it. I’m thinking about an older Moto Guzzi California Stone with low miles that’s fairly inexpensive. I love the Ambassadors but I’m not super mechanical and think I’d probably have to be to keep one road worthy. I just love them!
you're so right! it's all about loyalty. She gave you something, you give her something. It's about memories and the time spent with her, not about speed or "how do I look on it?". I am about to sell my first motorcycle and I think I will cry when I will sell it. Because of the memories
sounds bloody fabulous
Yeah I hear you and get what you say. I owned a Guzzi years ago and always hunkered after another but like you i always felt the same way about my Norton Commando
great testimony! thank you
I loved your video and your voice is pleasing to the ear. I do disagree with you on one point. I have owned every marque of modern motorcycle you can possibly have, but in my collection, I have 6 Moto Guzzi motorcycles. I've been to the factory and stood in the very room were every one of my Guzzis, (every single Moto Guzzi ever made in fact), was assembled by hand. They are special bikes. Unique among the world. From this tiny little factory up in the very north of Italy at the edge of the Alps. My retirement project now that I have retired, is to find a lovely 850 to restore. I can hardly wait. Here's to many many more miles of smiles for you, and I (God Willing), I wish you the very best and thank you for the lovely video.
Thank you Scott. May you enjoy many more wonderful miles on your Guzzis.
I smiled through the whole story
Thank you Nick. I happened onto my first Guzzi when I was 19, a 1970 750 Ambo. I rebuilt it the best I could and had so much fun, but like you said these bikes resonate,you describe the feeling well.
Brought back memories, I had a 1973 Eldorado and rode al over the Canadian Atlantic Provinces, Also Ontario, New England and New York. Had to get the generator mount repaired and new top end after awhile. I had a 1971 Ambassador, the 1973 Eldorado a 1975 850T and a 1976 850 T-3, loved the loop frame models, no so much the later bikes. I now have a 1991 Harley Electra Glide Sport FLHS , with 145,000 miles. I'm 80 years old a I think it still be running long after I'm gone.
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.
Brought back memories. Bought a black '71 Ambassador in 1971, rode it until 1990, best bike I ever rode.
Thanks JN. That's a sentiment I've heard before. They combine charm and robustness - a great mix. Stay well. Nick.
Anybody that has bonded with their Guzzi understands fully where your coming from. They are special, particularly the older ones. Modern machines simply don’t have a soul like the older bikes seem to possess.
... 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.
Preaching to the Choir here Nick. The cadence of the engine...sums it all up.
Mine is a 1979 SP2 Bought in 1993 and I've never wanted another.
Love the rear tire job Nick. Just tip it over onto a sleeping bag and the rear wheel drops out, no sweat.😅
Whatever works eh Phil? 😄
Thanks Nick....good to see an adventure junkie
Thanks John. Yes it's a disease. If you haven't stumbled across it, you might like my latest (cross-Canada epic) czcams.com/video/JzTpAELS1HE/video.html Nick
I'm riding Guzzi since 1995. V 7 Like yours, Le Man's 1 and Griso. I always say, you ride a Guzzi 1 week, or for the Rest of your Life. This Video was showing my own emotions in a perfect way. Thanks a Lot!
George from Germany.
Thanks George. They do hit a nerve, don't they? 😁
What a great story and adventure my friend!
I loved reading about the JB weld saga in one of your books, Nick. I plan to take my 2023 V7 Stone from my home in Illinois up to Alaska one day.
Thanks Ian. I was amazed the JBWeld held for so long. Have a great trip.
Enjoyed your video. It's nice to find one that evokes that kind of enjoyment
Thanks Terry
1971 Ambassador here - had it since '89 and been all around Europe on in including the Alps in the depths of winter, and I've ridden it daily for years here back in Australia too. Last trip was a 1000 mile long weekend to see Nick Cave performing earlier this year.
They are a great friend, and I'm a bit jealous of your 850 and five speed combo but we will never part with ours.
Viva! and stay safe
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.
I know exactly how you feel: been driving a Guzzi V7 across Europe for 10 years untill a severe accident put a halt on my motorcycle days.
Take good care of the old lady and she will take care of you. Greetings from Belgium
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.
Beautiful motorcycle!
Thanks Daniel. She's scruffy, but well used.
A charming description of a love affair which will resonate with many motorcyclists. Thank you Nick.
Thanks to you too. With any luck I'll be able to put some serious miles on my M120 this coming year. Stay well.
JB weld should be in every glove box, tool box and saddle bag.
Had my 72 Eldo. since new and is the best bike I have ever owned!
I'm deeply envious. A lifetime with such a wonderful bike - fabulous.
Wonderful video. Thank you for posting. You know why that bike connects and you don't need to rationalize.
There is simply nothing like the low, easy beat of a Guzzi. The twist of the whole bike when blipped at a standstill. The excellent feeling when pulling away in first or rolling the throttle on to take advantage of an open road. My motorcycle days are in the past, but every time I see a Guzzi v-twin, I cannot help smiling.
You describe the character of a big, lazy Guzzi perfectly.
The only "modern" motorcycle where I could count to three between getting out of second and into third.... and I just didn't care.
And for those cold, wet days, a nicely rounded hand warmer each side of the fuel tank.
Thanks for the video.
Thanks BJL1. Stay well.
She’s a dignified old girl; I hope she goes on for years to come
Thanks. She's got a few years in her yet.
Lovely video, and you are not the only one who has fallen for a Guzzi. The connection just happens to some of us, and your description of the experience is poetic.
Classica, odore di benzina...fai desiderare queste avventure... 👍👍👍🇮🇹
You posted this video about three years ago. I remember back in the 70s Moto Guzzi was an exotic motorcycle in the U.S. and I’ve owned HD, Hondas, Yamahas, Kawasaki and others. I recently purchased a 2022 Moto Guzzi V85TT adventure . Now One of my all time favorite bikes. I enjoy the your videos
Thanks Chuck. Enjoy the V85TT. I rode one briefly and was impressed - a modern development of an ancient lineage.
Magical.
Ammirazione e rispetto!
Love from Italia
saluti dall'Italia, bellissima moto!
You are so cool..Gentleman..speaking well about such a motorcycle
Thank you
Thank you Damion
My 1969 Ambassador is much the same. It has a sweet spot at about 54 MPH where I find myself smiling from ear to ear and marvelling at how all is well with the world. Thanks for sharing.
It's a seductive feeling isn't it. Long days roll by effortlessly. Stay well. Nick
If you take care of your bike , the most bikes are reliable .
Do every maintenence and you can enjoy your ride .
At these times it's a pleasure to realise there are so much difference in motorcycle people - naturally some modern riders seem to not understand at all what it is about for people not alike them.
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.
What a brilliant tale.
Good companion, loyal until old age and without plastic surgeries.
No, it's not my wife, it's my Moto Guzzi.
Thanks for the video. All the best to you and your lovely old lady! Cheers from Germany 👍
I ride a guzzi too ,only 20 years old,so a youngster compared to the mighty Eldorado but they do definitely get under your skin . Thanks for the Vid Nick
Thanks Richie. Safe riding. Treat her well.
awesome old bike!
I had a 1972 850 Eldorado. Bought in in 1979 for $900. It was my first bike. having no experience riding motorcycles, I laid it down 4 days later.
Destroyed the fairing and bags; scraped the crash bar a little. Drove it till 2000. Sold it for $2500. Wish I still had it.
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.
I have 2 1974 Guzzis. Eldorado and California. Loved your report
Lucky you. The best and most usable classics.
That’s a great vid Mr Adems
Thanks Chris.
Mój bohater....my Hero..
All guzzis are 95% perfect. It's the imperfect 5% that makes them special.
The guzzi's addiction sickness has no known cure. 😊
Real classic bike 💪👍👌
Nick, Great video! Terrific editing and fun and inspiring to watch. I also have a 1972 Eldorado. It has sort of migrated toward the back of the garage. I’ve been working on other old stuff that I have and it has probably been about three years since I had it running. After watching your video, I have a strong feeling that I need to get it back on the road.😊 I will now visit your website as you suggested in the video. Thank you sir!
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.
Hi Nick ,I foolishly sold 'My' perfect-bike years-ago (1974 Ducati 750 GT) , lured by a later-model black and gold Darmah .When I become very-wealthy I will certainly buy another . But I am currently looking at an Eldorado in excellent-condition for 7500USD which is pushing-it for my finances...but it does Beckon Dave
Dont forget to make sure the chrome bores have been replaced (check into it if you don't know). Good luck Dave.
Great easy listening
Thanks Darren
Thanks for sharing
Not a guzzi owner, do like 'em very much. I can relate to your video, also owner of an old girl. She's mine, I trust her, we understand each other😁
A Jewel A Jewel..... :-D
Thanks for your nice video of the Eldorado :-)
great motorcycle, great story
Thanks Steve. Stay well. Nick
when I had a 72 guzzi I found fiat 126 and 124 used the same points one was the left side and one was the right
Exacly what i always felt when i rode my Guzzi!
09-May-2020. Well, how's that for timing. I've been using some this down time for spring cleaning. Yesterday I went through hundreds of old motorcycle mags, throwing most, but still keeping some that I just couldn't bear to part with. One of those is a March 2014 issue of RealClassic. Fortunately I'd indexed some particularly interesting articles in it with different coloured plastic post-it tabs. I flipped it open at a red one. (Red is for anything Italian.) It was a well weathered, cream coloured Eldorado. That looks familiar, I thought. And those photo's too. I checked the authors name. Yup. That guy again.
I have an 85 H-D FLHTC that I've owned since new, with an estimated 300,000 miles on it. It looks like a war horse. It's on its 2nd front fender and fairing. The windscreen is pretty much opaque. And it badly needs some new saddle bag lids. But it will start right up anytime (after a few squirts of the enrichiner) with a push of the button. Even in temperatures around freezing. I also have a much newer one, and am often asked why I don't sell the 85. I always tell them that everyone has their price, but it will always be worth way more to me than market value. I've lived most of the best, and some of the worst moments of my life on, and around it. If at some point I can't afford to insure two bikes, I'll probably keep it as an artifact of my life.
Thanks for the memories.
Lovely comment Irvin - many thanks. Glad your old 85 is still jangling your heart strings. Stay well. Nick.
Mega
Great video, thanks for sharing 👍
Thanks Colin. Glad you enjoyed it.
Nice bike! Great traveling!from japan
Hi Nick. Watching this one for the third or fourth time. You've captured perfectly how I feel about my 2008 1200 Sport. I like to tell people, it is just like me, outdated and slow, but reliable and cool. It fits me like a glove, both in style and handling. Every winter, I think I need to replace it with a more modern machine, but every spring I jump back on it, and that smile you speak of spreads across my face and I think I own the perfect motorbike for me.
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 remember when travelling across Europe in the 70s with my parents I saw many of these and at that time thought them possibly the most boring motorcycles ever made. That was the young teenage me.
Now I think one of these would be a great pleasure to ride.
Brilliant thank you 😁
Awesome , truly awesome.
Thank you
Very well said Nick. Enjoyed the video. My. 01 Cal EV has 1 or 2 wounds. It still has the Mt. Rushmore parking tape around the mirror stalk from 2015.😎
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.
Nick, once again, really enjoyed this! Thanks for the reprise.
Always good to see your videos...ride safe !!!
I spent most of today tuning up and repairing my friend's '09 V7 Moto Guzzi...he met me because he wanted to see who owned the '99 EV11 at the harbour last year. He liked my bike so much, he bought one too! My EV11 has actually spawned many friendshops...I can see why you like your bike! My '77 Convert resto is still taking shape slowly...so imagine my delight to find your video today! Thanks for sharing another wonderful video, Nick...I love them all and always look forward to the next. God bless and ride on☺
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.
Perfectly put!
Another great video Nick and exactly sums up how I feel about my 1993 BMW airhead. I have put over 400000 miles under its wheels in the 25 years in my ownership. It is almost exactly half your bikes age, but has its roots in the same era; simple mechanics and little in the way of electronics (I even converted it to contact breaker ignition to make things simpler).
But these old Guzzies are great. Certainly amongst the best motorcycles ever. No doubt you are aware of Paul Van Hoof who has a similar model to yours and has ridden it from Alaska to Ushuaia and from The Netherlands to far eastern Russia. Like you he made some great videos of his trips. Sadly many of the ones from the americas trip are no longer on CZcams.
Thanks again......
Great video Nick! I drive a 1987 Guzzi NTX 350 ...still big off-road emotions,and she always take me back home! Very reliable,like yours..
Again, a superb video Nick.
Please keep them coming!
Cheers,
Niall.
Brilliant video, cheers matey.
Stay well,
Steve
Excellent video, Nick! I agree that the Eldo is a special machine.
every new video fittin' like old Glove :)
Lovely video. Really enjoyed it and so the truth what you are telling. Fully understand to be hooked on one particular bike. Have the same feeling with my MZ etz 250. Bought new in 1986 and 324.000 km further....i still drive it andcrarelyblet me down
That's some serious distance. I knew MZ's were good, but that is very impressive. Stay well, safe riding
Lovely looking bike, I recently traveled through Europe on my Moto V7 special.
That is a very special machine Nick.
Wishing you both many more miles of safe riding 🏍💨💨💨
Thank you Karol. Best wishes and safe riding to you too.
Thanks 4 sharing this video Man, greetings from Mandello del Lario 🇮🇪😉
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.
Just picked up my 73 Eldo!
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.
Many years ago, back in the UK I briefly owned a Moto Guzzi V50 Monza - most certainly a little bit more frenetic than your Eldorado - and a youngster too - 1981. Loved riding it but the suspension was jarring - fine for short rides through the lovely lanes in and around Warfield/Bracknell and to and from Heathrow once in a while. But ultimately, I thought I needed something a little less "ironing board" and more "sofa-ish", so regrettably, I sold it. I dare not say what I bought to replace it - it's just too embarrassing.
All bikes good David. 😄
Your bike has something the crotch rockets don't...they're throwaways.
If i were looking for a long-distance cruiser, Guzzi would have to be considered👌
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.
What a fun video. I hope my California 1400 can mature into this sort of bike. A very different animal, but still a Guzzi and a great-grandchild or something of these early transverse M-G’s. After riding BMWs for 35 years, the new ones finally just lost my interest a few years ago. No soul, no charm, sort of demanding even. Nah. After a lot of looking I got Guzzi 1400. It is amazing and I feel like I’m seriously and strangely bonded with it, its only 4 years old so nothing like the kind of bonding possible with this war horse you ride. It recalls in a modern way a completely lost level of motorcycle magic. I think they may have figured out all that rider-bike magic formulation a long time ago as it feels like a junior version of exactly what your video describes so well. Thanks for the video!
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
Какая хорошая гравийная дорога!
Nicely put. I find the rhythm of the engines firing pulses on tickover comforting and relaxing, like a mechanical heart beat. And you get the benefit of a bigger bore, shorter stroke so it’s free revving when it needs to be. I built up a relationship with mine so if I look after it, it will look after me.
I wish you many more enjoyable miles on your beautiful bike.
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
Only a guzzi rider knows