2015 Moto Guzzi Eldorado and Audace | First Look Review

Moto Guzzi showed two new variants on the California 1400 platform at the Italian EICMA show that will join the Touring and Custom models in U.S. dealerships in the summer of 2015. Pricing for both is TBD. Grabbing equal attention at the Guzzi stand was the MGX-21 Concept bagger, which we don’t have any details on, and don’t expect to see in the States any time soon.

First, the venerable Eldorado name returns to the Moto Guzzi lineup with a big bump in displacement from the original 844cc in the late 1960s-early ’70s to the 1,380cc of the latest big-block flying V-twin. While the new Eldorado benefits from technologies that the California 1400s brought to Moto Guzzi for the first time, like throttle-by-wire, cruise control and traction control, the Eldorado echoes the past with its unique styling. Sixteen-inch spoke wheels give the bike a lower stance, and are wrapped in whitewall tires and full-coverage fenders. Unique styling touches include the fuel tank with its chrome sides, an oversize saddle, bullhorn handlebar and chrome passenger grab handle.

The front of the Eldorado has a particularly clean design, while the rear’s smooth and generous shape integrates with the new full-cover shock absorbers, gem-shaped rear light cluster and classic rounded turn indicators. The front of the Eldorado, like the Touring and Custom models, is also distinguishable by its original complex surface headlight with polyelliptical light equipped with LED daylight running light (DRL).

With its low 28.5-inch-high seat, floorboards, bullhorn handlebar and 5.5-gallon fuel tank, the Eldorado looks to us like it’s ready for some stylish cruising complete with lots of traditional Moto Guzzi V-twin engine character.

Moto Guzzi also launched a new blacked-out muscle cruiser based on the California 1400 at EICMA called the Audace (“bold” in Italian). It has an undersump lug that gives the side view a gritty look, a metallic radiator grill and short megaphone exhaust. The side covers have been lightened like the passenger footpeg brackets, and instead of floorboards and a heel-toe shifter, the Audace has sportier footpegs mounted farther forward and a classic gearshift pedal.

A low solo saddle and flat drag handlebar come on the Audace, with an optional passenger seat. Burnished valve covers, piggyback reservoir rear shock absorbers and alloy wheels personalized with the Moto Guzzi logo complete the Audace’s look, and exhaust system changes are said to give the 90-degree V-twin a nice bark as well as more power.