Upgrade your Moto Guzzi Eldorado for comfortable, long-distance rides by adding essential touring gear. This guide covers key upgrades like comfortable seats, luggage solutions, wind protection, and electronic accessories to make your Eldorado a true touring machine, enhancing your riding experience and enjoyment on the open road.
Hey there, fellow riders! Barry K. Richmond here. So, you’ve got a Moto Guzzi Eldorado, a fantastic bike with classic style and that unmistakable V-twin rumble. But you’re thinking about hitting the open road, maybe for a weekend getaway or even a cross-country adventure. That’s where the fun truly begins! However, as much as we love our bikes, sometimes they need a little help to become true touring companions. The Eldorado, while a capable cruiser, can feel a bit basic when you’re piling on miles. Don’t worry, though! Making it touring-ready is easier than you might think, and it’s a great way to add your personal touch while boosting comfort and practicality. We’ll walk through the must-have upgrades that will transform your Eldorado into a mile-munching marvel. Let’s get your Guzzi ready for the journey ahead!
Moto Guzzi Eldorado Touring Gear: Essential Upgrades – Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about kitting out your Moto Guzzi Eldorado for touring? You’re in the right place. Here are some common queries answered in plain, easy-to-understand language.
What are the most important touring upgrades for a Moto Guzzi Eldorado?
The most crucial upgrades focus on comfort and carrying capacity. This includes a more supportive seat for both rider and passenger, effective wind protection like a larger windscreen, and reliable luggage solutions such as saddlebags and a top case. Enhanced lighting and charging options are also highly beneficial for longer journeys.
Is it difficult to install a new windscreen on my Eldorado?
For most aftermarket windscreens designed specifically for the Moto Guzzi Eldorado, installation is generally straightforward. They often bolt directly into existing mounting points. While basic mechanical skills are helpful, many riders find they can complete this with common tools and by following the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re unsure, a local mechanic can handle it quickly.
What kind of luggage is best for touring on an Eldorado?
The best luggage depends on your trip length and what you need to carry. For shorter trips, sturdy leather or textile saddlebags might suffice. For longer tours, a combination of saddlebags and a top case offers the most versatility and storage space. Many top cases can also serve as a backrest for your passenger, adding comfort.
Do I need to upgrade the suspension for touring?
While not always essential for lighter touring, upgrading the suspension can significantly improve comfort and handling, especially when the bike is loaded with luggage and a passenger. Better shocks can absorb bumps more effectively and provide a smoother ride over varied road surfaces. It’s a worthwhile upgrade if you plan on frequent long-distance touring or riding on less-than-perfect roads.
How can I add more comfortable seating for my passenger?
Passenger comfort is key for shared adventures. Many aftermarket seats for the Eldorado offer a larger, more padded pillion seat. Some also integrate backrests, which provide crucial support for longer rides, reducing fatigue and making the journey more enjoyable for your co-pilot.
Are there ways to improve the Eldorado’s lighting for night riding?
Yes, improving lighting is a smart safety upgrade. You can add auxiliary driving lights or upgrade the existing headlight to an LED unit. These provide better visibility in darkness and can also make you more visible to other road users, which is a significant safety advantage.
Where can I find reliable touring gear for my Moto Guzzi Eldorado?
Reputable sources include authorized Moto Guzzi dealerships, specialized motorcycle accessory websites (like RevZilla, Twisted Throttle, or Guzzi-specific forums and retailers), and well-known aftermarket parts manufacturers. Always check product reviews and ensure compatibility with your Eldorado model.
Why Make Your Moto Guzzi Eldorado a Touring Machine?
The Moto Guzzi Eldorado is a motorcycle with soul and undeniable presence. It’s built for the road, with a comfortable riding position and that distinctive Italian flair. But when you start thinking about venturing further, perhaps for a weekend escape or a grand tour, you might discover its stock configuration is best suited for shorter, spirited rides. Piling on the miles can expose the limitations of its original setup, particularly when it comes to comfort, luggage capacity, and protection from the elements. Addressing these points with the right touring gear doesn’t just make your Eldorado more practical; it makes it a better all-around motorcycle, ready to conquer highways and byways with you, no matter how far you roam.
Thinking about long rides brings up a few common concerns for Eldorado owners: cramped seating, nowhere to put your stuff, and getting battered by wind. These are totally valid! But the good news is that there are tested, reliable solutions readily available. We’re going to break down the most effective upgrades. They’re designed to integrate with your Eldorado’s classic aesthetics while dramatically improving your riding experience. So, let’s dive into how we can transform your ride.
1. The Foundation of Comfort: Upgraded Seating
For any motorcycle, especially one intended for touring, the seat is paramount. If your backside isn’t happy, you won’t be either. The stock Eldorado seat is often a compromise – stylish, yes, but not always built for marathon sessions in the saddle. Investing in a better seat is probably the single most impactful upgrade you can make for both rider and passenger comfort.
Rider Seat Upgrades
When you’re the one controlling the machine, a comfortable perch means more focus on the ride and less on fidgeting. Look for seats that offer:
- Improved Padding: Higher-density foam or gel inserts can make a world of difference in absorbing road vibrations and preventing fatigue.
- Ergonomic Shape: A seat designed to support your natural posture and distribute weight more evenly can prevent soreness and numbness.
- Contouring: Seats that are sculpted to fit your body better provide more support and a more secure feeling.
- Wider Profile: Sometimes, simply a wider seat can offer better weight distribution.
Passenger Seat Experience
Don’t forget your co-pilot! A miserable passenger can cut a trip short faster than anything. Upgrades for them include:
- Larger Surface Area: More space means more comfort and stability.
- Generous Padding: Just like the rider, the passenger needs good cushioning.
- Integrated Backrest: This is a game-changer for long-haul comfort, providing crucial lumbar support and a sense of security.
Many aftermarket seat manufacturers offer direct bolt-on replacements or custom seat options for the Moto Guzzi Eldorado. Brands like Corbin, Mustang, and Saddlemen are popular choices that often provide substantial improvements over OEM. Some even offer heated seat options for cooler riding climates, a truly luxurious addition for touring.
Heated Seats: A Luxury Worth Considering
If you frequently ride in cooler temperatures or venture into mountainous regions, a heated seat can be a fantastic upgrade. These systems are typically integrated into the seat itself and draw power from the bike’s electrical system. They offer multiple heat settings, allowing you to stay warm and comfortable even on chilly mornings or evenings. Installation usually involves connecting the seat’s wiring harness to the bike’s power supply, often through a fuse tap or a dedicated power outlet.
2. Hitting the Road Fully Equipped: Luggage Systems
You can’t tour without luggage! The Eldorado, depending on the specific model year and trim, may come with limited storage. To carry your essentials, you’ll need dedicated luggage solutions. The key is to choose a system that is durable, secure, and complements the Eldorado’s aesthetic.
Saddlebags: The Classic Choice
Saddlebags are a staple for any touring motorcycle. For the Eldorado, you have a few popular options:
- Leather Saddlebags: These offer a classic, vintage look that pairs perfectly with the Eldorado’s style. They are generally good for moderate loads and can be weather-resistant, especially if treated.
- Hard Saddlebags: Made from materials like ABS plastic or fiberglass, these are more secure, waterproof, and offer a cleaner, more integrated look. They often lock and keep your gear protected from the elements and potential theft.
- Textile Saddlebags: Often more affordable and lighter than leather or hard bags, these are usually made from durable nylon or polyester. They can be expandable and are a good option for those who want flexibility.
When choosing saddlebags, consider the mounting system. Some saddlebags require specific brackets that bolt to your bike’s frame or passenger footpeg mounts. Ensure the bags are positioned so they don’t interfere with the exhaust, suspension travel, or your legs. For Moto Guzzi Eldorado, many manufacturers offer custom-fit saddlebag kits that integrate seamlessly.
Top Cases: Maximizing Your Carry Capacity
A top case, also known as a tail bag or trunk, is invaluable for touring. It provides a large, secure, and easily accessible storage space. Many top cases also double as a comfortable backrest for the passenger, significantly enhancing their experience on longer rides.
- Features to look for: Weatherproofing, locking mechanisms, ample volume (check Cubic Liters), and compatibility with built-in backrests.
- Mounting: Top cases typically mount to a dedicated rack installed on the rear of the bike. Ensure the rack designed for your Eldorado is robust enough to handle the weight.
Adding a top case might slightly alter the bike’s handling when fully loaded due to the added weight being further back, but for most touring scenarios, the benefits far outweigh this. It’s the perfect spot for that rain gear, a first-aid kit, or souvenirs acquired along the way.
Tank Bags: Quick Access Storage
A tank bag is perfect for items you need to access frequently, like your phone, wallet, GPS, sunglasses, or a water bottle. They attach to the fuel tank using magnets or straps and are usually expandable.
- Magnetic Tank Bags: Easy to put on and take off, but ensure you have a steel tank and follow instructions carefully to avoid scratching your paintwork.
- Strap-On Tank Bags: Use adjustable straps to secure to the tank and frame, offering a secure fit on any tank material.
Consider the size; you don’t want a tank bag that obstructs your view of the instruments or hinders your steering. Many tank bags also feature clear map pockets or touch-screen-compatible windows for GPS devices.
3. Taming the Wind: Windscreens and Fairings
Wind fatigue is a major enemy of long-distance riders. Constant buffeting puts strain on your body, making you tired and less focused. A well-designed windscreen can dramatically improve your comfort by deflecting wind over your body and helmet.
Windscreens
When choosing a windscreen for your Eldorado, consider:
- Height: The ideal height depends on your riding posture and height. You want the top of the screen to be at or just below your eye level, so you’re looking over it, not through it.
- Width: A wider screen can offer better protection for your shoulders and arms.
- Material: Most are made from durable polycarbonate or acrylic.
- Mounting: Ensure it’s compatible with your Eldorado’s headlight bracket or fairing mounts.
Many aftermarket manufacturers like Givi, Puig, and National Cycle offer specific windscreen kits for the Moto Guzzi Eldorado. Some are simple clip-on designs, while others are more comprehensive bolt-on units that come with their own mounting hardware. Look for designs that are known to reduce buffeting. Some screens have a “recurve” or “lip” at the top to help kick the air up more effectively.
Handguards
While not always considered “wind protection” in the same way as a screen, handguards can significantly improve comfort by shielding your hands from wind and elements. This helps prevent your fingers from going numb in cooler weather, allowing for better control of the grips and levers.
- Types: Popular options include integrated handguards that mount to the handlebars, or larger fairing-mounted deflectors.
- Material: Often made of durable plastic, sometimes reinforced with aluminum.
For the Eldorado, handguards can be selected to match the bike’s styling, offering a blend of protection and aesthetics. They are often relatively easy to install, typically bolting onto the existing handlebar setup.
4. Fine-Tuning Your Ride: Ergonomic and Control Upgrades
Comfort isn’t just about the seat and wind protection; it’s also about how you interact with the bike. Small changes to the handlebars, footpegs, and controls can make a big difference on long rides.
Handlebars
If the stock handlebars on your Eldorado feel too low, too far away, or just not quite right for your body type, there are options:
- Risers: These can raise and/or pull the handlebars closer to you, reducing strain on your back and shoulders.
- Different Bend/Width: You can find handlebars with different sweeps, widths, or heights to achieve your ideal riding position.
When considering handlebar upgrades, always ensure that the cable lengths (throttle, clutch, brake) are sufficient for the new position. Sometimes new cables or extensions are needed. Always consult the handlebar manufacturer’s specifications.
Footpegs
For extended riding, cruiser-style footpegs can offer more comfort than standard pegs. Consider:
- Larger Surface Area: This distributes weight better and can reduce foot fatigue.
- Vibration Damping: Rubber-mounted footpegs can help absorb road vibrations.
- Adjustable Mounts: Some systems allow you to adjust the position of your feet forward or backward, further customizing your comfort.
Cruise Control
For true touring comfort on highways, cruise control is a lifesaver. It allows you to rest your throttle hand, reducing fatigue on long, straight stretches. There are two main types:
- Mechanical Cruise Control (Throttle Locks/Recall units): These are simpler, often friction-based devices that “lock” the throttle in position. They’re affordable and easy to install but require a bit of manual adjustment. A popular example is the Kaoko Throttle Control.
- Electronic Cruise Control Systems: These are more advanced and similar to those found in cars. They actively maintain speed and are typically activated by buttons on the handlebar. Brands like CrampBuster offer simple grip-enhancing devices that can aid throttle comfort without being true cruise control. For electronic systems, brands like MC Cruise are known for their quality.
Installation for electronic systems can be more involved, often requiring connection to the bike’s ride-by-wire system or throttle cables, but the benefit to rider fatigue is immense. Always check compatibility for your specific Eldorado model.
5. Seeing and Being Seen: Lighting and Electrical Upgrades
As daylight hours shrink or when riding through unfamiliar territory, good lighting is crucial for safety. Additionally, modern touring often involves charging devices, so electrical upgrades are practical.
Auxiliary Lighting
Enhancing your bike’s ability to see and be seen can significantly improve safety, especially when riding at night or in poor weather conditions.
- Driving Lights: These are typically mounted on the front of the bike and provide a broader, more intense beam than the stock headlights, illuminating more of the road ahead and to the sides.
- Fog Lights: Useful in foggy or low-visibility conditions, often producing a wider, lower beam.
- LED Headlight Upgrades: Replacing your stock halogen headlight with an LED unit can provide a brighter, whiter light with less power draw.
When choosing auxiliary lights, consider their power draw to ensure your bike’s alternator can handle the load. Look for reputable brands like PIAA, Denali, or Clearwater, which offer high-quality, durable lighting solutions. Installation usually involves mounting the lights and wiring them into your bike’s electrical system, often with a switch on the handlebars.
Charging Ports and USB Outlets
Keeping your GPS, smartphone, or other electronic devices powered up is essential for navigation and communication on a tour. This is a relatively simple yet highly beneficial upgrade