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Just got it firing!
I always seem to buy a new bike in the heat of desire without researching it first so this time around I want to do it the right way around.Before I lay down my hard earned cash what do I need to know up front?
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LOL at 59 maybe the miss spell is appropriate !Not really an issue, but they changed the spelling to Eldorado I've got about 1000 miles on mine and just love it.
I always seem to buy a new bike in the heat of desire without researching it first so this time around I want to do it the right way around.Before I lay down my hard earned cash what do I need to know up front?
Thanks .I Already know I will be up for some more money straight away as lean fueling on modern bikes is a pet hate.Also at the top of the 1400 forum page there is a topic on technical issues and recalls.
Thanks .I Already know I will be up for some more money straight away as lean fueling on modern bikes is a pet hate.
My GT1000 was horrible under 4000rpm before a race ecu and exhaust was fitted so I guess I can factor a decent wad of cash to get that sorted on the Eldorado.A cracked crossover is not that exciting either but at least I know!
Overall the 1380 cc bikes overall are pretty good. Only real issue I can think of is the issue with the instrument panel can fog up due to moisture under the glass. My audace does have this issue but it isn't bad. Apparently it can get pretty bad on some though. Aftermarket isn't as big as many others but you have some choices and overall I think the bikes are pretty well setup from the beginning.
Other than that it is just knowing what comes with owning a semi rare bike. The 1380 engine uses special spark plugs that ngk makes for them. They are like 15 bucks each so it isn't too bad but I personally have a spare set of them. The engine calls for a valve check every oil change. It is easy to do and they are adjustable vs using shims. Still it calls for it far more often than other bikes that now are 12 to 15k miles on the service checks vs 6200 miles on the guzzi.
You can find the service code to reset the service needed light on this form that should work with that bike so that isn't a big issue anymore.
Others will be better to speak on long term issues as my audace is only a year old. Overall I've been very happy with it and the build quality. I'd say go nuts on the eldorado if you like it. Get the dealer to give you a copy of the service manual(they can download a pdf of it). With any new bike I'd go behind them and check all of the bolts and make sure they are secured on it when you get it.
O yea one more thing. The oil filter is kinda recessed under the bike which is nice because it helps protect it. That being said a lot of oil filter wrenches will not work. Its a cheap fix but something to look out for. The rear wheel used big enough allen and metric sockets that I did have to go buy a set.
I think it's a given they do run lean, but honestly I have no issues with how the Eldorado runs. Did a tour of Tassie last year and two up fully loaded (over-loaded) it coped easily, even uphill 1st or 2nd gear hairpins it never gave me a moments worry and at 20,000kms no problem with the cross over, the mechanic at the local shop in South Oz where I bought it says he hasn't seen one fracture yet. Fueling might be worth looking at to make it run richer and cooler but that's the only reason I would consider it, ride one 1st and see what you think. Rexxer in Brisbane do a remap for the 1400s for around $400, they have agents around Oz + mods to mufflers and air box if you want to go that route.
PS. A lot of road tests say they are thirsty but they get better as they loosen up, mine averages around 5.5 ltr/100kms, fuel light comes on around 240/250kms but there is still about 5 ltrs left in the tank so 300+kms fuel range is not a problem.
Finally got time to go to the dealers too see it in the flesh.No demo and no test ride but I spent some time looking carefully and sat on it.
A stunning bike but have to admit I was shocked exactly how big it is and how heavy it felt in the showroom.I think I would get used to that pretty quickly the fact I rode my 1970 ambassador there didn't help as its pretty light!Love the black but thinking a red one would look cool next to the ambo in my garage.