With its high, wide handlebars, big V-twin engine, laid-back riding position and abundance of chrome, Moto Guzzi's Eldorado is the "closest and most convincing European approximation yet of a Harley Davidson", says Roland Brown in The Daily Telegraph. The Italian motorbike firm has long looked to the US for inspiration, and some "Stateside glamour" has rubbed off on its latest model. The Eldorado is bigger than the California model on which it was based, and has a more "extrovert" look.
It's also relaxing to ride, says Brown. The engine has a "sweet throttle response", giving effortless surges of acceleration until you're cruising "at whatever speed its rider's neck muscles can stand". This is an enjoyable bike, with the look and feel of a big Harley, yet with its own subtly different, Italian-accented and appealing take on the theme.
It's something of a handful in a car park, says Kevin Wing in Rider magazine, but "incredibly easy" to ride once you pick up speed. It handles city riding and touring with ease, and makes short work of long, high-speed stretches of motorway. But most importantly, it's great fun.
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"If I had five days to kill" for a bike trip, says Wing, then "I would definitely pick the Eldorado I could ride it all day". It's "the big bad boy in the bike sheds smoking" when it should be in class, says Adam Child in Motorcycle News. "You can't help but be won over by the attitude."
Price: £15,635Engine: 1,380cc, four-stroke V-twin, six-speed gearboxPower: 96bhp at 6,500rpmTorque: 88lb ft at 2,750rpmTop speed: 125mph (estimated)Range: 180 miles at 45mpg (estimated)
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