Moe Moore has specialized in restoring pre-1975 Moto Guzzis for over 20 years. The splendid 1974 Moto Guzzi Eldorado police bike recently for sale on eBay received the full Moe Moore treatment.
Moore’s shop—Cycle Garden - opens in new window or tab. based in Indio, Calif.—used its Big Bore kit to elevate the bike’s stock 844cc engine to new levels. And the shop completed a dual disc conversion on the front to provide new stopping power.
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A Custom Big Bore Kit
The Moto Guzzi Eldorado gained attention in the American market when it was chosen as a patrol bike by the Los Angeles Police Department and California Highway Patrol in the early 1970s.
The big bore install includes aluminum pistons, re-sleeved cylinders, and Cycle Garden’s newest cam design. The engine overhaul includes new crank bearings, too. The transversely mounted 90-degree V-twin was fully balanced—so the restored Moto Guzzi idles wonderfully and operates smoothly. That smoothness benefits from Moore fine-tuning the five-speed transmission.
Cycle Garden claims its Big Bore Kit gives the 850 Eldorado power gains in the 1,000cc range. That’s good for a 15 percent boost in horsepower and torque.
Stylish Lines and a Deep Exhaust Note
A shiny set of chrome Lafranconi Silentium mufflers - opens in new window or tab. add to the bike’s character. The aftermarket exhaust combines with the bigger pistons to give this 1974 Moto Guzzi Police Bike a deeper, richer exhaust note.
The Guzzi’s power gains are balanced by a new set of dual disc brakes with Brembo calipers. That’s a big upgrade over the stock drum or single disc, two-piston arrangement offered on stock 1974 Eldorados. A single-leading shoe drum brake still anchors the rear, albeit cleaned up and polished like the day it rolled out of the factory.
The factory freshness extends to the full fenders and stout fender stays, gas tank, and chrome engine guards. The in-house paint job is spotless. The clean pinstripes were applied by hand, while the Eldorado, 850, and Moto Guzzi logos are hand-silkscreened.
A First for Electric Starts
This vintage Italian police bike on eBay comes complete with amber spotlights. Its array of multi-colored lights provides one of the most entertaining speedo housings you can find.
The bike also has a rebuilt B&M friction siren mounted to the left rear wheel. The siren operates by friction from the tire. As the siren spins it makes what Moore calls a “growly noise that everybody seems to enjoy.”
According to motojournalist Clement Salvadori, the 1972-1974 Moto Guzzi Eldorado may be the first motorcycle to come with only an electric starter (and no kickstarter).
Salvadori wrote:
Under the saddle was a 32-amp-hour battery, and on the left side was a Marelli 0.7-horsepower starter motor. There was no kickstarter back-up like Harley and all the Japanese had.
Cycle Garden, one of the leading Moto Guzzi shops in the country, restored this 1974 Moto Guzzi Eldorado Police Bike to concours quality. The crew confidently backs its work with a one-year warranty which extends to everything, not just the engine. The result is a timeless Italian classic with a renewed sense of style, improved performance, and longevity.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.