Launch: Moto Guzzi Eldorado & Audace

Moto Guzzi’s Eldorado and Audace are being launched today at the historic Moto Guzzi factory in northern Italy. MCN Senior Road Tester Adam ‘Chad’ Child is just about to embark on a full day’s riding on the stunning roads around Lake Como. Here are his first impressions from the unveiling:

“Both the Eldorado and Audace are based on the highly acclaimed Moto Guzzi California, which was launched in 2013. This means both bikes use the same distinctive transverse 1380 V-Twin. They both have the three different riding modes (Turismo, Veloce and Pioggia), three level traction control, and ABS. They also both use a similar chassis platform, but with a slightly different suspension set up, the more aggressive Audace having a sportier edge, more ride height for improved ground clearance and different size wheels, running a 200 section rear rather than a 180 you’ll find on the Eldorado.

“In the metal they look stunning, with the Eldorado clearly being a modern interpretation of the iconic 850 California which was made famous in the States and was used by some police forces. The Audace is more like a modern day muscle bike, aimed towards a European audience. Although both bikes share much of their underpinnings, they are very different stylistically, with clearly distinct personalities.”

“They both look stunning, and it’ll be fascinating to see how different they feel out on the road later today.”

Both bikes are currently in production and are now available in the UK, the Eldorado costs from £15,635, while Audace prices start at £15,135.