Argomenti trattati
The motorcycle described here is part of the Northern California Superbike Collection and is being sold by an anonymous owner who is a long-term friend of both Iconic and Bike-urious. All net proceeds from this sale will be donated to a foundation run by the owner and his wife to support research into sustainable agricultural and agroforestry systems worldwide. This provenance is central to the listing and may be of interest to collectors who value charity-oriented dispositions as well as historical machines.
On the historical side, the Eldorado followed the commercial success of the 750cc Ambassador — after Moto Guzzi set sales records in 1971 with that model, the company introduced the larger-displacement successor, the 850cc Eldorado. The Eldorado received an upgraded transmission with an additional gear, bringing it to a five-speed gearbox. Mike Berliner, Moto Guzzi’s American importer at the time, positioned the Eldorado to compete directly with the Harley-Davidson FLH, offering comparable power at roughly 65 horsepower but using a much smaller engine and a lighter curb weight.
About this specific bike
This example was manufactured in January 1972 and carries both VIN and engine number 50426VP. The instrument cluster shows 38,871 miles, however the speedometer/odometer is internally seized and the true mileage is therefore unknown. For now the speedometer cable has been removed. The chassis is fitted with aftermarket bar end mirrors, and the sale includes two keys. The unit is offered with a clean California title and is currently located in Panorama City, California.
Mechanical condition and recent service
To prepare this Eldorado for sale, a thorough safety inspection and a sequence of items were addressed by the service department. Work completed includes installation of a new battery, replacement of fuel lines, new petcocks, a new inner tube for the rear tire, a new air filter and airbox rubber, fresh spark plugs, and a full carburetor rebuild. The fuel tank was professionally cleaned and lined, and the inside of the tank has been documented in photos. The unit runs and was started and exercised on a bench; a short road test ride of approximately two miles was completed and the machine operated as intended during that check.
Service report snapshot
The shop report lists several verified items: the tank interior is professionally lined, engine oil level and quality were noted as ok, and the bike retains its shaft drive final drive. Lighting and electrical checks returned acceptable results: headlight high and low beams ok, turn signals ok, tail and brake lights ok, horn ok. Battery resting voltage measures 12.79V and charging voltage at 4,000 rpm is approximately 13.90V. The service team flagged the tires as aged and recommended replacement prior to extended use.
Wheels, tires and recommended repairs
The bike is currently fitted with Dunlop Gold Seal tires bearing date codes 1708 (rear) and 3208 (front). Although tread percentage appears serviceable, both tires show age-related cracking and the seller advises replacement as a required safety repair. Other recommended work is limited; the primary mechanical caveats are the non-functional odometer and the aged rubber. Aside from the tires and the seized instrument, the machine was noted to be in working order after service and bench runs.
Title, registration and inspection details
This Eldorado is being offered with a clean title issued in California. It is believed to be in Planned Non-Operation registration status; bringing the registration current would require fees of $153 to cover renewal through November 2026. Cosmetic blemishes are present; a detailed photo album is available in the listing’s Photos tab and prospective buyers are encouraged to review images carefully. For transparency, the seller notes that the odometer is seized and that the speedometer cable has been removed.
How to inspect or ask questions
Appointments are required for in-person inspections at the bike’s location in Panorama City, California. Interested parties can use the listing’s Comments tab to leave questions or to arrange a viewing. Photographs cover the tank interior and exterior blemishes; any prospective buyer should verify those images and request additional shots as needed. Given the charitable aspects of the sale and the machine’s documented service history, communication with the seller or listing agent is encouraged to confirm logistics and final sale terms.