Bring a Trailer Bargain of the Week: 1974 Moto Guzzi Eldorado Police

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you want a new retro-style bike, Triumph isn’t the only game in town. Italian brand Moto Guzzi is also big in the neo-classic segment, thanks in no small part to the V7. But as iconic as that bike is, Moto Guzzi has made other notable bikes over the last 100 years. And some of these OG classics are available for less than you might think. Case in point, the 1974 Moto Guzzi Eldorado Police bike up right now on Bring a Trailer.

The Moto Guzzi Eldorado 850 took the V7 to California and from an Ambassador to a police-favorite touring bike

1969 Moto Guzzi V750 Ambassador side view | Piaggio

Although the V7 isn’t Moto Guzzi’s sole motorcycle, the 1960s and 1970s V7s were the predecessors for several later important bikes.

The V7 Special, for example, morphed into the 1969 V750 Ambassador to take on the Honda CB750 in the US. With a long wheelbase, under-stressed 757cc air-cooled V-twin, and low-maintenance shaft drive, the Ambassador was a solid touring bike. It was also one of the first production bikes to come solely with an electric starter, Rider says. And the 1970 V750 California built on those solid bones, giving the Ambassador a comfier seat, taller windscreen, and saddlebags.

But these features weren’t just boons for consumers, Motorcycle Classics notes. They also made the V750 Ambassador a solid choice for motorcycle cops, even more so than its V7 predecessor. One of the reasons the Ambassador had a 60-hp 757cc V-twin was to keep up with the then-standard police bike, the 55-hp Harley-Davidson FLH.

A Los Angeles police officer on a black-and-white Moto Guzzi Eldorado 850 police bike in a 1970s parking lot
A Los Angeles police officer on a Moto Guzzi Eldorado 850 police bike in a 1970s parking lot | Piaggio

However, while police departments enjoyed the Ambassador’s performance, Moto Guzzi thought the bike could go further. And by further, we mean ‘more performance.’ So, the company enlarged the engine and upgraded the drivetrain. And in November 1971, Moto Guzzi debuted the Eldorado 850.

While the Ambassador had a 60-hp 757cc V-twin and a four-speed manual, the Moto Guzzi Eldorado has a 65-hp 844cc V-twin and a five-speed manual. It also has a stronger final drive ratio and extra gauges, MC says. Plus, while the Eldorado is as powerful as the FLH, it’s about 200 pounds lighter and has a shorter wheelbase. That made it nimbler and faster, Rider says, great for cops and normal riders. Add in a starring role in Magnum Force, and it’s little wonder the Eldorado was one of Moto Guzzi’s best-selling bikes, Bike-urious reports.

You can bid on a 1974 Eldorado Police edition on Bring a Trailer

RELATED: This Custom 2022 Indian Chief Rocks a Vintage-Style Hand Shifter

Moto Guzzi upgraded the Eldorado 850 several times during its 1971-1974 run. The California trim returned in 1972 with a touring windscreen and seat, saddlebags, and engine guards. In 1973 the Eldorado swapped its two-shoe front drum brakes for a four-shoe design. And for 1974, Moto Guzzi gave it cartridge-style front forks and a Brembo front disc brake.

As a 1974 Moto Guzzi Eldorado police bike, the motorcycle currently listed on Bring a Trailer has all those features. But while it has the police-style single speedometer, it has a passenger seat, too. Also, chrome knee cutouts on the tank, a locking storage compartment, and Borrani alloy spoked wheel rims.

While this 1974 Moto Guzzi Eldorado Police has some scratches and surface rust and is missing some engine-guard chrome, it’s in fairly good condition. The seller sent it for a three-year refurbishment that included rebuilding the engine, repainting the frame and multiple additional components, and overhauling the electrical system. Liberty Vintage did the work, which also included rebuilding the braking system, fixing the ignition, and installing a new exhaust.

A Moto Guzzi Eldorado makes “a dependable, easy, and cheap-to-maintain ridable classic,” Motorcycle Classics says

Two Los Angeles police officers look over a Moto Guzzi Eldorado 850 police bike in a 1970s parking lot
Two Los Angeles police officers look over a Moto Guzzi Eldorado 850 police bike | Piaggio

RELATED: The Moto Guzzi V85TT Is a Unique Adventure Bike

As of this writing, this 1974 Moto Guzzi Eldorado Police bike is listed on BaT for $4000 with three days left in the auction. Given this motorcycle’s condition, that’s a below-average price. A fair-condition 1974 Eldorado typically costs almost $2000 more, Hagerty says.

As this bike is a classic Italian motorcycle, some potential bidders might be nervous about its reliability. However, this Eldorado has been restored well and has the receipts to prove it. In addition, classic Eldorados are fairly reliable as long as they’re maintained properly, MC reports. And if you don’t want to deal with a points-based ignition system, modern upgrades are available. Plus, a vintage Moto Guzzi Eldorado can keep up with modern traffic and comfortable sweep along back-country roads.

In short, this Eldorado has all the marks of a solid vintage bargain bike. Just don’t try testing the police-style livery’s limits when you get on.

Follow more updates from MotorBiscuit on our Facebook page.

RELATED: The BMW R 18 Cruiser Goes Transcontinental Touring for 2022

The post Bring a Trailer Bargain of the Week: 1974 Moto Guzzi Eldorado Police appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

How Loud Is Monster Jam?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There’s nothing more exciting than vehicles racing and doing unimaginable feats. That’s the premise behind Monster Jam. It’s also the goal of the many monster truck drivers who get behind the wheel of these beasts for rallies across the nation and around the world. It’s a sport that entertains kids of all ages.

However, these trucks’ roaring engines can grow deafeningly loud. So, exactly how loud is Monster Jam?

The history of monster trucks

Monster Jam | EZEQUIEL BECERRA/AFP via Getty Images

Monster trucks began in 1974 when Bob Chandler put oversized tires on his Ford F-250 and called it Bigfoot. The original Bigfoot is still running, but it has seen several re-creations throughout the years.

In the 1980s, monster truck rallies began to gain attention from the public as more vehicles debuted. They were often seen as additions to other events, such as tractor pulls or mud bogging events. However, by 1992, Monster Jam, which FELD Motorsports owns, kicked the monster truck action into high gear, making it a primary attraction and an event all its own, Kidding Around reports.

The biggest names in Monster Jam are Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, and Zombie. Each has several trucks that look the same but are driven by different drivers.

But Grave Digger is the most recognizable truck in Monster Jam. Dennis Anderson built the vehicle in 1982. Some drivers you may see at any show include Pablo Huffaker, Randy Brown, and Anderson’s children, Adam Anderson, Ryan Anderson, and Krysten Anderson.

Monster Jam is one of the longest-running monster truck series around, though several smaller promoters host events with lesser-known trucks. There are a few things you want to keep in mind before attending any of these shows, though.

Do you need hearing protection for Monster Jam and other monster truck rallies?

Monster trucks weigh around 12,000 pounds, stand an average of 10 1/2 feet tall, and harness about 1,500 hp. Because of their size and power, you might expect them to be noisier than your average truck. However, many people are surprised by just how loud they really are.

When you’re sitting in the stands and drivers are revving the motor, you can feel the air around you vibrate. The average noise level of monster truck rallies can be around 90 to 100 decibels, but it can climb to around 125 decibels, The Florida Times-Union reports.

It’s recommended that you protect your ears if you expect noise exposure over 85 decibels. So it’s a good idea to have your ears protected throughout a Monster Jam event. You can purchase earplugs or headphones that protect your ears before you arrive at an event, or you can purchase ear protection at Monster Jam. At most arenas and outdoor events, ear protection is available while supplies last.

What is the Monster Jam schedule for 2021?

Some people worry that the pandemic could put a damper on monster truck shows the rest of this year. Rest assured, Monster Jam will go on, but the pandemic has prompted some changes.

For instance, social distancing protocols may be necessary when mandated by the venue city or state. Some indoor arenas may require smaller crowds, facemasks, etc. There may also be safety protocols to protect you and the drivers during pit parties. You might still get close to the drivers, but a shield between you and the driver may be required.

In areas where COVID-19 is spreading rapidly, there may be show rescheduling. A show set to take place in March 2021 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was postponed until October. If this happens to a show you plan to see, you will receive a notification of the schedule change.

The good news is that as the 2021 season comes to an end, there are plenty of shows to see. Monster Jam events are scheduled for Georgia, Ohio, Washington, Texas, New York, Arizona, and other states. If you want to know more about upcoming shows or purchase tickets, visit the Monster Jam website for details.

RELATED: How Much Does a Monster Truck Cost?

The post How Loud Is Monster Jam? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 Is an All-Around Great SUV

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is an all-around great SUV. It’s recommended by Consumer Reports, it’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, and its predicted reliability rating is a 5/5. If you’re in the market for a small SUV, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a great choice. 

2021 Mazda CX-5 | Mazda

Is the 2021 Mazda CX-5 a good SUV?

According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a great SUV. Consumer Reports gives it an 83/100 for its overall score. They call it “one of the more desirable models in the compact SUV class.” 

The Mazda CX-5 comes with a 187-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. With that engine it can go from 0 to 60 in just 8.6 seconds. Its ride is smooth and it handles well. Consumer Reports gives it a 4/5 for both routine and emergency handling. It’s also one of the quietest compact SUVs in its class. 

The CX-5 has a nice interior with luxurious touches despite its economical price point (the CX-5 starts at just $25,000). It’s also comfortable, though not quite as roomy as some other small SUVs. Still, it receives a 4/5 for both front and rear seat comfort. 

Cargo space in the Mazda CX-5 is somewhat limited. It only has 30.5 cubic feet of storage space. 

The CX-5 is super safe 

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the CX-5 its top safety award, the Top Safety Pick+. To be awarded an IIHS Top Safety Pick award, an SUV must score a good rating in all IIHS crash test ratings. Additionally, the vehicle must get a good score in the side crash tests, roof strength, and head restraint tests. To get a Top Safety Pick+ award, the vehicle must ace all these tests.

The SUV must also have an advanced or superior in both the vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian tests. Headlights must have a good or acceptable rating available. To receive the Top Safety Pick+ award, the headlights on all trim levels must be good or acceptable. 

Additionally, the CX-5 comes with all of the safety features that Consumer Reports recommends car shoppers look for in a new car. These include such features as forward collision warning, blind spot warning, and lane departure warning, among others. 

The Mazda CX-5 gets a perfect reliability rating

The predicted reliability for the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a 5/5. This is in line with past models. Every CX-5 since 2017 has a perfect reliability rating. Reliability ratings are calculated via surveys that Consumer Reports sends to subscribers about how their vehicle is holding up. The Mazda CX-5 has the highest reliability rating of any car in its class.

Owner satisfaction is also high. The CX-5 has a 4/5 for its owner satisfaction score. Drivers are particularly happy with styling, giving it an 85/100. Driving experience is also high, at a 79/100.

If you’re looking for a compact SUV that combines safety, comfort and reliability, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a great choice. With its Consumer Reports recommended status and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, you really can’t go wrong with the CX-5.

RELATED: You Should Buy the 2021 Mazda CX-30, Not the CX-3

The post The 2021 Mazda CX-5 Is an All-Around Great SUV appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Arrives for Spooky Season

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Summer is coming to an end, and Toyota’s newest crossover is arriving just in time for spooky season. The Toyota Corolla is a compact sedan with great gas mileage and plenty of standard tech and safety features. The Japanese automaker decided to make a crossover version of one of the most sold cars on Earth for consumers that desire a more spacious Corolla. The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross will pop up in dealerships sooner than you think.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is popping up at dealerships this fall

Ah, fall. Fall brings crisp cool air around evenings, pumpkin spice flavor everything, and now, the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross. The Toyota Corolla Cross is designed to compete with small crossover models such as the Honda HR-V and Subaru Crosstrek. So why should you care about Toyota’s newest crossover?

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is building onto the legacy of a nameplate that has existed for over 50 years. The Toyota C-HR has received less than stellar reviews. The Corolla Cross is the company’s chance to produce a crossover that consumers enjoy more than the C-HR. The C-HR suffers from a cramped interior, limited cargo space, and a sluggish powertrain.

RELATED: Welcome the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross to America

According to Motor1, the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross will be available for purchase in October, just in time for spooky season. The Toyota Corolla Cross will start at $22,195. The Toyota Corolla Cross takes everything consumers love about the Corolla and supersizes it, transforming one of the world’s favorite compact cars into a crossover.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross specs

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross | Toyota

The new Toyota Corolla Cross uses a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that makes 169 horsepower. It comes in front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is optional. The standard front-wheel drive model gets 31 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway. The all-wheel drive model gets 29 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Corolla Cross’ powertrain is predictably lethargic but did anyone really expect anything different from a Corolla model. The crossover boasts great fuel economy. It features a spacious cargo area adding a new element to the Corolla nameplate. The base model includes a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard. Higher trim levels include an 8.0-inch touchscreen.

RELATED: Does the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Make the C-HR Irrelevant?

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross uses unattractive cheap hard plastic cabin materials. Other trim models include cabin material upgrades for a more refined Corolla Cross. The Toyota Corolla Cross comes standard with lots of driver assistance features.

Is the Toyota Corolla Cross worth buying?

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross interior.
The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross interior | Toyota

The new Toyota Corolla Cross accomplishes what Toyota set out to do with the crossover. It uses the Corolla’s history as leverage and introduces a more spacious and practical option for drivers that need a little more room in their Corolla. The Cross hints at the SUV vehicle class takeover of the automotive industry.

The gas powertrain is currently the only one available, but a hybrid will follow soon…because it’s a Toyota. The 2022 Toyota Corolla base model isn’t appealing to most consumers aside from being an affordable crossover with great fuel economy. The higher trim levels with all-wheel drive and nicer cabins, however, could be worth looking into. The Cross succeeds in making the Toyota Corolla more convenient and useful than ever before. Will the new crossover be a hit or will it flop?

RELATED: The 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross Is What the C-HR Should Have Been

The post 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Arrives for Spooky Season appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by