2016 Moto Guzzi Audace: MD Ride Overview (Bike Reports) (News)

A few years ago, MD chose the Moto Guzzi California 1400 as its Bike of the Year, in big component due to the glorious 1380 cc 90° v-twin newly created by the historic marque from Mandello del Lario. That engine has found its way into other models, such as the topic of this test – the naked Audace. As we previously discovered, this engine not only has the fantastic character Moto Guzzi powerplants are identified for (which includes, but not restricted to, the standard rocking to the right when blipping the throttle at rest, due to the twisting of the longitudinal crank), as opposed to some Moto Guzzis, it makes adequate energy to please overall performance enthusiasts.

In the Audace, Moto Guzzi claims 96 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 89 foot/pounds of torque at 3,000 rpm. Evaluate these numbers with the specs published yesterday for the new Triumph Thruxton models (Triumph claims the very same 96 horsepower at 6,750 rpm and 82.six foot/pounds of torque at 4,950 rpm). The Triumph will undoubtedly feel fast at street levels, but the massive Moto Guzzi mill has an even broader spread of energy with greater peak torque coming at just 3,000 rpm. What this translates into is an effortlessness in acceleration on both the street and the highway.

From beneath three,000 rpm to 7,000 rpm, the Audace jumps each and every time you ask it to. Specifically, when the “Veloce” engine map is chosen (one particular of three accessible, in addition to Turismo or touring, and Pioggia or rain). Throttle response is quite very good, and enhanced from the California 1400, which could really feel a bit “jumpy” when cracking the throttle in the Veloce (sport) mode. In addition to the higher energy, the Audace’s engine is distinct from standard cruiser v-twins in its considerably faster engine response (lighter flywheel impact).

Moto Guzzi considers the Audace a “muscle bike”, and the styling is meant to form this impression. Termed “ostentatious, muscular and fierce” by MG, the Audace looks like it implies enterprise. No excess plastic, the Audace expresses an aggressive attitude, correct to the tip of its dual exit megaphone exhaust method. The cautiously crafted specifics are there, as nicely, like the carbon front fender, classic MG tank badge, and the seat with contrasting red stitching.

The classic seeking engine contains a very contemporary head design and style with 4 valves per cylinder and ten.5-to-1 compression ratio. Fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle and the aforementioned 3 engine maps (Turismo offers complete power, but softer throttle response than Veloce) are component of a extremely contemporary set of electronic aids. Adjustable traction control and dual channel ABS brakes are common, collectively with cruise manage. As an option, a Bluetooth module Moto Guzzi calls MG-MP permits the rider to connect a smartphone to the Audace (either iPhone or Android). Following downloading either an IOS or an Android app (free from Moto Guzzi), you can access on your telephone screen a huge amount of actual-time information regarding speed, engine conditions, navigation info, stored routes, and even the upkeep manual for the Audace. Other functions consist of “Find My Bike”, which stores the Audace’s place when parked (in case you are suffering from a mild type of dementia – natural or liquid-induced), as properly as an extensive information logger (which includes GPS information and car information).

Specific “elasto-kinematic” engine mounts further quell the vibrations from the currently smooth 90° v-twin as it sends power by means of the six-speed gear box (sixth is an overdrive) and shaft drive to the rear wheel.

The seating position is somewhat between that of the typical “standard” or “naked” and a cruiser, with the footpegs a bit forward and a attain to the bars that creates a mild “V” shape in the rider’s physique. The rider’s seat is comfortable, despite the fact that the seating position areas a bit more weight on the tailbone.

New steering geometry is intended to supply far more nimble handling compared to the California 1400. Braking is handled by high-finish Brembo 4-piston calipers in front (squeezing two 320 mm discs) and a single piston operating on a 282 mm rear disc. ABS keeps the rider from receiving into also significantly difficulty with these strong deceleration devices. The contact patches include a 130/70 x 18 front tire and 200/60 x 16 rear. Moto Guzzi claims the Audace weighs 659 pounds with its ample five.four gallon gas tank full.

Riding the Audace, you quickly comprehend you are aboard a Moto Guzzi in spite of the contemporary electronics, gear box and engine. The unmistakable, raw Guzzi sensations are there, despite the fact that probably a bit muted in comparison to some of the older, two-valve models. The chassis feels stiff, and the handling is responsive, while the engine makes the bike just plain fast around town.

As with forward thrust, you by no means really feel a lack in braking power to slow the huge beast down. The gear box has some of the clunky feeling located in just about any massive v-twin. The spread of accessible gearing is a lot more than adequate in light of the broad powerband.

The appears, such as the fat rear tire, give the Audace an attitude that its efficiency can very easily back up. In addition to the generous go and “whoa”, the Audace handles properly for a power cruiser. The fat rear tire makes the bike want to stand up whilst cornering (specifically, when trail braking), but not so strongly that the rider does not get utilized to it rather swiftly. Ground clearance is pretty good, but aggressive riders will find enough feedback to confidently drag the footpeg feelers on both sides.

With four.7″ of travel at every single end (only adjustable for spring preload and rebound on the rear shocks), the suspension does an admirable job of keeping the Audace under manage. Damping feels fairly reasonable until you encounter a sharp bump at speed (such as a square-edged pothole), when the fork damping tends to seize somewhat and transfer a very good jolt to the rider. The stout 46 mm forks help with steering precision and self-confidence when hustling the considerable mass of the Audace.

If you like energy cruisers, and appreciate a full dose of Italian style and character, the Audace is a hell of a motorcycle. It undoubtedly looks the component, and packs a surprising level of functionality and sophistication. At an U.S. MSRP of $ 16,390, the Audace is offered in the single Matte Black color shown. For added details and specifications, go to the Moto Guzzi internet web site.

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