2016 Moto Guzzi Audace

The Audace can be picked out immediately by its front end, stylistically “lighter” thanks to the circular headlight unit and the (real) carbon mudguard mounted on a fork without coverings. There are several other new features that contribute to enhance the muscular character of this bike: like the oil cooler air-scoop, the metallic radiator grill and the brand new total-black short megaphone exhaust. Also all chrome plating has been eliminated, and every mechanical detail and each exposed metallic part has been blacked-out. The platform floorboards and rocker gear shift pedal mounted on all the other models in the range have been replaced by sportier footpegs mounted further forward with a classic gear shifter pedal.

Particular attention was given to the saddle, covered in “faux leather” with exposed red stitching, lowered in terms of the seating position and installation ready for the foldaway passenger seat. The drag handlebar is also new which, thanks to the forward position of the footpegs and the different seating height, create a longer and more dominating riding position, compared to the California Custom.

Other stylistic changes to contribute to a more aggressive look can be found in the details: the burnished valve covers, the rear shock absorbers with separate gas reservoir, the light alloy wheels personalized with the Moto Guzzi logo and the minimal black mirrors.

Powerful and aggressive, the Audace looks as if it is crouched down on its haunches like a large feline ready to unleash its explosive power on the asphalt, leaving the marks of its oversize 200/65 rear tire. The generosity of the 90° V-twin 1400cc engine Made in Mandello is well known by now and on the Audace at high revs is livelier than ever; thanks to the new exhaust system with redesigned fluid dynamics. Within the Moto Guzzi 1400 range the Audace will certainly be the one that is most used with the “Veloce” map output and the one where the MGTC traction control system will need to intervene most often…