2016 Moto Guzzi Audace Video Review
Moto Guzzi flew us to its factory in Mandello del Lario on the shores of Lake Como to sample the two latest members of Guzzi’s popular California line of motorcycles. In this video, we take the Audace through its paces in the towns and mountains near Guzzi’s legendary facility.
2016 Moto Guzzi Audace – First Ride Review
In case you haven’t yet read our review of the Audace, here’s a quick primer. The Audace is based on the California 1400, which won our 2013 Best Cruiser Award. Utilizing the same 90° V-Twin – updated to Euro 4 emissions – the Audace’s power is the same torque-filled bottom end and silky smooth vibrationless powerplant on the open road. With electronic rider aids usually reserved for top-shelf sportbikes, the Audace has sorted the throttle response to a much more refined level than previous generations of this engine.
Looking to capture some of the urban bad-boy market, the Audace has a drag bar and a slightly feet-forward riding position to place riders in an optimal stance for supporting straight-line accelerative forces. Although the wide drag bar makes tight corners and U-turns a challenge, the additional lean angle on the Audace translates into more cornering fun. Brakes, with the mandatory European ABS, do an admirable job of stopping the bike’s 700 lbs. quickly. Though the riding position won’t lend itself to touring, the Audace is fun to ride on backroads and in more urban wilds.
2013 Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom Review
If you’re interested in learning more about the Audace, head on over to the full test to find out why you might want to be waiting at your local Moto Guzzi dealership when the Audaces start arriving in dealerships this July.
Like most of the best happenings in his life, Evans stumbled into his motojournalism career. While on his way to a planned life in academia, he applied for a job at a motorcycle magazine, thinking he’d get the opportunity to write some freelance articles. Instead, he was offered a full-time job in which he discovered he could actually get paid to ride other people’s motorcycles – and he’s never looked back. Over the 25 years he’s been in the motorcycle industry, Evans has written two books, 101 Sportbike Performance Projects and How to Modify Your Metric Cruiser, and has ridden just about every production motorcycle manufactured. Evans has a deep love of motorcycles and believes they are a force for good in the world.
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I just hope someone will make a kit to move the pegs & controls back under me. While the "Sons of Anarchy" feet forward position may look cool some of us wish to crouch over bad roads and steer more with weight shifts. It's a Zen thing (balance in steering).
Gentleman,
A commenter advised exchanging the 'Audace' Headlamp with Mandello del Lario's Eldorado sibling correcting functionality.
This led me to revise M-G'S 'Audace' product for overall appearance!
Enjoy ...