Moto Guzzi Audace review, test ride

Beating heart

The Audace has a 1,380cc, longitudinally mounted, V-twin, fuel-injected and air and oil-cooled motor. Cranking the massive engine needs more than a dab. The Moto Guzzi Audace starts up with an exhilarating bark, but later settles down into a more muted note–quiet and understated. Once you have it going, you feel the characteristic longitudinal vibrations, which make way for silky smooth performance above 2,000rpm.

The three riding modes – Sporty, Wet and Touring – take control of fuel delivery, while a three- level traction control system checks wheelspin. As a result, you often find yourself confident enough to whack the throttle wide open, despite the bike's intimidating size and power.

Revs climb fast, and the limiter is hit at 7,000rpm. Power is spread quite well across the rev range, and all of the 96bhp of power is delivered at 6,500rpm. Torque is a healthy 12.3kgm at 3,000rpm, which is evident from the initial tug you feel.

The engine is backed by a light hydraulic clutch mated to a six-speed gearbox, which feels just shy of smooth. The final drive is shaft, and as the motorcycle speeds up, it makes a beautiful whine so typical to exotic machines seen in the movies, giving the perfect soundtrack to a quick dash on the highway.

The big Moto Guzzi’s footpegs are forward-set, but not too much as to stretch you out more than you’d like. Shorter riders might run into some problems though. Since the Audace is a cruiser in reality, it gets a top-class cruise control system, which can be engaged anywhere over 40kph. It also gives you a leeway of 30kph as acceleration for overtaking manoeuvres on the highway.