Moto Guzzi Audace review, test ride

Behind the scene

The front has conventionally mounted 45mm forks, while at the rear, there’s an alloy swingarm with the shaft-drive encased, and fully adjustable dual shock absorbers. These were set rather soft on our test bike, but for a motorcycle that weighs just under 300kg, it works well and can, of course, be adjusted. A stiffer setup though will help those looking to ride the Audace fast.

The Audace wheels are shod with 130/70 section tyres in front, and 200/60 section rubber at rear, with adequate grip. Braking is by Brembo – 320mm floating dual discs in the front, and a single 282mm rear disc. ABS is standard and not switchable. Bite from the brakes is powerful, and the motorcycle sheds speed impressively fast. However, when braking hard, the ABS kicks in quite early, and leaves us wanting even grippier tyres, or a multi-level ABS system.

Fit and finish is top notch on the Moto Guzzi Audace, and fine details have been paid good attention too. For example, the switchgear is ergonomic, and has nice feedback when you use it. The seat is very well finished, and has red stitching on it.

Despite its weight, the Moto Guzzi Audace is surprisingly good-handling motorcycle. The weight, however, is more than evident only while parking. Out on the highway, it rides well, barely protesting to steering inputs.

Yay or nay?

At Rs 19.94 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune), this isn’t a cheap motorcycle, but owning one definitely has some perks. Having ridden the Ducati Diavel and a Street Bob just a few days ago, I always thought that I was impressed with massive V-Twin cruisers. Now that I’ve ridden this exotic Italian, which has so much more character and spice, I know which set of keys to call dibs on when given the choice. The Audace clearly has us giving it a big grin and an even bigger thumbs up.