2015
Moto Guzzi Audace
The
new Moto Guzzi Audace states its rebel spirit immediately simply with its name.
It is a musclebike designed to enhance the spectacular performance of the 1400
cc "Made in Mandello" big block, the largest V Twin ever manufactured
in Europe.
Miguel
Galluzzi, the designer in charge of the PADC (Piaggio Group Advanced Design
Center) in Pasadena California, introduces the new Audace like this: "The
first steps of the new Moto Guzzi path were taken from the 90 year anniversary
celebration for this great brand, founded in 1921 and unique in the world for
the motorcycling values that it embodies. Moto Guzzi's desire to grow is
perfectly summed up in the strong and uncompromising character of the new
Audace. I believe that this bike, today, speaks louder than any words about the
more modern soul and future of the brand from Mandello. All you have to do is
look at it and ride it and all your questions are answered. Sitting astride
this imposing bike, starting the powerful V twin and riding down the road is
all you need to understand what Moto Guzzi represents today. The new Audace is
a perfect interpretation of the most genuine Moto Guzzi spirit."
Nothing
more than pure riding pleasure led the development of a model where the best
available technology is at the service of performance and which has a look with
a strong personality, a carbon look which takes on that dark soul already
introduced on the Moto Guzzi V7 II Stone and reconfirmed with the elements of
the Dark Rider personalisation designed for the "750" from Mandello.
Ostentatious,
muscular and fierce, the Audace can be picked out immediately by its front end,
made stylistically lighter by the circular headlight unit and the carbon
mudguard mounted on a fork without any telescope covering. It has no chromium
plating so every mechanical detail, each small exposed metallic part is dark as
night, an ideal condition for fully enjoying a bike in solitude with the
striking beauty of the Audace.
Light
comes through only in the stark contrast with the colour of the lateral strip
that shows several brand new details. Like the undersump lug that gives the
side view a gritty look, the metallic radiator grille and the short megaphone
exhaust which, despite its rebellious look, is actually Euro 4 approved.
The
side panel covers have also been changed, lightened like the passenger footpeg
bracket. The platform footboards mounted on all the other models in the range
are gone here, as is the rocker gear shift control in order to make room for
sportier footpegs mounted farther forward and the classic gear shifter pedal.
Particular
attention was given to the saddle, covered in skai 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 level, create a longer
and more dominating riding position.
Another
particularly elegant feature is the burnished valve covers, the rear shock
absorbers with separate gas bottle and the alloy wheels personalised with the
Moto Guzzi logo, as well as the minimal 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 to scratch the asphalt,
leaving the mark of its oversize 200/65 rear tyre. The generosity of the 1400
cc "Made in Mandello" 90° V-twin is a quality which is well known by
now and on the Audace, thanks to the exhaust system with redesigned fluid
dynamics, is even more lively at high revs, up to a torque of 121 Nm at 3,000
rpm. As a result, thanks in part to an advantageous weight/power ratio, the
Audace jumps off the line with unexpected vigour. It will certainly be the one
that is most used with the "Veloce" output map and the one where the
MGTC traction control system will need to intervene most often.
The
Audace will certainly be the Moto Guzzi most used with the "Veloce"
engine map and the one where the MGTC traction control system will need to
intervene most often. Whereas its large twin cylinder engine is the absolute
benchmark in its category for engine capacity-performance-consumption ratio
thanks to excellent thermodynamic performance, the advanced Ride-by-wire
multimap electronic management allows the rider to choose from one of three
engine maps: Turismo, Veloce and Pioggia. The new Moto Guzzi Audace is
available in two different colour schemes: Nero Travolgente and Rosso
Impetuoso.
The innovative multimedia platform makes its
début on the Audace at the service of Moto Guzzi riders. MG-MP, available as
optional equipment, is the innovative multimedia system which allows you to
connect the bike to your smartphone and consequently to the web. With this
application, downloadable free from App Store and Google Play, your smartphone
(iPhone or Android) becomes an actual sophisticated on board multifunctional
computer and the link between the vehicle and the Internet.
The
wireless connection allows you to simultaneously see important information
about the vehicle on your smartphone screen so you will always have your trip
parameters under control. The touch screen on your smartphone lets you view
five parameters at a time, selected by the rider from a vast menu including
speedometer and tachometer, engine power and torque, instant and average fuel
consumption, average speed and battery voltage, longitudinal acceleration and
extended trip computer. The "Eco Ride" helps to limit fuel
consumption and to maintain an eco-compatible riding style, providing a summary
assessment of the results achieved during the trip.
You
can also store your trip data and review it later on your computer or directly
on the app so you can analyse your route along with the vehicle performance
parameters.
When
the fuel reserve light comes on MG-MP indicates the location of the closest
petrol stations; the system also helps you easily find the vehicle when you are
parked in an unfamiliar area, automatically saving the position where it was
last switched off.
MG-MP
includes the "Grip Warning" feature which replicates the traction
control indications for maximum visibility and provides information on your
riding style in real time with relation to the road surface. A dedicated
warning light alerts the rider in the event of poor grip. With the synergistic
use of gyroscopes and vehicle signals, your iPhone/iPod becomes a sophisticated
roll angle indicator on turns thanks to a proprietary algorithms developed
specifically for the new Moto Guzzi. You can set the thresholds for roll angle,
running speed and rpms so that when they are exceeded the relative warning
lights will come on or flash on the virtual dashboard.