2018 Ducati XDiavel S vs 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles

Differences only

2018 Ducati XDiavel S

Engine

Four stroke, Testastretta DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing), 90° L-Twin, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, dual spark

Power

114.7 kW / 156 hp @ 9500 rpm

Top Speed

N/A

Weight

247 kg / 545 lbs

2017 Moto Guzzi Audace

Custom / cruiser

Engine

Four stroke, 90° V-twin, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Power

71 kW / 96 hp @ 6500 rpm

Top Speed

N/A

Weight

299 kg / 659 lbs

Full Specifications

Differs Same

General
Year	2017 - 18	2017
Make Model	Ducati XDiavel S	Moto Guzzi Audace
Dimensions
Seat Height	755 mm / 29.7 in	740 mm / 29.1 in (Optimal 720 mm / 28.3 in)
Wheelbase	1615 mm / 63.6 in	1685 mm / 66.3 in
Ground Clearance	-	165 mm / 6.4 in
Height	-	1180 mm / 46.5 in
Length	-	2445 mm / 90.2 in
Width	-	940 mm / 37.0 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight	220 kg / 485 lbs	-
Fuel Capacity	18 Litres / 4.75 US gal	20.5 Litres / 4.7 US gal
Wet Weight	247 kg / 545 lbs	299 kg / 659 lbs
Performance
Max Power	114.7 kW / 156 hp @ 9500 rpm	71 kW / 96 hp @ 6500 rpm
Max Torque	128.9 Nm / 95 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	121 Nm / 12.3 kgf-m / 89.2 ft/lb @ 3000 rpm
Engine
Displacement	1262 cc / 77 cu in	1380 cc / 84.2 cu-in
Engine Detail	Four stroke, Testastretta DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing), 90° L-Twin, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, dual spark	Four stroke, 90° V-twin, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System	-	Phased electronic multipoint sequential injection, Magneti Marelli IAW7SM; Øride by wireØ Ø 52 mm throttle body, IWP 243 Magneti Marelli injectors, double oxygen sensor, integrated management of 3 engine mappings, traction control, cruise control
Bore x Stroke	106 x 71.5 mm	104 x 81.2 mm
Compression Ratio	13.0:1	10.5:1
Cooling System	Liquid cooled	Air and oil cooled
Emissions	Euro 4	-
Exhaust	Stainless steel exhaust and muffler with dual oval exits, catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes	Stainless steel, 2-in-2 type, three-way catalytic converter with double oxygen sensor, Euro 4
Fuel Induction	BOSCH fuel injection system, full ride-by-wire system, DEQ 56 oval throttle bodies	-
Fuel Reserve	-	5 Litres / 1.3 US gal
Ignition	Electronic	Electronic
Lubrication	-	Wet sump
Spark Plug	-	NGK LMAR8F, 2 per cylinder
Starter	Electric	Electric
Timing System Diagram	-	Intake valve opens 19° BTDC (1-mm checking clearance) intake valve closes 55° ABDC exhaust valve opens 49° BBDC exhaust valve closes 12° ATDC
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity	-	12V - 18 Ah
Drivetrain
Clutch	Slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch with hydraulic control	Single-disc with integrated anti-vibration buffer
Final Drive	Belt, front sprocket Z28, rear sprocket Z80	Shaft
Final Drive Ratio	-	Double cardan joint and fixed bevel gear seat, drive ratio 10:36 = 1:3.6
Gear Ratios	1st 37:15 / 2nd 30:17 / 3rd 27:20 / 4th 24:22 / 5th 23:24 / 6th 22:25	1st 17:38 = 1:2.235 / 2nd 20:34 = 1:1.700 / 3rd 23:31 = 1:1.348 / 4th 26:29 = 1:1.115 / 5th 31:30 = 1:0.968 / 6th 30:24 = 1:0.8
Primary Drive	Straight cut gears, 1.84:1 ratio	26:35 = 1:1.346
Transmission / Drive	6-Speed	6 speed with final overdrive
Chassis
Frame Type	Tubular steel trellis frame	Steel tubing, closed double cradle with elastic kinematic engine mounting system to isolate vibrations.
Suspension - Front	50mm USD adjustable forks with DLC treatment	Standard fork, ø45 mm, with radial caliper mounting bracket
Suspension - Rear	Single shock absorber, adjustable preload and rebound, remote reservoir. Single sided cast/trellis frame swingarm, natural anodized and brushed swingarm	Swingarm with double shock absorber with adjustable extension and spring preload with remote tank
Rake	30º	32°
Steering Angle	-	38°
Trail	130 mm / 5.1 in	155 mm / 6.1 in
Wheel Travel - Front	120 mm / 4.7 in	120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear	110 mm / 4.33 in	120 mm / 4.7 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator	-	12 V - 550 W
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front	2x 320 mm semifloating discs, radial Brembo monobloc 4-piston M4-32 callipers and radial master cylinder	2 x Ø320 mm stainless steel floating discs, Brembo radial calipers with 4 horizontally opposed pistons
Brakes - Rear	Single 265 mm disc, 2-piston floating calliper	Single Ø282 mm stainless steel fixed disc, Brembo floating caliper with 2 parallel pistons
ABS	BOSCH cornering ABS as standard equipment	-
Tyres - Front	120/70 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso II	130/70 R18
Tyres - Rear	240/45 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso II	200/60 R16
Wheels - Front	Light alloy, cast, 3.50 x 17	Aluminium alloy 3.50" x 18"
Wheels - Rear	Light alloy, cast, 8.00 x 17	Aluminium alloy 6.00" x 16"

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2018 Ducati XDiavel S and the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2018 Ducati XDiavel S - Advantages

Lighter: 247 kg vs 299 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2017 Moto Guzzi Audace - Advantages

Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
Larger displacement: 1380 cc vs 1262 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
More rear wheel travel: 120 mm vs 110 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2018 Ducati XDiavel S vs 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Ducati XDiavel S and 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace?

The 2018 Ducati XDiavel S uses Four stroke, Testastretta DVT, while the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace is powered by Four stroke, 90° V-twin, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.

Which is lighter, the 2018 Ducati XDiavel S or the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace?

The 2018 Ducati XDiavel S is lighter at 247 kg compared to 299 kg for the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace - a difference of 52 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 Ducati XDiavel S or the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace?

The 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace has the lower seat at 740 mm, making it more accessible. The 2018 Ducati XDiavel S sits higher at 755 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.

Does the 2018 Ducati XDiavel S or 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace have ABS?

The 2018 Ducati XDiavel S is listed with ABS as standard. The 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

Which should I buy, the 2018 Ducati XDiavel S or the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace?

Both are strong choices. The 2018 Ducati XDiavel S has the edge in lighter kerb weight and liquid cooling, while the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace stands out for dual front discs and higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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