2016 Ducati XDiavel vs 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2016 Ducati XDiavel 2016 Ducati XDiavel

Custom / cruiser

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 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
General
Year20162017
Make ModelDucati XDiavelMoto Guzzi Audace
Dimensions
Seat Height755 mm / 29.7 in740 mm / 29.1 in (Optimal 720 mm / 28.3 in)
Wheelbase1615 mm / 63.6 in1685 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 Weight220 kg / 485 lbs-
Fuel Capacity18 Litres / 4.75 US gal20.5 Litres / 4.7 US gal
Wet Weight247 kg / 545 lbs299 kg / 659 lbs
Performance
Max Power114.7 kW / 156 hp @ 9500 rpm71 kW / 96 hp @ 6500 rpm
Max Torque128.9 Nm / 13.1 kgf-m / 95 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm121 Nm / 12.3 kgf-m / 89.2 ft/lb @ 3000 rpm
Engine
Displacement1262 cc / 77 cu-in1380 cc / 84.2 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, Testastretta DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing), 90° L-Twin, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, dual sparkFour 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 Stroke106 x 71.5 mm104 x 81.2 mm
Compression Ratio13.0:110.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledAir and oil cooled
ExhaustStainless steel exhaust and muffler with dual oval exits, Catalytic converter and 2 lambda probesStainless steel, 2-in-2 type, three-way catalytic converter with double oxygen sensor, Euro 4
Fuel InductionBOSCH fuel injection system, Full ride-by-wire system, DEQ 56 oval throttle bodies-
Fuel Reserve-5 Litres / 1.3 US gal
IgnitionElectronicElectronic
Lubrication-Wet sump
Spark Plug-NGK LMAR8F, 2 per cylinder
StarterElectricElectric
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
ClutchSlipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch with hydraulic controlSingle-disc with integrated anti-vibration buffer
Final DriveBelt; Front sprocket Z28; Rear sprocket Z80Shaft
Final Drive Ratio-Double cardan joint and fixed bevel gear seat, drive ratio 10:36 = 1:3.6
Gear Ratios1st 37:15 / 2nd 30:17 / 3rd 27:20 / 4th 24:22 / 5th 23:24 / 6th 22:251st 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 DriveStraight cut gears, 1,84:1 ratio26:35 = 1:1.346
Transmission / Drive6-Speed6 speed with final overdrive
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel trellis frameSteel tubing, closed double cradle with elastic kinematic engine mounting system to isolate vibrations.
Suspension - FrontAdjustable ø 50 mm (ø 1,97 in) usd fork with DLC treatmentStandard fork, ø45 mm, with radial caliper mounting bracket
Suspension - RearSingle shock absorber, Adjustable preload and rebound, Remote reservoir. Single sided swingarm, Cast/trellis frameSwingarm with double shock absorber with adjustable extension and spring preload with remote tank
Rake30°32°
Steering Angle-38°
Trail130 mm / 5.1 in155 mm / 6.1 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear110 mm / 4.33 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-12 V - 550 W
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 320 mm (12,60 in) Semifloating discs, Radial callipers and radial master cylinder. BOSCH cornering ABS as standard equipment2 x Ø320 mm stainless steel floating discs, Brembo radial calipers with 4 horizontally opposed pistons
Brakes - Rear265 mm (10,43 in) Disc, 2-piston floating calliper. BOSCH cornering ABS as standard equipmentSingle Ø282 mm stainless steel fixed disc, Brembo floating caliper with 2 parallel pistons
ABSBOSCH cornering ABS as standard equipment-
Tyres - FrontPirelli Diablo Rosso II, 120/70 ZR17130/70 R18
Tyres - RearPirelli Diablo Rosso II 240/45 ZR17200/60 R16
WheelsLight alloy, Cast and machined-
Wheels - Front3.50 x 17Aluminium alloy 3.50" x 18"
Wheels - Rear8.00 x 17Aluminium alloy 6.00" x 16"

Verdict

Winner on specs

2016 Ducati XDiavel

The 2016 Ducati XDiavel edges out the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace thanks to its lighter kerb weight, liquid cooling and standard ABS. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2016 Ducati XDiavel - 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

  • 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.

2016 Ducati XDiavel vs 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 Ducati XDiavel and 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace?
The 2016 Ducati XDiavel 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 2016 Ducati XDiavel or the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace?
The 2016 Ducati XDiavel 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 2016 Ducati XDiavel or the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace?
The 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace has the lower seat at 740 mm, making it more accessible. The 2016 Ducati XDiavel 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 2016 Ducati XDiavel or 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace have ABS?
The 2016 Ducati XDiavel 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 2016 Ducati XDiavel or the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 Ducati XDiavel has the edge in lighter kerb weight and liquid cooling, while the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace stands out for higher rear wheel travel and larger displacement. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.