2018 Harley-Davidson CVO Limited - 115th Anniversary vs 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 Harley-Davidson CVO Limited - 115th Anniversary 2018 Harley-Davidson CVO Limited - 115th Anniversary

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, V-Twin, Milwaukee-Eight 117, Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
428 kg / 944 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
Year20182017
Make ModelHarley Davidson CVO Limited - 115th AnniversaryMoto Guzzi Audace
Dimensions
Seat Height760 mm / 29.9 in740 mm / 29.1 in (Optimal 720 mm / 28.3 in)
Wheelbase1625 mm / 64.0 in1685 mm / 66.3 in
Ground Clearance125 mm / 4.9 in165 mm / 6.4 in
Height-1180 mm / 46.5 in
Length2600 mm / 102.4 in2445 mm / 90.2 in
Width-940 mm / 37.0 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight411 kg / 906 lbs-
Fuel Capacity22.7 Litres / US 6.0 gal20.5 Litres / 4.7 US gal
Oil Capacity4.7 Litres / US 5 qts-
Wet Weight428 kg / 944 lbs299 kg / 659 lbs
Performance
Max Power-71 kW / 96 hp @ 6500 rpm
Max Torque169 Nm / 124.6 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm121 Nm / 12.3 kgf-m / 89.2 ft/lb @ 3000 rpm
Engine
Displacement1923 cc / 117 cu-in1380 cc / 84.2 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, V-Twin, Milwaukee-Eight 117, Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinderFour 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 Stroke103.5 X 114.3 mm104 x 81.2 mm
Compression Ratio10.2:110.5:1
Cooling SystemAir cooledAir and oil cooled
ExhaustDual, with crossoverStainless steel, 2-in-2 type, three-way catalytic converter with double oxygen sensor, Euro 4
Fuel InductionElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection-
Fuel Reserve-5 Litres / 1.3 US gal
IgnitionSingle-fire, non-wasted, map-controlled spark ignitionElectronic
LubricationPressurized, dry-sump with oil coolerWet 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
Clutch-Single-disc with integrated anti-vibration buffer
Final DriveBeltShaft
Final Drive Ratio-Double cardan joint and fixed bevel gear seat, drive ratio 10:36 = 1:3.6
Gear Ratios1st 9.593 2nd 6.65 3rd 4.938 4th 4 5th 3.407 6th 2.8751st 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 DriveChain, 34/46 ratio26:35 = 1:1.346
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 speed with final overdrive
Chassis
Frame Type-Steel tubing, closed double cradle with elastic kinematic engine mounting system to isolate vibrations.
Suspension - FrontShowa dual bending valve front suspensionStandard fork, ø45 mm, with radial caliper mounting bracket
Suspension - RearEmulsion rear suspension with hand-adjustable pre-loadSwingarm with double shock absorber with adjustable extension and spring preload with remote tank
Lean Angle34.3°-
Rake26° 32°
Steering Angle-38°
Trail170 mm / 6.7 in155 mm / 6.1 in
Wheel Travel - Front-120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear-120 mm / 4.7 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-12 V - 550 W
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontCaliper Type 32 mm, 4-piston fixed2 x Ø320 mm stainless steel floating discs, Brembo radial calipers with 4 horizontally opposed pistons
Brakes - RearCaliper Type 32 mm, 4-piston fixedSingle Ø282 mm stainless steel fixed disc, Brembo floating caliper with 2 parallel pistons
Tyres - Front130/80B17 65H130/70 R18
Tyres - Rear180/65B16 81H200/60 R16
Wheels - FrontGloss Black and Contrast Chrome SlicerAluminium alloy 3.50" x 18"
Wheels - RearGloss Black and Contrast Chrome SlicerAluminium alloy 6.00" x 16"

Verdict

Winner on specs

2017 Moto Guzzi Audace

The 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace edges out the 2018 Harley-Davidson CVO Limited - 115th Anniversary thanks to its lighter kerb weight, lower seat height, dual front discs and greater ground clearance. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2018 Harley-Davidson CVO Limited - 115th Anniversary - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 169 Nm vs 121 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Larger displacement: 1923 cc vs 1380 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2017 Moto Guzzi Audace - Advantages

  • Lighter: 299 kg vs 428 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 740 mm vs 760 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More ground clearance: 165 mm vs 125 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2018 Harley-Davidson CVO Limited - 115th Anniversary vs 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Harley-Davidson CVO Limited - 115th Anniversary and 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace?
The 2018 Harley-Davidson CVO Limited - 115th Anniversary uses Four stroke, V-Twin, Milwaukee-Eight 117, Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace is powered by Four stroke, 90° V-twin, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2018 Harley-Davidson CVO Limited - 115th Anniversary or the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace?
The 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace is lighter at 299 kg compared to 428 kg for the 2018 Harley-Davidson CVO Limited - 115th Anniversary - a difference of 129 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 Harley-Davidson CVO Limited - 115th Anniversary or the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace?
The 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace has the lower seat at 740 mm, making it more accessible. The 2018 Harley-Davidson CVO Limited - 115th Anniversary sits higher at 760 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2018 Harley-Davidson CVO Limited - 115th Anniversary or the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 Harley-Davidson CVO Limited - 115th Anniversary has the edge in higher torque and larger displacement, while the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace stands out for lighter kerb weight and lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.