2017 Moto Guzzi Audace vs 2018 Ducati XDiavel S

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles

Differences only

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

2018 Ducati XDiavel S

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

Full Specifications

Differs Same

General
Year	2017	2017 - 18
Make Model	Moto Guzzi Audace	Ducati XDiavel S
Dimensions
Seat Height	740 mm / 29.1 in (Optimal 720 mm / 28.3 in)	755 mm / 29.7 in
Wheelbase	1685 mm / 66.3 in	1615 mm / 63.6 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	20.5 Litres / 4.7 US gal	18 Litres / 4.75 US gal
Wet Weight	299 kg / 659 lbs	247 kg / 545 lbs
Performance
Max Power	71 kW / 96 hp @ 6500 rpm	114.7 kW / 156 hp @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque	121 Nm / 12.3 kgf-m / 89.2 ft/lb @ 3000 rpm	128.9 Nm / 95 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Engine
Displacement	1380 cc / 84.2 cu-in	1262 cc / 77 cu in
Engine Detail	Four stroke, 90° V-twin, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, Testastretta DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing), 90° L-Twin, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, dual spark
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	104 x 81.2 mm	106 x 71.5 mm
Compression Ratio	10.5:1	13.0:1
Cooling System	Air and oil cooled	Liquid cooled
Emissions	-	Euro 4
Exhaust	Stainless steel, 2-in-2 type, three-way catalytic converter with double oxygen sensor, Euro 4	Stainless steel exhaust and muffler with dual oval exits, catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes
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	Single-disc with integrated anti-vibration buffer	Slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch with hydraulic control
Final Drive	Shaft	Belt, front sprocket Z28, rear sprocket Z80
Final Drive Ratio	Double cardan joint and fixed bevel gear seat, drive ratio 10:36 = 1:3.6	-
Gear Ratios	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	1st 37:15 / 2nd 30:17 / 3rd 27:20 / 4th 24:22 / 5th 23:24 / 6th 22:25
Primary Drive	26:35 = 1:1.346	Straight cut gears, 1.84:1 ratio
Transmission / Drive	6 speed with final overdrive	6-Speed
Chassis
Frame Type	Steel tubing, closed double cradle with elastic kinematic engine mounting system to isolate vibrations.	Tubular steel trellis frame
Suspension - Front	Standard fork, ø45 mm, with radial caliper mounting bracket	50mm USD adjustable forks with DLC treatment
Suspension - Rear	Swingarm with double shock absorber with adjustable extension and spring preload with remote tank	Single shock absorber, adjustable preload and rebound, remote reservoir. Single sided cast/trellis frame swingarm, natural anodized and brushed swingarm
Rake	32°	30º
Steering Angle	38°	-
Trail	155 mm / 6.1 in	130 mm / 5.1 in
Wheel Travel - Front	120 mm / 4.7 in	120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear	120 mm / 4.7 in	110 mm / 4.33 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator	12 V - 550 W	-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front	2 x Ø320 mm stainless steel floating discs, Brembo radial calipers with 4 horizontally opposed pistons	2x 320 mm semifloating discs, radial Brembo monobloc 4-piston M4-32 callipers and radial master cylinder
Brakes - Rear	Single Ø282 mm stainless steel fixed disc, Brembo floating caliper with 2 parallel pistons	Single 265 mm disc, 2-piston floating calliper
ABS	-	BOSCH cornering ABS as standard equipment
Tyres - Front	130/70 R18	120/70 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso II
Tyres - Rear	200/60 R16	240/45 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso II
Wheels - Front	Aluminium alloy 3.50" x 18"	Light alloy, cast, 3.50 x 17
Wheels - Rear	Aluminium alloy 6.00" x 16"	Light alloy, cast, 8.00 x 17

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace and the 2018 Ducati XDiavel S 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

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 - 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 vs 2018 Ducati XDiavel S - FAQs

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

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

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

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 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace or the 2018 Ducati XDiavel S?

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 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace or 2018 Ducati XDiavel S 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 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace or the 2018 Ducati XDiavel S?

Both are strong choices. The 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace has the edge in dual front discs and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2018 Ducati XDiavel S stands out for lighter kerb weight and liquid cooling. 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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