2016 Triumph Thunderbird Commander vs 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2016 Triumph Thunderbird Commander 2016 Triumph Thunderbird Commander

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, 270° firing interval.
Power
70.1 kW / 94 hp @ 5400 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
339 kg / 747 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
Year2015 - 162017
Make ModelTriumph Thunderbird CommanderMoto Guzzi Audace
Dimensions
Seat Height702 mm / 27.6 in740 mm / 29.1 in (Optimal 720 mm / 28.3 in)
Wheelbase1615 mm / 63.5 in1685 mm / 66.3 in
Ground Clearance-165 mm / 6.4 in
Height1120 mm / 44.1 in (without mirrors)1180 mm / 46.5 in
Length2340 mm / 92.1 in2445 mm / 90.2 in
Width880 mm / 34.6 in (Handlebars)940 mm / 37.0 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight317 kg / 699 lbs-
Fuel Capacity22 Litres / 5.8 gal / 4.8 Imp gal20.5 Litres / 4.7 US gal
Oil Capacity4.2 L / 1.1 US gal / 0.92 Imp gal-
Wet Weight339 kg / 747 lbs299 kg / 659 lbs
Performance
Max Power70.1 kW / 94 hp @ 5400 rpm71 kW / 96 hp @ 6500 rpm
Max Torque146 Nm / 14.9 kgf-m / 107.7 ft-lb @ 2750rpm121 Nm / 12.3 kgf-m / 89.2 ft/lb @ 3000 rpm
Engine
Displacement1699 cc / 103.7 cub in1380 cc / 84.2 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, 270° firing interval.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 Stroke107.1 x 94.3 mm104 x 81.2 mm
Compression Ratio-10.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledAir and oil cooled
ExhaustChromed twin-skin stainless steel 2 into 1 into 2, tandem large-volume catalysts in centralized catbox, chrome-plated exhaustStainless steel, 2-in-2 type, three-way catalytic converter with double oxygen sensor, Euro 4
Fuel InductionMultipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with SAI , progressive linkage on throttle-
Fuel Reserve-5 Litres / 1.3 US gal
IgnitionDigital, inductive type via electronic engine management systemElectronic
LubricationWet sumpWet 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
ClutchWet, multi-plateSingle-disc with integrated anti-vibration buffer
Final DriveToothed beltShaft
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
Primary Drive-26:35 = 1:1.346
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 speed with final overdrive
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel, twin spine, swingarm twin sided, steelSteel tubing, closed double cradle with elastic kinematic engine mounting system to isolate vibrations.
Suspension - FrontShowa 47mm forksStandard fork, ø45 mm, with radial caliper mounting bracket
Suspension - RearShowa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload.Swingarm with double shock absorber with adjustable extension and spring preload with remote tank
Rake32°32°
Steering Angle-38°
Trail151 mm / 5.9 in155 mm / 6.1 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear95 mm / 3.7 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-12 V - 550 W
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 310 mm floating discs, Nissin 4 piston fixed calipers, ABS2 x Ø320 mm stainless steel floating discs, Brembo radial calipers with 4 horizontally opposed pistons
Brakes - RearSingle 310 mm fixed disc, Brembo 2 piston floating caliper, ABSSingle Ø282 mm stainless steel fixed disc, Brembo floating caliper with 2 parallel pistons
Tyres - Front140/75 ZR17130/70 R18
Tyres - Rear200/50 ZR17200/60 R16
Wheels - FrontCast aluminium alloy 5-spoke 17 x 3.5 inAluminium alloy 3.50" x 18"
Wheels - RearCast aluminium alloy 5-spoke 17 x 6.0 inAluminium alloy 6.00" x 16"

Verdict

Winner on specs

2016 Triumph Thunderbird Commander

The 2016 Triumph Thunderbird Commander edges out the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace thanks to its higher torque, lower seat height, liquid cooling and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2016 Triumph Thunderbird Commander - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 146 Nm vs 121 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lower seat height: 702 mm vs 740 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Larger displacement: 1699 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 339 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • More rear wheel travel: 120 mm vs 95 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2016 Triumph Thunderbird Commander vs 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 Triumph Thunderbird Commander and 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace?
The 2016 Triumph Thunderbird Commander uses Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, 270° firing interval., while the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace is powered by Four stroke, 90° V-twin, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2016 Triumph Thunderbird Commander or the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace?
The 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace is lighter at 299 kg compared to 339 kg for the 2016 Triumph Thunderbird Commander - a difference of 40 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2016 Triumph Thunderbird Commander or the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace?
The 2016 Triumph Thunderbird Commander has the lower seat at 702 mm, making it more accessible. The 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace sits higher at 740 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2016 Triumph Thunderbird Commander or the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 Triumph Thunderbird Commander has the edge in higher torque and lower seat height, while the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace stands out for lighter kerb weight 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.