2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster vs 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster 2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stoke, parallel twin, 270o crank, SOHC
Power
57.4 kW / 77 hp @ 6550 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
245.5kg / 540 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 ModelTriumph Bonneville SpeedmasterMoto Guzzi Audace
Dimensions
Seat Height705 mm / 27.7 in740 mm / 29.1 in (Optimal 720 mm / 28.3 in)
Wheelbase-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 Weight245.5kg / 540 lbs-
Fuel Capacity12 Litres / 3.17 US gal20.5 Litres / 4.7 US gal
Wet Weight-299 kg / 659 lbs
Performance
Max Power57.4 kW / 77 hp @ 6550 rpm71 kW / 96 hp @ 6500 rpm
Max Torque106 Nm / 10.7 kgf-m / 77.4 lb-ft @ 3100 rpm121 Nm / 12.3 kgf-m / 89.2 ft/lb @ 3000 rpm
Engine
Displacement1198 cc / 73.1 cu in1380 cc / 84.2 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stoke, parallel twin, 270o crank, SOHCFour 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 Stroke97.6 x 80 mm104 x 81.2 mm
Compression Ratio10.0:110.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledAir and oil cooled
ExhaustStraight line stainless steel twin-skin slash cut twin stubby silencersStainless steel, 2-in-2 type, three-way catalytic converter with double oxygen sensor, Euro 4
Fuel InductionMultipoint sequential electronic fuel injection-
Fuel Reserve-5 Litres / 1.3 US gal
IgnitionDigitalElectronic
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
Spark Plug-NGK LMAR8F, 2 per cylinder
Starter-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
ClutchWet, multi-plateSingle-disc with integrated anti-vibration buffer
Final DriveChain, X-ringShaft
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-Speed6 speed with final overdrive
Chassis
Frame TypeDual tubular steel cradleSteel tubing, closed double cradle with elastic kinematic engine mounting system to isolate vibrations.
Suspension - Front41 mm Kayaba forkStandard fork, ø45 mm, with radial caliper mounting bracket
Suspension - RearKayaba twin shocks with adjustable preloadSwingarm with double shock absorber with adjustable extension and spring preload with remote tank
Rake-32°
Steering Angle-38°
Trail-155 mm / 6.1 in
Wheel Travel - Front90 mm / 3.5 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear73 mm / 2.8 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-12 V - 550 W
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 310 mm Disc, 2 piston calipers, ABS2 x Ø320 mm stainless steel floating discs, Brembo radial calipers with 4 horizontally opposed pistons
Brakes - RearSingle 255 mm disc, 2 piston caliper, ABSSingle Ø282 mm stainless steel fixed disc, Brembo floating caliper with 2 parallel pistons
Tyres - Front130/90-16130/70 R18
Tyres - Rear150/80-16200/60 R16
WheelsWire 32-spoke, steel rims-
Wheels - Front-Aluminium alloy 3.50" x 18"
Wheels - Rear-Aluminium alloy 6.00" x 16"

Verdict

Winner on specs

2017 Moto Guzzi Audace

The 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace edges out the 2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster thanks to its higher torque, higher rear wheel travel, higher front wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 705 mm vs 740 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2017 Moto Guzzi Audace - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 121 Nm vs 106 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Larger displacement: 1380 cc vs 1198 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More rear wheel travel: 120 mm vs 73 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 120 mm vs 90 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster vs 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster and 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace?
The 2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster uses Four stoke, parallel twin, 270o crank, SOHC, while the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace is powered by Four stroke, 90° V-twin, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster or the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace?
The 2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster has the lower seat at 705 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 2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster or the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster has the edge in lower seat height and liquid cooling, while the 2017 Moto Guzzi Audace stands out for higher torque 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.