Safe to say this has been a big change for me, 30 years biking and most of that on big Adventure bikes (Japanese, BMW, KTM). I knew I wanted a change and probably a ‘naked’ roadster of some sort. Always been a fan of twins so various bikes in the frame. It really came down to wanting something a bit different and the new style Guzzis stood out, literally the right bike at the right time (and at a good discount). Will never be a Harley man, or Triumph for that matter so the deal was done on the Audace (maybe one of the last in the UK as it’s not imported now).
So to the bike: a lot to take in against the outgoing Yamaha Super Tenere: lower, longer, heavier, no screen and foot position forward. Has taken all this time to get used to it. Really impressed how smooth the motor is even at 0 miles. Love the shaky tick over. It’s going to be fun to get the full use of the rev range soon.
Steers well but needs some firm counter steering on sharp corners to get the machine round, a sign of the wheelbase no doubt. Brakes firm and clutch light (no issue finding neutral at a stop unlike another Italian bike I tested). Good traction (should be given the weight!) and pulls well from low rev’s thanks to good gearing (6th seems to be an over drive). Suspension maybe basic (no front adjusting) but seems to cope mostly.
Not done any long trips yet so long distance comfort still to be tested. The bike get used a lot for city commuting which is maybe not ideal but it copes even when hot. Attracts a fair bit of attention from other drivers too (do kids in cars wave at all Guzzi’s?). Build quality looks good, but will see after a UK winter with salted roads.
Love the style especially the rear end and the front fender. Perhaps some LED lights up front would have added a bit?
So far, so good, I could complain about lack of seat adjustment or the mirrors but these are niggles. The cruise control button is another matter – why is it on the right? Cannot set the thing without moving the throttle! Maybe some Italian trick is needed to make it work!
Of course the fuel gauge is a bit keen to head to empty, need to work out a reliable reserve range, at the moment I can have about 8 - 10 litres left when the lamp comes on? Book says 1.1 gallon.
Anyway its looking like the road is set for a good time, it’s definitely a stand out machine in various ways and nice to know there are not many around, at least in the UK.
Next job is to set up the shocks and then see what these engine modes are all about. Maybe get some C Bow panniers nearer end of year, the exhausts are staying as they are, plenty loud enough for me and why cover that engine sound?
Stay safe, 
Mark, UK.