I am considering trading my Harley Davidson Slim S for a 2016 Audace. I have yet to ride the Audace but have ridden an Eldorado over two years ago. I had some mixed feelings about it. The dealer wasn't very knowledgeable about the Eldorado. I couldn't see the instrument panel very well in the sunlight and the salesman had no idea on how to go through the menu. The dealership had an Audace in stock but it was way in the back of the showroom and no interest in getting it out saying it wasn't prepared to ride yet. I rode a Triumph Thunderbird at the same dealer but wasn't too excited about it. So I wound up buying a the Slim.
After owning my Harley for a bit over two years I am not totally thrilled with it. I have done some modifications to help with some of the deficiencies, such as Rockouts and aftermarket lifters to quiet the top end noise. I have used different lube in the trans to get rid of some of the clunk, helped. I have tried a couple of different fluids in the primary with no help in quieting all the chain noise and and whatever else No joy. I absolutely hate the racket. My other disappointment is the horrible surging in the two lower gears at light throttle. So I am looking at MG's again. The dealership has changed hands and now is part of a 3 dealership group.
They have one Audace in stock. It is a new 2016 with 542 miles on it. I went to ride it about a month ago, but the manager took it out to make sure it was ready for a test ride. Well it wasn't, it sucked a valve. The engine has been rebuilt and is in the process of being reinstalled. I am going to ride it this Thursday, but I have a 150 mile or so trip to the dealership.
I really like the looks and Audace attitude this bike has. The more aggressive style and riding position appeals to me. The Italians build some of the nicest products from agricultural equipment to exotic sports cars. My concerns are as follows.
1. Rebuilt engine. Should I trust it?
2. Reliability? I have seen some posts on the cracking of exhaust in the crossover area. A problem on this model? Aftermarket parts are available at a reasonable cost and I have a very good welder friend. So probably not a big issue. I am a good wrench. Any other issues? Can I trust this bike out in the middle of nowhere? Italian products unfortunately are not some of the most reliable in the world. But are these bikes reliable enough? The owner of my independent bike shop said even though he has a soft spot for Moto Guzzis he wouldn't recommend one as daily driver.
3. Parts availability. Dealers are far and few between. Do they stock the common parts? If not how long to get them. In the US or do they have to come from Italy? Harley dealers are on almost every corner but their parts supply is pretty limited but everything is pretty much available in a few days.
4. The big blocks are rumored to be going away. Will there be support for these if they do? Is there or will there be aftermarket support if the manufacturer doesn't.
Positives
1. Design and looks. Super. Harley should get a clue. Cutting edge design but still have a traditional overall motorcycle look.
2. Mechanical design and functionality. Dual disks, remote reservoir shocks, driveshaft drive, several different maps among many other things.
3. Moto Guzzi appeals to me as I am a non-conformist and always root for the underdog. I would rather not be a part of the crowd, My Harley is not mainstream Harley but still a member of the majority.
Sorry to be so wordy but I don't want to do something I will regret down the road. The dealer will be giving me a heck of a deal. They get a Harley they can sell in fairly short order in exchange for a Moto Guzzi they have had on the floor for a long time. I know I am speaking to the choir but tell me why I should get the Audace. If it makes any difference i am 74 years old. I rode Airhead BMW's so I am very familiar with longitudinal layouts in motorcycles so that is not a concern.
So tell me why I should buy this bike.
kk Short for krazy karl
After owning my Harley for a bit over two years I am not totally thrilled with it. I have done some modifications to help with some of the deficiencies, such as Rockouts and aftermarket lifters to quiet the top end noise. I have used different lube in the trans to get rid of some of the clunk, helped. I have tried a couple of different fluids in the primary with no help in quieting all the chain noise and and whatever else No joy. I absolutely hate the racket. My other disappointment is the horrible surging in the two lower gears at light throttle. So I am looking at MG's again. The dealership has changed hands and now is part of a 3 dealership group.
They have one Audace in stock. It is a new 2016 with 542 miles on it. I went to ride it about a month ago, but the manager took it out to make sure it was ready for a test ride. Well it wasn't, it sucked a valve. The engine has been rebuilt and is in the process of being reinstalled. I am going to ride it this Thursday, but I have a 150 mile or so trip to the dealership.
I really like the looks and Audace attitude this bike has. The more aggressive style and riding position appeals to me. The Italians build some of the nicest products from agricultural equipment to exotic sports cars. My concerns are as follows.
1. Rebuilt engine. Should I trust it?
2. Reliability? I have seen some posts on the cracking of exhaust in the crossover area. A problem on this model? Aftermarket parts are available at a reasonable cost and I have a very good welder friend. So probably not a big issue. I am a good wrench. Any other issues? Can I trust this bike out in the middle of nowhere? Italian products unfortunately are not some of the most reliable in the world. But are these bikes reliable enough? The owner of my independent bike shop said even though he has a soft spot for Moto Guzzis he wouldn't recommend one as daily driver.
3. Parts availability. Dealers are far and few between. Do they stock the common parts? If not how long to get them. In the US or do they have to come from Italy? Harley dealers are on almost every corner but their parts supply is pretty limited but everything is pretty much available in a few days.
4. The big blocks are rumored to be going away. Will there be support for these if they do? Is there or will there be aftermarket support if the manufacturer doesn't.
Positives
1. Design and looks. Super. Harley should get a clue. Cutting edge design but still have a traditional overall motorcycle look.
2. Mechanical design and functionality. Dual disks, remote reservoir shocks, driveshaft drive, several different maps among many other things.
3. Moto Guzzi appeals to me as I am a non-conformist and always root for the underdog. I would rather not be a part of the crowd, My Harley is not mainstream Harley but still a member of the majority.
Sorry to be so wordy but I don't want to do something I will regret down the road. The dealer will be giving me a heck of a deal. They get a Harley they can sell in fairly short order in exchange for a Moto Guzzi they have had on the floor for a long time. I know I am speaking to the choir but tell me why I should get the Audace. If it makes any difference i am 74 years old. I rode Airhead BMW's so I am very familiar with longitudinal layouts in motorcycles so that is not a concern.
So tell me why I should buy this bike.
kk Short for krazy karl