Audace dylema

[Andrew83]

Hello All
I'm new here and this is my first post so please be kind!

First of all hello All

Recently I bought a lovely Audace and I'm super happy with the it. It's my first Moto Guzzi .
So far my motorcycle history includeed BMW R1100s Triumph Daytona 955i and a Suzuki GSXR 1000. I like my oddball engine configurations.

But to the point as I said I'm super happy with my new bike but there is one thing that I want to /need to improve . I don't like the looks of the chrome finish of the front forks plus they look to thin to me compered to the rest of the front end of the bike. I much prefer the look of the forks on Cali Touring Costom or MGX-21 .
Will the front fork covers from thouse models will fit my Audace? I checked it's 4 elements but the problem is on the service manual the part numbers of the fork legs on the Audace is difrant to the other models . So my local dealer is not sure if the covers will fit my bike .. .

So anyone here have any ideas? are the forks the same on all the Cali 1400 models? Or do they differ in size ?

Thank You Andrew

 

[Craig C]

Hello All
I'm new here and this is my first post so please be kind!

First of all hello All

Recently I bought a lovely Audace and I'm super happy with the it. It's my first Moto Guzzi .
So far my motorcycle history includeed BMW R1100s Triumph Daytona 955i and a Suzuki GSXR 1000. I like my oddball engine configurations.

But to the point as I said I'm super happy with my new bike but there is one thing that I want to /need to improve . I don't like the looks of the chrome finish of the front forks plus they look to thin to me compered to the rest of the front end of the bike. I much prefer the look of the forks on Cali Touring Costom or MGX-21 .
Will the front fork covers from thouse models will fit my Audace? I checked it's 4 elements but the problem is on the service manual the part numbers of the fork legs on the Audace is difrant to the other models . So my local dealer is not sure if the covers will fit my bike .. .

So anyone here have any ideas? are the forks the same on all the Cali 1400 models? Or do they differ in size ?

Thank You Andrew

Yes, I had the same opinion of the look of the bike compared to the California Customs, and proceeded to make a leap of faith and buy the parts needed.

The forks between the two models are different. Apparently the original California Touring and Customs had 46mm forks, while the Audace has 45mm. I believe Moto Guzzi did this because they kicked the rake out a smidge to improve low-speed handling (slightly less trail), but I think they kept the triple trees the same (just machined a little different).

Surprisingly, the bottom tubes on the Audace are actually larger in diameter than the Custom or Touring. This might be related to the paint or powder coating, or it may be yet another running improvement to address something else...

Nonetheless, all the parts DO fit ...but the o-rings which prevent movement of the upper fork protectors are a little big (loose on the upper fork tube), so when you put it all together(top triple clamp) you have to make sure they don't get squeezed out of position.

Adding these parts also means that your front turn signal mounts don't fit anymore, so you'll have to modify or create different ones. I chose the latter, and I'm pleased with the result. Maybe we can get Todd to machine these if there is enough demand

Lastly, since the front turn signal mounts had to be modified, I no longer have that throttle cable guide/support installed. I've ridden a couple hundred test miles so far, and I haven't encountered any unexpected throttle commands (due to vibration or road disturbances (bumps). I'm not sure if this will reduce the lifespan of these cables, but they seem stout as-is, and will just monitor them going forward...as well as the overall fitment (since I don't purposefully try to flex the front end with emergency stops or finding potholes to run over ).

I can try to share pics if you'd like or if there is anyone else interested...

 

[Andrew83]

Yes, I had the same opinion of the look of the bike compared to the California Customs, and proceeded to make a leap of faith and buy the parts needed.

The forks between the two models are different. Apparently the original California Touring and Customs had 46mm forks, while the Audace has 45mm. I believe Moto Guzzi did this because they kicked the rake out a smidge to improve low-speed handling (slightly less trail), but I think they kept the triple trees the same (just machined a little different).

Surprisingly, the bottom tubes on the Audace are actually larger in diameter than the Custom or Touring. This might be related to the paint or powder coating, or it may be yet another running improvement to address something else...

Nonetheless, all the parts DO fit ...but the o-rings which prevent movement of the upper fork protectors are a little big (loose on the upper fork tube), so when you put it all together(top triple clamp) you have to make sure they don't get squeezed out of position.

Adding these parts also means that your front turn signal mounts don't fit anymore, so you'll have to modify or create different ones. I chose the latter, and I'm pleased with the result. Maybe we can get Todd to machine these if there is enough demand

Lastly, since the front turn signal mounts had to be modified, I no longer have that throttle cable guide/support installed. I've ridden a couple hundred test miles so far, and I haven't encountered any unexpected throttle commands (due to vibration or road disturbances (bumps). I'm not sure if this will reduce the lifespan of these cables, but they seem stout as-is, and will just monitor them going forward...as well as the overall fitment (since I don't purposefully try to flex the front end with emergency stops or finding potholes to run over ).

I can try to share pics if you'd like or if there is anyone else interested...

If You can send some photos that would be fantastic!

 

[Craig C]

 

[Craig C]

The pictures also show that I have mounted a California Custom front fender (not painted yet), along with a handlebar combination with a better angle for my wrists (Thanks for the parts info Todd!). I love the way this looks...it's still a work in progress. I'll upload more pictures as I continue to make this my own...

 

[Andrew83]

I was thinking about getting the new 2018 handlebars for my (my bike is 2016 model) Audace cause they are more swept towards the rider.

 

[Craig C]

Yes, I considered that, too. It would've been simpler, but I actually like the bars lower than the 2018 model provides...

My set up is the lowest I can get it so that it doesn't foul the tank at full right steering lock...I think it looks bitchin and it is comfortable for me

 

[Andrew83]

I had a look at the v9 bobber and I think it's indicators are attach to the head light bolts so I might use thouse after my conversation

 

[Craig C]

I took pictures of that, too...but cant seem to find them now

 

[Sasazuka]

Nice Job, I just picked up an Audace and agree that the chrome forks look kind of skinny when compared to the overall beefiness of the bike.

I might look into doing the same thing. Thanks for posting your write up.

 

[Ken Wantje]

Yes, I had the same opinion of the look of the bike compared to the California Customs, and proceeded to make a leap of faith and buy the parts needed.

The forks between the two models are different. Apparently the original California Touring and Customs had 46mm forks, while the Audace has 45mm. I believe Moto Guzzi did this because they kicked the rake out a smidge to improve low-speed handling (slightly less trail), but I think they kept the triple trees the same (just machined a little different).

Surprisingly, the bottom tubes on the Audace are actually larger in diameter than the Custom or Touring. This might be related to the paint or powder coating, or it may be yet another running improvement to address something else...

Nonetheless, all the parts DO fit ...but the o-rings which prevent movement of the upper fork protectors are a little big (loose on the upper fork tube), so when you put it all together(top triple clamp) you have to make sure they don't get squeezed out of position.

Adding these parts also means that your front turn signal mounts don't fit anymore, so you'll have to modify or create different ones. I chose the latter, and I'm pleased with the result. Maybe we can get Todd to machine these if there is enough demand

Lastly, since the front turn signal mounts had to be modified, I no longer have that throttle cable guide/support installed. I've ridden a couple hundred test miles so far, and I haven't encountered any unexpected throttle commands (due to vibration or road disturbances (bumps). I'm not sure if this will reduce the lifespan of these cables, but they seem stout as-is, and will just monitor them going forward...as well as the overall fitment (since I don't purposefully try to flex the front end with emergency stops or finding potholes to run over ).

I can try to share pics if you'd like or if there is anyone else interested...

Could you possibly list the part #'s of everything needed to make this conversion and the approximate cost? Thanks!

 

[scottmastrocinque]

Could you possibly list the part #'s of everything needed to make this conversion and the approximate cost? Thanks!

Highly unlikely.

If you click the gentleman’s name, you see that he hasn’t been here in over a year…