Yamaha Stryker vs Audace

[Sleuth]

A few weeks ago I traded in my year-old 2016 Yamaha Stryker for a new 2016 Audace.  About 1,000 miles later it’s time for a comparison of the two bikes.





This isn’t strictly fair since the Stryker list price ($11,690) is about $4,000 less than the Audace's.  That said, after dealer discounts both bikes cost about the same OTD ($8,000 for the Stryker, $8,900 for the Audace) so maybe the comparison isn’t too unfair.

I liked the Stryker.  It looked good, it handled reasonably well despite its exaggerated rake, the engine made a quiet but acceptable rumble, and I know it would have been reliable long term.  It only had smooth edges, which is another way of saying the bike was boring.

I’m not sure yet, but I may love the Audace.  It has a better engine, better brakes, better instrumentation, better suspension, better electronics and better handling than the Stryker.  I also think it looks better and sounds much better.  Surprisingly, it is also more comfortable.  In particular, the drag handlebars let me ride at highway speeds without stressing my lower back. 

In summary, the Audace is simply much more fun to ride.

FWIW, I also own a Triumph Trophy SE (for touring), a BMW S1000R (for thrills), and a Honda CTX700 with a dual clutch transmission (for when I get too old to ride my other bikes).

[OldMojo]

There's nothing quite as satisfying as confirmation of a choice well made. As has been stated here many times, the 1400s are just great bikes. Absolute rocket ships on the highway, great weight distribution for satisfying - if not aggressive -  back road fun, and comfortable (at least for me) out of the box. Troubles are few and far between. Most of them just quietly go and go. It'll be a keeper.

[bigbikerrick]

I have put quite a few miles on a buddie's Stryker,and also on a Raider he had. I have never ridden an Audace, but can say the Yamahas are indeed very boring, with styling that will get old quick. Have you seen the abomination that Yamaha came up with as a passenger backrest for the Raider? Man, I cant even imagine what they were thinking!
You are going to love the Audace...Its badass!!
Rick.

[larrys]

Never seen a Stryker in person, but the photo looks like Yamaha tried to copy a HD VRod.
Larry

[kingoffleece]

My friend has a Stryker.  I try hard not to be a bike snob but good lord is it hideous to look at.  It's like a jr high school kid designed the motorcycle.
Simply horrendous.  But hey, he likes it and it's been 100% reliable, so who am I to say?

[SteveRivet]

A few weeks ago I traded in my year-old 2016 Yamaha Stryker for a new 2016 Audace.  About 1,000 miles later it’s time for a comparison of the two bikes.





This isn’t strictly fair since the Stryker list price ($11,690) is about $4,000 less than the Audace's.  That said, after dealer discounts both bikes cost about the same OTD ($8,000 for the Stryker, $8,900 for the Audace) so maybe the comparison isn’t too unfair.

I liked the Stryker.  It looked good, it handled reasonably well despite its exaggerated rake, the engine made a quiet but acceptable rumble, and I know it would have been reliable long term.  It only had smooth edges, which is another way of saying the bike was boring.

I’m not sure yet, but I may love the Audace.  It has a better engine, better brakes, better instrumentation, better suspension, better electronics and better handling than the Stryker.  I also think it looks better and sounds much better.  Surprisingly, it is also more comfortable.  In particular, the drag handlebars let me ride at highway speeds without stressing my lower back. 

In summary, the Audace is simply much more fun to ride.

FWIW, I also own a Triumph Trophy SE (for touring), a BMW S1000R (for thrills), and a Honda CTX700 with a dual clutch transmission (for when I get too old to ride my other bikes).

I was never a fan of the Stryker styling at all - very odd angles akin to some of the Suzuki Intruders - but I think the Audace looks and functions great.  Nice upgrade.

-Steve

[Sleuth]

Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.  My non-riding friends all thought the Stryker was my best looking bike.  I eventually decided the Stryker was trying too hard to be something it wasn't.  In that sense, the Audace is far more authentic.

[LowRyter]

I think the Audice  appears to have more traditional riding position and less a cruiser.  There's that.

[Tom]

Audace.   

[oldbike54]

 Then there are all of the Guzzi rallies ...

 Glad this worked out .

 Dusty
 

[pebra]

Hi Sleuth,
Congratulations with your new bike!
It's gorgeous - I hope you'll like it and that it won't disappoint you.
And welcome to the forum!

[blu guzz]

i have not followed new bike introductions except for MG for a few years and had never heard of or seen the Stryker.  to me, it looks like too much of everything, no subtlety.  some folks go for that however and great for them. 

[JJ]

Audace.   

I never ridden either, but given the choice, I too, would choose the Audace...

[Ncdan]

I’ve not owned or ridden the Yamaha but I’ve owned the 1400 tourer. Knowing the quality and Preformance of the guzzi 1400s my question would have to be, are these two motorcycles really in the same class of bikes?

[Moparnut72]

I ride an Audace. It is a wonderful bike. Fast and handles very well for a cruiser, in fact in is a great highspeedhandling bike. It is somehat ackward at parking lot speeds but who wants to ride like that anyway. It is kind of the redheaded step shild in the Guzzi world but I have had crushes on a couple of redheads in the past. I regret letting one get away, but back to the subject. The bars kind of turned off at first as the could turn back towards the rider a bit more at the ends on mine, also a 2016. Supposedly MG did just that on the 2018s but mine are quite good holding on against thewind blast. With a windshield maybe not so much. I let a couple of guys ride my Guzzi guys ride my bike at a rally this summer, both came back with raving reviews. They both ride Stelvios. Finally, enjoy your bike I love mine especially with all it's quirks and especially it's unique personality.
kk