Considering a Breva

[Stripes]

Hello Guzzi people! I am looking for a bike to replace my recently wrecked Ducati. I would really like another Italian motorcycle, but I'm not hell bent on the idea. I'm seriously considering an Aprilia Futura, but recently I was offered a 2004 Moto Guzzi Breva 750. I've done some research on line & I know it isn't going to have the power of a Duc or Aprillia, but I have a K1600GT w/ plenty of power & handling. This would be my secondary or even third bike. I don't plan on taking it on long rides, just local day rides, into town every once & awhile & the monthly RTE & I'll probably avoid the highway w/ it like the plague! I've read that it lacks horsepower & ground clearance but like I said, my BMW has all of that. Is there any reason or reasons why you guys think I should stay away from the Breva 750? Anything good that you can add to help me w/ my selection? Any & all input would be much appreciated! Thanks!

Cheers

[Stripes]

Any opinions are welcome... Hello. Is this thing on?

[flip]

The 750 Breva is on my short list for a 2nd bike. I've never ridden one, only sat on one. It just felt right.

I was considering one as my main bike a couple of years ago but ended up with an 1100 Breva. From the research I did back then, a sump extension to add more engine oil is highly recommended.

[Pete Roper]

Breva is a happy little unit. No, it won't set the world alight but as long as it is set up correctly they are a lovely little runabout and back-road tourer. It has to be remembered that it, like all the small locks, is basically an updated 1970's design. Suspension travel is limited and non-adjustable and the gearbox is fairly primitive but as long as one accepts it for what it is rather than trying to compare it to a contemporary 750cc machine you won't be disappointed.

One thing to note is that the small locks all have a very small engine oil capacity, only 1.8 litres . On long trips, especially in hot conditions if running hard they can suddenly and mysteriously drink their oil so it is important to check it before every ride and when on tour it is worth checking it at every fill up. As with ALL small blocks the only modification I encourage people to make is to fit a sump extension, available from Ed Milich at GuzziPower. This allows the use of another litre of oil and gives a comfortable cushion as well as meaning the oil is worked less hard. They do run very hot.

I used to dislike the small locks because in the early days they were more problem prone than the big blocks and had a tendency to she'd valve heads like confetti! This has been addressed with the 750's and as long as they are maintained properly they are every bit as reliable as any other motorbike on the road.

Do remember though that you are talking about an eight year old motorbike. If it has an unknown history all bets are off, as they would be with any other bike.

Pete

[nevinfs327]

I have a V7 cafe which I believe has the same engine, and is also physically on the smaller side like the Breva 750.  I think it is great for what you describe wanting to use it for.  I also like that it feels and sounds like a motorcycle should (in my mind, at least).  With Mistrals it has way more bark than bite.  

Makes good power for around town and back roads and no trouble on the highways at normal driving speeds.  Will easily cruise at 80.  I don't have a sump extension but do check the oil frequently.  No issues.  About due for an oil change so maybe I should rectify that, though I am hesitant to lose ground clearance.

Nevin

[Stripes]

Thanks for the input gentlemen! I think as a second running around bike it sounds like it may be the perfect replacement for the Ducati although I am still interested in an Aprilia. I've always wanted a Guzzi anyways! I guess my next move is to check it out in person. Cheers

[flip]

A Shiver is the other bike at the top of my list.

[Biking Sailor]

My wife has a 2007 Breva 750.  She has told me she thinks it is the most comfortable bike she has ridden for longer trips.  Full disclosure, a long trip for her is 400 to 500 mile days coming and going with a couple 200 mile days at the destination.  Mostly we ride 300 miles and stay for a day or two commuting around the area, then ride 300 miles home.  The little bike has no trouble keeping up on the highway at 80 for hours at a time and very nice fuel range (200 miles between fill ups).

Other than the suspension, which is back springs set for her weight so very soft for me but can be adjusted for a much heavier load, the biggest beef I have with the bike is finding tires that are decent.  The size seems to limit me to Pirelli Sport Demons or BT-045, which do not have a good profile for turning (think more touring tires).  I am currently looking for a better set such as a pure sport tire as hers are about worn out.  Hard to find in stock on-line in the correct size.  I perfer she has best grip available and I will happily change as often as I need to.

Other than that the little bike has been solid as a rock, no mechanical failures and only easy routine maintenance required.  She just rolled over 11,000 miles on our way home from Missouri yesterday.

Good luck on your decision.

[Stripes]

Interesting stuff! I used to run Pirelli Sport Demons on my Thruxton & I loved them but I've always been kind of partial to Pirelli. I figured everyone would tell me to stay away from a 750 or a Guzzi. I know that's what my friends would tell me. They would want me to buy something larger w/ more displacement & more horsepower but I don't need another rocket ship. I just want something I can cruise around on & it sounds like the 750 Breva may just be the ticket. Thanks!

[Biking Sailor]

When she got the bike, it had Sport Demons on it, about 1/2 used up.  The rear seemed much more squared than what I expected.  Changed to a Bridgestone, which I think is worse.  Looks like I might go back to new Sport Demons for it and give them another try.  I run currently run Angel ST (which I really like) on my 1200 Sport with a set of Mich PR2's waiting in the wings (got almost free   ). The sport bikes are all running Mich powers, so maybe it is my perspective that is off.

The stock bars felt OK to me but she wanted less of a reach and got some with way too much sweep for my taste.  Now the bike doesn't feel comfortable to me at all, cramped and puts me too far back on the seat where it is too wide and made the peg location too far forward.  Now this is all a matter of individual fit, so take what I say with how it is intended, not as a knock or recommendation, just my impressions.  The stock bike was a lot of fun to ride around town because the torque is right around 5000 RPM where it needs to be without going into expensive ticket territory.

Personally, if I was going to get a small block Guzzi for running around town or day trips, it would be a new V7 Racer (expensive) or a Cafe' with rear sets and lower, forward bars.  

Make sure to test ride on before making a decision and good luck.

[Nodaclu]

Good Lord...is Orson okay? This thread has been up for 24 hours and 8 minutes and he hasn't chimed in yet?  

[falconati]

Completely different bikes.  Since you already have the BMW, I would go for the Breva over the Futura.  You won't want to ride the Futura since you have a touring bike; however the Breva fits more of a town-bike feel - where the large BMW isn't as fun in the city.

[Stripes]

Would you compare the Breva 750 to a BMW R1100R or R1200R? I briefly owned a R110R & had a R1200R as a loaner once & I was very disappointed w/ them. I thought they were super slow, lacked power & weren't very comfortable. If it's anything like that I think I will pass. I do appreciate all of your opinions & facts!

[Pete Roper]

Good grief! It's an air cooled, shaft drive, obsolete 750! If you thought the horrid bimmers were off the pace you'll hate the Breva! Buy something else...

Pete

[Biking Sailor]

Good grief! It's an air cooled, shaft drive, obsolete 750! If you thought the horrid bimmers were off the pace you'll hate the Breva! Buy something else...

Pete

I agree with Pete 100%.  If performance is an issue, the small block is not going to be what you want.  Also as I stated earlier, the seat to peg position is a little more peg forward than I am comfortable with, and coming from the line-up you have, I would bet you would feel the same.  To clarify, they feel like they are under your thighs instead of under your butt, which is for a guy of average height.

[falconati]

Would you compare the Breva 750 to a BMW R1100R or R1200R? I briefly owned a R110R & had a R1200R as a loaner once & I was very disappointed w/ them. I thought they were super slow, lacked power & weren't very comfortable. If it's anything like that I think I will pass. I do appreciate all of your opinions & facts!

I can't comment on the comfort; however you will find the performance akin to those bikes.  This is going to feel very, very slow compared to your BMW.  So is the Futura.  If you're looking for something to rocket you off, you probably should look at something besides these two models - I don't think you'll be pleased (and you'll probably resell it after a short period).

[Stripes]

Thanks again! I really appreciate your guys' honesty & opinions. I couldn't agree w/ you more at thins point falconati.

[Carbonero]

Hello Guzzi people! I am looking for a bike to replace my recently wrecked Ducati. I would really like another Italian motorcycle, but I'm not hell bent on the idea. I'm seriously considering an Aprilia Futura, but recently I was offered a 2004 Moto Guzzi Breva 750. I've done some research on line & I know it isn't going to have the power of a Duc or Aprillia, but I have a K1600GT w/ plenty of power & handling. This would be my secondary or even third bike. I don't plan on taking it on long rides, just local day rides, into town every once & awhile & the monthly RTE & I'll probably avoid the highway w/ it like the plague! I've read that it lacks horsepower & ground clearance but like I said, my BMW has all of that. Is there any reason or reasons why you guys think I should stay away from the Breva 750? Anything good that you can add to help me w/ my selection? Any & all input would be much appreciated! Thanks!

Cheers

I had a Breva 1100.

Loved riding it.

Hated owning it.

All of the stories about a bike with "character" proved true, positive and negative ones.

Also, all the stories saying that the Italians can't wire a vehicle to save their lives were proven true, as well.

I'll ride every Guzzi I can... I will not, however, rush out to buy another one.

YMMV / $.02 / Anecdotal / etc.

[Carbonero]

Also... you thought the R1200 lacked power...

I mean, they're no Busa, but they're ridiculously linear and pull nicely all the way through the revs. I'm baffled by that.

[Carbonero]

When she got the bike, it had Sport Demons on it, about 1/2 used up.  The rear seemed much more squared than what I expected.  Changed to a Bridgestone, which I think is worse.  Looks like I might go back to new Sport Demons for it and give them another try.

FWIW, I ran Sport Demons on my Sportster and was very, very impressed. The Dunlop 502s were a little better, but the SDs were the tire that convinced me it'd be ok to go ahead and lean the thing. ;-)

Great sneakers.