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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: ohiorider on July 23, 2015, 06:40:55 PM
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I rode my good buddy's 2004 (05?) Breva 750. A really nice machine, it ate my 1200 Sport alive on some very twisty uphills leading back to the BRP! As well as it ran, I wasn't in love with the feel of the bike when I rode it. Anyone ..... what's your opinion on the difference in the riding "feel" differences between the original B750 and the newer V7 series? Or are there any?
Re my comments about not 'being in love' with the B750, that's purely subjective, and was determined after a relatively short ride. As I've learned, really great bikes cannot be judged with little saddle time. My riding buddy loved this little sport tourer (windshield, HB bags, rear rack), and it was his replacement for a BMW R1150RT ...... and he ran the bike no differently than he rode the beemer ..... usually quickly!
Bob
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While I haven't owned a newer V7, I've spent a good bit of saddle time on them - worked at a dealer. I owned a 2004 Breva 750 for a number of years (2005 to 2011).
I did not modify the suspension of my Breva, other than using slightly heavier fork oil and running the shocks on the stiff side.
Overall, the two bikes do not have huge differences in my experience. I always found the Breva to handle well and very predictably - you knew what it was going to do. I did find the feel of the bike a small bit 'rubbery' rather than taut, but not so much as to make it unpleasant. The newer V7s feel just a touch more precise to me, but I think I'd upgrade the suspension on either were I to own one again. The better factory shocks from the Racer are an improvement, and there are other choices, too.
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As to the OP title anyhow.
Excluding dirt bikes - I always prefer to be "of" the motorcycle as in "sit in" rather than be perched atop it. It returns a significantly more planted/connected feel. Lots of surfaces to deliberately and discretionally (is that a word?) press against to manipulate the bike in ways other than merely yanking or pushing the bars.
But then, me... I wear out seats, tank paint and anything my feet can touch right along with brakes and clutches. You'd think I'm rein-less controlling a working horse rather than a mindless motorcycle. Still, sittin' "in" makes all that feel better.
Todd.
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I've had both. Its hard to compare a 2004 Breva with 25,000 mile with a brand new V7II with 1200 miles. The V7 is still way tighter and almost brittle in it's new-ness. But the V7 has a better power response with its tighter gear ratios. The Breva felt more fluid and responsive in turns. Both bikes have similar ergonomics. I took the PO's handlebar risers off the Breva, and liked it better. The Breva's suspension felt much more forgiving, but that might have been a function of mileage. Both bikes have the same brake response. Breva has a much better seat, very comfortable. Attention to detail seems much improved since 2004, but my Breva was pretty beat up when I got it. IMHO, the V7 is better looking, has better power, and sounds way better. The Breva is very relaxed, fits the body well (I'm 5'11", 185, 30" inseam), and handles effortlessly.
To me they're like denim jeans. One pair is broken in and faded blue, and the other is new and jet black. Can't really say one is better.
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I've put 40K miles on my `04 750 Breva and have not ridden any newer V7 variants, but can't imagine them handling as good as my Breva since they don't have 17" rims like my Breva. I have never modified my suspension and always run the rear gas shocks @ their lowest setting unless riding 2up & loaded. Running light the ride is firm, but I accept that. Handling wise it's good enough for me in whatever conditions I run into. Mind you I don't putz along in the twisties. The stock seat is good for 500 mile days. On trips I run 30L or 40L H&B bags, a top case, tank bag, Rifle sport fairing, heated grips, NEP throttle control, + camping gear on back seat, centerstand. :grin: