Return of the prodigal octogenarian

[krglorioso]

Just 5 years ago, at age 79, I realized that I'd gotten old.  It wasn't the thinning of hair, the several trips to the bathroom at night, the hearing aids or the need to have prescription glasses to drive.  None of the usual suspects.  What did me in was that I could no longer manage the weight of my two lovely Stone Touring "hydros" and the acceptance that I wasn't up to the job of controlling them at stops for gas or traffic lights,  or pushing them around the garage. No longer dared I attempt to put them up on their center stands, or make a tight turn into a parking space, much less a parking space that had any downward slope, no matter how slight, toward the front of the bike  Just could not back it up even the slightest slope.  At 5' 10" and 134#, I weighed above the poor soul in the  Charles Atlas ad about the 98# weakling, but a weakling I'd become.  The big (for me) Guzzis went on Craigslist San Diego and sold immediately, sparing me from second thought anxieties about whether or not to sell them.  It was time, and both bikes sold to owners with long Guzzi histories. 

I drifted to smaller, lighter bikes; a Suzuki DR-650,  a Honda 500 twin and finally a new '21 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 (the latter lightened by almost 30# by a light exhaust and removal of passenger footrests, grab rail and center stand).  The partnership with these bikes was pleasant enough, but was more like a series of one-night stands, rather than the committed relationship I had with the Stones and long before them the 850-T.  I was able to ride, but as BB intoned, "the thrill was gone".  I kept the Honda and the Enfield as they are very good bikes, but lack something important to me.

A large portion of my distress came from no longer being a true member of this forum, so abtly crafted and  managed by Luap and his henchmen Dusty and Rocker.  I lurked a few times over the years, but always came away unsatisfied with my "outsider" status.  I corresponded a few times with Dusty about our mutual love of professional flat track racing, but never beyond that.  No more of Daniel Kalal's travel stories through places I'd never get to.  No more of our own Nikola Tesla, Kiwi Roy solving any and all electronic problems.  No more Charlie showing beautiful restorations of Guzzi Airones and Lodolas..  Oh, yes, I could sneak a look, but the view through the outer window wasn't as clear as it had been when I was an owner, not a poseur.

I had never quite warmed up to the small blocks; the V-50s, Larios, Breva 750s and Nevadas, but two months ago I saw an ad in Austin Craigslist for a Breva 750.  It had very low miles and was priced remarkably low, but was gone almost before I could pick up the phone.  I liked the looks and searched for the curb weight, which I learned was a tick over 440#, which is what my lightened Royal Enfield 650 weighs.  "I can handle that" I mused.  "It's a really nice looking bike, too".  The candle of interest had been lighted and like a moth to the flame I made a decision to find a really nice Breva 750. 

Having bought both my Stone Touring hydros from ads placed by MGNOC members, I decided to advertise in the WGC "Swap Meet" and soon had several responses, although none locally.  John in WI and Mike in NY had the two prime contenders for my affection and I bought John Hemenway's immaculate and "loaded" 2004 in various shades of dark and light grey; understated elegance.  It arrived recently and I'm understandably in a committed relationship again. 

It's been a long and difficult 5 year separation, but it's good to be back.

Ralph

. 

[drdwb]

Welcome back Ralph. My wife has a V11 Stone also, but a few years back we found a very nice 04 750 Breva, both she and I love the lighter bike for many reasons. She has no problem keeping up with me on my Norge or EV when touring or just short 100 mile day rides. Have you noticed how quickly the Breva accelerates 0 to 90 in a heart beat or two. Enjoy your new ride and return to the inside of the wild and wacky suspender group.

[tazio]

Tough As Nails 

[Ncdan]

Welcome back Sir.

[nick949]

Great inspiring story, and beautifully written - thanks and congratulations.

Nick

[ohiorider]

Wonderful!  Glad you've found the 750 Breva.  A good riding friend went from a much larger BMW boxer twin RT to a 750 Breva and never looked back. 

We made several multi-day rides, Denny on the small Breva and me on either the R100GS or Guzzi 1200 Sport.  I don't recall any time the Breva wasn't able to keep up ....... more often than not, I had a hard time keeping up thru the twisties.

I've had to scale down on size and weight, too.  Happy to hear the 750 is working for you.  Might be a possible option for me, too.

Bob

[jrt]

The Breva 750 is a great bike! Very well balanced and a pleasure to drive. Hope you enjoy many miles on it. 

[Tom]

Congrats!

[Shorty]

Howdy, Ralph!

[Dharma Bum]

I came to the same conclusion two years ago and you have a full ten years on me. I have just enough room between our house and our CRV to slip my Breva into to fit under the carport and have to back it out on a downslope. No way could I have managed that with my Cali safely. I think the Baby Breva is the best kept secret for Guzzi enthusiasts of a certain age

[bottler]

Ralph,

That is such a great story, thank you for showing us what might be possible down the track.
May you enjoy your Breva for many years to come!

Best wishes

Bottler

[Stretch]

Good for you, man!     

Lotta folks are pushing up daisies at your age......

You've got 20 years on me, and I wonder how long I'll be able to
ride the Rocket iii Touring and the big Cali touring. I'll just have to
try to stay in shape......     

                                                    -Stretch

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

Great Report, Ralph! Welcome home, that baby breva looks like it fits you like a glove.

[GMies]

All the best to you Ralph !

https://www.facebook.com/groups/breva750

[krglorioso]

Good for you, man!     

Lotta folks are pushing up daisies at your age......

You've got 20 years on me, and I wonder how long I'll be able to
ride the Rocket iii Touring and the big Cali touring. I'll just have to
try to stay in shape......     

                                                    -Stretch

Stretch; 10 years ago my then boss was riding a Rocket III and asked me if I'd like to ride it.  Boy, I couldn't scuttle away fast enough from that "opportunity"!   He's 15 years younger than I and at 6' 2" and over 200#, he could tame the beast, but I might as well have ridden a Brahma bull in the rodeo!   That was a beautiful bike.  I remember a lot of pundits were astonished that Triumph would field such a big 'un, but I read that the model's first year production sold out almost as soon as it came on the market.  Who knew?
Rai=

[krglorioso]

Ralph,

That is such a great story, thank you for showing us what might be possible down the track.
May you enjoy your Breva for many years to come!

Best wishes

Bottler

Bottler:  Bungendore....Bunge ndore....I recall some years ago a knowledgeable and opinionated (good!) gent from that town said that the 2003-2004 Guzzi 1100 "hydros" when properly sorted by 2 recalls were the finest engines Guzzi ever produced.  I owned two of them and to this day believe he was right on the money. I sure miss my two hydros. 

Ralph

[tris]

I think that my Breva 1100 was the ultimate mile munched and just a fantastic bike

However heavy weight, short legs and a gravel drive conspired against it.

So with a big  (60) birthday last year I decided that a change was needed so enter  the V9 Roamer

Light and low perfect

[Muzz]

I ordered my Breva in 2003 Ralph, it arrived January 2004.  I love it.  it does everything I need it to do, and when it comes to the twisties it really puts a smile on my dial!

[bottler]

Bottler:  Bungendore....Bunge ndore....I recall some years ago a knowledgeable and opinionated (good!) gent from that town said that the 2003-2004 Guzzi 1100 "hydros" when properly sorted by 2 recalls were the finest engines Guzzi ever produced.  I owned two of them and to this day believe he was right on the money. I sure miss my two hydros. 

Ralph

You would be referring to Pete Roper, who also lives in Bungendore. However, he knows more about Guzzis than I ever will!

[pebra]

Hi, congratulations - that was a wonderful and most uplifting story ! (I'm 71  )

Those baby Brevas are stunningly beautiful bikes  -  wishing you many happy years and miles on it!