MG 750 Breva….touring bike?

[NuGuzzi]

Wondering how a 2004 Breva would work as a tourer, I’m almost 6’ and 210#?
Any known issues with the early models? Rarely see any running around…..

[guzzisteve]

1st of the newer V7 motors w/FI, usually good. May be cramped w/hight, plenty tour on them in EU and USA. Try it out, might like it.

[Tkelly]

Some people ride bicycles around the world,Breva a big improvement ,plenty of power if it fits you.

[DoubleGuzzi]

https://www.autoevolution.com/moto/moto-guzzi-breva-750-touring-2006.html#aeng_moto-guzzi-breva-750-touring-2006-750
May contain a few more errors, than just the monoshock detail!

[Stretch]

Reviewers seem to have liked 'em, especially if the rider is on the shorter side.

                                                 -Stretch

                                               


https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/motorcycle-road-test-moto-guzzi-breva-750/

https://www.classicbikehub.uk/reviews/article/motoguzzi04060200/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MxTpJUT3BI&list=PLCTuZ3Dni_N5d7hS8Kl8DAxgvh8GOUVws&index=1

https://www.roadrunner.travel/motorcycles/moto-guzzi-breva-v750i-e/

https://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/2005-moto-guzzi-breva-18761.html

[Dirk_S]

Reviewers seem to have liked 'em, especially if the rider is on the shorter side.

                                                 -Stretch

Just read all these reviews.

Keep in mind the OP is specifically seeking thoughts on the Breva for long distance touring, aka highway miles. Long days, etc.

One of the reviews was actually focused on the big block Breva, so throw that one out.

Two or three of the others say it’s a bit compact for bigger riders.

They also mention it’s a good bike for around town and small roads, but not great on the highway.

Add to that, the tank has just over 4 gallons.

I’ve never ridden one, but reading the specs and reviews, it seems like it might not be the best match. A Breva 1100, though = different story!

@NuGuzzi - it might be a good idea to share your measurements… I think 200 lb+ ? 5’ 10”+ ?

[DoubleGuzzi]

Reviewers seem to have liked 'em, especially if the rider is on the shorter side.

Love mine, which inspired me to also buy the V7III (though I could well do without the added head bulk and numerous complexities).

IIRC the earlier ones had a different gear ratio, compared to mine, making the highway revs higher. Standard profile tyres will maintain that gearing, as opposed to the lower rear one, that I've fitted. I have the lower seat, so taller riders need to ensure that isn't fitted - giving more leg room and possibly comfort. Lowered/adjustable pegs may be an option.
200 miles per tankful is easily achieved, if you stick to around about the speed limits and don't ride too 'aggressively'.

(I'm about 5'7"/29" and 160lb, in old money)

[Stretch]

Keep in mind the OP is specifically seeking thoughts on the Breva for long distance touring, aka highway miles. Long days, etc.

'Tis true!

Missed the big block detail, (how?!) - nice catch!     

A couple of the reviews touch on that subject, but what works and what doesn't for long-distance touring
is subjective - what works for one is intolerable for another.

Based on what I've read, it wouldn't suit me for a 2 week tour with my girlfriend on the back.
Might be fun to spend a week in North Carolina and West Virginia with one, though. 
Then again, probably too cramped for my 6'3" frame. Better options out there for me.

                                        -Stretch

[Dirk_S]

https://www.autoevolution.com/moto/moto-guzzi-breva-750-touring-2006.html#aeng_moto-guzzi-breva-750-touring-2006-750
May contain a few more errors, than just the monoshock detail!

“Multi-plate wet clutch” and a “six-speed transmission”, eh? I’m surprised they didn’t mention the oil cooler needed for the 2 extra cylinders in the back, desmodromic valves, or the reverse option   

[DoubleGuzzi]

Pop a seat pad on, for longer trips (which seems to be a popular option) and that'd give more leg room. The scoop in the standard seat should make one pretty stable, I reckon.
The big advantage of the "wee" Breva is that they are/were under-rated, therefore great value for money, usually. In the UK in a private sale, they typically go for under £2k (GBP) almost regardless of mileage and year. I picked up my somewhat scabby one for a good chunk less, though since bought stuff for it. It even came with a humongous Givi rack and (45L ?) top box, that I immediately removed (possibly until required).

[PeteS]

Try and take it for a test ride first. I rode one when they first came out. Took it about a mile down the road and turned around. Grossly underpowered in my mind. My frame of reference was my 750 Norton and 850 LeMans.

Pete

[Kev m]

Former Tonti Cali and Breva 1100 owner here who seriously considered a Breva 750 and now owns a couple of smallblocks.

Now I'm only 5' 10"/32" inseam so keep that in mind.

But the big, BIG DIFFERENCE between my current smallblocks (V7s) and EITHER of the Brevas is that the BREVAs only offer ONE seating position. You sit on the V7 and IN the Breva, hugging the countours of the tank and chassis. It means you have to be good with your knees at ONE bend for a long time. So even IF you can fit with your inseam, you need to know that your knees might start to ache.

For me, even though I had my Breva 1100 in my 40's I would still start to ache by the end of the first tankful ( < 200 miles).

These days it's more like < 50-75 miles. HOWEVER seats vary on my V7s and I have ones that I can use to move back and forth on which helps.

I will admit one advantage of the Breva (and early model smallblocks) is there SHOULD be enough cornering clearance that you can drop the pegs an inch or two from stock height if you want more room.

But ME? As much as I liked the Breva's, I would consider a later model smallblock instead because it comes with more room and more capability for touring (from fuel to suspension to power).

[DoubleGuzzi]

Try and take it for a test ride first.

Best advice.

Power is subjective though and 25 years ago, I thought the Nevada (same engine) to be lacking compared to other bikes at the time. Fast forward and I thought the 900 Street Twin to be "grossly under powered" compared to the lithe/sprightly 750 Breva. It tainted my expectations of the Triumph unfortunately 'cos I really liked it otherwise.
With limited funds, I try to view bikes as a starting point and assume that a few mods will be needed. Nothing is prefect.

[DoubleGuzzi]

But the big, BIG DIFFERENCE between my current smallblocks (V7s) and EITHER of the Brevas is that the BREVAs only offer ONE seating position.

I thought of you and your raised customised seat.

Interesting observation, as with my "titchy butt" (as the missus calls it), I find plenty of space to move fore & aft and that's with the greater step due to the lowered seat. I'll be interested to see how I get on with riding on top of the V7 - I've always preferred a sitting in ergo and the sensation of being a part of the bike, rather than an appendage.
 

[Kev m]

Interesting observation, as with my "titchy butt" (as the missus calls it), I find plenty of space to move fore & aft

You must be TINY   


(no offense)   

[DoubleGuzzi]

You must be TINY   

[142lbs for many years, until, in my 30s, I got a taste for Guinness!]
Not Japanese tiny but a wee Scot that's built to withstand crosswinds, whilst chasing haggis around the highlands. 

[Kev m]

[142lbs for many years, until I got a taste for Guinness!]
Not Japanese tiny but a wee Scot that's built to withstand crosswinds, whilst chasing haggis around the highlands. 

I'm not sure I was 142, but I might have been somewhere between 10 and 11 years old.

I KNOW I was 180 at 13, but after I started training martial arts I dropped to 150 ---- I was back at 180-190 by college, but at least it was muscle that time.

Haven't seen 190 since I stopped fighting competitively, ok maybe I kept fighting into my 30's and a little in the early 40's but no more making weight class.

[Bulldog9]

It is what you make it. People tour on Vespas and Monkeys. All depends on your expectations.

I'm 5'10 and 200+/- and IMO am borderline too big for the bike. It's a fun little bike. I bought mine for my wife, but that was a failure. I initially considered keeping it for when I am in my 70-80s to keep riding, but it will be on the chopping block next year along with my 1200 Sport and Yamaha XS 650 to pave the way for a new V7 Sport.

Back to your touring question, I think it is perfect for back road low speed touring. Fully loaded you COULD take it on higher speeds roads, but even my Stornello sucks when loaded and trying to ride effectively and safely at speeds above 60.

[Kev m]

Back to your touring question, I think it is perfect for back road low speed touring. Fully loaded you COULD take it on higher speeds roads, but even my Stornello sucks when loaded and trying to ride effectively and safely at speeds above 60.

Ya know, before I got rid of the Road King I tested this and maybe our idea of "loaded" is different - but I can hop on my MKI V7 Stone, loaded with side cases and topcase, and even a duffel on the seat (though I rarely need THAT much) and it's not a problem. Even if I have to spend a day on the tpke at 70+ mph. It's not IDEAL in that I've had bikes that are much more comfortable at that speed and wind, but It's not bad, certainly it's not "unsafe" per se.

[NuGuzzi]

Thank you all for sharing your ideas and thoughts about the 750 Breva.
I realize that the comfort is very subjective, personal preferences.
What about maintenance and upkeep vs the V7? Any know issues to be aware of?

[Kev m]

Thank you all for sharing your ideas and thoughts about the 750 Breva.
I realize that the comfort is very subjective, personal preferences.
What about maintenance and upkeep vs the V7? Any know issues to be aware of?

It's the same bike as the V7 (dual throttle body) of the same era just with different bodywork and wheels.

So maintenance is basically the same, unless something is a little harder or easier because of the bodywork.

Maintenance is MOSTLY just 3-fluid changes, with occassional valve adjustments, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement. The last one is tricky on the dual throttle body V7 because it's under the fuel tank, I would think it's similar on the Breva 750.

But really nothing is rocket brain surgery.

Personally I prefer the 1TB models of the smallblock which is why I didn't buy one until the 1TB V7 debuted in 2012/13 (depending on market).

[Perazzimx14]

2004 Breva:

21 year old bike
Low power smallblock (yes, I understand 750's were once huge displament high HP bikes, but those days have come to pass.)
100 year old suspension design with minimal travel
Lack of wind protection
Lack of aftermarket products
Mid-size frame bike with mid-size ergo's
4.5 gallon fuel capacity
401lbs dry weight or nearing 500lbs fully kitted with fuel, oil and panniers. 

None of this screams long distance touring machine to me. YMMV!

[Bulldog9]

Ya know, before I got rid of the Road King I tested this and maybe our idea of "loaded" is different - but I can hop on my MKI V7 Stone, loaded with side cases and topcase, and even a duffel on the seat (though I rarely need THAT much) and it's not a problem. Even if I have to spend a day on the tpke at 70+ mph. It's not IDEAL in that I've had bikes that are much more comfortable at that speed and wind, but It's not bad, certainly it's not "unsafe" per se.

I get what your saying. My Stornello will do 70+ all day, but is FAR below my comfort level to accelerate quickly and get out of a moron in a cage on the highway. Loaded and unloaded low speed response is not bad, but all 3 bags loaded for touring with rain gear, tools, extra gas, camping gear, tarps, clothes, etc, the V7 and even moreso the prior lower HP models are not ideal.

But let's face it, it is about context. When the Stornello is all I ride, I think it is perfect. Then I get on one of my big blocks on the highway or high speed and reality sets back in.

[BMCMOTO]

Checkout user "motoguzziman"! He put a lot of miles on a Breva 750, around 80k or so. I have that bike now and it is far from worn out.

Brian

[DoubleGuzzi]

What has only been hinted on, is load capacity. Some of the fellas take so much crap with them that a campervan/SUV would be more suitable. I'll hazard a guess that there are more than a few overloaded bikes being trundled/blasted up/down 100s of miles of boring interstates/highways/autobans/motorways. That is unsafe.
How many check the load carrying spec, then factor in for example large hard cases, in addition to full kitted out rider/passenger?

I have been a little guilty m'self but not excessively so. Example: 900 Trident (unfaired/ no screen) two up, tankbag, throw-over saddlebags and a well populated rack, for a 4500mile 2-week tour around France. Soggy wet motorways and low cloud Alps included. Good watching 24hr Bol D'Or racing at Paul Ricard though. That bike ate rear pads for some reason, so took a replacement set with me. 

[DoubleGuzzi]

What about maintenance and upkeep vs the V7? Any know issues to be aware of?

Model year of V7 makes a BIG difference. Apart from the first iteration, the V7 has added complications of ABS, traction control etc. In other words relative simplicity is a great feature: sure beats belts and desmo valves! The Breva has been known to have its clocks go mental - I bought a new set more due to neglect/damage by previous owner(s). Club-footed riders, slamming the gears into first can cause problems with gear changes on the Breva. Mine takes a few attempts from cold but otherwise slips into first fine. Not too uncommon to have a distinctive whine from the gearbox. I relate it to the sound of 80s Kawasaki clutches, so doesn't worry me.

[Kev m]

Model year of V7 makes a BIG difference. Apart from the first iteration, the V7 has added complications of ABS, traction control etc. In other words relative simplicity is a great feature: sure beats belts and desmo valves!

Sounds like you're both misusing the word "maintenance" and falling into the classic logical fallacy that just because something is more complicated or has more features it must somehow be harder to fix or require it more often.

Maintenance IS easier on late-model bikes and they are buy and whole very reliable. I'd argue at least as much as the 2TB smallblock.

[Gliderjohn]

To give me some idea of comparison my T-3 would be considered a mid-frame? The later SP and Calis all had longer frames than the T-3. My wife and I did two Colorado up to Moab, UT from KS most of the major passes and used I-70 at times two up pack down like a rented mule. I wouldn't call it roomy but we didn't feel cramped. The motor was modified by that point however (56HP off the wheel). Trying to get out of the extreme heat at one point we covered Moab to Grand Junction on I-70 at an actual 90-95 mph. I have never ridden a modern small block so may be quite a bit different from the T-3.
GliderJohn

[Dirk_S]

Which brings up a decent point about service—Some independent mechanics would be willing to work on a Moto Guzzi, some wouldn’t. But should there be an issue with the electrical / computer system, we’re probably looking at a dealer visit. Breva is an older machine. If a dealer is farther away, does it make more sense to get a Breva or more modern small block if one plans to do some mile-munching?

[DoubleGuzzi]

Sounds like you're both misusing the word "maintenance" and falling into the classic logical fallacy that just because something is more complicated or has more features it must somehow be harder to fix or require it more often...

ABS is a prime example: less to go wrong & no concerns about old fluid trapped in the pump during brake fluid refresh (part of maintenance). I haven't fully investigated V7 foibles yet; should the pump be activated during brake fluid change/bleeding, as with some/all Triumphs? No evap/SAI nonsense on my Breva.. blocked filter anyone? On the V7, I've already softened the spring inside the fuel cap as a first step to tank vacuum prevention, otherwise it's canister removal time.
Then there's canbus.. why, though? Unnecessary complication, with more to trip up the ECU. Greater potential to leave you stranded?