Final Tour on the Breva750

[Scott Carpenter]

Just came back yesterday from my 1492 mile tour of the Scottish Borders and the Lake District, on what is likely to be my final trip on a Breva 750 after 21 years riding them. I still find it a great bike for one up light touring, which is the sort of thing I like to do. The focus of the trip was the Buccleuch Arms in Moffat, a wonderful base for motorcycle rides out, caters for a riding crowd, and I believe the owners are rides too. We had 4 nights there; superb hospitality, food, and route information. The three days riding we did based there were wonderful, its a part of Scotland people rush through to get to the Highlands or Loch Lomond, but for riders it has a lot to offer. The Meggett and Dalvean Passes. Wanlockhead, Scotlands highest village (with the highest pub!), Galloway forest ride. We found great little cafes; The Glen Cafe at St Marys Loch, the Eskdalemuir Community Centre (really!), the Milkman in Peebles and the Feast Cafe in Kircudbright.  Leaving there was a bit of a let down, we stayed in a YHA for 2 nights and the weather was pretty wet throughout. Keswick heaved with tourists - we were not used to that! Our ride for the day was 101 miles in mostly heavy rain with flash flooding near Coniston. Still, it was an adventure.  Next days run was a slog to Brecon, then a slog home. Unfortunately motorways had to be used. My friend Peter enjoyed the trip I think..longest he's ever done. Both bikes held up well, but people did admire his V7III more....

Will post a few pics when I can.

[DoubleGuzzi]

There are some peachy roads around there, as long as you look out for gravel, deer and sheep.
(I still like the Breva as much as my V7III. It has been up for sale since getting the V50 but I don't really want to sell it.)

[Mwether]

...what is likely to be my final trip on a Breva 750 after 21 years riding them. I still find it a great bike for one up light touring, which is the sort of thing I like to do. ...

Why the change, Scott?
Are you switching to a different bike or winding down your riding career?

[Scott Carpenter]

I'm going to sell the 2004 Breva and get a new V7 850, probably the Sport model. I put 70,000 miles on the first Breva, and 22,000 on this one, and still think they are a great bike, but I have an opportunity that shouldn't be passed up to get a more capable bike, a very good looking bike, and to support Guzzi. So I'm going to take it. I'll likely fit it out with HB hard luggage and a centre stand and maybe a small screen and thats it. That will do me until I'm 80 - I hope!

[DoubleGuzzi]

That will do me until I'm 80 - I hope!

It'll be heavier to push around and overall bulkier- just saying.

[Scott Carpenter]

Very true DG, but I want to stick with Guzzi and at the same time get a new bike to last a good 10 years, and the Mandello is just a bit too big for me at 5'3", and the Stelvio is waaay too big. I have not had a test ride on the V7 yet and will form an opinion based on that.

[DoubleGuzzi]

..at 5'3".. a test ride on the V7 ..

At 5'8"and low '60s, I'm not the most comfortable with my V7III and the Breva is noticeably easier to manhandle. At 5'4" my missus can manage to ride both bikes, though I reckon she'd struggle a bit moving them around.

[Scott Carpenter]

Well, I had the test ride and took delivery today of a new green V7 850 Sport. Yes it is harder to push around, but manageable. I'm not and never have been a paddling person - If I have to move it by human power I'll get off.

[DoubleGuzzi]

Have you sold/traded-in your Breva? Just curious, as there's a few for sale.

[Kev m]

It'll be heavier to push around and overall bulkier- just saying.

Dude it's the weight difference of a small child. 

Some years back, on Father's Day, I decided I wanted to ride every bike in the fleet.

So I took out the Duc for an hour.

Then I took out the Carbon Dark for an hour.

Then I took it out the Road King for an hour.

Then I rolled into the garage, hopped off the King and threw myself onto the V7 Stone with the same fervent enthusiasm knocking my left thigh against the bike in the same way I stand up the King, using my body not just my arms.

I almost slammed the Guzzi down on its right side from the momentum.

Moral of the story - meh, the V7's are small and light, even the newer ones that weigh a couple of six packs more.

At 5'8"and low '60s, I'm not the most comfortable with my V7III and the Breva is noticeably easier to manhandle. At 5'4" my missus can manage to ride both bikes, though I reckon she'd struggle a bit moving them around.

Meh, my misses is 5'4" and she rides the V7III with our son as a passenger....

Just saying.

[Scott Carpenter]

I will be selling the Breva DG - there's only room for 1 bike here in the "garage".

[DoubleGuzzi]

Group/family pic today; something's gotta go. 



Then they got photo-bombed!