I think the Breva 1100/1200 is going to ride in to history as one of the best...

[ohiorider]

Maybe for a 150 lb Italian. Not for 215 lb me. WAY too soft and side support was another big problem. Very uncomfortable on long rides but I use my bike mostly for touring.

Absolutely not the most comfortable saddle, for me at 165#.  I sent mine off to Sargent 2x, and it came back much more rideable than stock (which was really horrible.)  What you can't see in the pic of my fully loaded Sport a few posts back  is the Corbin saddle.  Now that's all-day comfortable!  However, being a 'stock' bike kind of guy, I still ride the 1200 Sport on day rides with the slightly modified saddle, since it permits me to ride with the lovely rear cowl.

But for multi-day road trips, it is definitely the Corbin.  Who needs a rear cowl when the back of the saddle is being used to support a CorTech bag?

[tpeever]

Love the Corbin too. I was very impressed with the quality, fit and finish. I initially thought it had a little too much stitching and was a little too plush looking for the bike. I would have liked a more "Euro" seat with cleaner lines but am warming up to the looks of it. It fits perfectly and is all day comfortable. This is my third Corbin seat. Have one on a Commando and also had one on an early Hinckley Thunderbird.

[averb]

I have a Breva 850 with the optional gel seat. After I added the lowered footpegs I found this seat was fine for all day riding.
To get full enjoyment from the bike I also had to convert it to twin spark which has made all the difference to the fun factor. Performance is now much more like the Bellagio and I'm happy (for now)
Steve

[skippy]

The styling of the Breva make it timeless. It isn't retro but has that classic yet updated styling that sets it apart.

Few bikes have that sit in style but without the tired sitting puppy look. I saw one the other day in SF sitting next to  a Triumph of all things. A block away you could tell it was more than the typical bike in a line of bikes.

The Breva should have been kept in the lineup with engines from 500 to 1200 to fit any rider.

If there was one styling design that had legs it was the Breva, Moto Guzzi could have done so much with it, naked, dressed and anything in between via factory options and accessories.

The Breva could have been MGs way to a mass appeal ala HD and with some good dealer support backed up by the factory, the Breva could easily outsell every other Guzzi model.

Those who have a Breva are seriously fortunate.

I couldn't agree more. My B11 has been nothing but a pleasure to own and ride. I have toured a great deal of the western United States on it as well as pressing it into commuting duty. With a bit over 50,000 miles on her she just keeps purring along.

Skippy

[willowstreetguzziguy]

When I first picked up my 1200 Sport in Oklahoma, I had a 1,400 mile ride ahead of me to get home. Only 1 hour into the ride, I couldn't take it!  The foot pegs were too high! So I did the only thing I could do to ease the pain on my knees and legs, I duct taped my rain suit to the seat to get me 3-4" higher. It worked for the rest of the ride home.

Once home, I posted my problem here and a Wildguzzi member sold me 1.5" lower foot pegs. Someone also mentioned that I could add a layer of foam to the seat base and I did. (It looks stock)

Basically, I gained 2.5" in seat to peg distance and WOW what a difference. With the stock bars and "my new seat design", it is very comfortable to my 215 lb. body.  I rode 3 all-dayers going up and back to the NH National Guzzi Rally and I felt great after each of those days. Just my two cents. 

[AH Fan]

So ........... any idea on how many were really brought in to north America?

 

[AH Fan]

 1200 sport volumes would be good to know.

[willowstreetguzziguy]

So ........... any idea on how many were really brought in to north America?

 

My guess is less than 125.  Why... Because I heard MG imports ~750 bikes a year. Divide that by SIX models and you get 125 units per model. But my guess for the 1200 Sport is less because I see a  large number of 2008 Norges for sale and many less 1200 Sports. Maybe the Sport owners aren't selling?!?

[twodogs]

I've heard  85, 08 1200 sport models from several Guzzi dealers, but it is still only a guess.

[ohiorider]

When I first picked up my 1200 Sport in Oklahoma, I had a 1,400 mile ride ahead of me to get home. Only 1 hour into the ride, I couldn't take it!  The foot pegs were too high! So I did the only thing I could do to ease the pain on my knees and legs, I duct taped my rain suit to the seat to get me 3-4" higher. It worked for the rest of the ride home.

Once home, I posted my problem here and a Wildguzzi member sold me 1.5" lower foot pegs. Someone also mentioned that I could add a layer of foam to the seat base and I did. (It looks stock)

Basically, I gained 2.5" in seat to peg distance and WOW what a difference. With the stock bars and "my new seat design", it is very comfortable to my 215 lb. body.  I rode 3 all-dayers going up and back to the NH National Guzzi Rally and I felt great after each of those days. Just my two cents.

My ride home was over two days, and was less than half the distance you rode on your fly and ride.  I had the same issues.  Saddle way too soft, causing me to sink closer to the pegs.  Cure - Sargent Atomic foam padding and Corbin for multi day trips.  Pegs too high and rearward for me.  Cure - Adjustable pegs  that got my feet a bit more forward and lower.  Painful wrists, elbows, knees, back (did I leave anything out?) caused by a combination of a 32" sleeve length and the bars that were too far forward and too wide for me.  Cure - the standard fix, Mana handlebars.  Now all is well!

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

Crazy to think there are only 85 Brevas in the US? I have seen more Brevas than any other Guzzi model, bar the Norge.

The corbin seat is very comfortable, too damn low tho! I found the stock seat really comfy (also too low) but my pillion hated it so I picked up the Corbin used at a good price. If it was 2" thicker it would be perfect

[tpeever]

My guess is less than 125.  Why... Because I heard MG imports ~750 bikes a year. Divide that by SIX models and you get 125 units per model. But my guess for the 1200 Sport is less because I see a  large number of 2008 Norges for sale and many less 1200 Sports. Maybe the Sport owners aren't selling?!?

Yep, because its the greatest all-round bike ever made!! 

[harrytief]

I'm curious to know if any of you lauding the 1200 sport have experienced a dash failure? Would you still love the bike if you had to deal with a failed dash. the underlying question is just how prevalent is this dash failure issue?
I don't own a 1200s sport but have often thought of doing so. The dash issue stopped me.
Harry

[nosail]

I bought my 1200S new in early 2009 so no steep discounts. It has not had startus interuptus, failed dash or sidestand switch. In fact it has had no issues except for a high idle. It still has the original battery. A friend who used to own a Harley dealership has said if I ever want to sell it to call him first, but I have no intention of selling it. My son who loves the bike will inherit it when I kick the bucket. It is my go to bike for any distance. I tried a Corbin but didn't like it so I use an airhawk on the original seat. The only mods have been a Staintune slipon, B11 saddlebags, Givi top box, Renthall fat bars and a Laminar lip.
Rick

[drums4money]

I'm curious to know if any of you lauding the 1200 sport have experienced a dash failure? . . . .

I got bit by the dash.  I don't think it was hugely prevalent, but it was known.  I got no relief from Piagio & was under the mileage ceiling by 4,000 miles - still sore about it.  Had startus interruptus, too.

I do love the bike in a bittersweet way.  Put 80'ish miles on today.  Ran like an Italian dream!  Thrilled for the middle of December in PA.  That hasn't happened in a few years.

I was thinking about this thread when it first came up.  It's a swell bike, but I feel strongly that the bikes that will be revered as ride-able classics or "best-of" caliber will be those that didn't rely so heavily on integrated technology.  If my turn signal failure had been a simple flasher relay rather than a sub-component of a printed circuit that took my entire dash down the toilet with it, then I'd be proclaiming the B11/B12 platform as the second coming of Jeebus himself. 

For this reason, my naive assumption is that well cared for bikes of the LeMans/V11 Sport are more deserving - among the modern sporting platforms - and better able to live on beyond a bike like my 1200S with an electrical Achilles heel.  BUT - if the unfortunate should happen again:  http://www.cdidoctor.com/

I probably won't have another new Guzzi- but I would certainly consider a well kept 2003 V11 platform.  They've probably got their evils, also.  But for now I'll enjoy my rose colored glasses.

Today:

[twodogs]

The only issues my 1200s has been valve cover gaskets about every 3000 miles and a small leak from the oil line going to the left head, getting ready to go in again to see if I can fix it once and for all:)

[bad Chad]

Was out flogging the B1100 just today, what a wonderful way to spend an hour in mid December in Northern IL!!!  60 deg F, it's not normal, but I'll take it!

33,000 plus and have never had a startus interrupts, nor any type of dash abnormality.

[Bisbonian]

I'm curious to know if any of you lauding the 1200 sport have experienced a dash failure? Would you still love the bike if you had to deal with a failed dash. the underlying question is just how prevalent is this dash failure issue?
I don't own a 1200s sport but have often thought of doing so. The dash issue stopped me.
Harry

3 dash failures.
It is still the best bike I've ever owned and at the moment I can't see trading it in on anything else. I thought about selling it last year but I believe I was drunk at the time, when I sobered up I deleted all for sale ads.

I was in the market for a new bike this year to do things my 1200 Sport doesn't do well. It was never a thought to buy something to replace the 1200 Sport.

I agree with the sentiments in this thread. I was looking at a lot of bikes in 2009 when I bought my 1200S but in the end it was the Guzzi that I couldn't stop thinking about. On occasion it has frustrated me but I've never been tempted to sell based on that frustration. Most of my desire for something different is due to living in the desert and taking a lot of motorcycle trips into Mexico. The roads I normally travel are getting worse and I don't like to subject my 1200S to that.

My 1200 Sport as ridden a considerable number of miles in Mexico and gone across the US a couple of times. One of the good parts about the failing dashes is that I always believe it has fewer miles on it than it does so it always feels young. I have a hard time believing I've had this bike for 6 years, I can't imagine my garage without it in there. I wish out weather would warm up a touch (moving to AZ has thinned out my blood) so that I could comfortably go for a ride.

Since this thread needs more pics, here's a picture from a few years ago at a tacoria in Bacoachi, Sonora Mexico:

[ohiorider]

OK ..... I'm convinced.  She deserves them, and she's going to get new shoes come early spring 2016!  I've been running Michelin PR3, but I understand those are going obsolete, and have been replaced by PR4s.  So, Pilot Road 4 is the ticket!

Question?  Do we like this bike?  Oh, yeah!

Bob

EDIT:  Biz .... it is so true.  There are some bikes that, when they're gone, they're gone.  Others you look at and think 'no way you're ever not going to be parked in this garage, at least in my lifetime!'  They're just that damned good!

[willowstreetguzziguy]

When people mention the design/lines of the 1200 Sport, they usually are speaking about it from a side or 3/4 view.  Take a look at the 1200 Sport "head on" and notice that the Italian designers definitely designed the lines of the tank & fairing to align with the upward angle of the cylinders sticking out.

I'm not great at posting pictures, so maybe someone can take a front view showing the beauty and thought that went into the design of this bike from the front. It's a sight to behold!

[Dean Rose]

When people mention the design/lines of the 1200 Sport, they usually are speaking about it from a side or 3/4 view.  Take a look at the 1200 Sport "head on" and notice that the Italian designers definitely designed the lines of the tank & fairing to align with the upward angle of the cylinders sticking out.

I'm not great at posting pictures, so maybe someone can take a front view showing the beauty and thought that went into the design of this bike from the front. It's a sight to behold!

Not a Sport but my B1100



Dean

[tpeever]

I'm curious to know if any of you lauding the 1200 sport have experienced a dash failure? Would you still love the bike if you had to deal with a failed dash. the underlying question is just how prevalent is this dash failure issue?
I don't own a 1200s sport but have often thought of doing so. The dash issue stopped me.
Harry

No dash problems for me so far. Knock on wood. Only issues have been too soft seat, too low handlebars, swollen plastic fuel filter and crappy fuel mapping. All fairly easily solved. Bike has so many positives and is pretty much perfect for me right now.

[tpeever]

When people mention the design/lines of the 1200 Sport, they usually are speaking about it from a side or 3/4 view.  Take a look at the 1200 Sport "head on" and notice that the Italian designers definitely designed the lines of the tank & fairing to align with the upward angle of the cylinders sticking out.

I'm not great at posting pictures, so maybe someone can take a front view showing the beauty and thought that went into the design of this bike from the front. It's a sight to behold!

Beautiful bike from any angle for me but of course that is a subjective thing. I like naked bikes. I love the exposed engine and driveline and the bike looks muscular and elegant at the same time.

[M0T0Geezer]

I found a nice '08 1200 Sport for sale near me.

...may be joining this elite group soon (there goes the neighborhood).

'Geezer

[ohiorider]

I found a nice '08 1200 Sport for sale near me.

...may be joining this elite group soon (there goes the neighborhood).

'Geezer

Congrats!  Think you'll like the bike.  What'd you find, red and white or black and white?

Bob

[Chuck in Indiana]

For this reason, my naive assumption is that well cared for bikes of the LeMans/V11 Sport are more deserving - among the modern sporting platforms - and better able to live on beyond a bike like my 1200S with an electrical Achilles heel.

Well, obviously.. I agree. About the only thing that will stop them on a trip is the shift return spring. I have one in the tool kit.. so it should never be necessary.

[ohiorider]

Well, obviously.. I agree. About the only thing that will stop them on a trip is the shift return spring. I have one in the tool kit.. so it should never be necessary.

It would certainly be nice if the dashboards were a standard electronic item, much like the Marelli ECUs on the bikes, vs a one-off looking design such as is used on the BNS12, Stelvio, and Griso models.  Second best would be if the bike wasn't dependent on the dash-to-ecu communications.  And the damned immobilizer feature is one I'd certainly be willing to do without.

Having said that, the BNS12 and other CARC bikes are extremely capable bikes, though ones that might be difficult to keep running years from now.

And maybe not ...... perhaps some hacker can figure out how to take some sort of small PLC type controller and mimic the Guzzi dashboard (?)

[drums4money]

It would certainly be nice if the dashboards were a standard electronic item, much like the Marelli ECUs on the bikes, vs a one-off looking design such as is used on the BNS12, Stelvio, and Griso models.  Second best would be if the bike wasn't dependent on the dash-to-ecu communications.  And the damned immobilizer feature is one I'd certainly be willing to do without.


 ...... perhaps some hacker can figure out how to take some sort of small PLC type controller and mimic the Guzzi dashboard (?)

It'd be nice if this stuff was plug & play for us if there were no factory option.
http://motogadget.com/en/

[M0T0Geezer]

Congrats!  Think you'll like the bike.  What'd you find, red and white or black and white?
Bob

It's B&W   
Black bikes make me weak with lust.

[Steph]

The typo in your title is giving me queasy feeling

I think the Breva 1100/1200 Tonti California '98-'02 & Vintage are going to ride in to history as one of the best...