Author Topic: 2007 Guzzi Breva 1100 purchase (Read 11465 times)

frogeye100 · « **on:** December 30, 2016, 10:37:51 AM »

Hi there,
New here and considering the purchase of a 07' Breva 1100. 12k miles, looks perfect and runs very nice but see some evidence of oil on the rear wheel (CARC). Price is $3700 firm, no maintenace records. My question: is there a reliable reasonable vendor source to send the CARC for bearing, seal upgrade? Would like to be prepared and factor the possible cost in my decision. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.
Dean

Kiwi_Roy · « **Reply #1 on:** December 30, 2016, 10:41:03 AM »

The price is right for sure, I would buy it no question.
Just hold on expert advice will be along shortly.

Dean Rose · « **Reply #2 on:** December 30, 2016, 10:41:23 AM »

Well you might start with telling us where you are located. Then we might be able to tell you the nearest GOOD dealer or repair shop.

Dean

frogeye100 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 30, 2016, 03:53:48 PM »

While I also like the bike, if the carc is jacked up the cost of repair might suck the joy out of it. I dont have a issue removing it and shipping it to the absolute best reasonably priced resource in the US.

rodekyll · « **Reply #4 on:** December 30, 2016, 04:30:32 PM »

I think what Dean meant when he asked for a location is to give you options for a pre-sale evaluation of the bike. Then you'd know if what you see is anything to worry about, and if so, how much to fix. I don't think he meant that you should buy it with a trashed carc.

$0.02

Texas Turnip · « **Reply #5 on:** December 30, 2016, 05:03:47 PM »

IMHO way too much for a bike that is brutally hot in the summer. Expect the dash to do all kinds of weird things. Sure it is fun to ride as I have over 50K on mine, but I have friends to give me a ride home.

Tex

ohiorider · « **Reply #6 on:** December 30, 2016, 05:17:47 PM »

Quote from: Texas Turnip on December 30, 2016, 05:03:47 PM

IMHO way too much for a bike that is brutally hot in the summer. Expect the dash to do all kinds of weird things. Sure it is fun to ride as I have over 50K on mine, but I have friends to give me a ride home.

Tex

Tex, I've been riding a 2008 1200 Sport since March 2009, and one thing I haven't noticed is excessive heat. I wonder if the heat is caused on the B11 because the cat converter is located under the engine? I think the 1200 Sport converter is located in the slip-on can (muffler.) I know for fact it isn't located under the engine, where heat from the cat could certainly make things uncomfortable.

What I have noticed is dashboard failure. Lost the LCD at about 60,000 miles, and was fortunate to find a dash from a WG member which works ok.

Bob

Nic in Western NYS · « **Reply #7 on:** December 30, 2016, 05:27:05 PM »

Great bike, make sure it's running right when you get it. A well sorted Breva 1100 should become available at around the dollars you're looking at. Don't take on a project unless you have a good handle on the expected repair cost and it's factored into the purchase price. My 2c. Again, great bike.

Kev m · « **Reply #8 on:** December 30, 2016, 05:29:06 PM »

Quote from: ohiorider on December 30, 2016, 05:17:47 PM

Tex, I've been riding a 2008 1200 Sport since March 2009, and one thing I haven't noticed is excessive heat. I wonder if the heat is caused on the B11 because the cat converter is located under the engine? I think the 1200 Sport converter is located in the slip-on can (muffler.) I know for fact it isn't located under the engine, where heat from the cat could certainly make things uncomfortable.

What I have noticed is dashboard failure. Lost the LCD at about 60,000 miles, and was fortunate to find a dash from a WG member which works ok.

Bob

Nope, not just the cat.

I replaced the crossover (with the cat on the B11) with a Guzzitech crossover and though the heat improved it was still too hot on days over 80°F.

I also used a Guzzitech reflash fwiw. But I ran it with and without the reflash after the crossover was installed and can't say it really made a difference in temps.

I always felt like the problem was the tank shape and trim (sponsoons), and maybe the oil cooler location too. But I expect those are pretty similar on the B12.

Maybe there are some tuning differences or maybe something else we're not thinking of at this point?

Surely it can't be all handlebar related?

As for the dash it got wonky by something like 15-17k miles and then failed multiple times.

Great bike in some ways though...

Texas Turnip · « **Reply #9 on:** December 30, 2016, 05:39:04 PM »

I'd like to unload my POS Breva but I'm to ugly to hide and too fat to run so I can't dump the thing on a fellow Guzzist.

Tex

pete roper · « **Reply #10 on:** December 30, 2016, 06:45:47 PM »

Some of the early B11's had a duff bearing in the CARC but by 2007 that shouldn't of been an issue.

If it's leaking though chances are the large support bearing is cactus and the seal is leaking. Not a huge job to fix. Bearing and seal and a couple of hours labour.

Pete

frogeye100 · « **Reply #11 on:** December 30, 2016, 06:49:48 PM »

I guess that answers my question????

Huzo · « **Reply #12 on:** December 30, 2016, 06:54:55 PM »

Quote from: frogeye100 on December 30, 2016, 06:49:48 PM

I guess that answers my question????

3 lines of text and that's all you need to know... And on my '07 Norge, (faired Breva) if it's "brutally hot", I just ride to somewhere cooler. Arctic circle works well.

bad Chad · « **Reply #13 on:** December 30, 2016, 06:55:53 PM »

I really like mine. It does run hotter than the older Cal bikes, mostly I think its due to state of tune. I pulled my crossover/cat off and put a clear flow pipe in its place, mainly to reduce weight, and I didn't notice that it really ran any cooler. I don't feel that it puts out a whole lot more heat, it will warm my shins and thigh on really hot days, but not so much that I'm bothered by it. I agree with Kev, I think it has to due with the routing of air, and the fact that the motor is tuned for more HP than the Cals, and more power creates more heat.

It's a great handling bike, and is a total multi purpose fighter! Some folks have had their dash's go bad, and that can get pretty expensive! I, so far have had no problems with my bike at all. Proper set up is super important, in my opinion. The bike, like many modern Guzzi will run and seem pretty good, that is until you have it "tuned up" by a real Guzzi Tech specialist. There are a handful that I know of, surly I don't know them all. I base this on experience. I had a 1100 Bassa Cal, that I thought ran pretty good. After several years of ownership I took it to RoseFarm Classics, a well respected Guzzi dealer her in IL, when Jim B got done with it, it ran and handled far better than I realized it could.

I'm not trying to scare you off, too the contrary. Its a wonderful ride when its adjusted the way it should be. Perhaps just an ok ride, if someone fooled around with it that didn't know better.

bad Chad · « **Reply #14 on:** December 30, 2016, 07:00:40 PM »

Oh, mine did start a mild rear end leak at the Carc shortly after I bought it. It was spurting drips of oil on the rear wheel, looked like black rain. It wasn't real bad, but it was certainly not right. Took it back and the seal, that I suspect Pete is referring to, was replaced under warranty, and has been right ever since.

twowings · « **Reply #15 on:** December 30, 2016, 07:09:49 PM »

Is it possible that someone left the washer off when re-installing the CARC fill plug or left the plug a little loose?

Kev m · « **Reply #16 on:** December 30, 2016, 07:27:48 PM »

Quote from: bad Chad on December 30, 2016, 06:55:53 PM

I really like mine. It does run hotter than the older Cal bikes, mostly I think its due to state of tune. I pulled my crossover/cat off and put a clear flow pipe in its place, mainly to reduce weight, and I didn't notice that it really ran any cooler. I don't feel that it puts out a whole lot more heat, it will warm my shins and thigh on really hot days, but not so much that I'm bothered by it. I agree with Kev, I think it has to due with the routing of air, and the fact that the motor is tuned for more HP than the Cals, and more power creates more heat.

It's a great handling bike, and is a total multi purpose fighter! Some folks have had their dash's go bad, and that can get pretty expensive! I, so far have had no problems with my bike at all. Proper set up is super important, in my opinion. The bike, like many modern Guzzi will run and seem pretty good, that is until you have it "tuned up" by a real Guzzi Tech specialist. There are a handful that I know of, surly I don't know them all. I base this on experience. I had a 1100 Bassa Cal, that I thought ran pretty good. After several years of ownership I took it to RoseFarm Classics, a well respected Guzzi dealer her in IL, when Jim B got done with it, it ran and handled far better than I realized it could.

I'm not trying to scare you off, too the contrary. Its a wonderful ride when its adjusted the way it should be. Perhaps just an ok ride, if someone fooled around with it that didn't know better.

I'm really torn because I have some great memories of mine.

Thing is if you can live with some dash uncertainty the heat was a killer for me.

I'm warm blooded and prone to sweating as it is, so the constant state of swampy crotch sweat the occurred when temps were 80°F or more meant our stayed in the garage.

The said it was brilliant 79°F and down.

As for state of tune the cylinder heads on it actually tested 100°F cooler or so than the heads on the Harley I STILL HAVE and don't hesitate to ride in those temps.

And my V7 isn't remotely uncomfortable with regards to heat in the dead of summer.

B11 a brilliant bike in many ways... But not in some about which I care.

frogeye100 · « **Reply #17 on:** December 30, 2016, 08:07:48 PM »

So tempted, owned by a friend that might trade for my 2001 kawasaki ZRX1200R plus cash. The ZRX is perfect and has its own unique vintage superbike character.

LeakyLogic · « **Reply #18 on:** December 30, 2016, 08:34:55 PM »

I still like my B1100. Purchased it in the beginning of summer for my first bike. Lurked on this forum for a couple of years before becoming an owner. The information I found put my mind at ease. Knowing I have at my fingertips a huge base of firsthand knowledge gave me the confidence to purchase and maintain the bike myself. The Guzziology book is useful as well.

Thus far, I have dealt with many of the common ailments. i.e. Leaky oil pressure, Phase sensor gaskets, timing cover oil seal and plastic fuel filter. The previous owner took care of Startus Interuptus. For me, this is just normal upkeep and part of the enjoyable experience.

I learned a lot being a first time Guzzi owner. i.e. Fluid changes, valve lash adjustments, ECU maps and throttle body synchronization.

If I saw the Breva 1100 you were interested in, I would be on the fence too. However, my heart would win over my brain and I would buy it. Repairing bikes brings me joy even though I am by no means a professional mechanic.

Bravo Sierra · « **Reply #19 on:** December 30, 2016, 09:25:46 PM »

I have a 06 Berva 1100 and have no issues and is one of the best bikes I have ever owned. Completely different from your ZXR so you need to ride the Breva. Compared to the ZXR you will run out of Guzzi, just does not have the same amount of power.

Heat: Could not ride the bike in the summer for the first 7K. Have no idea what changed but by 8K bike was fine. Rode it through the great basin in July to the cost from Utah no problem, ok we were lucky temps stayed in the low to mid 90s.

CARC: Ask your friend why it's Leaking, did he refill or change the oil recently?

Overall I can’t recommend this bike highly enough but as with anything there can be issues. I have about 12K on mine now and I am completely happy! Good luck

Bob

Kev m · « **Reply #20 on:** December 30, 2016, 10:26:06 PM »

Quote from: frogeye100 on December 30, 2016, 08:07:48 PM

So tempted, owned by a friend that might trade for my 2001 kawasaki ZRX1200R plus cash. The ZRX is perfect and has its own unique vintage superbike character.

I get it. There's A LOT to like about it:

1. Balance - of handling and power, feel and comfort, capability and visceralness.

2. Ease of maintenance. From valve adjustments to tire changes.

3. Excellent components from lightweight Marchesini wheels and Brembo brakes to decent enough suspensions and fuel capacity.

4. Built like a freakin tank from frame to motor. You're not going to break it easily.

There are a lot of reasons I remember it fondly, but I just wouldn't want someone to go into it blind. Then again there are no (few?) perfect bikes?

Nic in Western NYS · « **Reply #21 on:** December 31, 2016, 06:30:55 AM »

Quote from: frogeye100 on December 30, 2016, 08:07:48 PM

So tempted, owned by a friend that might trade for my 2001 kawasaki ZRX1200R plus cash. The ZRX is perfect and has its own unique vintage superbike character.

Apples and oranges with the Kawi. Make sure you ride it, and take some time on the highway with 3rd and 4th gear roll ons. The B11 does not have 120hp like your Kawi. It's got plenty of go, but you need to know what you're getting.

frogeye100 · « **Reply #22 on:** December 31, 2016, 10:07:06 AM »

He did just change the final drive lube. He hasnt owned it long. He trades bikes more than anybody I know. I am not a speed freak, my other bike is a 97' R1100R and like big twin torque.

Kev m · « **Reply #23 on:** December 31, 2016, 11:37:03 AM »

Quote from: frogeye100 on December 31, 2016, 10:07:06 AM

He did just change the final drive lube. He hasnt owned it long. He trades bikes more than anybody I know. I am not a speed freak, my other bike is a 97' R1100R and like big twin torque.

Fwiw, I liked my B11 more than I liked my R1100RS.

john hooper · « **Reply #24 on:** December 31, 2016, 01:54:18 PM »

The b11 is a really great traveling bike with great balance but ! , there's always a but , in the guzzi tradition it's a machine designed to test you with its full collection of annoying problems, i still have mine so the pleasure must still be in front of the problems.

John

Dean Rose · « **Reply #25 on:** December 31, 2016, 04:02:21 PM »

A great bike.

Dean

Moto Rizzi · « **Reply #26 on:** December 31, 2016, 08:58:03 PM »

Quote from: Texas Turnip on December 30, 2016, 05:39:04 PM

I'd like to unload my POS Breva but I'm to ugly to hide and too fat to run so I can't dump the thing on a fellow Guzzist.

Tex
[/quote

Eat those words. POS is maybe the operator, sorry if I may offend but I say it like it is. The Breva is a great bike. I would never sell mine. On the leak issue it could be the oil sensor or valve cover gasket leaks. Buy the bike and don't look back.

old head · « **Reply #27 on:** January 01, 2017, 10:00:25 AM »

I have a 2006 breva 1100 that I bought new.

Have had a lot of issies , all under warranty and fixed by MPH. I only took it to MPH twice for warranty issues, the last one was around 7k miles when the dash failed, the starter failed, the throttle bodies where weaping fuel, and unknown to me at the time, a bearing in the transmission had been eating itself.

Luckily for me, Mike at MPH caught the bearing, and was able to fix all the issues in one trip. Houston is about a 5 hour drive each way for me.

since that time, the bike sits with about 50k miles. Aside from brakes, tires, oil and filter changes, spark plugs, it has been bullet proof. Aside from a leaking oil sender, that I finally replaced with an AutoZone sensor, and has been fine.

I did reach out for a new map for the Breva, Beetle didn't have one, but another member did. I downloaded the Guzzidag software, ordered the wires, and did the swap. The map cured the pinging, seems to start easier and idle better and no pinging!!! there may be a slight decrease in fuel mileage, but if it is less it isn't much.

the engine heat is hot in the summer time, but it is nice in the winter time. I can tell you I have kept this bike longer and with miles than any of the other bikes I have ever owned, except maybe my ft500 in the eighties. Great ride, has all the power I need even with the wife and luggage.

For me, best bike I have ever owned, does it all. Its great to have all the knowledge that this forum dispenses, I am here several times a week. I am not enamored with the dash, the sensor keys, and other electronic doo-dads, but it hasn't been an issue yet. The dash is the biggest concern, but the new one has been fine so far.

I would do the MPH startus interruptis fix, never buy a lithium battery, and get the throttle bodies balanced.

Old Head

Nic in Western NYS · « **Reply #28 on:** January 01, 2017, 10:03:00 AM »

Quote from: frogeye100 on December 31, 2016, 10:07:06 AM

He did just change the final drive lube. He hasnt owned it long. He trades bikes more than anybody I know. I am not a speed freak, my other bike is a 97' R1100R and like big twin torque.

Sounds like a GO unless you get upset by the prospect of niggling problems that are solvable by accessing Guzzi wise heads.

Huzo · « **Reply #29 on:** January 01, 2017, 04:47:47 PM »

Quote from: Kev m on December 31, 2016, 11:37:03 AM

Fwiw, I liked my B11 more than I liked my R1100RS.

Yeah Kev, I agree (for once). I only tour with one bloke and he owns a BMW R1100S and I'm on an '07 Norge. Much like your comparison, I know on most KPI's the BMW is "better" but it's still not as "good". What's the reality behind that ?

News:

Author Topic: 2007 Guzzi Breva 1100 purchase (Read 11465 times)

pete roper

twowings