Thanks for your video! It really helped me with my Guzzi search. I just recently picked up a 2004 Breva 750 with 66k miles and I’m absolutely loving it! I’m a 5’4” tall female rider and the ergonomics fit me perfectly, which is a rare find for this style of mid-ranged bike. There are a couple minor issues that I need to sort out, answers to which I’ve already found online. I’m tempted to give it a go myself but I also have the option of taking it to an expert Guzzi mechanic that’s not to far from me. Having had two other Guzzi’s in the past, a 2003 V11 LeMans Rosso Corsa and a 2013 V7 Stone, I’d gone too long without one. Initially thought I would go older with a 70’s/80’s small block or 850T, but they’ve gotten quite pricey as of late. I have to say that the character of the Breva 750’s engine reminds me more of the V11 than the V7. The harmonics of the engine vibration are at just the right frequency. A sound bath on two wheels 😁
I am pleased you have found the right bike for you. It's so easy to get the first thing that comes along. I have thought for a long time that the 750 Breva is a very under rated bike which is a good thing in a way as it seems to suppress the price a little.
I find myself enjoying the engine vibrations from my 2004, Breva 750 during driving it..this is my first Guzzi, and I am loving it..the seat is showing some cracks, so I need to either replace/get a new seat cover I think.
I happened upon the Breva 750 at a used bike shop when my wife was wanting something to replace her Yamaha Star 250, she didn't want another cruiser. I lowered it 2 inches in the rear and one in the front. She was very excited that it was Italian. I concur that Guzzis are the most reliable Italian bike made. I rode it a couple of times and was smitten, it took me back to my CB550F I had in the 70's, but with a more interesting engine. But it was too low for my cornering speed, so I started looking around for another. I found one at a BMW dealership that wanted it gone, a bike collector had traded it in on an 850GS. It had 1600 miles on it and was priced at $1299 USD not including the 300 document fee. I told them to knock $100 off and I'd write a check. That was half what I paid for my wife's! I love zipping around town, to the store, carving through the mountain corners. It's so light and responsive, and more low rpm torque than a Honda! I had been desiring a V7 (I had a 1973 V7 Sport) but I can't see spending $10000 for such a simple bike, and used examples are too high also. The Breva definite was a pleasant surprise! Both bikes are 2004 models, my low mileage example has tank distortion that has cracked the paint around one of the emblems. My wife's, with 10,000 miles, has no distortion.
I am pleased you have found the Guzzis so endearing, they are a good bike. It's pretty cool you have matching bikes. I have looked into tank distortion and although the current opinion is blaming ethanol I am not convinced as this happened prior to the introduction of the evil stuff. I would check the tanks venting system as I think it may contribute to the phenomenon of the distortion. I am sure you have experienced the deforming of a fuel can with a screwed down top left in the sun. They go very round shaped no matter what they are made of, this is why the "jerry" can was developed to carry water in the desert, it then became used by the allies as a fuel can. Hey look at that, trivia (or bullshit) depending on your point of view.
Good advice. I’ve been looking for a bike to replace my 750 Breva. Decided to keep it after considering the cost to make small and dubious improvements.
I have found the 750 Breva to be a very capable machine, when you find a good bike it is hard to justify the expense of change until it becomes absolutely necessary.
I own a breva 750 2009 model and I love it. It is one of the most beautiful guzzi to my eyes. I think that the position of riding is a little bit more aggressive than v7. Sitting on v7 I felt more "on" the bike compared to breva that gives you the feeling that you are "in" the bike. Both are nice bikes.
Love the Breva - great value little bike. As for being a bit blowy at speed, used MRA Vario screens on a number of bikes and thoroughly recommend them..
Thank you for your comment, I'm pleased you enjoyed it. I do enjoy a glass of Malbec or Merlot, I believe it helps with digestion and evening relaxation (well that's my excuse)
@oldguyinshed1703 Haha! I haven't had a drink in @ 25 years. Heck, I wouldn't be here now to enjoy your videos and hear you share the joy of an awesome day! BUT, I never (ever) had a glass of wine alone. Generally surrounded by a dozen beers & possibly shots of frozen vodka? Well, it was a start!!! Haha
Loved when you reached for the glass of wine! I'm tempted to buy my first second hand guzzi. I used to have a crush on the breva 750 for years but never rode one. you can run from tangent to tangent nicely.
Greetings from Canada, thank you for your content, you are great! I have decided to get the Breva 750 as you explained it is perfect for me…..i have a choice between two bikes, one with 10,000kms and one with 40,000. The price is only a small difference. Witch one would you choose? The lower kilometres would be ideal but i am suspicious of the low mileage one. I will demand a test ride, what should i look for?😊
I still regret selling my 750 nevada classic. Perhaps I will run across another one in the near future. Only issue I had was the fuel melted the nylon tube off the electric fuel pump in the tank. Replaced with a fuel line made for ethanol. I agree with your comments , some bikes are just satisfying to ride.
At 70 years old and after 50 years riding, I found a used 2018 Royal Enfield Classic 500 three years ago. It has being proving to be almost the right bike, although a bit limited at highways. So I bought a complementary cheap 2003 Breva 750 with 14500km....with a short windscreen. It's a delicious and charming machine. However there are a few niggles I don´t like on it; the side stand is awkward to reach and to put in position; the center stand makes missing a hand grab to pull; the stanter sometimes doesn't work, the cluch need a strong and large hand, and off course the fuel consumption is not so very low when compared with the Royal Enfield 500. The ergonomics are almost perfect, the seat is excellent as well the brakes. I use to say that I own the two best bikes in the world. They are not perfect but no other bikes gave me more continuous and continued pleasures as they do.... excepting perhaps a 1990 BMW R 80 GS and a FJ 1200 in those times.
I agree with you on the Breva center stand, it is a bit of a pain. The ergonomics are spot on for me. The consumption will never compare to the Enfield as it is of a higher performance so it chews through more fuel. I do think you have a great balance of bikes one to enjoy the scenery the other to get places. We are the same age but I was lucky enough to get my first small motorcycle at the age of 11. I rode it around my parents garden.
At 66 I definitely agree regarding the lack of a conveniently placed grab rail for putting the Breva on the centre stand. There is often far too much demand on a knee joint which is intermittently not up to the job, and I suspect that this lack presents problems for some younger people too. The clutch lever certainly requires a greater reach than I have, that is something which a span adjustable lever would remedy, but I am still looking for such an option which would be in keeping with the general style of the bike. I've not had a problem with the strength required to operate the clutch. I suppose that the difficulty of operation is a personal thing. I am really enjoying riding my Breva, and although I would like to buy another bike, it would be an addition rather than a replacement.
Burnt valves can come from a couple of areas besides valve clearance, fuel type, carburation, ignition timing not to mention valve timing. I know this is probably no help what so ever but if I'm uncertain of valve clearance I tend to prefer being on the side of a bigger gap the safer.
They Breva is a great bike and if you are saving one, well all credit it to you. I can only say that when its finished and the weather turns warm you will enjoy a very fine motorcycle.
@@oldguyinshed1703 Thanks! I plan on documenting the Breva project on my “project” channel @alpineprojectsgarage and showing rides/vlogs on my MotoVlog channel @blacktop_roaming . I just found your channel! Looking forward to watching your catalog of videos!
The seat heights are about the same, the major difference is the Breva seat is much better shaped and much more comfortable. As I have said in the past the Breva is a much under rated bike that can be bought for a lot less than the V7.
Often thought about getting one. I don't know how true it is, but have heard tales of the ethanol in petrol causing the fuel tank to swell. Always liked the small blocks, have a green 750T myself.
I have a Norge and I believe the tank is made of the same materiel, I have had no signs of it swelling. I do think there are a lot of urban myths circulating about ethanol, I am reserving judgment until I can prove any claims one way or the other. as to the 750 Breva it really is a sweet bike to ride.
The tank does swell. It did on mine, and when I removed the petrol tank to change the fuel filter I had great difficulty refitting it and only could after enlarging the mounting hole on the back of the tank.
@@richardjohnson3463 hmm interesting, I will keep an eye on mine, do you think there could be any other factors as E10 hasn't been out that long. Although I was told the Tesco 99 octane was very high in alcohol to achieve the rating I don't know if it was ethanol or something else. Interesting non the less.
@@oldguyinshed1703 That was about 5 years ago. Great little bikes once the fuel injection is set up properly. They handle superbly but are "compact" and really only suitable for one up riding. Carrying a passenger kills the bikes' performance. I enjoyed the 2 years I owned it
As my Doctor says "that is normal in a post middle aged man.." lol. How would I know? I have never been old before. And may I say although I do not like it. It is better than the alternative! ;) keep riding and keep smiling.
I like the Breva, I live with one for 4 years now. The only problem it has is the reliability. These damn italian electronics, these cheap factory gaskets and seals , the small sump that holds 1.8 lt of oil... Guess what, they haven't fixed any of these in the V7!! Actually the V7 is a Breva with different costume and ABS
I have had no problems at all with the electronics or with oil leaks. Neither has a friend of mine who has had a couple of them for a good few years. We rate them as one of motorcyclings most underrated bikes. We both have put thousands of miles on them. His has over eighty thousand miles on the clock.
Had wiring issues too, the block connector under the seat burned out and stopped charging, fixed that, then the block at the regulator burnt out so cut out the block and soldered wires together.....touch wood
I'm sorry you didn't enjoy the video because you couldn't hear the bike, I did mention early on in the ride that I was using the voice over edit as I couldn't get the camera microphone to work. I am very restricted by my equipment as I do not have the funds for professional videography.
Thanks for your video!
It really helped me with my Guzzi search.
I just recently picked up a 2004 Breva 750 with 66k miles and I’m absolutely loving it! I’m a 5’4” tall female rider and the ergonomics fit me perfectly, which is a rare find for this style of mid-ranged bike.
There are a couple minor issues that I need to sort out, answers to which I’ve already found online. I’m tempted to give it a go myself but I also have the option of taking it to an expert Guzzi mechanic that’s not to far from me.
Having had two other Guzzi’s in the past, a 2003 V11 LeMans Rosso Corsa and a 2013 V7 Stone, I’d gone too long without one. Initially thought I would go older with a 70’s/80’s small block or 850T, but they’ve gotten quite pricey as of late.
I have to say that the character of the Breva 750’s engine reminds me more of the V11 than the V7. The harmonics of the engine vibration are at just the right frequency. A sound bath on two wheels 😁
I am pleased you have found the right bike for you. It's so easy to get the first thing that comes along. I have thought for a long time that the 750 Breva is a very under rated bike which is a good thing in a way as it seems to suppress the price a little.
I should have read this before asking my own question.
I find myself enjoying the engine vibrations from my 2004, Breva 750 during driving it..this is my first Guzzi, and I am loving it..the seat is showing some cracks, so I need to either replace/get a new seat cover I think.
I love the feeling of being connected with engine/bike on my 2004 Breva 750, which other bikes don’t provide. To me, this experience is joyful.
Thanks! I have fancied a Guzzi for long enough, I am retired now, ride a Himalayan but need something to keep it company.
I don't think you will be disappointed with a Guzzi
I happened upon the Breva 750 at a used bike shop when my wife was wanting something to replace her Yamaha Star 250, she didn't want another cruiser. I lowered it 2 inches in the rear and one in the front. She was very excited that it was Italian. I concur that Guzzis are the most reliable Italian bike made.
I rode it a couple of times and was smitten, it took me back to my CB550F I had in the 70's, but with a more interesting engine. But it was too low for my cornering speed, so I started looking around for another.
I found one at a BMW dealership that wanted it gone, a bike collector had traded it in on an 850GS. It had 1600 miles on it and was priced at $1299 USD not including the 300 document fee. I told them to knock $100 off and I'd write a check. That was half what I paid for my wife's!
I love zipping around town, to the store, carving through the mountain corners. It's so light and responsive, and more low rpm torque than a Honda!
I had been desiring a V7 (I had a 1973 V7 Sport) but I can't see spending $10000 for such a simple bike, and used examples are too high also. The Breva definite was a pleasant surprise!
Both bikes are 2004 models, my low mileage example has tank distortion that has cracked the paint around one of the emblems. My wife's, with 10,000 miles, has no distortion.
I am pleased you have found the Guzzis so endearing, they are a good bike. It's pretty cool you have matching bikes. I have looked into tank distortion and although the current opinion is blaming ethanol I am not convinced as this happened prior to the introduction of the evil stuff. I would check the tanks venting system as I think it may contribute to the phenomenon of the distortion. I am sure you have experienced the deforming of a fuel can with a screwed down top left in the sun. They go very round shaped no matter what they are made of, this is why the "jerry" can was developed to carry water in the desert, it then became used by the allies as a fuel can. Hey look at that, trivia (or bullshit) depending on your point of view.
Good advice. I’ve been looking for a bike to replace my 750 Breva. Decided to keep it after considering the cost to make small and dubious improvements.
I have found the 750 Breva to be a very capable machine, when you find a good bike it is hard to justify the expense of change until it becomes absolutely necessary.
I own a breva 750 2009 model and I love it. It is one of the most beautiful guzzi to my eyes. I think that the position of riding is a little bit more aggressive than v7. Sitting on v7 I felt more "on" the bike compared to breva that gives you the feeling that you are "in" the bike. Both are nice bikes.
Absolutely agree although I found they both had a very similar feel to them when riding.
Love the Breva - great value little bike. As for being a bit blowy at speed, used MRA Vario screens on a number of bikes and thoroughly recommend them..
I will check them out, cheers
What a great video!!! Love the gratitude for having a GREAT day, along w/ a nice Malbec. Well done, sir!
Thank you for your comment, I'm pleased you enjoyed it. I do enjoy a glass of Malbec or Merlot, I believe it helps with digestion and evening relaxation (well that's my excuse)
@oldguyinshed1703 Haha! I haven't had a drink in @ 25 years. Heck, I wouldn't be here now to enjoy your videos and hear you share the joy of an awesome day! BUT, I never (ever) had a glass of wine alone. Generally surrounded by a dozen beers & possibly shots of frozen vodka? Well, it was a start!!! Haha
Loved when you reached for the glass of wine! I'm tempted to buy my first second hand guzzi. I used to have a crush on the breva 750 for years but never rode one. you can run from tangent to tangent nicely.
I think the Breva is an absolutely great great bike and certainly fantastic value for money.
Greetings from Canada, thank you for your content, you are great! I have decided to get the Breva 750 as you explained it is perfect for me…..i have a choice between two bikes, one with 10,000kms and one with 40,000. The price is only a small difference. Witch one would you choose? The lower kilometres would be ideal but i am suspicious of the low mileage one. I will demand a test ride, what should i look for?😊
Ride both decide which feels best get that one
Thank you for your insight ❤
I still regret selling my 750 nevada classic. Perhaps I will run across another one in the near future. Only issue I had was the fuel melted the nylon tube off the electric fuel pump in the tank. Replaced with a fuel line made for ethanol. I agree with your comments , some bikes are just satisfying to ride.
I will have to keep an eye on fuel lines, thanks for the heads up.
At 70 years old and after 50 years riding, I found a used 2018 Royal Enfield Classic 500 three years ago. It has being proving to be almost the right bike, although a bit limited at highways. So I bought a complementary cheap 2003 Breva 750 with 14500km....with a short windscreen. It's a delicious and charming machine. However there are a few niggles I don´t like on it; the side stand is awkward to reach and to put in position; the center stand makes missing a hand grab to pull; the stanter sometimes doesn't work, the cluch need a strong and large hand, and off course the fuel consumption is not so very low when compared with the Royal Enfield 500. The ergonomics are almost perfect, the seat is excellent as well the brakes. I use to say that I own the two best bikes in the world. They are not perfect but no other bikes gave me more continuous and continued pleasures as they do.... excepting perhaps a 1990 BMW R 80 GS and a FJ 1200 in those times.
I agree with you on the Breva center stand, it is a bit of a pain. The ergonomics are spot on for me. The consumption will never compare to the Enfield as it is of a higher performance so it chews through more fuel. I do think you have a great balance of bikes one to enjoy the scenery the other to get places. We are the same age but I was lucky enough to get my first small motorcycle at the age of 11. I rode it around my parents garden.
At 66 I definitely agree regarding the lack of a conveniently placed grab rail for putting the Breva on the centre stand. There is often far too much demand on a knee joint which is intermittently not up to the job, and I suspect that this lack presents problems for some younger people too. The clutch lever certainly requires a greater reach than I have, that is something which a span adjustable lever would remedy, but I am still looking for such an option which would be in keeping with the general style of the bike. I've not had a problem with the strength required to operate the clutch. I suppose that the difficulty of operation is a personal thing.
I am really enjoying riding my Breva, and although I would like to buy another bike, it would be an addition rather than a replacement.
The valve adjustment intervals worry me.i had a v65sp which burnt out valves twice what do you think
Burnt valves can come from a couple of areas besides valve clearance, fuel type, carburation, ignition timing not to mention valve timing. I know this is probably no help what so ever but if I'm uncertain of valve clearance I tend to prefer being on the side of a bigger gap the safer.
That’s a nice Breva! I have a 2005 Breva 750. It’s a bit of a project at the moment.
They Breva is a great bike and if you are saving one, well all credit it to you. I can only say that when its finished and the weather turns warm you will enjoy a very fine motorcycle.
@@oldguyinshed1703 Thanks! I plan on documenting the Breva project on my “project” channel @alpineprojectsgarage and showing rides/vlogs on my MotoVlog channel @blacktop_roaming .
I just found your channel! Looking forward to watching your catalog of videos!
@@ech0brav0 Thank you I will check out your vlog.
Lovely video. I might just take a chance on a Breva when I get my licence. Is the seat height similar to the V7?
The seat heights are about the same, the major difference is the Breva seat is much better shaped and much more comfortable. As I have said in the past the Breva is a much under rated bike that can be bought for a lot less than the V7.
@@oldguyinshed1703 I didn't wait until I've passed my test. A very low mileage (
Often thought about getting one. I don't know how true it is, but have heard tales of the ethanol in petrol causing the fuel tank to swell. Always liked the small blocks, have a green 750T myself.
I have a Norge and I believe the tank is made of the same materiel, I have had no signs of it swelling. I do think there are a lot of urban myths circulating about ethanol, I am reserving judgment until I can prove any claims one way or the other. as to the 750 Breva it really is a sweet bike to ride.
@@oldguyinshed1703 I must admit the ethanol thing has that Millennium bug feeling to it.
The tank does swell. It did on mine, and when I removed the petrol tank to change the fuel filter I had great difficulty refitting it and only could after enlarging the mounting hole on the back of the tank.
@@richardjohnson3463 hmm interesting, I will keep an eye on mine, do you think there could be any other factors as E10 hasn't been out that long. Although I was told the Tesco 99 octane was very high in alcohol to achieve the rating I don't know if it was ethanol or something else. Interesting non the less.
@@oldguyinshed1703 That was about 5 years ago. Great little bikes once the fuel injection is set up properly. They handle superbly but are "compact" and really only suitable for one up riding. Carrying a passenger kills the bikes' performance. I enjoyed the 2 years I owned it
Guzzi owners bit like Citroen owners.. very nice… but duffle coat done up on the wrong toggle
Not sure that's a complement but I will take as one
@@oldguyinshed1703I am one too! V7iii
As my Doctor says "that is normal in a post middle aged man.." lol. How would I know? I have never been old before. And may I say although I do not like it. It is better than the alternative! ;) keep riding and keep smiling.
thank for your comments, I intend to ride for as long as possible brcause when I'm riding I feel at my best.
Same here
Thumbs up for the glass of wine 😂
Just got to be done
I like the Breva, I live with one for 4 years now. The only problem it has is the reliability. These damn italian electronics, these cheap factory gaskets and seals , the small sump that holds 1.8 lt of oil... Guess what, they haven't fixed any of these in the V7!! Actually the V7 is a Breva with different costume and ABS
I have had no problems at all with the electronics or with oil leaks. Neither has a friend of mine who has had a couple of them for a good few years. We rate them as one of motorcyclings most underrated bikes. We both have put thousands of miles on them. His has over eighty thousand miles on the clock.
Had wiring issues too, the block connector under the seat burned out and stopped charging, fixed that, then the block at the regulator burnt out so cut out the block and soldered wires together.....touch wood
Goodie!
Can’t hear the bike at all. What a terrible video.
I'm sorry you didn't enjoy the video because you couldn't hear the bike, I did mention early on in the ride that I was using the voice over edit as I couldn't get the camera microphone to work. I am very restricted by my equipment as I do not have the funds for professional videography.