2008 Moto Guzzi Breva 750 Review

Test Drive

2008 Moto Guzzi Breva 750

In my eyes, Moto Guzzi motorcycles have always shaped an almost mythical aura so when I had the chance to get my first impressions on one of the maker’s models there was no hesitation involved and the result is the ride about which I invite you to further read.

Starting the fuel injected V-Twin, you will notice that it purrs nicely and at the beginning it sounds promising (not that it will disappoint at any time) through the two-way exhaust system. It is not a sportbike and it doesn’t even intend on being such thing, but the engine is lively and it will definitely inspire you confidence when intending to get the best out of it. But enough empty talk; let’s see how it feels once on the move!

Shift first and slowly disengage the clutch only to find the bike willing to become the best friend of quick take offs. A confident twist of the throttle is needed and at around 3000 RPM the motor will develop peak torque. This makes it perfect for city use and any town car will have troubles catching up with it and finally it actually won’t if the rider doesn’t take a look at the speedometer and see 30 mph and start counting how many gears it has changed. It won’t be necessary of more than three shifts while commuting in the urban jungle, but once the open road blinks an eye to you a sixth gear will be the thing you’ll be craving for. The justification is the fact that at 80 miles per hour the torquey motor will spin at around 5500 RPM, something that could be avoided when the plans were thrown on the table. Even so, I could feel no vibrations through the handlebars or footpegs.

The wind in the chest was well worth it because once I got to the twisted mountain roads there was nothing and nobody that would succeed getting me off of it. It is simply the nicest bike to handle, but what I most appreciate is how comfortable it proves being in virtually any situation and, best of all, the feeling remains the same day long.

2008 Moto Guzzi Breva 750

Handlebars offer good leverage, the footpegs are perfectly positioned (the legs aren’t stressed at all) and the seat is nice and consistent, remaining the same during the entire seven hours that I’ve ridden the Breva 750.

What I must say is the fact that this bike is very stable and confidence-inspiring even at high speeds (I know that there’s no fairing but there’s always a “but”). Much to do with its stability has the suspensions equipment composed of the 40 mm Marzocchi hydraulic telescopic fork and the preload adjustable two-dampers swingarm made of light cast alloy. Not only the suspensions offer stability, but they soak up bumps effectively, leaving the rider at the end of the day very satisfied with the ride it had.

Brembo is the brakes supplier for the new Guzzi and it is damn efficient. The front end has a 320mm disc and the rear is 260mm. Best recommendations: to use both brakes at the same time and you should be well covered. The rear isn’t that convincing when applied alone, but the front definitely is so this is why you should be ok in an emergency situation by hitting both brake levers. I never managed to worry about the stopping power and the truth is that at the 401 lbs dry weight it isn’t anything to worry about unless you’re doing a bit too much ham at breakfast. Ohh… that could have been me!

Price

I have to admit that at an MSRP of $7,790, the bike is a bit pricey, and you would really have to appreciate its strong heritage and satisfying performance in order to make a step forward and demand such a thing. If not, the Ducati Monster 695 is always an alternative as it is marketed for $7,795.

Conclusion

With the Breva 750 Moto Guzzi establishes a great balance between a bike that is destined to beginners and experienced riders so it proves having a bright future due to this ability. Styling is excellent and the comfortable riding position and seat will contribute at the awesome experience and although it is a little overvalued it hadn’t got any problems finding its place in people’s garage until now and I won’t dare to predict a darker future for it. There are definitely no chances for such thing to happen.

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