2008 Moto Guzzi Nevada Classic 750 Review

Introduction

The way I see things, Moto Guzzi is far from detaching of its strong heritage, but on the other side it radically improves its Classic models in order to remain on the competitive side. And it does it successfully using restyled side panels, shock absorber covers, seat, rear mudguard, tail light and footrest. The engine can’t by other but the specific 90 degree V-twin so apparently the new Nevada Classic 750 is what you’re expecting it to be, but we bet it can do more.

History

2000 Moto Guzzi Nevada Classic 750

Moto Guzzi first started to produce the Nevada 750 in 1993 and the bike soon ended up representing the maker best due to its unique approach given by the transversal 744cc V-Twin producing a decent and efficiently transmitted 52 horsepower at 6000 RPM. Mated to a five-speed gearbox, the Nevada was very satisfying for those times. Also contributing to that were the front (dual) and rear (single) disc brakes, something that wasn’t quite often seen on cruisers those days.

The first Nevada remains best seen in the public’s eyes as it was the first to have introduced the timeless Classic Italian looks.

A year later, the maker reduced its engine’s power to 48 HP at 6600 RPM. Even though the motor would have revved higher and yet produced less power it didn’t became less effective because of the fact that it transmitted the fewer horses linear and implicit effectively. This is how Moto Guzzi teaches its fans that power isn’t necessarily everything, but the way you send it to the rear wheel.

Starting with the new millennium, the bike was called Moto Guzzi Nevada Club 750 and although not much changed, color combinations were Black/Red, Black/Gray and Black/Green. Two years later, the Guzzi had retaken its previous and simpler name.

2004 was a big year for the Nevada as it was fitted with the new detachable tubular duplex cradle frame. The 40mm Marzocchi front hydraulic telescopic fork were new for that model year, as well as the light cast alloy swingarm with two dampers. The easily distinguishable colors are Beige Sabbia/Grigio Platino and Grigio Iron/Nero

For 2006 model year the Webber-Mareli electronic fuel injection system was the big hit, and the new introduction had the “IE” adding in order to mark the upgrade. Colors were Grey and Black.

Last year Moto Guzzi surpassed himself with the same powerful V-twin engine that emitted less carbon dioxide thanks to the three-way catalyzer with Lambda sensor. Like any cruiser, this model year was painted black and the second color option was red.

Competition

My search for a competitor had pretty basic criterions which surrounded a V-twin’s image. I wasn’t going to find one that was transversally mounted and Italy doesn’t provide any comparable bikes so Japan was the way to go.

2008 Honda Shadow Spirit 750

The Honda Shadow Spirit 750 is the closest thing you’ll find to it because the bike simply has the bad boy looks (low riding included) and the much needed 750cc V-Twin powerplant. Featuring bobbed fenders wrapped around a pair of low tires, the Shadow doesn’t give an impression of being a strong competitor for the Classic Nevada, but the engine is surely. MSRP is $6,799.

2008 Suzuki S50

Another close contender is produced by Suzuki and it is named the Boulevard S50. This last comes with cruiser looks combined with V-twin muscle so we’re actually witnessing a classic combination. The engine is a liquid-cooled 50 cubic inch 45 degree V-twin with 8 valves per cylinder so performance comes first. Even though not fuel injected, the Suzuki shares the market with the subject of this review. The MSRP is $6,499.

Exterior

2008 Moto Guzzi Nevada Classic 750

What’s so great about the Moto Guzzi Nevada Classic is the fact that it has its own idea on timeless design and it is not afraid showing it.

This motorcycle is a real work of art, as all Moto Guzzi models are. In the front there is the round headlight and the chromed instruments as well as the slim fender that hugs the pretty wide front tire. Nothing out of the ordinary here, but as you look further the air scoops stylistically fill the gap between each cylinder and the imposing gas tank.

Also out of the ordinary (compared to other builders) is the position of the cylinders. Moto Guzzi air cools its engine by having it traversal mounted and although it won’t be efficient when trying to do a burnout, these maker’s bikes are among the easiest to distinguish for a trained eye and a real enigma for the uninitiated.

Now this is something that you’ll definitely agree with me on: the low seat is thick and consistent so comfort won’t be a problem.

The upswept offer the rider enough room for leaning aggressively into corners and this also says a lot about the bike’s sportive attitude.

Colors available in 2008 are Beige Sabbia/Grigio Platino, Grigio Iron/Nero.

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