2005 Moto Guzzi Breva V 750 IE

Summary:

Gets fast very fast

Faults:

After owning the bike for just under one month, I had problems with the battery. It was becoming flat after only a week of inactivity.

The fuel light is inaccurate and flickers a lot.

General Comments:

Very nice bike with excellent handling and performance. The torque is extremely good, and gets you to 70 in a matter of seconds.

I've gone out and replaced the battery for a new one, but the problem of it discharging is the same. Recommend buying a charger which you can connect on an evening, and leave to charge over night as I have done.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th September, 2008

11th Dec 2008, 02:51

** BATTERY SOLUTION**

I have a new (only done 45km) Breva 750 and have noticed the same problem - battery going flat. I'm waiting for my Italian licence (7 months so far..) so only go for a 1km ride up the lane now and again, but the battery is always flat.

Lift off the seat and on the left behind the grey plastic panel are 2 fuses (both 30amp) - (you'll need an allen key to take the top bolt out off to get the panel off it's very easy). If you remove the first fuse (the one on the outside of the bike) it cuts power to the instruments (probably the clock is running the battery down - you'll notice a little spark as you put it back in to prove it is draining power). Just wedge the fuse in the rubber beside the proper slot for storage then when you need the bike, pop the fuse back in its slot (it's a hell of a lot easier than unbolting the battery).

The best idea would be to put in a waterproof switch on the thinner red cable connected to the battery. That way, when you know you won't use the bike for more than a few days, pop up the seat and switch it off.

It's BAD we have to do this, but hey, this is designed in Italy and if it takes more than 7 months to get a driving licence changed from a UK one to an Italian one, you can't expect them to design a bike properly. But then I love this bike for the same reasons I love this country.

2004 Moto Guzzi Breva V 750 IE

Summary:

Poorly built with inadequate quality control

Faults:

Neutral light failed.

Gear box stuck in gear.

Silencer baffle not attached in silencer properly and came loose.

Oil leak from bevel box.

Paint flaking off footrest hangers.

Corrosion on wheels.

Corrosion on engine.

Poor idling.

Spares support poor.

No response from manufacturer on quality problems.

Poor dealership coverage.

General Comments:

Obviously not a well assembled bike with serious quality and customer support issues.

Good handling though, and easy to control. Lightweight.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd May, 2007

2004 Moto Guzzi Breva V 750 IE

Summary:

A good basic motorcycle where you can actually see the engine

Faults:

There is a continuing problem with the rear brake losing pressure/air entering. It has has been stripped down twice by the dealer, but the problem is persisting. New seals or a new rear brake cylinder might be required. I certainly do not expect to have to strip it down every few months.

Water was entering into the fuel tank via the void space under the filler cap when the cap was opened after rain. This was traced to a blocked drain pipe.

The low oil pressure waning light came on at low revs up to 2,200 rpm. The dealer traced the fault to a broken oil pressure relief valve. This appears to be a one-off fault, which was luckily fixed the warranty period.

This could be a fault with all modern bikes, but the battery has an annoying habit of discharging after a fortnight of non-use. The battery has been recently replaced, but the problem persists. It could be due to a defective replacement battery or the small discharge required to keep the clock running.

General Comments:

Overall, I am very happy with the motorcycle. It returns good fuel economy at legal speeds. The shaft drive is very smooth and there is no torque reaction. Better still, no chain to adjust!

I bought the larger factory produced wind screen. This has made high speed driving more relaxing as I was getting some buffeting at 65 mph+ with the original screen. I have also had some factory panniers fitted which make it a more usable machine for touring and everyday use.

The gearbox is smooth. However, as mentioned in other reviews, don't be half-hearted with the gear selection from neutral into first gear.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th March, 2007

22nd Jul 2007, 17:08

A few things to add since I wrote the above review:

- As mentioned in another review, the paint on the wheels and foot rest supports has flaked off. Probably due to road salt corrosion. It is not kept under cover.

- The fuel cap lock became stuck and the ignition key snapped off in it.

- On some bikes there has been a problem with the headstock. Mine has yet to be fixed, but it is potentially dangerous. When turning below 30mph sometimes it feels as though the steering bearings have locked up. The steering will free off, but by this time the bike will have started dropping into the corner and needs to be stabilised with extra throttle. Not too frightening if you are expecting it, but more severe when braking. With only 8000 miles on the clock, it should not be a problem associated with bearing wear or rusting of the headstock bearings when parked.

- The rear brake problem was sorted out by re-drilling one of the fluid intake holes that link the reservoir to the piston. One hole was found to be fully drilled, but the other drilling had not fully broken through.