MotorBikes: Moto Guzzi BrevaDespite taking a spill in the mountains, Conor Twomeywas impressed with the strength of the Breva as it bounced back
If you're going to crash a motorbike, try to do the following three things: firstly, make sure you have a proper set of leathers on. Secondly, have a nice soft verge to slither in to. Thirdly, try to do it while riding a Moto Guzzi Breva 750.
If you follow that simple advice, not only will you come home to your family with little more than a few bruises, you also won't be too badly out of pocket either. Even though my Spadas aren't the most expensive leathers ever, they did a remarkable job of protecting me when I hit the road hard, having high-sided Moto Guzzi Dublin's new baby-blue Breva 750. It wasn't until I inspected them a few days later than I noticed scuffing on many of the padded areas - the elbows and knees, for example - indicating I'd hit the road a lot harder than I'd realised.
Similarly, when I went back to inspect the scene of the crash on my test route in the Wicklow mountains, I discovered that a few feet on either side of the grass verge where I ended up, there are some rather solid looking trees, so there was definitely an element of luck involved in the way I came off.
But what was most interesting was the condition of the Breva - even though it got slammed off the ground rather unceremoniously, it sustained only a bent bar and pegs, a scuffed exhaust pipe and a torn spark plug lead. There was no bodywork damage, no lights were broken and I was even able to fire it up and ride it to a safer location after the spill, such is the impressive robustness of its construction.
Up to that point, the Breva and I were getting along just fine. Moto Guzzi's entry-level bike might have a large capacity engine and look like a big, bad bruiser of a bike, but it's really something of a kitten to ride. The V-Twin engine's modest power output and relaxed torque delivery mean its it doesn't take long to come to terms with the amount of performance available.
It might have a capacity of 744cc but it's an air-cooled, two-valve, pushrod engine that's been tuned for long life and hardiness rather than outright power, so its 48hp and 54Nm isn't exactly stellar given the considerable size of the engine. That said, it does have sharp throttle, a positive gearbox and a light clutch, so getting the most from it isn't difficult, provided you don't waste your time pinning the needle to the redline.
The low centre of gravity, its responsive and torquey engine, narrow handlebars and super-light controls make the Breva an ideal commuting tool, though that's not to imply it's not competent elsewhere, as well. I was surprised at how well it coped on the motorway (the small optional screen - undamaged in the crash as well - really helped smooth out airflow without ruining the naked look of the Breva), chugging along happily at 120km/h with a little kept in reserve for overtaking spurts when needed.
On country roads it's also surprisingly engaging; its Italian origins showing through in the way it dives into corners, although it's also quite stable and refined along badly-surfaced roads.
You have to work the engine hard to maintain progress and while the Brembo brakes are excellent, the tyres are quite narrow, so there isn't as much grip as you might anticipate.
Ultimately, of course, the Breva is an entry-level motorbike, and while it is a fun bike to scoot around on, it's not a sportsbike, as I discovered. My overconfidence, combined with less than ideal conditions, were the cause of my crash, and I really can't blame the Breva for my misinterpretation of the laws of physics.
In fact, having seen how well it held up, I'm more impressed now. Not only is it a good looking and up-market machine (in red or black, at any rate), it's reasonably priced, quick and agile enough to be fun, and a whole lot tougher than it looks.
Factfile
ENGINE: 744cc air-cooled, pushrod, four-stroke V-twin
POWER AND TORQUE: 48hp at 6,800 rpm, 54Nm at 3,600rpm
PERFORMANCE: 169km/h top speed, 0-100km/h in 5.8 secs (approx)
TRANSMISSION: five-speed gearbox, dry clutch
FRAME: Detachable tubular duplex cradle, high-strength steel
DIMENSIONS: length: 2,170mm, width: 730mm, seat height: 790mm, wheelbase: 1,449mm
WEIGHT: 182kg (dry)
SUSPENSION: front - 40mm Marzocchi forks. Rear - cast alloy swingarm, adjustable dampers
WHEELS: three-spoke alloy wheels, 17-inch front and rear
TYRES: front - 110/70 17 54 H; rear - 130/80 17 65 H
BRAKES: four-piston Brembo Serie Oro front callipers, single 320mm front disc; twin-piston Brembo calliper, 260mm single rear disc
PRICE: €9,299