Moto Guzzi Breva 1200

Great All Rounder – This is the best bike I have ever owned. A very well rounded package, it does everything well without being outstanding in any particular way. It has more than adequate power for two up touring. It is comfortable for long trips. I have done a 6,000km tour with up to 700 km days without trouble. The accessory luggage is very commodious with the top box and panniers holding enough for a two week camping trip without the need to strap on luggage.

Braking is powerful although initial bite is mild. Add a little pressure and all is fine.

Handling is a strong point. Turn in is like a much smaller bike. The engine is a gem. Moderate power is compensated for by loads of torque. This is a bike you can ride in a very relaxed manner but roll the throttle on and acceleration is strong, linear and smooth. Guzzis are different. Mine always attracts attention as it is a good looking bike in the metal. The engine exhaust note sounds gorgeous. I have put 65,000 km on this bike. It is very cheap to service. Major services are a fraction of the cost of other brands of a similar capacity. After a small number of little warranty issues that were fixed immediately the bike has been trouble free and reliable. This Guzzi has well and truly converted me to the marque.

Real Motorcycle – When you first sit on the Breva 1200 and start the engine you feel like you are astride a "real" motorcycle. Just how a motorcycle (especially a big twin) should feel. When you engage the cluth and take off for the first time those initial feelings just seem to grow. Feels great, looks great, sounds great, handles great, stops great. In summary it does everything extermely well without being outstanding in any one area and without doing anything poorly. Just a great all round naked motorcycle. May not suit the younger sportier brigade as the power is not comparable to some similar size naked bikes but for the mature rider who rides just for the shear pleasure of being on a great motorcycle that has more characture than 10 BMW's put together you will be in motorcycle heaven. I gave my BMW R1150R to my son. Just love the Guzzi. Characture, feel, looks, handling, sound, riding position and very good fuel consumption. Dicky fuel gage and no center stand.

Naked tourer: yet part sports-tourer, part cruiser? – First impressions were how comfortable, both myself and my passenger were, how easy to change line, brake, and how torquey the motor was, and how light the new Guzzi gearbox is compared to a Le Mans 111 I used to ride and the 2000 Cali I test rode before trying the Breva. I bought it new, have done just over 20,000 ks, and have had two warranty claims to make, sorted by Guzzi: having a faulty fuel gauge sender and gear shift lever. This bike is unique, not just with it's styling, and offers the best of the Guzzi riding experience: great l-twin character, great handling,versatile, factory offered accessories/options, of heated hand grips, factory panniers, top boxes (2), tank cover and bag, centre stand and windscreen, none of which detract from a special looking modern classic of a bike. Value as a solid naked tourer, comfortable,styling, l-twin, handling, braking so easy (abs), Just unsure about spares and service backup, having a small dealer network in Aus, that's all