BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

I am in the process of buying a second motorcycle. I have a Kawi Meanstreak, which I love and will keep, and I have narrowed my search to 2 bikes-- the 1100 Breva and the R1150R. I test rode a Uly and just didn't like it. It's quick but I felt like I was about to fall over the front end. It felt too small, like a toy, maybe because of the size and seat height.

Can any of you make a comparision between these two bikes (1150 and Breva), after having owned and ridden an 1150? And any advice on what to look out for in the used 1150 market?

Many thanks.

Al

I like the Breva, and while it looks similar to the R. A recent issue of Rider Magazine had a good test of the Griso model, which has a similar drivetrain to the Breva.

Something else to consider is dealer support. I know BMW is 'restructuring' it's dealer locations, Moto Guzzi may be harder to come across.

Here is a link to the article:
http://www.ridermagazine.com/output.cfm?id=1214425

I love the looks of Guzzis in general and the Breva and Griso in particular.
Quite a number of years ago, I owned a Guzzi V7 and thought it was a fantastic machine. I traded it in on a Ducati Darmah, which was a also a great bike (and still would be if I could get it running and back on the road). I digress however.
I looked at both Ducati and MG before I settled on an R1150R. They all were nice machines and pretty evenly matched in terms of performance. I choose the BMW primarily because of the dealer network - far more extensive than either of the others.
The British magazine Bike did a comparison of the R1150R, Buell X1 and MG V11 in their June 2002 issue. The R was a bit slower on the track and on top end, but handled and braked better than the other 2 on the road. In the end, all 4 writer/riders at the magazine chose the R based on superior real world all-around performance.

I also like the Griso more than the Breva.....but the BMW is a better bike IMO.

DJ

Al,
I owned italian, japanese, american, british and german bikes. While I'd buy again a japanese bike again, I've been so disappointed by italian bikes that I don't think I'd buy another italian bike again (british bikes are troublesome as well, but when they work they are beautiful).
Oh I forgot to say that I'm Italian.
Ciao
Leoquattro

I allways liked the Guzzi principle, simple bike, shaft drive, easy to service.
I rode the 1100 Breva recently, and it just confirmed what I allready knew, the R1150R is a much better bike.
The Guzzi is gutless compared to the R, unless you want to rev the ring out of it. Riding position not as comfortable as the R, more vibes.
Also worried me that it was a demo bike, and they had to put a fair bit of oil in it before I could ride it, and tickle the throttle body adjustment
It is easier if you can ride both, and make up your own mind, as a bike is an idividual thing. What I like, you may not.

Maybe not the input you want but,

I saw and sat on a Breva 700 the other day. Its seat height was markedly lower than my R's--I think I have the regular seat, but I have a 30/31 inseam and most times I am on my tip toes if both feet are touching the ground. On the Breva--flat feet on the ground both sides.

I will not address the mechanicals/performance, but will address the finish. The RR wins that one hands down. It just looks like a better made machine, better looking materials, better fit and finish. I didn't go into the view prejudiced and was surprised that (to me) it was so noticeable.

Of course, ymmv.

John

Hmmm - I too considered the Breva as a replacement for my R. Couple of things swayed me to keep the R, but I wouldn't have purchased the Breva anyway. For a few reasons, as mentioned by others.

The finish was 'ordinary' compared to my 1150R.

Too many plastic bits (as always with Guzzi) that were cheap cosmetic bits and not solid.

Fuel range was even less than my R.

Service intervals were 6,000 kms and not 10,000 kms like my R.

Dealerships could be a problem for extended touring (not enough of them).

It rode well, as was as much fun as my R, but the seating was just a bit too low (and I'm only 5'10").

The luggage system was expensive, and as much as I dislike the BMW stuff on my R, the Guzzi set-up was worse for access and mounting.

I really liked the look, but the bike seems 'short' when you stand next to it. I think the bike is a tad smaller than the R all around, but didn't actually compare dimensions.

The Guzzi is an Italian 'passion' thing (I'm Italian descent too). You either love them or hate them. That includes the one's that break down.

I've had two other mates who also seriously considered the Breva, but went to something different.

The reliability of (most) BMWs is a strong selling point.

I like some of the Guzzis but they have an even more feeble dealer network than BMW and right now in the US have a bad rep for part availablity. Our local Ducati, Triumph and Guzzi dealer dropped Guzzi. Even parts for routine work were taking weeks and months to arrive.

Of course, the opinions we give are not biased

Go with the BMW. It is a dependable bike that offers enough asthetic pleasures to make things interesting for years to come. It is truly a 3.5 season bike with the right gear and accessories. Just don't ride in the snow.

If you can, try both bikes, and that you can decide. That IS the only way, given the chance that you CAN ride both bikes. I myself have only riden the R. It IS the bike for me.

Gentlemen,

Thanks for all of the input. I have been leaning toward the R, which is why I've been lurking on your board. The Guzzi's, to my eye, are beautiful bikes, and there certainly is an Italian romance thing attached to them. I have to remind myself of how badly romances can go. I'll ride one next week but I've got to travel some distance just to do that, which argues against it. We'll see. On the other hand, romances can go pretty damn well.

Leoquattro, grazie. My wife and I will be in Italy the second half of May on vacation. I was surprised at your input about Italian bikes. When I'm there I won't tell anybody what you said.

Finally, any advice on what to look for in a used R? Are there some notorious problems, for example, that I should keep an eye out for.

Again, many thanks. You've got a great board here.

Al

Al
when you'll be here in Italy you will notice that are yes many Italian bikes (not many Guzzi I should say) but a lot of BMW and Japanese bikes as well.

Enjoy your holiday in Italy, May is usually very nice
ciao
Leoquattro

I was in your shoes ten months ago. I test rode a breve1100 an dthen an R1150. I bought a r1150. Note this is after I have owned a 76 LMI lemans for thirty years, still own and ride it. I love my LM but the R1150R was way better then the breva. AS FAR AS DEALER GOES i DON'T CARE THE LEAST,neither requires a dealer as neither really needs one to do the maintenence. they are both really reliable, tractors . I picked the R1150 on the basis of fun and handling. BTW i still have the LM but the R1150 goes out much more often.

Al,

Have you ckecked out this site;-

http://morini.com.au/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=1

It's the Moto Guzzi site which I often visit. They're a great bunch of people (all mad as Coots) and will also give good advice.

Ride safely,

Rog

[quote="DJ Downunder"]I also like the Griso more than the Breva.....but the BMW is a better bike IMO.

DJ



a Boxer with a push-up bra

I spent all afternoon test riding that Red Guzzi..it did feel more 'perky' than my RR...and I liked it...one thing that I noticed was that if you like to just use the bikes grunt and ride between 2,500-3,500rpm it's great...but if you want to give it a squirt every now and then you will be dissapointed...there is no real party zone in the rev range like the BMW..I also tried to loft the front wheel a few times like I can on my R1150R and the Guzzi didn't want to know about it..no matter how hard I tryed...The pegs felt higher and the bars a little lower than the RR..but I didn't mind that...also the one I rode had a Staintune exhaust fitted and sounded fanastic...the stock exhaust would have to go..unless you like 'ugly'...

DJ

DJ Downunder wrote:I spent all afternoon test riding that Red Guzzi..it did feel more 'perky' than my RR...and I liked it...one thing that I noticed was that if you like to just use the bikes grunt and ride between 2,500-3,500rpm it's great...but if you want to give it a squirt every now and then you will be dissapointed...there is no real party zone in the rev range like the BMW..I also tried to loft the front wheel a few times like I can on my R1150R and the Guzzi didn't want to know about it..no matter how hard I tryed...The pegs felt higher and the bars a little lower than the RR..but I didn't mind that...also the one I rode had a Staintune exhaust fitted and sounded fanastic...the stock exhaust would have to go..unless you like 'ugly'...

DJ

DJ, what would be the price point of the Guzzi as compared to the RR?

I think the Guzzi is a couple of grand more than the Beemer.

DJ