Breva new world: the 2004 Moto Guzzi Breva V750IE.

A little more than two years ago--after eight decades of building motorcycles in the mountainous lake region of northern Italy--the proud firm of Moto Guzzi was on the financial ropes; out of money, out of parts, and with little hope for the future. Up-and-coming Aprilia motorcycle company of Noale, Italy, led by industrialist Ivano Beggio, saved the firm and injected much-needed cash to revive the legendary moto-maker.

Since that time, production has resumed on existing models, and the staff at Guzzi's Mandello del Lario factory complex has been working diligently on new products.

The Breva, named after the warm southerly winds that bring sunshine and fair weather to the lake region where Moto Guzzi is located, is the first new machine since the company was purchased by Aprilia--and the first new Guzzi model of the millennium. The Breva will become the firm's entry-level bike; a standard-type but stylish motorcycle designed to bring new riders into the fold. It should also appeal to others with its shaft drive, character-filled engine and Italian heritage.

At the heart of the bike is a traditional 90-degree air-cooled V-twin with a longitudinal crankshaft. Moto Guzzi has a lot of experience making 750cc V-twins, but this is the first one with Weber-Marelli electronic fuel injection instead of carbs. A pair of 38mm throttle bodies feed the twin cylinders, and an oxygen sensor provides feedback for the computer to constantly adjust fuel mixture. Brevas in all markets will be fitted with three-way catalysts to cleanse the exhaust. Magneti Marelli JAW electronic digital ignition supplies the spark. There's also a new airbox designed to work with the fuel-injection.

Inside, the two-valve-per-cylinder pushrod motore uses a new, more efficient camshaft profile, plus a 9.6:1 compression ratio to produce a mild-mannered but torquey power delivery. Rated crankshaft horsepower is 48 at 6,600 rpm and 43.5 pounds-feet of torque at 3,000 revs.

A new piston design employs special graphite coatings to reduce friction and wear, and piston rings and valve guides are also redesigned for lower oil consumption.

Even on a chilly morning the Breva's engine rumbled to life immediately and was ready to go in just a few moments. Throttle response is hitch-free, without surging or abruptness. The engine can be lugged down to two grand in fifth gear, then ridden smoothly away without hesitation. Its wide, torquey powerband reduces the amount of shifting needed, and makes the engine feel like it makes more horsepower than it actually does. The engine also emits a pleasant rumble through the exhaust.