MOTO-GUZZI NEVADA 750 (1991-2012) Review

I'm old and short. I've had dozens of bikes in my long biking career, but I thought I'd have one final sensible fling. The bike had to have a low seat height because I have trouble lifting my leg over (don't laugh, it's serious). Also it had to carry her indoors on summery evening gallops over the French countryside. These requirements narrowed my choice down to a toss-up between a Yamaha Virago 1100 and a Moto Guzzi 750 (maybe a 'Stone' or a 'Nevada') - a Harley V-Rod would be nice but moths in wallet ruled it out. In the end I plumped for a 3700kms Nevada for €3500 from a charming lady rider. No regrets.

The Guzzi Nevada (and Nevada Classic ie which is the current 2007 model) must be just about the most under-rated bike on the planet. I have the Touring model with fuel injection and tasty crash bars, Guzzi hard panniers and a screen. The 750 V twin is surprisingly smooth with the only vibes kicking in at the top rev range, which isn't worth using anyway because peak torque is around 3500 to 5000 rpm. The riding position for those under 5 feet 11 inches is just about perfect, with a comfy seat, bars that the hands fall on completely naturally, with no wrist or elbow ache at all. The pegs are not too far forward or back. In a word: Excellent. Now here's the surprise: For me it handles BETTER than my previous bike - a Kawasaki ER6F! There's a little adjustment available for the rear shock and after a bit of tweaking the little Nevada corners better, brakes better, is more stable over white lines, cats eyes and drain covers and though the 48 HP is not stella it is enough to have a lot of fun on the twisties and you can tour all day at a comfortable 80-85 mph. I personally love the tear drop tank and general shape though the screen slightly spoils the classic Guzzi lines. Strengths: Beautifully balanced handling, comfortable, reliable and full of character, plus very smooth throttle. Weaknesses: You have to keep on top of the cleaning as some of the silver coated plastics can show pitting and the shiny bits can rust if you don't keep them spotless. I have no idea why some bikers write-off these lovely machines. OK the technology is not cutting edge but this bike has bags of character and is a joy to ride. Sports bike junkies need not apply but for sensible riding this is the most fun you can have with a semi-cruiser which is lighter and more flickable than any Harley or heavy lump cruiser by the Japs.