MG Breva 750 into GS?

**STEVE B** · #1 19 Feb 2007

Has anyone here looked into the possibilities of building a modern version of the R80GSPD out of a Breva 750? The basics seem to be there, shaft drive, proven tractor-strong motor, lighter weight than current crop of beemer gs's, etc. It doesn't seem like it would take a great deal to pull this conversion off.

**beddhist** · #2 20 Feb 2007

Find yourself an old Guzzi NTX 650 or 750 and there you go. 30l tank was standard.

Don't know whether the stock drive shaft would be up to increased suspension travel. You may end up with the same probs as BMW with universal joints failing.

**Dodger** · #3 20 Feb 2007

Rumour has it that Guzzi is working on an " adventure tourer " .
I think the Breva is a good bike to start your conversion , it wouldn't really need much apart from some decent bags , a bit of suspension work and a set of dual sport tyres .You might want to change the front wheel to a 19 inch for rougher roads .
It is a bit low on power for 2 up touring though [ IMHO ] .
Guards can be fabricated to cover the vulnerable bits ,make 'em out of cardboard and then trot along to a good welder and have 'em fabricated out of aluminum ,they will probably be cheaper than Touratech .
If you are a Guzzi enthusiast you will have a great time doing the conversion and have a unique bike .

**indu** · #4 20 Feb 2007

According to R&R, Guzzi has confirmed their Stelvio 850 and 1200. Alas, emphasis seems to be on competing with Triumph's new 1050, not with BMW's GS1200. What will come out of the Mandello factory is still to be seen, but here is what the R&R artists are seeing in their inner vision:

**STEVE B** · #5 21 Feb 2007

Thanks all for your input. The new bike looks interesting but I'm not seeing where hard panniers would be able to mount. I'm getting real tired of everything being about "style" and less about practicality! If M.G. wants to make a competitor for the GS's then let it be biased for real use and get rid of a lot of that plastic. I want a factory "user" not a "poser". ( a hummer H1 not that crap H2 or H3) Kawi has proven that a good basic platform that isn't updated every year is a good thing, it gives the aftermarket time to work their magic. Another thing I don't understand is the ever increasing "bigger displacement is always better" mentality. A 750 is plenty big enough, the old R80GS's were plenty to go anywhere and did. Stand a R1200GS next to an R80GS and the 1200 looks and is unnecessarily "porky". Maybe M.G. could do what BMW did years ago (GS to Dakar) and make conversion parts available for the current Breva. (ie. racks , tank, wheels etc.)

**gsworkshop** · #6 22 Feb 2007

The original race developers for BMW, HPN can build you a bike based on the R80GS that will be able to run with any of the new bikes on the open road but will also be as comfy as a pig in shit in the rough stuff.
You can order the bike to come with pannier frames, extra fuel tanks, single seats etc.
Check out this site HPN Motorradtechnik GmbH

**STEVE B** · #7 22 Feb 2007

Thanks GS, but I'm looking for a much cheaper way to do it. If I had unlimited funds I could just get the HP2 throw some bags on it and call it good. I am just trying to create a more modern (from an engineering standpoint) R800GS but still keep the weight and bulk at a more reasonable level. If M.G. had come out with a modern version of the ntx750 I'd be happy as a pig in slop. I can see some of the upgrades to the shaft etc that they have done on the new 850 breva and Stelvio are really good, but the overall design of the Stelio seems to leave very little room for adding personal choices to make it what I want. Once again the "let's up the displacement" fever has reared it's ugly head. I fear the 750 is not long for the line-up, not to mention the Stelvio isn't even being offered to the U.S. (like far too many other great mid size D/S touring bikes--transalp etc)

**Bill Ryder** · #8 23 Feb 2007

I once rode a 850T3 for a couple of years. I just put tires on it and rode up to Inuvik at the end of the dempster highway. It was ancient by todays standards but had a big tank and spoke wheels. It did fine on two track and gravel on roads in north america. Make sure you have a good air filter and ride the bike within the envelope of the suspension ability to react. My old 850 would kick the back end up in the air if you hit the bumps too hard.