By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Naked Bike
Moto Guzzi Breva 1200 (MY2007) vs BMW R 1200 R (K27)
Moto Guzzi Breva 1200 vs BMW R 1200 R: which one to buy, and what actually separates them.
At the turn-in point the Moto Guzzi Breva 1200 doesn't rush, and it settles onto its line even with bags strapped on. The BMW R 1200 R snaps in off the bars, and it won't wobble as it tightens its arc. Mid-corner bumps don't unsettle its front end.
So which one do you buy?
The R 1200 R has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Small edge: R 1200 R
Once the road starts to bend, the R 1200 R noses ahead. Put it down to stronger brakes and harder acceleration. Your own skill counts for more than a gap this size.
Daily commuting & city riding
Slight edge: R 1200 R
Day in, day out, the R 1200 R nudges ahead in traffic. The difference is simpler maintenance and easier maneuvering in tight spots. It isn't a big enough gap to plan around.
Traveling with luggage
Narrow edge: R 1200 R
The R 1200 R feels a little more at home with bags on. What tips it: a better reliability record. It's a fine margin, so test both loaded if you can.
What makes each one tick
Breva 1200
Down low, the Breva's 90-degree twin pulses out deep torque, yet it doesn't hammer the grips the way big twins often do. Loaded two-up with luggage, the chassis doesn't squirm as the brake lever hauls the bike down. The steering won't surprise you. Its exhaust barks like the Italian it is.
R 1200 R
Upright behind its jutting cylinders, the R 1200 R flicks from one bend to the next. There's a strong, smooth shove from the boxer each time the throttle opens in the low and middle revs. Its lope isn't an inline-four's. Under braking, the Telever nose stays flat.
Nils rode the R 1200 R in Andalusia and Spain in 2007 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The R 1200 R has the lower wet weight: 492 lb (223 kg) vs 534 lb (242 kg).
- The R 1200 R makes more peak power: 110 hp (81 kW) vs 84 hp (62 kW).
- The R 1200 R makes more peak torque: 85 lb-ft (115 Nm) vs 74 lb-ft (100 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Look elsewhere
Long-haul comfort is a weak spot for both. If you tour, shop with that in mind.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Both fall short
If this is your first motorcycle, keep looking. Neither one makes learning easy.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Breva 1200
What owners say
Strengths
- Smooth, characterful V-twin engine
R 1200 R
What owners say
Strengths
- Torquey and characterful boxer engine
- Agile handling with Telever stability
- Proven reliability and robust build
- Comfortable all-day ergonomics
- Shaft drive convenience
Known problems to check before you buy
Breva 1200
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
R 1200 R
- Fuel pump flange crack and fuel leak (Safety Recall) Recall 21V060000 The fuel pump flange may develop cracks over time, leading to a fuel leak that could pose a fire risk. NHTSA recall 21V-060 was issued for 2011–2014 models; the remedy involves replacing the fuel pump with an improved version.
- Fuel strip (fuel level sensor) failure The fuel strip in the fuel tank is prone to failure, causing inaccurate fuel level readings. Replacement strips often fail again, indicating a design flaw. Many owners report multiple strip replacements under warranty.
- Recall 14V065000: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Recall 14V065000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 C 600 Sport, C 650 GT, F 700 GS, F 800 GS, F 800 GS Adventure, F 800 GT, R 1200 R and R1200 GS motorcycles. Water may enter the side-stand switch preventing the motorcycle from starting or potentially shutting off the motorcycle while it is being ridden.
- Rust under fuel filler cap Rust can form under the fuel filler cap area due to water pooling.
What they share
- Peak torque at
- 6,000 rpm
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Shaft
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 180/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| Breva 1200 | R 1200 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.5 in (800 mm) | 31.3 in (795 mm) |
| Wet weight | 534 lb (242 kg) | 492 lb (223 kg) |
| Breva 1200 | R 1200 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1151 cc | 1170 cc |
| Engine | 90° V-twin | Flat-twin (boxer) |
| Cooling | Air-cooled | Air/oil-cooled |
| Power | 84 hp (62 kW) | 110 hp (81 kW) |
| Peak power at | 7,800 rpm | 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 74 lb-ft (100 Nm) | 85 lb-ft (115 Nm) |
| Breva 1200 | R 1200 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 6.1 US gal (23 L) | 4.8 US gal (18 L) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Breva 1200 | R 1200 R | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Not offered | Option |
| Traction Control | Not offered | Option |
| Manually Adjustable Front Suspension | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
