Tanshanomi's Snap Judgments

Moto Guzzi Nevada

Tue, February 9th, 2010


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1991–2010 Moto Guzzi Nevada 750
Performancewww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
Yea, Guzzi motors feel great, but the small-block version has always been down on power. The 750 works well, but good manners cannot completely hide the fact that it only puts out about 40 HP, which is embarrassing for a 750 that weighs as much as this engine does. Score shown is for the fuel-injected model introduced in 2004. Deduct a half point for the carbureted version.
Handlingwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
It will out-handle nearly any shaft-drive Japanese cruiser, thanks to great brakes and stiff rear suspension that controls shaft jacking and ensures generous ground clearance.
Lookswww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
There are lots of people who hate the Nevada's styling. I frankly quite like it. Even the V-max-esque, fake chromed under-tank air scoops work for me.
Reliabilitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
The Nevada is a long-running, well-refined product. Even the fuel-injection is well sorted out. The typical European annoyances will be there, but they will be mostly minor.
Practicalitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
Ergonomics are good for a cruiser, but lack of power and a punishing ride mean the Nevada would be a bad choice to ride across wide open spaces...like, say, Nevada.
Desirabilitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
Its a bargain-basement model from an exotic brand: not a recipe for success. (Not available in the U.S. for 2010.)
Overallwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
I love the look and feel of the Nevada in the showroom. But it just doesn't work as well as I'd like out on the road.