Moto Guzzi 750 Breva Rear Wheel Removal & Refit

This week I remove the rear wheel on our Moto Guzzi 750 Breva and get a new tyre fitted.

[@Sutton822]

What I did with mine when I put it back in was place the wheel back in the swingarm, then temporarily slide the axle back in so that the spline and crush drive rubbers are all in line. Don't put the spacer or caller mount back in yet. This gives you plenty of space to engage the splines in the gaps in the rubbers, then slide the wheel along the axle 'til it's snug on the hub. I then used a spring clamp (string would do) to hold the wheel against the hub, slide the axle back out, refit spacer and caller mount, put axle back in. Job done.

[@Sutton822]

*caliper mount. Bloody spell check!

[@michaelmaxwell568]

This is brilliant! I'm going to try this in the morning when I put the wheel back on. Pints are on me if this works.

[@MikesMachines]

Nice tip!

[@billycaspersghost7528]

I`ve just done the same on my V7. I could not have managed without this method, and I`m glad I remember reading your comment over a year back. My cush rubbers seemed not so much to fall out easily as leap purposefully as a hell bent lemming, so without an extra pair of arms I would have had no chance if the wheel wasn`t located by the axle. I am going to look at bonding the rubbers in and maybe making a locating axle pin that can be driven out by the real one after engaging the wheel. String is good too.

[@geoffg46]

Firstly Mike, thanks for the vids you have made , incredibly helpful and are now an integral part of my Breva ownership . A tip to get that pita rear wheel on, after a good half hour of trying, I used a piece of 15mm copper pipe as a temporary axle once I removed the left shock competely, this allows you to see and line up the paddles of the cush drive with the gaps in the rubbers and then the wheel just pushes straight on, remove copper pipe and reassemble.

[@donalfredisaac]

I changed my rear tire 3 days ago with great difficulty, I should have seen your video before, next time will sure be easier by following your instructions, thanks for uploading, and of course thumbs up and suscribed.

[@stuartbutler2986]

Probably the best tutorial I've ever seen on utube.

[@ooOOBradleyOOoo]

Hello Mike, thanks for posting this and your other Breva 750 maintainance videos. They are really helpful. Rear wheel removal has always been a bit intimidating for me but not anymore. Have you ever thought of doing a video on fork oil change?

[@grahamjohnson4702]

A very well-made and informative video and I say that a qualified motor mechanic. You made it so that anybody could follow and complete the job

[@BMWGSA]

I also struggled with the cush rubbers on my V7R, however as Mike used "rubber grease" made all the difference, I put a little on the back of them to help them stick in a bit and also on the splines that mate into them, it made ALL the difference!! thanks Mike :)

[@adcraziness1501]

What are you calling "rubber grease?" What product? TIA

[@2000SVTcobra1]

Thanks, this was a big help for removing the rear wheel on my V7 III. My advice is to take both mufflers off and disconnect both shocks. This makes it a lot easier to reinstall the wheel and get the splines to line up. It's easier still if you have someone to hold the bevel drive as you align the wheel and insert the axle.

[@Motoguzzi750]

I have to say mate your video has helped me immensely, and I will look at all the others on the baby Breva. Highly recommended.

[@14landofthefreed]

Thank you from SoCal.. your videos have saved quite a bit of time!!

[@NewsMoto]

This is awesome! You made it look so easy! V85TT here!

[@ToolkiT73UK]

@4:35 you are not kidding.. I was struggling with this step too.. but then worked out that once I had it in, I used a bit of twine to ty the wheel to the hub while I was puttin on the brake.. kept it from falling off again :)

[@robinfrench1914]

Thankyou for this video - I have a V7 Classic which seems to be essentially exactly the same. I just replaced the tyre thanks to your video. I really appreciate how clear and to the point it is. Many thanks.

[@colehenderson8549]

Thanks for this great video. I need to get one of those lifts. makes it look so much easier.

[@zisispapalampidis8554]

I confirm that the silent blocks shrink over time. The rule is when they fall off it's time to replace them and they are not cheap, they cost 6 euros each, 36 euros in total The same applies to all Guzzi rubber parts, especially those that come in contact with heat e.g. the engine vibration absorption pads.

[@alanreilly9056]

Hi Mike, I have a 2002 Moto Guzzi Nevada 750 and I am NOT looking forward to the day when I may have an unexpected puncture on rear tyre on the side of the road somewhere!!

[@YouMotorcycle]

This is a great video. Thank you Mike.

[@smallred40]

Awesome thanks for taking time to video this process, came in handy when I become a little stuck.

[@chihwahli3677]

Thank you for showing. Wishlist: please show the part how to align the cushions with the transmission box assembly. If that could be added in the video, that would be swell. As for now. Nice video. Learned a lot.

[@owenpoho5486]

Hello Mike, a big thank you for your tutorial. It helped me a lot. Best wishes from Brittany. 750 Nevada.

[@MikesMachines]

You are most welcome :)

[@chrispatterson1837]

Great video

[@geneleis6111]

Thanks for making this very useful video. Your shop looks nicely organized with good equipment.

[@Plasmo20]

My current ride is a BMW F800S and I find I dont really like the wider tyres of the 'modern' bikes. I grew up on bikes where a 120 was the biggest on the rear and 18 or 21" wheels were the standard. I like that this Guzzi has narrower tyres and am probably going to sell off the BM and go back to a Guzzi for the simplicity and 'mechanical' ness of them. Had a V50 in the past and miss the mood. That or an R80GS from about 1984. we'll see. great videos, nice pace and 'human' in delivery.

[@josephvella6037]

Thanks for the vid Mike..........I have a V7 and it was nice to see someone else struggling with the cush drive rubbers !!!!

[@MikesMachines]

It's enough to give you nightmares :)

[@robertbrandywine]

@@MikesMachines Why not just glue them in place? The glue just has to hold for a few seconds.

[@siamese1414]

My v7III Special will be needing a new rear tire soon. After watching this video, I suddenly wish I had chain drive. Oh well, at least the valve adjustments are easy.

[@user-sb5jo4fe1c]

I notice you don't use a torque wrench, is this because there is no torque specified? Years ago I had a 1200 Laverda and could never find out from anywhere any torque specifications, IT seem the Italians don't bother as long as it's tight.

[@RideYourRide39]

If you unmount the bottom of the left shock, it makes it easier to pull the wheel out.

[@benas664]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@sandwaves5642]

This bike is a PLEASURE to work on !

[@torstivuorma2905]

..so good and easy work.. 👍👍

[@brianackerman2226]

You tighten the axle nut first then spin wheel apply brake then tighten pinch bolt.

[@alextaylor7770]

Great video and instructions. Have you lookeda clutch plates replacement yet? many thanks

[@brucemiller8109]

well done...thanks.

[@user-sb5jo4fe1c]

Also, is the Guzzi heavy as I have my eye on one but it's been 30yrs. and I'm getting old, but fit.

[@MikesMachines]

The 750 Breva is around 190kg (just over 400lb). so isn't too heavy in my opinion. I find them easy to ride and not top heavy..

[@caferacer3539]

This is more difficult then my Kawasaki W650. Drum brakes allowed no tire deflatation, just thought out pin out, no need bike lifter, just installed central stand.

[@donhody1127]

Thanks. A very useful, and informative video.

[@chickenstripfilms916]

Hi Mike, love the videos, have you ever greased the drive shaft splines? had to do that every tire change on my BMW k75.

[@MikesMachines]

No, I've never greased the splines on the Breva. The couple of times I've checked it's been fine.

[@chickenstripfilms916]

@@MikesMachines Thanks for the reply, good to know.

[@henryhawk7038]

Easy enough. Thanks Mike.

[@hplfd1]

Yeah funny job the rear wheel. I kown from my V7 II :-) Be lucky when having a lifter like you.

[@jaybekko]

Hi Mike :) Where on the underside is the Jack positioned to lift the bike. Also Is it safe to lift using the sump? Thanks.

[@MikesMachines]

I place the jack under the cross member just behind the swingarm. But I also have a ratchet strap attached to the beam above because it's not that stable. The sump is too far forward as a jacking point for the rear wheel. To lift the front wheel though it's ideal with a piece of wood between the jack and sump. Again you will need to support the bike with tie downs or a strap to a beam above so it can't topple.

[@jaybekko]

@@MikesMachines Thank you :O) Much appreciated

[@eddiehawkins7049]

Could you give some details of your lift? I'd like to see if it or an equivalent is available in the UK. Great videos BTW. I'm just in the process of buying a Breva, so they will be really useful.

[@MikesMachines]

I did a review on my Kendon lift some time back. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIrFaWiOl615pqs

[@eddiehawkins7049]

@@MikesMachines Thank you.

[@Guzzisti]

Great Job sir👌

[@bigwheelsturning]

Wish you would have spent more time on the rubber bits in the bevel drive. It's an important item for Moto Guzzi DIYer's to know what is going on with them and actually where they go. I would/could have watched 30 minutes of this, or make it into two videos to give every topic a complete explanation.

[@bigbird2523]

Can Breva 750 wheels can be fitted on V7iii?

[@rogernadeau7444]

Hello I am the owner of a Moto Guzzi California Custom 1400 2014 and I would like to know how to remove the key for maintenance warning, is it possible to do it at home.

[@MikesMachines]

I'm not that familiar with the later models. Best to ask on a Guzzi forum such as Wild Guzzi. www.wildguzzi.com/forum/

[@jessehalper]

Having just bought one of these I am finding these tutorials very useful. Are they factory pipes and does anyone have thoughts about aftermarket pipes for this model?

[@MikesMachines]

I have't seem complete systems but I do know that there are a number of muffler alternatives available including Mistral & GPR.

[@zisispapalampidis8554]

Wasn't that a good opportunity to put some grease on the axle as well?

[@MikesMachines]

The axle still had grease on it but I should have mentioned it.

[@giuseppedeluca3629]

Molto istruttivo

[@raehumpaik1778]

Hi Mike, thnx for awesome videos. I would like to ask you for an opinion. I recently purchased ($500) a 2004 Breva750ie. It is in pieces as it was in a minor accident. I rode it, it was all running smooth. Btw, I ride a 1971 Ambassador and a 2008 Breva 1200 Sport. I am planning to fix it and take it to World tour whenever this COVID madness ends, that is from India to Nepal, Bhutan, China, Myanmar... Korea, and Japan. Any comment on taking Breva 750 to this adventure? Also, I think I am going crazy, the gas tank seems elongated. It doesn’t fit anymore. Any thoughts? I read many forums with comments that indicates rage EtOH in US gasoline swelling the tank, but gee, it looks to me that it became almost an inch longer, but width of the tank looks ok to me. Any thoughts? Thnx. Rae (from USA/Italy/Korea)

[@MikesMachines]

You should have no issues taking the Breva on a trip like that. Just keep an eye on the engine oil level though. The sump only holds 1.8L of oil and it works pretty hard in the Breva. A sump spacer is a good upgrade but it will reduce the ground clearance. In regards to the tank, they do stretch when left off the bike for a period of time. I think it's more about the plastic and molding process than the fuel.

[@raehumpaik1778]

Thank you for quick reply Mike. What puzzles me is that the tank was bolted and there was no crack from stretching, but only when I left outside for three months, and it won’t go in. I guess then, I need to purchase a new tank. Do you know if there are any metal tank from old models I can swap with? Thnx again immensamente. Rae.

[@MikesMachines]

I'm not that familiar with other small block tanks so I don't know if they would fit. But the best models to check for compatibility would be the later Nevadas and early V7s. Both had the same fuel injection system as the Breva. However the Moto Guzzi Centauro also had a plastic tank that stretched if left off the bike for a month or so. Some owners would resort to trimming the rubber mounts to get it to fit. Others used a jack and a block of wood to flex the tank so that the rear mounting bolt would fit. I seem to remember that this worked great for 10 - 12mm of stretch. I haven't tried this on a Breva though.

[@robertbrandywine]

Where did you place that jack?

[@zisispapalampidis8554]

How did you manage to keep the rubber silent blocks on the wheel? They keep falling off.

[@MikesMachines]

Perseverance and a bit of swearing. They didn't seem to fall out when the bike was younger. Either they have shrunk or were glued in. I can't say which.

[@jonathannagatradingsignals312]

Grazie!!!

[@philipfreeman72]

Dont try for an oversize tire .

[@Motoguzzi750]

Is there a trick for taking the caliper bracket bolt off? Mine won't go more than 1 half turn or so before it nips up, or seems to.

[@MikesMachines]

There's no trick to it, the brake stay bolt is threaded into the swing arm. You might be able to work some WD40 or similar into both sides of the bolt by working the bolt slowly back and forth. Removing the axle and spacer first will help.

[@georgetrakadas8595]

nice job..!!!

[@owboky102050]

What brand/model motorcycle lift are you using? Thanks

[@MikesMachines]

It's made by Kendon in the USA. I did a review on it a few years ago. The lift has been updated since my review so keep that in mind. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIrFaWiOl615pqs

[@owboky102050]

@@MikesMachines Thanks

[@louismartin4446]

perhaps stupid and unqualified suggestion…I just bought used v7 and need to replace both tires. Regarding cush drive rubbers… could some small pieces of masking tape be used to stick them in their pockets. Sure they will stay on after installed but what would the harm be? OK let me have it…I’ll brace myself

[@MikesMachines]

I can't see the harm in it but I doubt it will be effective. Glue may be a better option as they were originally glued in from the factory. I don't know what sort of glue was used so I can't advise on that.

[@louismartin4446]

@@MikesMachines Mike, I was not expecting such a prompt reply, if any at all. You’re simply and “gentleman and a scholar” Just about to view your other videos. Beats anything from Hollyweird! Cheers from Canada. Jealous you will be entering you riding season as we say good bye to ours for 6 months!🥶

[@MikesMachines]

We are pretty lucky weather wise in Melbourne. We can ride most of the year here. If anything, it can sometimes be too hot to go for a ride in the middle of summer.

[@louismartin4446]

@@MikesMachines I’ll take that any time. We have to pay full insurance coverage even though we can only ride 7 months a year!

[@kirkbatt5282]

Has anyone noticed the R/H side suspension has completely shifted off the rubber mount.

[@MikesMachines]

Well Spotted! Noticed that just after I finished the video.

[@cjcampo620]

Who makes that motorcycle lift?

[@MikesMachines]

It's made by Kendon www.kendonusa.com

[@cjcampo620]

@@MikesMachines Thanks Mike, keep those Moto Guzzi videos coming. Good job on all!

[@djordjemilutinovich3113]

Bout.