2015 EICMA: MV Agusta Brutale 800
When a press release for one of our favorite motorcycles starts with “The New Brutale 800 changes completely to remain loyal to itself,” we can’t help but think, “OK, MV Agusta, we’re pretty immune to hyperbole here at MO, but you’ve certainly piqued our interests.” Last week, a leaked video had already stirred the Brutale 800 pot. So, the time has come to find out what MV has up its sleeve?
2013 MV Agusta Brutale 800 Review
Well, it looks to be quite a lot, actually.
Visually, the front end has been radically reshaped with an elliptical sculpted LED headlight. Not to be outdone, the back of the Brutale 800 features a uniquely shaped alloy saddle chassis sporting a dual saddle with hidden passenger grab rails. The tail of the bike receives the full LED treatment, as well. Between the stylish front and rear lies a trapezoidal tank which retains its 4.4 gallon capacity and integrated airbox – all of which combine to produce an aggressive profile.
The chassis has been updated with a 0.8-in. longer wheelbase, now 55.1 in. Additionally, the trail has grown to 4.1 in. (a 0.3 in. bump). The frame’s ALS steel tubing mates with aluminium alloy clamps in the rear area of the pivot of the single swingarm. Surprisingly, the troubled suspension company, Marzocchi, supplied the 43 mm, 4.9 in. travel, inverted fork. A Sachs shock makes sure the rear Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tire stays in contact with the pavement.
The engine, with its counterrotating crankshaft received some notable updates. Somehow, MV’s engineers managed to deliver 116 hp at 11,500 rpm plus a 25% increase in torque to 61 lb-ft at 7,600 rpm while still meeting the Euro 4 emissions standards. Just for yuks, they made 90% of the torque available at 3,800 rpm. The reshaped and newly capacious exhaust (now 3L in volume) no doubt had something to do with the torque increase. The new hydraulic clutch is a nice touch, but it won’t get as much use thanks to the new electronic EAS 2.0 up-and-down gear shift. The engine’s management duties are handled by the MVICS system for the ride-by-wire throttle and an 8 setting traction control.
Brembo provides the brakes. Dual 320 mm floating discs are gripped by four-piston calipers in the front. A two-piston caliper and a 220 mm disc take care of the rear wheel. Standard ABS is provided by a Bosch ABS 9 Plus control unit.
Colors will be: Ice Pearl White/ Matt Metallic Graphite, Red/Matt Silver, and Black Matt Metallic/Matt Silver.
Like most of the best happenings in his life, Evans stumbled into his motojournalism career. While on his way to a planned life in academia, he applied for a job at a motorcycle magazine, thinking he’d get the opportunity to write some freelance articles. Instead, he was offered a full-time job in which he discovered he could actually get paid to ride other people’s motorcycles – and he’s never looked back. Over the 25 years he’s been in the motorcycle industry, Evans has written two books, 101 Sportbike Performance Projects and How to Modify Your Metric Cruiser, and has ridden just about every production motorcycle manufactured. Evans has a deep love of motorcycles and believes they are a force for good in the world.
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Love that black with red frame color scheme; absolutely beautiful bike. Seems like they have tamed the geometry and made the power delivery less peaky. I feel like MV is trying to turn this bike into an every day rider instead of a rabid animal that flings into corners and explodes out of them at the edge of control. Anxiously awaiting ride report and demo models to ride at the Duc/MV dealer!
Yes, mouth watering looks, but only good as a display in some rich person's lounge room (or wherever rich people lounge around)? A mate bought the first version of this model and stressed out every time he rode it as a glitch in the electronics caused it to refuse to start on many occasions. Has anyone ever done a long term test on these things? I guess if it won't start, you can sit back and enjoy its looks while waiting for help to arrive.