Mv Agusta BRUTALE reviews

I’ve owned this bike for just over a year and have put more than 3,000 miles on it, starting at about 3,100 miles and it now has more than 6,500 miles. For an MV, this bike has a few more lower quality finishes than one would expect (i.e. more plastic pieces, non-hydraulic clutch), but that allows for a lower price point and lighter machine. The feel: This bike is so light and flickable it feels like a toy. The seat is thin and firm. For a sport bike it’s enough. I don’t tend to have problems with saddle soreness. With the upright riding position and the slight forward lean it takes enough weight off your bum. The controls and bars feel firm, solid and just as you would expect from an MV. The motor: The triple-cylinder engine really is satisfying compromise between a V-twin, which I have owned and don’t really care for, and an in-line four, which I prefer and currently own an F4 Brutale and a first generation FZ1. This 675cc with ride-by-wire is interesting because it has a split personality; regardless of riding mode, you could ride around for weeks or months and never know you have this wild demon chained between your legs. Once you really crack the throttle (above 8,000 RPMs) it comes alive and makes you say “holy fudge!” The redline is at 15,000 RPMs. The transmission: This EAS model (electronically assisted shifting) works flawlessly with upshifts and is one of the main reasons I bought this bike. Downshifts are a bit more tricky. I find I have to be more firm with the controls and roll off the throttle a bit. The good: The characteristic feel and quality are undeniable. The blend of lightness, mostly effortless controls, sublime handling, and respectable power (approx. 110hp) makes for an ideal urban assault vehicle, suburban canyon carver, or middleweight track master. This is fun at nearly any RPM, unlike many newer F4s which really only have track applicability due to the power band. The bad: There’s not really much to say here from my experience as far as major issues, but there are a few quirks you should be aware of, especially if you are new to MVs. The tank is plastic, as is true of all modern MVs. This requires non-ethanol fuel to avoid lifting the paint and having the plastic swell. This fuel is expensive and hard to find in some states (e.g. California). Fuel economy can be low due to higher-reving engine depending on your riding style (30-35 MPG or less). This model also uses a small battery which can go dead in the span of a few weeks due to minor current draw if the bike isn’t ridden regularly. Later revisions of this model came with a trickle charger to patch the issue. I have installed a lithium-ion battery with a charging pigtail and ride regularly with no real issues. If you are buying a garage ornament it will need to be kept plugged in or your battery will go dead. Lastly, there have been reports of engines blown—even at lower RPMs—due to dropped pistons. Reports of this issue suggest it is most likely to happen within the first 5,000 miles, though not always. This issue has not affected me, but it is important to point out as more than just a rumor. Show less

I bought my 2009 Brutale 1078RR with 1,500 miles and have just recently passed 9,000 miles on it. It's an exciting bike to ride - plenty of power (great torque!) and superb braking/handling. The sound and feel of the motorcycle are extra special. I've had zero problems with the bike and am extremely pleased with it. Everyone that sees it wants to know what it is - I've never seen another one on the road. Why drive an ordinary bike? Show less

I am vertically challenged and found this bike to be very friendly, flickable, and more fun than any other bike I've ever ridden. I have owned BMWs and Kawasaki's in the past and loved them but none of them have ever compared to this bike! It can be ridden very aggressively without fatigue and I would recommend it to anyone who just wants to experience the sheer pleasure of riding---this is it! Show less

I have spent many hours in the saddle of American V-twin type bikes and let me tell you, this is nothing like that. I know there is a difference is style, motor, angles, etc., but I fell in love the minute I saw it, and I actually bought it without a test drive! I have always loved going fast but this is UNREAL!!!! This is one bike that I will never be able to top, not that I'm going to get rid of my new addiction any time soon. The ride is one of a kind, the shifting is quick and the throttle response is quicker. Being in a city where it's all about what you have, I have done very well with this. The many stares from people and the questions are all reinforcing my choice, owning a very rare piece of art that I can actually use. Show less

I fell in love at first sight in Cycle World back in '02. She's the sexiest motorcycle ever designed by a human. Honestly, my '05/750 can't beat a top-tier 600 on the highway, but at my size, I'm always riding 2-up. I can stay with the Super-sports, and keep the Super-bikes in my sights. Her low-end grunt puts all other bikes in clouds of burnt pasta on city streets. Show less

I have ridden hard, year round for 15 years, in LA and Orange County traffic. I don't own a car. I have owned 3 older model FZ-1s, a K1200R w/ESA, 99 Triumph Speed 3, Vmax, CBR 600, Honda Hawk NT650, etc. I currently own an FJR 1300 and the Brutale. This is my first excursion into the Italian bike market. I rode a test bike at PI and it put a big stupid hooligan grin on my face. I couldn't keep the front end on the ground in the first three gears. The performance is incredible, but I think a portion of that perception is because of the lack of wind protection. The power comes on really hard with no delay whatsoever. It needs room and revs before you feel like it starts to come into its own. I have found no one that can touch it in a canyon. There is power everywhere and it is light. It is definitely akin to a Ferrari. The bike is very precise; it goes exactly where you put it, all the time. If you want to kick back, this really isn't the bike for you. I have discovered a nasty little dark secret about it. It has an absolutely wicked headshake. A bit of steady ripple in the pavement and a quick freeway entry speed are all it took for me to discover this. The wheelbase is short and the steering is very quick; a setup that I should have seen coming. The owners of the 750 versions don't claim to have run into this, so it must be a combination of how hard I am accelerating, lightening up the front end combined with the pavement that is causing this. It has occurred 3 times to me and one nearly became a tank slapper. I was able to dampen the bars through sheer willpower, but I was very lucky no cars were around, etc. The only production bike that I have heard of this kind of problem being regularly reported on was a 1000cc Suzuki twin in recent years....I believe they did a recall on that one. I have now gone looking for a steering dampener and found nothing that appears to just be a bolt on solution. I have lowered the ride height in an attempt to soften the characteristic. I am running correct tire pressures and all of my suspension settings are the middle of the road adjustments. Show less

I got to test ride this bike at Mid-Ohio (about a 30 mile trip). From that ride, this is the best bike out there, period. I've rode many, many bikes and none of them are as good as this bike. It has tremendous torque low down and an awesome top end. More than the power though it handles great, feels great to ride and looks like a work of art. I've never been this impressed by a bike. My intention was to get the new Yamaha FZ1 but now I plan on buying the Brutale for next year. It's worth the extra money. Show less

Brutale 910 with 700 miles:
Ups: Best looking bike on the road, new 910 engine has plenty of low-end with excellent mid-range and top end. Engine sound is intoxicating. Brakes are progressive and strong. Riding position is comfortable. Handling is great on smooth roads. Manufacturer's attention to detail is very obvious.
Downs: on-off throttle transitions at lower RPMs can be abrupt and upset bike. Suspension is too stiff for comfort on local roads and cannot be adjusted out. Low fuel light comes on at 110 miles. Riding position is comfortable but locks you in 1 spot.
Overall: When you ride it, all is forgiven; the looks, sound and power are worth the price of admission. Show less

The Brutale is at the apex of where all other cycles try to be. The engineering, design and build quality are so far beyond what we find in the rest of the industry. I've now put just over 6,400 miles on this beauty and each one of those miles has been pure pleasure. I get home and my wife sees that smile and asks: "Was it good for me to honey?" Yes! The power, the turn-in, the late braking ability, the clean delivery of the engine at the entry to the corner as your eyes find that horizon. This one's a keeper. And the milage? It gets great milage for a cycle that's pushing 13,000r's Show less

This bike is a hoot! don't plan on just running a short errand on it though, it begs for the "short cut" if you know what I mean. The sound that eminates from this machine is exhilarating by itself. By far the most comfortable sport bike I have ever ridden. My only complaint is a small one and probably more a personal issue. I have two other v-twin machines so my desire for more low end torque is high, but I enjoy the whoosh of power at 7K. Show less