Hey Trevitt?

As a new owner of a 2006 MV Agusta Brutale 910 I would like to know if Sport Rider has any current plans for a road test to update the last test done in 2004 with a 2003 Brutale 750 model.
Your recent issue showed a concept Duc motard with the same front forks as my Brutale. It's nice to see those concept bikes but how about a road test on something already on the market just as striking rather than the same “Big Four” bikes that's repeated every year. I’m sure you know there haven’t been many road tests yet for this bike and I’d like to hear what you guys have to say about it including any suspension recommendations.
Keep the magazines coming and the great publishing.  

Hot bike- like a naked Italian Stripper. That's how it felt when I test rode the 750 model.

However... the way MV Agusta is going, it seems there some level of risk of them becoming collectible garage queens with no dealer infrastructure... or factory, to support them.

http://motorcycledaily.com/05january06_mvsale.htm  

I think we're pretty low on the pecking order when it comes to getting test bikes from a relatively small company like MV, and usually we have to rely on freelance stories to get them in the magazine.

For sure if the opportunity came to test a Brutale ourselves, or include in a comparison test, we'd do it. And, if we test it, we'll print the suspension settings.

AT  

Intrusting; I never would have expected that answer. One would think a small company like MV would jump at the chance to advertise their sexy new naked Italian Stallion in a well respected national magazine like Sport Rider. It tempts me to e-mail their corp. headquarters to suggest such an idea if it were possible. Perhaps they believe there are better ways to advertise without risking the possibility of any negative feed back. I personally don’t think they have anything to fear since its general knowledge their products are high quality, have an outstanding racing history second only to Honda and produce the sexiest bikes on the planet. Perhaps if you guys inquired they might be interested in further campaigning their new for 2006 910 Brutale. You did manage to get one back in 2003, though I don’t know how you acquired it.
In response to the other gentleman’s comment about the possibility of a “Garage Quean”, I doubt it. Even if the company did go bust, I’d feel fortunate to have such a collectable and a new one at that in perfect condition.
If it’s of any interest to anyone considering a naked street bike I have a few comments:
I had gone to the Seattle Bike Show to check out an Aprilia Tuono. After several fit checks on the Truno, I walked over to where I saw the Brutale.                
My first impression of the MV Agusta Brutale when I saw it in person was that it looked small and when I swung a leg over it, it felt small. For someone less than 5’- 6” like me this bike immediately fit like a glove while a larger person might find it a little too cramped. Call love at first sight, but I had to have it and since I had already decided I was going to trade-in my 04 YZF R-1 for a “Street Fighter” I made up my mind right there that the Brutale was tailored for me.
First ride impression was like no motorcycle I’ve ever ridden and I’ve had too many to talk about over the last 36 years. The best way to describe the Brutale is “Quick”!
Everything about its handling immediately cues your senses that this is a very nimble motorcycle. Turn-in is quick and effortless, throttle response is instant, and need I say with a dry weight of only 407 lbs., 136 hp, acceleration is…. you guessed it, quick! Initial throttle response even from its relatively high idle speed of 1,200 rpm is a little snatchy at first but all traces of that disappear as you smoothly add a bit more wrist action. For what ever the reason, slightly above idle speed you can feel the sensation of the high compression pistons rapidly firing, more so than a Japanese inline four, beyond that everything is smooth with only a trace of buzz though not annoying. Reach to the bars put the rider in a near sit-up position with enough forward lean to keep things sporty and the same is true with the rear-sets.
Here’s where the trail gets a little cold. With less than 100 miles on the clock, I’m still in the engine break-in mode. Though I’ve seen triple digits, that’s not saying much considering the ease at which this bike gets you there. I have stoked it into the fun zone on short bursts to 8,000 rpm but I know there’s a bonus surprise beyond that. However unlike my R-1 the fun starts earlier at about 5,000 compared to 7,000 or 8,000 with the Yamaha. Also the Brutale is geared more for everyday street duty so acceleration in almost any gear seems directly proportional to the amount you twist your wrist.
For everyday street riding the perch on the seat while comfortable gives you a good view of what’s ahead while the stylish mirrors leave you guessing at what’s behind. With no fairing or windscreen wind blast above 65 mph is marginally tolerable.
So where is this all going? The Brutale is a fun street bike you can ride all day yet still has the equipment and handling pedigree to take to the track for a track day.  

I'm pleasantly surprised at the outcome of my original request because as it turns out, of all motorcycle magazines Road Runner which is primarily a Touring Magazine will be doing a ride impressions article on the MV Agusta F4I and the Brutale 910 in its next issue. Makes me wonder how they managed to get their paws on these bikes if an exclusive sport bike magazine like Sport Rider says they are low on the pecking order.
Hey Trevit! Perhaps MV Agusta is willing after all to get some advertising in your Magazine? Who knows maybe there’s a trip to Italy in it for you!  

Hey Andrew,

If you want to borrow my bike to do a test, that'd be cool. Just let me get it out of the break-in and don't tell Boehm who's bike it is. Lord knows I dinged enough of your bikes...might as well give you the chance to ding mine. ;-)

A proud new owner of a 2006 Brutale 910 (237 miles and a salvage title),

-Hunter  

Cool, thanks Hunter.


AT