All Tests – MV Agusta Dragster 800 Test: It’s Brutal! – Back to the future

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MV Agusta Dragster 800 test: it’s Brutale !

All Tests - MV Agusta Dragster 800 Test: It's Brutal! - Back to the future

Based on its Brutale 800, MV Agusta is expanding its range with the Dragster, whose look and name evoke the Ducati Diavel … But a road and track test shows that in reality, this new bike is more roadster than power cruiser.

Back to the future

Like many Italian motorcycle brands, MV Agusta has had both good times and dark times since the launch of its first motorcycle in 1945 (the original company, founded by Count Giovanni Agusta in 1907, manufactured airplanes before the World War I, then 2-stroke engines for bicycles).

We will particularly remember the period from the 60s to the 80s, marked by the release of mythical motorcycles piloted in competition by cracks such as Phil Read and, of course, Giacomo Agostini. Later, the launch of the F4 sealed the renewal of the brand, the beauty of this motorcycle developed in 1997 by still making reference today.

Bought by the Malaysian group, sold to one and then to, MV Agusta finally falls back into the fold of the, strong of the dynamic initiated by the Milwaukee firm. With in particular a promising 3-cylinder in the purse and healthy finances…

A nice sleight of hand operated by, who transmitted to his son (photo above) the destiny of MV Agusta. A brand now strong thanks to the platform strategy initiated around the 3-legged 675 and 800 cc implemented by, renowned Italian engineer.

Launch of F3s and in 2012, improved 4-cylinder range (and), arrival of, Brutale and 800 in 2013, presentation of in Milan at the end of 2013: the Varese firm invests all areas, from sports to maxi-trail passing by the roadster and the "maxi" supermotard.

And this dynamic continues today with the almost "surprise" launch of the, a motorcycle which according to our information should be coupled with an even more muscular version in the fall of 2014…

The real Brutale ?

By detailing the Dragster 800 in the parking lot of the Castelet circuit (83), place of this official press presentation, it is difficult not to find a certain resemblance to the, if only by the spirit "Muscle Bike" which is emerges from its curves.

The comparison stops there, however, because the MV Agusta Dragster 800 has clearly more aggressive and dynamic lines than its supposed rival from Bologna: visually, the Diavel is more imposing, longer but also – and above all – heavier than the Dragster. (205 kg dry compared to 167 kg).

In terms of engine output, the 125 hp and 81 Nm of torque in the free version of the Dragster cannot compete with the 162 hp and 127.5 Nm developed by the Ducati’s 1200 twin-cylinder. Despite its name evoking the 400 meters standing starts shot down in no time, the MV Agusta Dragster actually appears less exuberant – even too much – than the Diavel.

The Dragster in fact takes up most of the Brutale 800, both in chassis and engine, but adopts an even more radical design, a wider rear tire (Pirelli Diablo Rosso II of 200 mm) and some additional equipment..

MV Agusta also confesses that this bike bears the spirit of the "real" Brutale, as its designers initially imagined it. The machine does indeed not lack spice, skillfully mixing elements of Brutale on the front with a shortened rear part of the saddle and integrated lights on the sides. .

Some beautiful parts are also appearing, like the new handlebars with adjustable spokes in depth over 40 mm (three positions), folding mirrors housed at the end of the handlebars (as on the old Ducati Hypermotard) and beautiful alloy rims with 10 branches. An elegant shoe protects the engine, while the rear fender accommodates a remote license plate holder at the wheel … as on the Diavel.

Not everyone will necessarily adhere to the positioning of this appendix, or for that matter to that of the mirrors: this fixing at the end of the handlebars involves changing the stalk brackets to return to conventional mirrors, less exposed to shocks…

This new Dragster 800 benefits of course from the very latest version of the electronic management system Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System (MVICS), improved for the Rivale and used since on the last vintages of F3 675 and 800.

Note in passing that owners of a Brutale 800 from 2012 can benefit from this same update by going to their home. This MVICS system notably includes the Eldor EM2.0 engine control unit and the ride-by-wire developed by Mikuni.

We therefore find the four engine mapping modes (Sport, Normal, Rain and custom), as well as the traction control setting adjustable on eight levels. The Dragster also has an electronic shifter as standard and is only marketed in the ABS version (Bosh 9 Plus), associated with a double Brembo 320 mm disc with 4 piston radial calipers at the front and a 220 disc. mm 2 piston rear caliper.

This ABS, remember, has an additional pressure sensor to detect and regulate the lifting of the rear wheel. In short: a coupling system responsible for combating the phenomenon of "sweeping" of the rear axle when braking.

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