“ Hard, rigid, cantankerous and bloody beautiful,” was my response when a friend sent a text enquiring what the Brutale Dragster was like. “ I love it.”
That’s not to say that here in 2016 MV Agusta bikes are still suffering from poor fuellingand jerky throttles — they’re not. Software improvements to the ride-by-wire has ironed those traits out, but notto the point of losing that brash immediacy of the oh-soMV triple-cylinder grunt which the Dragster has bucketloads of.
It was the third and most extremely styled of the 798cc triple-cylinder nakedbikes from MV when itmade its debut in 2014. Following on from the standard Brutale and the motard-esque Rivale, the Dragster is based heavily on the stock model but the result is a very unique bike and riding experience thanks to a small and significant changes.
The most significant is the massive six-inch rear wheel which has come straight out of the firm’s flagship F4 Superbike’s parts bin. Shod with a 200-section rear tyre, it’s more for looks than practicality; in fact the Dragster’s flickability and handling would benefit greatly from a slightly narrower rear hoop, but no one’s buying this bike because it’s practical.
The sawn-off rear bodywork sees the taillights relegated to the underside of the seat while the indicators goon the rear mounted hugger, which is bolted to the brand’s trademark single-sided swingarm. I’m certain if any other manufacturer tried a styling stunt like thiswe’d never see it– the ridiculousness of the outcome would ensure it never saw the light of day. But because it rolled out of the gloriously successful design studios in Varese, it works.
The engine’s gorgeous, smooth and torquey down low and builds rapidly to its 8500rpm peak torque point. Keep revving the beaut-sounding triple and it’ll continue to fire until you find its peak power just shy of 12,000rpm in that perfect torque and power balance only found in a three-cylinder engine.
The Brembo brakes package makes for excellent stopping power, the fully adjustable Marzocchi front end is stable and predictable, and the fully adjustable Sachs rear shock does a great job ofsettling that great-looking lightweight rear end on even the roughest of fast roads.
Loaded with electronics, it boasts the firm’s latest and most refined eight-stage traction control (TC) system, Bosch switchable ABS and four on-the-fly selectable engine maps in Rain, Normal, Sport and Custom. The latter allows you to pre-set your preferred ABS, TC, throttle sensitivity and quickshifter settings. Speaking of the quickshifter, although the Dragster’s is one directional, it’s upthere with some of the best I’ve used over the years with seamless up-shifts at any rpm.
As expected, the finish is spot on and you find your eyes lingering on its quirky Italian lines. There’s plenty of neat touches, too, like the extendable fold-away bar-end-mounted mirrors that even work. If you’re looking for something a bit special in today’s very crowded mid-sized nakedbike category, then the Brutale Dragster has your name all over it. <es> Pros Head-turning looks Sounds awesome Exclusivity Cons Turning circle Pillion needs bravery award.
Contact www.mvagusta.com.au Colour White or Matte Metallic Grey Warranty Two years, unlimited km. Two years roadside assist Price $21,990 rideaway.
Testbike Urban Moto Imports
