2017 MV Agusta Brutale 800 India Review, First Ride

2017 MV Agusta Brutale 800 is as exotic as it gets and we put the statement to test from the company which claims that “This is the best Brutale yet”

There is no denying that Superbikes in the world and especially in emerging markets are coming in dramatically. The manufacturer ambitions of global reach and increasing volumes can be seen with all companies. India has been asking for the same and we have one of the best and almost all brands, even iconic motorcycles in the kitty right now. All available for tests, sale and purchase. MotoRoyale is one of them and it is bringing all the exotic brands in the country and one of them is the iconic MV Agusta Brutale.

We have sampled these motorcycles and they are simply drooling worthy as they offer best in class performance and combine these two attributes and you get a motorcycle which is also priced at a premium. We did get to sample the previous 2016 Brutale and it was a monster. This time, we have the refined and on paper, very potent 2017 version of the MV Agusta Brutale 800cc. The bike has been updated in every regard. We took it for a spin and spend some time with it to tell you what is it like to ride and live within various Indian conditions.

Design

When it comes to styling, the evolutionary changes around the headlamp and tank make it recognize as an exotic Italian MV Agusta motorcycle. The rear subframe is truly modern and compact with a seat placed above a hollow area which is the party piece of the design and people point at the same thing on the road despite every aspect of the design is admirable.

The exhaust pipes, three of them come in copper and are shorter and sharper to make it look more sharp and modern yet keeping the old school design intact. The large wheels, the single-sided swingarm and fat tyre and suspension make it look beefy and substantial. Overall, in the red shade, with every element coming out in a symphony, a motorcycle that demands and attracts attention in bucket loads is finally in India, even if you are just admirer of beauty, on two wheels.

Speedo and Switches

Cluster and Switches remain similar to what was on offer. The digital meter does look dated but has all the fuel-efficiency parameters, odometer, trip meter, digital tachometer and a clock. You get to choose engine maps via a big button on the RHS which is a bit of a struggle as it is a bit of reach from the RH handlebar. RHS also hosts starter switch and ignition button.

Behind the RHS switch also controls the headlight and DRL either them can be switched on or off (one stays on) for the riders choice. LHS side has menu scroller, pass light, high beam button which is exact copy of the starter button (cost saving? or smart job? hmm) and a pass light button at the back.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is where the Brutale continues with the sporty theme. You sit a bit higher and the handlebar is mounted lower which makes it a superbike without clipons. Far more comfortable than an average superbike though. Seats are super soft but it does the job for short commutes, we would suggest you get a firmer padding if you plan to do long distances. Footpegs are rear set and mounted well enough to provide legroom for all type of riders.

Performance and Geearbox

Powering the Brutale 800 this time is 108 PS which is produced by an inline three-cylinder motor. The power is down from 115 PS of before, we expect a powerful version to follow soon. The motor is very friendly than before, smooth throughout the rev range and has a very soft redline limiter at 11,000 RPM. The motor makes 83 Nm of torque at 9000 RPM.

The gearing is on the taller side along with narrow RPM limit makes for a decent low-end torque, a ballistic mid-range which makes overtaking anything from 100-180 km/hr very easy. Top-end is a healthy 200 km/hr plus, something we saw on the speedo. The motor’s intake howl is gone sadly due to the EURO 4 compliance exhaust and engine. The idle is not loud at all, but the moment you depress the light clutch, the exhaust gets louder.

A trick to please everyone but also pleases the rider with a slightly more loud exhaust the moment you start riding. NVH levels are good but could have been better. MV tells us our test bike was due for an oil-change so we give them the benefit of the doubt. Gearbox is smooth as well, but the clutch can be deemed slightly heavy. Throttle response is excellent, all three modes work properly in providing adequate power in situations as deemed by the modes. Power delivery is very linear which makes it an easy motorcycle to ride.

Ride and Handling

Dynamically, the motorcycle gets revised suspension and chassis. The suspensions are adjustable and the setting on our bike was spot on in terms of firmness as it provided great ride quality and handling at the same time. The result was a fairly quick steering and thanks to grippy tires, the motorcycle was great to chuck around corners, agile enough to provide fun as it has the poke from the motor to invoke a smile on your face.

A short wheelbase and lower rake angle does the job really well. We wish it was a bit more agile and nimble in the city but, it does provide excellent highway manners for a naked motorcycle. Brakes are excellent with good bite and feedback throughout the braking process. Enough power to slow down from any given speed, which is also thanks to confidence inspiring suspension and tires on offer.

2017 MV Agusta Brutale 800 India Review, Verdict

MV Agusta Brutale 800 continues to be exotic with great aesthetics and now an engine tune which makes more rider friendly. The deal doesn’t get sweeter as a motorcycle. However, as a package, the pricing is on the steeper side than most of its rival. If a powerful variant is on its way it would make it slightly more value too.

However, for now, the Brutale 800 is the bike deserves serious attention as it falls into the category where everyone is and provides a lot to all types of riders. At the same time, it remains bespoke in an entirely different way, making a very strong case for itself.

Price: Rs. 15.59 Lakhs
Ex-Showroom