Tested my Dream Bike - MV Brutale

[ishkur]

My SV650 is almost mine, that is to say, one more payment and its all mine, so inevitably, I’m already thinking of trading up. Crazy eh? Absolutely nothing wrong with my SV, it’s a great little bike, perfect commuter, great for that weekend run up HW16, nice all-rounder. But one thing it is lacking is that “WOW!” factor. So already I’m considering throwing myself back into debt and I’m looking for something special.

Haldanes here in Auckland have an 04 MV Agusta Brutale 750 in stock.
Here are some Random Thoughts:

The Brutale … eased out of the carpark and through the traffic lights, short shifting the gears, barely revving the engine, I’m still thumbing the side of the horn button and wondering why the indicator won’t switch off when I pull around the block and into a mates work. Cellphone out, “Hey! You busy?” … “Yeah, I’m in a meeting, call you back” … “Wait up! I’m in your carpark on a Brutale” … “SHIT !!!Wanker!!! I’ll be right out”.
10mins later I grab a towel and wipe the drool off the paintwork and carry on with my ride. A common theme, man, you get some looks riding this bike, seems like everyone points or waves.
Sitting at the lights next to a rice burner, lights go green and he’s away … “where are you going in such a hurry?” I wonder and the right wrist twists with a mind of its own. Oh! Shit! Why is the front wheel coming up? I didn’t ask for that? Settle down!
Interesting the motor on this 750, seems like 2 for the price of 1, below about 5000rpm, its just ticks away quietly, but take it over that and you unleash the beast! Brutale by nature indeed!
Accelerating onto the motorway, despite my best efforts, I keep forgetting that this is an inline 4 (not the v-twin that I’m used to) and I’m shifting gear to early, I have to keep reminding myself that its ok to take it past 6-7000rpm, despite the scream, its not even close to redline. Entirely my fault.
So a very similar riding position to the SV, hands and arms fall naturally to the handlebars, but my feet seem higher and further back. The seat is harder than expected and the suspension is firm, very firm, hard in fact .. I wonder if that can be dialed back for a fatso (90kg + gear) like me for a softer more compliant ride? I felt every bump, every ripple in the road through the seat and into my back.
I can’t see the instruments, the chin guard on my helmet completely obscures them, I can’t just glance down to see how fast I’m going, I have to move my head and look. “How fast am I going? 97kph” … that’s ok, lean on the wrist …”Now how fast? Oh! Shit!, they take your license away for that!”, anyone behind me? I can’t tell ... all I can see in the mirrors are arms and elbows.
Off the motorway now and on some quiet back roads … The acceleration is mind blowing, eye popping, tunnel vision inducing, horizon bending, pucker factor 10 … mind blowing. To you guys on your GaSaXR thou’s it might be completely normal, but it has been a while since I’ve ridden an inline 4 ‘with intent’ and I was impressed … ok?
So back to the shop, “What did you think of that” … “Reckon I’d lose my license on it, but lets talk numbers” … “Ok, your bike is worth S.F.A.” …”Nice talking to you, thanks for the ride”. I could afford it, but I’m sure I want it that badly?

Reading this back … It all sounds a bit negative? So I want to stress … I really enjoyed riding this bike, Really Really, I love the look of it, I loved the sound it makes, despite the firm ride it handled beautifully and performed magnificently.

I think my biggest problem with owning a Brutale, I just couldn’t leave it out of my sight, I couldn’t park up at the mall, have lunch, see a movie … knowing it was just sitting out there all vulnerable like.
If someone interfered with my SV, knocked it over, damaged it somehow … I’d be Pissed!!! … but if someone interfered with my Brutale … oh man … I’d either be weeping on the ground beside it … or more likely the Red Mist would come down and I’d fly into a homicidal rage.
I honestly feel that it would suit me best as a 2nd bike, rather than an everyday ride.

But now I’m left with a burning desire to ride a 910 Brutale

[Finn]

To each is own, but I think they're UGLY. Gimme a japper anyday.

[beyond]

To each is own, but I think they're UGLY. Gimme a japper anyday.

Yeah right.

Those Brutales do sound nice especially when they are given a bit of throttle.

[MVnut]

They really come into their own after 9000rpm. The firm ride pretty much is always there but they handle like a 250GP bike. They drink gas like a fish. You should be able to get the 750 for a very good price now the 910 is around & if you get the 910 the R is the best deal. (better suspension)