It was very well known that the previous generation Brutale 800 was an absolute animal. It was very far from being rider friendly, the motorcycle required one’s time, focus and understanding to extract its complete potential. And this made riding the Brutale beautiful because it had an abundance of the temperamental Italian motorcycle behaviour. The motorcycle was intimidating to in-experienced riders, typical of a true exotic, maybe.
For 2017, MV Agusta revisited the drawing board to give us a revised version of its street naked. The motorcycle was first showcased at EICMA 2016, and it looked stunning just like every other motorcycle the Varese-based manufacturer has made since 1945. The motorcycle has finally made its way to India, which means we get to test this machine in our conditions. This review should give you an idea of how the Italian exotic takes on our less than ideal tarmac and hot weather.
Design
On the outside, the motorcycle has received subtle updates giving the Brutale 800 design better flowing lines. The tank has also been redesigned with a new trapezoidal tank, a new LED headlight with a redesigned cowl and revised fenders. Moreover, the motorcycle also got a new tail section along with changes to the sub-frame. The motorcycle also featured minor changes to the bodywork; a double saddle and new passenger grab rails. It also got a new handlebar and a completely updated instrument panel, along with new switchgear.
The Brutale continues to use its signature three-pipe exhaust however they are a bit larger now. This in turn, produces a stronger exhaust note from the 798cc, inline-three cylinder engine. Interestingly, the power figure has dropped considerably, from 123hp to 109hp. The motorcycle does get a bump in torque, with 90 percent available from a low 3,800rpm. The Brutale now gets a new electronics package with four power modes – Rain, Normal, Sport and Custom. For 2017, there is also an eight-level traction control system with adjustable ABS. The updated engine is a major improvement in terms of refinement, especially when you compare it to the aggressive behaviour of the older model.
Performance
The 2017 800 is undeniably more manageable than the older model, but it retains its aggressive nature. Open throttle and the front wheel will head skywards in the higher revs in first and second gear, just like the older bike. This is something that takes time getting used to, especially when powering out of corners. The motorcycle also gets a switchable quickshifter for up and down shifts that works very well; it keeps your clutch hand free. MV Agusta has gone ahead and extended the wheelbase and the trail of the motorcycle to change its dynamics.
This is a bike that truly feels in its element when you're pushing it hard. The handling is tight, and the bike feels nimble and quick on its toes. It does, however, feel a little too reactive to be completely confidence inspiring; so complete familiarity may require longer hours in the saddle. The Brutale comes with Pirelli Diablo Rosso 3 tyres as standard, and they work well and provide good grip on our road conditions. Not only that, but the Marzocchi 43mm front forks and monoshock at the rear felt apt, at least on the Italian roads we tested it on. Stopping power from the twin 320mm floating Brembo brakes at the front and 220mm one at the rear is good.
Should I Buy One?
Overall, the new Brutale 800 continues to stay true to its status as an Italian exotic. The MV has an aggressive personality, which will really appeal to some. But, thanks to its exotic status and MV Agusta’s stand on being a purely premium brand, it's priced at ₹15.59 lakh (ex-showroom, India). This means it costs nearly ₹7 lakh over some of its counterparts. The Brutale 800 is more for your heart, especially if you’re a true MV Agusta fan.
