AUGUST 10, 2005 MOTMOTMO OR CYCOR CYCOR C LE NEWS | 29

THERE are very few bad things you could ever say about MV’s 750cc Brutale. With gorgeous Massimo Tamburini-designed bodywork wrapped around an exquisite F4 750 rolling chassis, the

Brutale isn’t just one of the most beautiful naked bikes in the world, it’s one of the most stunning creations ever.

But its in-line four cylinder F4 750-derived motor was a peaky little bugger when it lived in the Italian firm’s superbike, and was little better in the 750 Brutale, despite altered street-biased gear ratios and mid-range tuning.

Having to scream the bolts out of the motor in each gear to get anywhere made it truly electrifying to ride, and the blood-curdling roar it made at full chat was just incredible.

But when you wanted to ride it normally its complete lack of low rev power made it a pain, especially compared to the gruntier Triumph Speed Triple and KTM Super Duke.

So for more oomph, MV have given the Brutale some steroids to boost it to 910cc. It’s got 2mm bigger pistons – as in the F4 1000 superbike – and a 6mm longer stroke. Unfortunately, they just couldn’t shoehorn the 154bhp F4 1000 engine into that steel trellis frame. Shame.

Aside from bigger muscles, the Brutale also gets a quick-release rear sprocket, adjustable footrests (from the F4 1000) and a 70-profile (up from 65) 120-section front tyre.

But does the 910cc capacity make all the difference and if so, how does it compare to its headbanging naked rivals?

ballHeadbangers’With its meaty new 910cc lump, has the new MV Agusta Brutale now got themuscle to destroy its super naked rivals?BY MICHAEL NEEVES PICTURES BY HOWARD BOYLAN

FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNTTHE beauty of all three of these bikes is their versatility. On the one hand they don’t take things too seriously like sports bikes do; you can just blat down to the shops or round to your mates as and when the mood takes you. But if you fancy dressing up like a Power Ranger and tearing round at warp speed everywhere, they’ll oblige thanks to the superbike-levels of performance they have on tap.

It’s the Triumph that’s the easiest to jump on and feel comfortable with straight off the bat. Once aboard, it’s roomy and comfortable, and aside from its lack of wind protection (that fly screen is pretty useless over 90mph) it’s a bike you could spend all day on with no aches or pains.

Although potent, its in-line three-cylinder motor churns out its power in a linear fashion making it very predictable, which is good news for novices and wheelie merchants alike. Add in smooth controls and a slick gearbox (a big improvement on previous models) and riding the Triumph is a grand experience.

The KTM takes a bit more getting used to simply because it’s big – you can tell it comes from a company who build cross-continent off-roaders. The seat height is the tallest of the three at 855mm, compared to the Triumph’s 815mm and the MV’s 805mm.

Its wide, motocross-style handlebars took the smaller riders on the test some getting used to, but for six-footers the KTM is one of the comfiest bikes around.

The controls (gearbox, clutch, switchgear etc) are without doubt the smoothest and lightest of the three, and – combined with the silky power delivery from its fuel-injected 999cc motor – life with the KTM is very peachy indeed.

It’s got the best wind protection, too, with the windblast only managing to bend your neck back horizontally at 120mph instead of the sub-100mphspeeds of the other two.

Go straight to the Brutale from either of the other bikes and you won’t believe how small it feels. You start to get used to it after a while but for taller riders it’s still very restrictive – like a 150mph straight jacket.

The tank is very short and there’s very little of the bike in front of you. It’s like riding a supermoto, or peering over the edge of a shiny red cliff. Compare the bikes to sitting on an airline; the Brutale is your cramped

yellow plastic Ryanair seat; the Triumph is Virgin Business class; while the KTM offers all the legroom of BA’s first-class leather recliners.

With the Brutale’s new-found mid-range poke, the gears don’t need stirring as much as the old 750, which is a good job as the gearbox on our test bike was stiff. In fact, after a while the lever hurts your left toe and you don’t want to change gear any more.

The engine is rough and vibey at low speeds compared to the smoother 750, so although MV have injected real-world usability into the Brutale, the stiff gearbox and those vibes diminish the advantage.

WHAT ABOUT PLAY-TIME?ALTHOUGH the Brutale isn’t the intense rev-monster it used to be when it was a 750, the tortured wail from its upswept exhaust has still got what it takes to make you smile. It’s less of a noise, more a carefully orchestrated Italian concerto. It’s also devilishly fast, so much so that you don’t care about its gearbox or how cramped it is when you’re on a mission.

The intense power punch of the 750 at high revs has gone, to be replaced with mid-range grunt instead. The 910 runs out of puff at 10,500rpm (instead of screaming to 12,000rpm like the 750) and then abruptly headbutts the rev-limiter. So, ironically, you have to ride it like a twin or triple, riding the torque.

Ride the Brutale 910 in isolation and it doesn’t feel as fast as the old 750

Continues over

TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLECOST: £7699TOP SPEED: 152mphPOWER: 112bhp

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WEIGHT: 189kgp

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30 | MOTMOTMO OR CYOR CYOR C CYCY LE NEWS AUGUST 10, 2005

ROAD TESTMV AGUSTA BRUTALE 910 H KTM SUPER DUKE H TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLEwww.motorcyclenews.com/bikereviews

because it’s all torque and no top end. It’s only when chasing the other bikes that you realise just how easy it is to go fast without trying. Without having to stir the gearbox you can easily stick to the rear tyre of the KTM or Triumph what ever road you’re on.

The Brutale has always been tasty in the handling department and the 910 is no different. You can feel it has been put together using the F4 superbike’s DNA of neutral steering, unflappable chassis and loads of confidence-inspiring grip. The brakes offer all you’ll ever need on the road.

Packed with more meat than Fray Bentos, the Speed Triple’s engine seems to have power everywhere in the rev-range, regardless of what gear you happen to be in – making it easy to maintain speed through fast A and B roads, not to mention being fellow MCN tester Kev Smith’s favourite wheelie bike by far.

The Speed Triple really sums up what a street-fighting super naked should be all about; it’s aggressive, noisy, angry and fast. It’s not as planted as the race-bred MV through the twisties because of its softer set-up (but it’s easier to live with as a result), and the brakes aren’t in the same league as the MV’s Nissin or KTM’s Brembo set-up in terms of feel and bite.

It’s on the tighter roads where the KTM is the clear champ. With its high bars, well-balanced chassis and WP

suspension it’s as flickable as a supermoto. The V-twin’s grunt lets you keep it in third or fourth gear on B-roads, allowing you to roll on and off the throttle letting the torque do the work while you concentrate on where you’re going.

The smooth engine characteristics maximise the grip from its Pirelli Diablo tyres, which are already better than the other bikes’ Michelins in terms of grip, confidence and warm-up times. You can take diabolical liberties with the KTM and it will grip and grip.

With little of the rider’s weight over the front wheel, due to its upright riding position, the KTM gets a bit flighty, wobbling and weaving through 120mph-plus corners. Without a proper fairing this is compounded as windblast tugs at your torso and handlebars, unsettling the bike further. It’s never dangerous; it’s simply the KTM’s way of telling you to back off a bit. The others do it too, just at higher speeds; the Speed Triple around 130mph, the Brutale 10mph faster.

VALUE FOR MONEY...WHEN it comes to value for money, the Speed Triple takes some beating. At £7699 it’s a grand cheaper than the KTM and a whopping three grand cheaper than the MV. It’s only a group 14 insurance rating too, compared to the KTM’s 16 and MV’s 17.

You get all the ‘right’ bits on it; a

single-sided swingarm, upside-down forks, radial-mount brakes (the only bike of the three to have them) and brutal looks. Although the finish is a bit crude in places compared to its counterparts – like its simple tubularsteel subframe – it’s solidly built and looks like it will stand the test of time.

Our test bike had a few bolt-on Triumph extras too: Tribal paint job – fly screen, belly pan, rear seat cowl and tank (£1200) – carbon heat shield (£200), frame cover (£50) and sports exhaust cans (£300).

The KTM is another step up interms of quality of components, proudly wearing suspension from its sister company WP, Brembo brakes all round, and Renthal handlebars. Even at £8645 it’s still excellent value, and

you get a lot of sexy bike for your cash.Then there’s the MV. While it’s got a

new engine and other new goodies it’s the same price as the 750; good news until you realise it will leave a £10,500 hole in your bank account. So the 910 can have all the grunt in the world, but few are lucky enough to afford one.

But the lucky few get exclusivity, Italian style, a delicious exhaust note, fully-adjustable 50mm Marzocchi Magnum USD forks, Sachs rear shock, Nissin brakes and a single-sided swingarm. Every inch of it has a beautiful curve or clever design touch, right down to the lovingly-crafted, handlebar-mounted choke lever...l Thanks to Jack Lilley (01784-420421) for the loan of their Speed Triple.

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AUGUST 10, 2005 MOTMOTMO OR CYCOR CYCOR C LE NEWS | 31

MV AGUSTABRUTALE 910 HHHHHCOST: £8345WEIGHT: 185kg

Available: NowColours: Red, black/red or silverNew for 2005: New modelInsurance group: 17 (of 17)Info: Three Cross Motorcycles – 01202-823344

TECHNICAL SPECEngine: Liquid-cooled, 909cc (76 x 50.1mm), 16v, dohc, four-stroke in-line four. Fuel injection. Six gears.Chassis: Tubular steel trellis frame. Fully adjustable 50mm Marzocchi Magnum upside-down forks and Sachs single rear shock. Brakes: 2 x 310mm front discs with six-piston calipers. 210mm rear disc with four-piston caliper. Tyres: 120/70 x 17 (F), 190/50 x 17 (R).

TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE HHHHHCOST: £7699WEIGHT: 189kg

Availability: NowColours: Black, blue or yellowNew for 2005: New modelInsurance group: 14 (of 17)Info: Triumph – 01455-251700

TECHNICAL SPECEngine: Liquid-cooled, 1050cc (79 x 71.4mm), 12v, dohc, four-stroke in-line triple. Fuel injection. Six gears.Chassis: Tubular aluminium perimeter frame. Fully-adjustable 45mm upside-down forks and single rear shock. Brakes: 2 x 320mm front discs with four-piston radial calipers. 220mm rear disc with twin-piston caliper. Tyres: 120/70 x 17 (F), 180/55 x 17 (R).

KTM 990 SUPER DUKE HHHHHCOST: £8345WEIGHT: 189kg

Availability: NowColours: Orange or blackNew for 2005: New modelInsurance group: 16 (of 17)Info: KTM UK – 01280-709500

TECHNICAL SPECEngine: Liquid-cooled, 999cc (101mm x 62.4mm), 8v, four-stroke, 75° V-twin. Fuel injection. Six gears.Chassis: Steel trellis frame. full-adjustable WP 48mm USD forks. WP rear shock adjustable for preload, rebound and high and low speed compression damping. Brakes: 2 x Brembo 320mm front discs with four-piston calipers, 240mm rear disc with single-pistoncaliper. Tyres: 120/70 x 17 (F), 180/55 x 17 (R).

SEAT805mm

RAKE:

FUEL: Avg 32mpg, 19 litres, 135 miles

WHEELBASE: 1410mm

RAKE:

FUEL: Avg 32mpg, 18 litres, 125 miles

WHEELBASE: 1429mm

SEAT HEIGHT: 855mm

RAKE: 23.5°

TRAIL: 84mm

FUEL: Avg 38mpg, 15 litres, 125 miles

WHEELBASE: 1429mm

AT the beginning of our test we asked if the Brutale’s new-found grunt was sufficient to keep up with its main rivals: the Super Duke and Speed Triple. There’s no questionthat on the dyno, and out on the testtrack, the answer is a wholehearted yes.

It’s faster, accelerates quicker andhas more grunt than the competition,too. And on the road, it’s easier to gofaster than the old 750 and there’s none of the frantic gear changingrequired to keep the 910 on the coattails of the KTM and Triumph.

But even if all the bikes here cost the same, the Brutale would still

finish last. Its diminutive dimensionsrule it out as a choice for taller riders; the stiff gearbox is a pain and the engine feels too crude at normal speeds.

The MV is the perfect bike for a Sunday morning thrash but the KTMand Triumph are far easier to live with for the rest of the time.

The KTM is my favourite just because it fits me properly and it’sthe B-road master. I even like theway it wobbles through high-speed corners. But it finishes second on thistest for those same reasons. Manywill prefer the Speed Triple andBrutale’s better high-speed stability and be put off by the KTM’s size – it also costs a grand more than theTriumph.

Which still leaves the Triumph as the best all-round super naked you can buy. It’s affordable, surprisinglycheap to insure, has loads of character, is still wickedly fast, handles well, looks great and... it’s British too.

VERDICT

‘Even if they cost the same, the Brutale is still last...’

THE SCIENCE BITPOWER:1 BRUTALE 910: 122bhp2 SPEED TRIPLE: 112bhp3 SUPER DUKE: 111bhp(BRUTALE 750: 108bhp)

MV claims the 910 only makes 9bhpmore than the 750 (136bhp at the crank), but they must have been at the Chianti the day they printed their brochuresbecause on our dyno it easily wins the power race against the Triumph and KTM – while making a full 14bhp more the 750cc Brutale.

TORQUE: 1 SPEED TRIPLE: 68ftlb1= SUPER DUKE: 68ftlb2 BRUTALE 910: 65ftlb(BRUTALE 750: 51ftlb)

THE 750 Brutale, with just 51ftlb oftorque, feels gutless when you just want to pootle somewhere. Although theBrutale 910 has the least grunt of the three, it’s a big step up from the 750 – remember it’s still got the smallestengine – 140cc less than the Speed Triple.

TOP SPEED1 BRUTALE 910: 155mph2 SUPER DUKE: 153mph3 SPEED TRIPLE: 152mph(BRUTALE 750: 151mph)

HARDLY anything separates them in thetop speed department, it’s more about aerodynamics than power – and they’re all about as slippery as a bungalow at these speeds. The Brutale’s smaller profile helps it slip through the air easiest, and interestingly the speedos all over-read by about 10mph when flat-out.

STANDING QUARTER-MILE1 BRUTALE 910: 11.23 secs

@ 127.99mph2 SUPER DUKE: 11.23 secs @ 120.13mph3 SPEED TRIPLE: 11.39 secs @ 120.04mph(BRUTALE 750: 11.45 secs@ 122.51mph))

ALTHOUGH the Brutale ties with the KTM for its quarter-mile time, it’s going an extra 7mph when it gets there.

TOP GEAR ACCELERATION,(40-120MPH)1 BRUTALE 910: 12 SECS2 SPEED TRIPLE: 15 SECS3 SUPER DUKE: 16 SECS(BRUTALE 750: 16 SECS)

I’D say that’s mission accomplishedfrom MV’s point of view. Here’s absolute, datalogged proof that the Brutale’s extra cubes give it the grunt it’s always cried out for. Crack the throttle open in top gear and it just disappears off into the distance.