mv agusta brutale s review

Picture courtesy of Kerosen Rav.

Average Ratings
Build quality9.7/10
Reliability8.7/10
Value for Money8/10
Reviewer Rating9.7/10
Overall Rating8.6/10 Based on 8 ratings
100% Recommended3 out of 3 Reviews

Review of MV Agusta Brutale S Motorcycle

By rickyrvt Rank: Lance Corporal on 31st Dec 2004

rickyrvt's Ratings
Year Manufactured2004
Length of ownership2 Months
Build quality9/10
Reliability9/10
Value for money7/10
Overall value9/10
yes rickyrvt's recommendation

Good Points

Incredibly stable at speed, in corners. Brakes are phenominal! Only knows one speed - faster. The Brutale likes to be pushed over 6k rpm where the fun really starts. I'm 5'8'' and the riding position is very comfortable - somewhat upright for a bike of this type.

Bad Points

Trade off for the high revs and wailing sound is the incredibly close gearing. If you don't like to shift, it'll wear on you - but the gearbox is great. If you care, the gas mileage is abyssmal -about 20 mpg.

General Comments

I have put 1,700 miles on my red MV Augusta Brutale S Motorcycle. The Brutale is an incredibly stable, high revving, closely geared, thoroughbred. Initially the shifting was 'notchy' in cool weather, but has settled in during break-in to a very precise shift machine. Hydraulic clutch makes short shifting a breeze. Before purchasing, I read reviews that mentioned a stiff, racing set up on the suspension. No doubt it's stiff, but not objectionable. Given how the bike wants to be handled, it's preferable - haven't tried adjusting the suspension yet. I assume it could be softened if desired. So far, I have had no mechanical issues at all.

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2 Comments on Review by rickyrvt for MV Agusta Brutale S Motorcycle


  1. runningnorth Rank: Corporal on 16th Feb 2005

    As an owner of a 2004 Brutale S(red also), I agree with all of reviewers comments. The gearbox on my unit was stiff also during the break-in. At 3000 miles it has becomes quite fast and smooth, short shifting intuitive now.
    ride is race stiff, will jack-hammer you on really bad roads-still prefer it this way though. Bike never wallows or loses it's composure under any circumstances, sharp, sharp steering, great balance. Very poor fuel mileage(20mpg), no big deal. One warranty trip (false neutrals, fixed now). Cunning bike-true glory here...runningnorth@earthlink.net..owners, future owners Email! Would like to know what you think of the Brute.

  2. runningnorth Rank: Corporal on 17th Feb 2005

    I agree with everything said in this review, as I own a red 2004 Brutale S also. The gearbox on my unit was also stiff during the break-in, it now has 3k miles on and gear changes are slick, positive, and fast. Truly made for short and clutchless shifting-superb! The bike is indeed very stable at speed, with ultra precise steering and sublime feedback. The ride is quite firm-bad roads at speed will jack-hammer you. The payoff for this however is the supremely balanced and telepathic handling, and the bike never, ever loses it's composure under any circumstances. The motor revs like any good supersports, but also has good mid-range punch for street work. In fact, the bike seems specifically designed for very fast street riding, which explains the short gearing...overall the Brutale is an exotic, sensual machine with tons of character. I'm glad I bought it and recommend it to anyone looking for a unique, beautiful, and fast street ride!