MV Augusta Brutale 1078 and F 1078 test ride

[TT]

With my Busa friend we decided not to eat today and just use the noon break to test these two bikes. I already drove the 910R Brutale in the past, and despite the great handling, I was let down by the engine. Not reactive enough.
So, when I was offered the opportunity to test back to back both the Brutale and F4 with the "new" 1078 engine, I had o jump on it.

Visually, nothing to say: the F4 is one of the most beautiful bikes EVER! Not so the Brutale, but it was cool to be able to pick the colors for the test ride as they had several in stock. I had to go with the same one on both bikes.

The Brutale with this engine is another bike: it's torquey in the lower part of the revs range, and you can ride it around in higher gears. The handling is still super: almost too easy to throw it into corners! The problem comes when you give it full gas... some 150-160 hp are a lot, and the front has a strong tendency to lift... it would badly need a shock absorber for the steeering, wich is sadly optional. Also, I know you can adapt it to your frame, but as it was when tested, it felt a bit cramped.

Teh F4 is another planet: sooo powerful... so angry... 190 hp wanting to throw you out of the road. You sit on a piece of wood basically, but aren't too charged on your forearms. The riding position is spot on for me, but I was sitting an inch too high probably. It's very similar to my S4R in fact: you need to throw it into corners with strenght, or else it won't turn. But you quickly learn how to do it, and damn it's cool to see your reflection into shops windows...

Not much time for pics sadly, but here you are some samples...

[danidmas]

The F4 is indeed one of the best-looking bikes ever!

Talking about bikes, have you decided something about the Streetfighter? You're gonna keep the S4R I guess... or are you planning on switching Ducati for MV?

[dingo]

Very nice, but I'm obviously a big fan of both - MV Agusta

Probably my favourite colour combo for the 1078 too.

[DMF]

MV Augustas for lunch... I'll have to try that someday.

[sentra_dude]

Cool write-up and fantastic pics, is the first HDR? The F4 is damn good looking too, and 190hp on a bike is insane! 

[yg60m]

Wonderful ride. Italian bikes are close to Italian cars in the spirit 

[TT]

The F4 is indeed one of the best-looking bikes ever!

Talking about bikes, have you decided something about the Streetfighter? You're gonna keep the S4R I guess... or are you planning on switching Ducati for MV?

I won't buy a Streetfighter right now... and despite the opportunity to take home a 989 or 1078 Brutale for a good price, that's definitely not the bike I want. Still looking for a good RS or RS Tricolore I guess.

Cool write-up and fantastic pics, is the first HDR? The F4 is damn good looking too, and 190hp on a bike is insane! 

Nope, it isn't. Just the new 10-22 and some "normal" post processing

[yeckmohr]

very nice update, looks very good in that color, but they are very expensive btw.

[dingo]

BTW, from what I understand you do alot of km's on your bike?

If so then I wouldn't recommend the F4, because unless things have changed with the new model (which from reviews i gather it hasnt improved much) then you will be one sore man. Mine is ok for short distances and when you really wanna have some fun as thats what its made for, but sitting on it for long stretches (150-200km) is quite brutal on your body.

Suits me as its a weekend toy but if you plan to do daily drives the Brutale or another Duke would be the go perhaps.

[TT]

Yes, I cover 20'000 km per year, and the usual week-end ride with my friends can round up to 300 or more km with just some short breaks to eat or take a leak

An extreme sportbike isn't definitely what I need