MV Agusta Brutale 920 Review – A Bold Naked Sportbike
MV Agusta Brutale 920 Review – A Bold Naked Sportbike
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The MV Agusta Brutale 920 represents a perfect blend of Italian design, raw performance, and streetfighter aggression. As an entry-level model in the Brutale lineup, the 920 still embodies the sharp styling and premium engineering that MV Agusta is renowned for. This review dives deep into the design, engine performance, ride quality, and overall value of the MV Agusta Brutale 920 to help you understand what makes it a standout in the naked sportbike category.
Striking Italian Design
Aesthetics That Demand Attention
From the very first glance, the MV Agusta Brutale 920 sets itself apart with muscular lines, aggressive stance, and a minimalistic yet elegant frame. It carries the same DNA as its bigger Brutale siblings, with a sculpted fuel tank, high-mounted exhaust, and a compact headlamp that screams street presence.
Every detail — from the single-sided swingarm to the multi-spoke wheels — reflects MV Agusta’s obsession with artful engineering. The 920 doesn't just look like a premium bike; it feels like one, down to the smallest bolts and welds.
Ergonomics for Everyday Use
Despite its aggressive looks, the Brutale 920 offers a relatively upright seating position. The seat height of 830mm is manageable for most riders, while the wide handlebars offer excellent leverage for both city riding and spirited canyon runs. Footpegs are rear-set but not uncomfortably high, making it suitable for longer rides compared to more extreme sportbikes.
Engine and Performance
Power That Thrills
At the heart of the MV Agusta Brutale 920 is a 921cc inline-four engine, derived from the 1090 series but detuned for a broader, more accessible powerband. It churns out around 129 horsepower at 10,500 rpm and 95 Nm of torque at 8,100 rpm. These figures place the 920 squarely between mid-weight nakeds and full-liter monsters — an ideal sweet spot for many riders.
Throttle response is crisp, with a linear torque delivery that makes acceleration both predictable and thrilling. Whether you're blasting down a highway or carving through twisty roads, the engine never feels out of breath.
Smooth Yet Responsive Transmission
The 6-speed gearbox is precise, with a light clutch that offers solid feedback. The ratios are well-spaced, allowing for quick overtakes in the mid-range while still giving you top-end punch when revving high. While it lacks a quickshifter — a feature found on newer models — the Brutale 920’s transmission feels mechanical and engaging, just as a naked sportbike should.
Handling and Ride Quality
Agile and Stable
Thanks to a lightweight chassis and compact geometry, the MV Agusta Brutale 920 handles like a dream. It tips into corners with minimal effort and holds its line with confidence. The steel trellis frame, a signature MV Agusta feature, contributes to its excellent rigidity and feedback.
Suspension duties are handled by a 50mm Marzocchi USD fork up front and a Sachs monoshock at the rear. Both are adjustable, allowing riders to tune their setup for comfort or performance.
Braking and Safety
The Brutale 920 comes equipped with dual 320mm front discs and Brembo 4-piston radial calipers, providing strong and consistent braking power. A single 220mm disc handles the rear duties. While ABS was not standard when the 920 was launched, some later versions included it. Regardless, braking is sharp and confidence-inspiring, suitable for both street and occasional track use.
Technology and Features
Back-to-Basics Riding
Unlike modern naked bikes that are loaded with electronics, the MV Agusta Brutale 920 takes a more analog approach. There's no ride-by-wire, no ride modes, and no traction control. This might be a downside for some, but purists will appreciate the direct connection between throttle and rear wheel.
The instrument cluster is basic but functional, featuring an analog tachometer and a digital display for speed, trip, and fuel information. It doesn’t offer smartphone connectivity or advanced features, but what it does deliver is a focused and distraction-free riding experience.
Pros and Cons
What We Loved
Stunning Italian design
Strong mid-range power and thrilling top-end
Precise handling and solid suspension
Premium build quality for the price point
What Could Be Better
Lack of modern electronics
No standard ABS in early models
Limited comfort for longer rides
Ownership Experience
Maintenance and Reliability
MV Agusta bikes have long had a reputation for being high-maintenance, but the Brutale 920 is among the more reliable models in the lineup. Routine servicing is straightforward, though you may need to rely on specialist workshops or MV Agusta dealers for specific parts.
It’s worth noting that the exclusivity of the MV Agusta brand means higher costs for certain components and longer lead times for rare parts. However, for many owners, the pride of owning such a unique motorcycle outweighs the occasional inconvenience.
Fuel Efficiency
The Brutale 920 delivers a real-world fuel economy of around 15–17 km/l (35–40 mpg), which is decent for a near-liter-class inline-four engine. The 23-liter fuel tank ensures you have a decent range before needing a fill-up, making it practical for weekend rides or light touring.
MV Agusta Brutale 920 vs Competitors
In the naked sportbike market, the MV Agusta Brutale 920 competes with the likes of the Yamaha MT-09, Triumph Street Triple, and Ducati Monster 937. While the Brutale may lag slightly in electronics and comfort, it wins in design, character, and exclusivity.
The MV Agusta offers a unique riding experience that feels raw and unfiltered — a contrast to the polished, tech-heavy approach of Japanese and some European rivals.
Conclusion: A Passionate Ride for the Bold Rider
The MV Agusta Brutale 920 is not just a motorcycle — it's a statement. Aimed at riders who crave individuality, bold styling, and visceral performance, this naked sportbike delivers an experience that’s hard to match. It may not have the latest rider aids or comfort features, but it compensates with emotion, design, and mechanical purity.
For those willing to embrace its quirks and maintain it with care, the MV Agusta Brutale 920 offers an unforgettable ride wrapped in Italian flair. It’s not for everyone — but for the right rider, it’s a dream machine that delivers thrill and pride in equal measure.
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