Brutale ergos?

[olie]

how are the ergos of the Brutale for a 6'-2 tall guy?
how do they compare with the Tuono ergos??
My legs barely fit the 06/07 Tuono under the tank indents.

[derbybrit1]

how are the ergos of the Brutale for a 6'-2 tall guy?
how do they compare with the Tuono ergos??
My legs barely fit the 06/07 Tuono under the tank indents.

For a couple hundred bucks you can buy a set of fully adjustable footpeg assemblies, that will lower the pegs to your liking. Don't worry about ground clearance, it is not a problem. Not so hard, was it?

[JJ_008]

I'm 6'0 tall and I couldn't fit on that bike. My knees would hit the top extruded part of the tank.

[Timmayy]

I rode one a couple months ago. I'm 5'9", and the only way to describe the riding position is "sit up and beg". My elbows were nearly at my sides, and my knees felt like they were gonna hit my forearms. Not comfortable at all, so much so that I only rode about 3 miles and took it back to the dealer. Lovely to look at though.

[dougan]

spent the day test riding these three bikes: ('06) The MV Agusta Brutale 910, the ('04) MV Agusta Brutale 750S, and the ('06) Aprilia Touno 1000

A little about myself: I am 6'2" 185 lbs. I grew up racing dirt bikes in the NW, got my first street bike at 15, honda F3 smokin' Joes, and have since put about 300 hours on the track with 125cc - 900+cc track bikes. I've got just under 70,000 road miles spread between 6 bikes in 9 years. I'm 24, and I ride very aggressively. I enjoy lane splitting (thank you CHP), 40 mph stoppies, and sustained wheelies through busy streets. I try to keep the stunt riding to a minimum, but I am no stranger to speed, and search for more of it wherever I can.

Going into this test ride (30 mins per bike), I was dead set on the Brutale 910. I found a great deal on one with 30 miles on it, and was certain to puchase it. I'm a stickler about break-ins (in an unusual sense), so I rode these bikes as hard as I could, and as hard I was comfortable... I hope the dealer doesn't read this.

my riding impressions are:

MV Agusta Brutale 910: pure breed racing machine. Hands down the fastest (fastest = scrariest) bike I have ever ridden. I owned a track-tuned 954RR, have ridden several track bikes, and have ridden the ducati 999R for an extended amount of time (one week), and this makes them feel like dogs in comparison... not dogs, but this feels significantly faster.

Phsically smaller bike. The ergos were good, but not great..... not to mention, one spends so much time hanging on for dear life (and keeping the fucking front wheel on the ground!!!) that one is actually putting most their weight on the pegs vs. the seat. Where's the stabalizer (another $400-600)?!? I've got a size 12 foot, so the foot controls (break/trans.) were anything but convenient. Rearsets (new adjustable foot pegs/controls) would be a mandatory first investment = around $500.

The chassis has racer written all over it. Its stiff and responsive, and despite feeling a little too quick [from side-to-side] at first, I was quite fond of how capable it was. Likewise, the suspension is tough as nails... another plus in my book. I've actually heard complaints in the reviews about the stiffness, but you simply can't give a bike an engine like that, and not have some really serious suspension to back it up. I suppose there is a trade-off there between the track-bred necessity for support and control, and using the bike as a daily driver.

Possibly the most haunting sound I have ever heard from an inline.... truly exhilerating.


MV Agusta Bratale 750S: I suppose this was a little more my speed. I appreciate having to work for my power. I appreciate understanding a bike, building a relationship with a bike, thus, knowing exactely where I can find torque and response, exactely when I need it. This 750 had the Arrow Ti exhaust set on, so the sound was intoxicating to say the least. Pick-up starts quickly after 3800 rpms, but power rolls on at about 8400... and keeps getting stronger through about 13500 rpms. I'm actually not a foremost fan of inlines, but I found myself playing with this engine a lot and really enjoyed it.

Compare/Contrast between the 910 & 750: A battle of raw-refined power vs. a more predictable top end. The 910 is the most "honest" bike I have ever ridden... there were no hidden powerbands, or lags that I could find. Blunt power was available from beginning (realistically about 2500 rpms) through the the red-line. Truthfully, I didn't see a whole lot of logic in the "amount" of power... it almost felt "cocky" to me. It's a track engine, plain & simple. I could see getting used to it around town, but no matter what gear, no matter what rpm, this machine begs and pleads to go faster. I think its great as a weekend ripper, but on a day-to-day basis, it felt like too much for me (thats saying a lot). I found it interesting, because the 750 actually had significantly heavier engine breaking than the 910... seemed a little backwards to me since I try to rely on this engine breaking more on the track than on the street. I'm not sure why/how that is, but the 750 bogs much harder [off the throttle] than the 910. The breaks felt the same to me with both... a little whimpy. Maybe this is an easy fix with some better pads and adjustments in the lines/levels, but with that much speed/power, i need something with more feeling, more response, more bite. The missing low-end power of the 750 was something one could easily adjust to, so it seemed a trivial matter (other than rare emergency needs).

Like the 750, from bars-to-seat, the ergos are great. But, being my size, I felt like (even with the rearsets) I would always feel cramped on the lower half. I suppose this could be one of those few occaisions when I wished I were 5 inches shorter.

Fit and finish with the two were impeccable. The mirrors were a bit comical and I didn't get a very confident feel from the breaks, but everything from the cluster info, to the general feeling of quality was absolute top-notch. Honestly, in a sense, this seems like one of the best values on the market to me.

Of course I'm smilling when i get off either bike.... but just looking at the thing tickles me. The fucking bike is DROP DEAD GORGEOUS!!! Seriously, if you can't get laid riding one of these.... it just ain't gonna happen. Generally the seat cowl is my first purchase with any new bike... but i might keep the pass seat around if i had a Brutale

Aprilia Tuono 1000: Like the Brutale, this is a very cool bike. To start with looks... I'm hesitant to say i love the Tuono. It looks a bit "pieced together" to me. All the pieces are really nice, high quality, and work great... but as a complete package, one has to be willing to love the power/handling (an easy feat) before they are willing to say "what a fucking beautiful bike".

The Twin is great. As a daily driver, this is an engine that provides power on every level, but won't scare the shit outa you if you "hit it" in the wrong place. Delivery is smooth and consistant - no surprises - but never fails to help you remember how much power it really has. There was little-to-no lag in the low-end, and I didn't notice any hic-ups in the powerband. I've heard this bike with pipes, and the sound is a potent reminder that it is an exclusive italian twin. Stock, however, sounds pretty subdued, and a bit boring.

The Brembos on the front and rear are really gnarley. They will stop you on a dime, but have a very manageable initial delivery... I liked that a lot. Ohlins dampner just provides sooo much confidence in both straight line and cornering. I still don't understand why steering dampners aren't standard equipment on all bikes. Cornering is on rails and totally predictable because of the dampner, despite throttle changes or breaking. The only downfall is that the Ohlins isn't adjustable.... actaully makes me a little unhappy.

Suspension, like the MVs is stiff and consistant. I like the stiffer suspension, both because of my size and my riding style. I didn't make any adjustments, but I know that both bikes are easily adjusted.... (I usually keep my street bikes at max hieght and high+ stiff)

Ergos... I don't have the numbers, but the Tuono sits a bit higher than the Brutale, with a bit longer inseam, and a longer tank length. This is the most comfortable performance bike I have ever ridden. The seat is wider and softer than the Brutale, but (atleast for my body type) has a perfectly complimentary angle to the handlebars.

Comparing twins and inlines is apples & oranges... they are so different. I suppose in the end it will always come down to personal preference.

I have to comend all the riders of the new 910. I consider myself a capable, if not slightly mental rider -- and maybe it was a sheer imbalance of sizes -- but the Brutale 910 is the most wicked, fast, sexy, symphonic, overconfident bike I have ever ridden. In truth, my choice was made for me. I cannot ride the 910 do to its evocation of nerves. I've never felt scared on a bike prior to this.

I'm gonna go with the Tuono. It's the right bike for me with its power, balance, and size... It'll get me to the track and back (to ride my 250) with smiles, make a ballsey daily driver, and I think we can do some great (comfortable) touring together.

If you guys catch me dry-humping one of your MV's outside of the cafe, please be understanding.

cheers, and thanks for your help in decision making.

dougan.

[olie]

Thanks for the replies and great report. With my 6-2 240# I am going to pass!!
Meanwhile I keep enjoying with my Cappy!!...but that Brutale has the looks!!!:worship:

[lky_k9]

I previously had a Falco that I put Helibars and a Gilles rearset on to improve the riding position for ME. Remember all this is personal. I recently bought an MV Brutale 910R. Magnificent.

I love the more sit up position and yes, you can buy nice rearsets with more adjustment, but first try the factory adjustment that is available. The position for me...6', 33" inseam, is very good.

And the looks, handling, and performance are absolutely amazing. I love
Aprilia, but this thing just takes my breath away in more ways than one.

https://home.comcast.net/~steve.nason//handguards1.jpg

https://home.comcast.net/~steve.nason//handguards2.jpg

The Tuono is a great bike, but I just got more of a thrill with the MV and had a preference for the overall build quality, feel, look, etc. Either is a great choice however.

[superman51]

http://server5.ihostphotos.com/imgt/165735.jpg (http://server5.ihostphotos.com/show.php?id=165735)

I thought this bike was amazing. I felt comfortable and I am 6ft and 200 & too much lbs. I was surprised how much torque an inline four had at the bottom end, and the power is everywhere on this bike. I got to demo the bike at Mid Ohio Vintage Days. I was really hoping to demo the Aprilia Tuono because thats what I was looking to get on next year, but this Brutale really surprised me. Keep in mind that I ride a 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 636 so pretty much anything that sits upright will feel more comfortable. I was really disappointed that Aprilia wasnt there with any demo bikes especially since they are now owned by Piaggio, demos are probably the best way to market a great bike. I still want to ride a Tuono to see the difference between bikes.

I would like to know if the Tuono has more torque than the Brutale, thats really all I care about, I want to blast out of those twisties, and the Brutale did that for me. Will the Tuono do better ?

http://server5.ihostphotos.com/imgt/165736.jpg (http://server5.ihostphotos.com/show.php?id=165736)

[lky_k9]

This will get more votes for the Tuono as it is an Aprilia site. However, I have owned an Aprilia, yes a Falco, but it has several mods and put out 120 RWHP and 75 ft/lbs torque. I have done direct comparisons to a 2005 Tuono and the Falco was just as fast, especially for roll-on comparisons which depend on torque to a great extent.

I also have a large log of roll-on times from 60-80, 60-100, 50-90, and 80-120. The Brutale is faster at ALL roll-on speeds. I too was amazed at the mid-range torque of the Brutale. It is measured and by seat of the pants VERY strong mid-range torque.

Now I'm not saying the Tuono isn't fast in this same range, but direct comparison to my 910R...by the way which has several more HP than the standard 910, is definitely in favor of the Brutale.

If a person compares the Tuono to most In-line 4's, the Tuono will win, but the torque of this 4 is much, much better than most 4's. Neither would be a mistake, but for me considering all things, there was no choice other than the Brutale.

Hope this helps, but remember I'll probably be a small vote for the MV over the Tuono, but I sold one to get the other and have ridden both side-by-side comparisons.

[superman51]

lky_k9 is the Tuono as fun to ride as the Brutale ? When I rode the Brutale it made me feel like an all-pro racer or something, it gave me soooo much confidence, and riding it was like I was in heaven. It sucked I only got to ride it for two 25 min. rides. It was like having a taste of heaven then losing it :happy: . Also I was told that the Brutale will only get about 25 to 30mpg , is this true ?

[lky_k9]

I personally have never had as much fun riding a number of different bikes as I have had with the Brutale 910R. It has the most stable, confident inspiring suspension and handling of any bike I've ridden. Now keep in mind the 910R is even MORE exciting to me as it has much upgraded forks, rear suspension, very light Brembo wheels (which are 10 lbs lighter than stock!),and full Brembo radial brakes; basically the same thing as the MV 1000 Senna.

At very high speeds the MV is on rails, but can be changed so easy by the rider you will have to watch what you attempt. At slower speed turns the MV is amazing at it's turn-in and control.

It is truly a thrill to me each time I ride it; I've never looked back when I bought it.

I found the Aprilia to handle very well, but not as well at 80 mph and under turns; the MV is just more directable (if that's a word). Above 80/100 mph range the MV has such a long power range that it seems it just doesn't end.

Above 8-9K the MV sounds SOOOO good and just doesn't stop pulling. It is also quite light...my 910R weighs with 3 gallons of gas, 423 lbs. The stock 910 S weighs about 15 lbs more due to the wheels and engine differences.

[superman51]

What does your Brutale get in gas mileage? How much does your version cost, I think the 910 is like $15,000. I know that the 910r version is hard to get in the states. I still want to try out the Tuono, I was wanting to get a v-twin, but didnt expect that Brutale to sound good and be so much fun to ride and all from a inline four package.

[lky_k9]

The 910R is very difficult to get for 2006; less than 50 it made to our shores. If you find one it will also come with a full racing exhaust system and new EPROM as part of the purchase deal. The exhaust is not yet delivered to owners but was part of the original 2006 910R deal. The price is 17,995 with the extras such as extremely light forged Brembo wheels, full racing exhaust, Brembo monoblock radial brakes, several engine mods, enhanced Sachs rear shock with preload, damping, high and low speed compression.

As for gas mileage the 910 gets better mileage than the 750, but it's not great. I've only checked a couple times and it's about 35 mpg when driven fairly agressively.




What does your Brutale get in gas mileage? How much does your version cost, I think the 910 is like $15,000. I know that the 910r version is hard to get in the states. I still want to try out the Tuono, I was wanting to get a v-twin, but didnt expect that Brutale to sound good and be so much fun to ride and all from a inline four package.

[superman51]

Awesome... Thanks for the info. The gas mileage was somewhat of an issue for me because the reason I am switching from my zx636 to a naked is for the upright seat position so I can ride long distances. I like to travel alot and my Kawi isnt really for that unless I want to break my back and wrists :bond:

[vsgofast]

I checked out the Brutale today at the dealer. That bike is truly a work of art. I think I would be afraid to change the oil for fear of blemishing a bolt or getting it dirty. At $14,000 the Brutale is only $1000 more than the Tuono. Hmmm...close call.

[thejayman]

I checked out the Brutale today at the dealer. That bike is truly a work of art. I think I would be afraid to change the oil for fear of blemishing a bolt or getting it dirty. At $14,000 the Brutale is only $1000 more than the Tuono. Hmmm...close call.


Don't get the brutale 750 and the 910 confused. They look the same but...

[vsgofast]

Yeah I know...kind of like the Suzuki GSXR 1K75600 Series

[superman51]

lky_k9 hopefully I wont bother you any more, but here is hopefully the last question I have. Does the Tuono have the same up-right position that the Brutale has? Thanks again for all of your help and feedback.

[lky_k9]

I thought they were very similar; the bar position seems somewhat higher on the Tuono, but the seat position on the Tuono seemed like it was putting more pressure on the wrists than the Brutale.

I hope you understand that I'm not putting the Tuono down at all; I just seemed to fit the Brutale better and the ride is absolutely unbeliveable. Truly not a Factory Mille, and MV F4, or a Tuono felt so stuck to the road and nothing put a bigger grin on my face.

Check out some of my earlier posts to see my Aprilia; it was definitely not stock.