MV Agusta Brutale 800 2026
The MV Agusta Brutale 800 is a strong entry into the world of the Italian brand. It looks fantastic, offers a three-cylinder engine full of character and good usability, very agile handling and extensive standard equipment. Added to this is a price that makes the Brutale much more accessible than many other MV models.
It is not quite perfect. The transmission could be smoother, the clutch requires a little more manual force and sporty riders might wish for more feeling for the front tyre. But these points do little to change the fact that the Brutale 800 is a lot of fun on the country road. It is easy to ride, emotional, has high-quality features and makes a real visual statement.
Independent, very high-quality MV Agusta design
Characterful three-cylinder engine with strong mid-range revs
Good usable punch from around 3,000 rpm
Aggressive, emotional sound
Very agile and light-footed handling
Good braking system with clean modulation
Comfortable, fully adjustable suspension
Stable shock with good reserves
Extensive standard equipment including IMU, riding modes, cornering ABS and cruise control
Automatic gearshift with up and down function as standard
More exclusive than many mainstream competitors
Transmission feels a bit crisp and sometimes power-intensive
Little space between footrest and gear lever for larger feet
Clutch requires relatively high manual force
Feeling for the front tyre could be clearer with a sporty riding style
Fork rather soft in the basic setting
Handlebar position relatively far forward
Less accessible in detail compared to some competitors
Kawasaki Z900 2025
The new Z900 masters the balancing act between modernisation and proven virtues remarkably well. The 6-axle IMU, the precise quickshifter and the new electronics package make it technically absolutely up-to-date, while the characterful four-cylinder engine loses none of its fascination despite Euro 5+. The harmonious setup of all components is particularly impressive: whether suspension, engine or ergonomics - the overall package is just right.
Harmonious engine with impressive acceleration in the mid-range
very well functioning quickshifter with precise responsiveness
mature riding performance with a good compromise between stability and nimble handling
sensitive 6-axle IMU with harmonious control
superbly tuned seating position
excellent engine reponsiveness
confident cornering behaviour with transparent feedback from the front
harmonious electronics that do not restrict riding pleasure
smooth transmission with perfectly tuned ratios
first-class stop-and-go behaviour in city traffic
intuitive bike for beginners and experienced riders
slim waist despite four-cylinder layout
Great 5 inch display but the possibilities are not perfectly utilised with the Rideology app
licence plate holder seems a little carelessly integrated into the design
fuel consumption in practice significantly higher than factory specification (6.0-6.5l instead of 4.8l)
suspension of the basic version a little stiff on poor asphalt
promised app functions not yet available at the time of testing
