MV Agusta Brutale 920 (2011 to current)

It’s the new 921cc inline four-cylinder motor that dominates the Brutale for all the right reasons. Not only will it rev through with a howling note all the way through to the top of the 11,600rpm rev limiter but it will trickle along in sixth gear at 2000rpm. There is no fluff, no surging and the throttle response is lovely. The combination of the crank from the more powerful 1090RR but with new smaller pistons and corresponding cylinder block works well.

The old Brutale was a bit harsh – it felt like you were being pummelled by every surface change you rode over. The latest combination of the Marzocchi upside-down forks and Sachs rear shock work well. The front end is fully ¬adjustable but the rear just for preload and rebound. Both have been softened slightly in terms of the internal valving compared to the 990R to give a more forgiving ride. The suspension still feels taut but has a lovely, plush feel, too.

The engine has two switchable maps (Normal and Sport) which change the ignition response. Eight-stage traction control is adjustable through the dashboard within both riding modes and is standard.