Motorcycle specifications MV-Agusta800 Dragster RR 2021 Boosting other people's morale

This evolution of the Dragster is immediately recognizable, from the front, by the complexity of its face, in depth rather than surface. Its multi-focus headlamp becomes adaptive: it can bring other beams to the sides when cornering. This technology is spreading like wildfire, and is made possible by the addition of an IMU. It also transforms the ABS to make it more responsive when cornering. MV-Agusta shops at Continental with the MK100 model.

Dragsters and Brutals alike have been updated to comply with Euro5 (new engine parts, reduced friction, redesigned and re-styled exhaust, reworked electronic management) and then taken the opportunity to boost their electronics. We've just seen one part of it, and the driver will see another. The instrument panel is taken from the big Brutale 1000, i.e. a 5.5-inch TFT color display. It includes a GPS module, Bluetooth, a navigator and the MV Ride app, so that the bike and smartphone can communicate. Cruise control makes its appearance, while the shifter goes into its 3rd generation.

A few minor tweaks on the chassis side, with a frame optimized for rigidity, new suspension settings, an adjustable steering damper, and a new, slightly more comfortable seat. The Dragster gains a few kilos in the process, but retains its 140 horsepower. A formidable machine for an 800, and exceptionally expressive with the delicious violence of its design.

The first time I saw the Dragster, I thought a guy with a chainsaw had been locked in the workshop. Not very clever, since he'd put it on the back of a Brutale and forgotten to turn it off. But he was anxious to repair his co....rie, since he had reworked the machine in a more personal style. That's not the official story at all, but I prefer my version.

A Dragster is first and foremost a Brutale. It's hardly surprising, then, that the Brutale has had a major (integral?) influence on its face. Same dynamic side scoops, same more discreet air intake gills, same LED headlight with stylized contours. In short, the redesign of one benefits the other. On the other hand, a handful of things have changed since theex-Dragster. The mirrors at the ends of the handlebars have disappeared, the turn signals have moved, and the rear end has been given a facelift. The recess under the seat, the removal of the passenger footpegs and the banded tail light - all these contribute to giving the stern an airy, delicate yet aggressive style.
But the footrests haven't really disappeared. They are much better integrated, as they can be raised under the rear frame. The superb spoked rims are still there, as is the half-handlebar adjustment system.

The engine block also comes from the Brutale cousin, on the RR side. The 800 Dragster RR boasts a serious 140-strong cavalry, now under the Euro5 umbrella. It has lost none of its power, despite the tougher standards.

Equipped as it should be with electronics, the Dragster 800 RR relies on its MVICS 2.1 platform. There are 4 driving modes at your fingertips. Three are pre-calibrated at the factory (Sport - Normal - Rain) and the fourth is largely rider-selectable: engine response, rev limiter, engine torque response, throttle sensitivity and engine braking. With the added support of 8-level traction control, up/down shifter, cornering ABS and an ad hoc chassis. Frame combining tubular steel trellis and aluminum plates, 43 mm Marzocchi inverted fork, fully adjustable, monobracket, Sachs shock absorber also adjustable throughout, steering damper, Brembo brakes with 4-piston radial calipers and 320 mm discs at the front - 2-piston caliper and 220 mm disc at the rear, 120 mm and 200 mm wide tires, and a dry weight of 175 kilos.

A definite evolution for this MV-Agusta. The Dragster 800 RR does what it takes to capitalize on its aura and that of its family. There's plenty to enjoy, provided you accept the conditions of an Italian. Character, finances and surprises.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos