MV AGUSTA DRAGSTER RR REVIEW

 

With its spectacular styling and fierce performance, the Dragster RR is an appropriate new model from an MV Agusta firm that has undergone a dramatic couple of months. A major boost, when Daimler bought 25 per cent of the company, was swiftly followed by a setback when MV's factory on the bank of Lake Varese in northern Italy was flooded following torrential rain, losing several days' production.

But the rain eventually stopped, and the workers have returned. The Dragster RR is further evidence that having survived some choppy financial water in recent years – highlighted when MV was bought by Harley Davidson in 2008, then resold two years later at a cut-down price – this historic Italian marque is now on solid ground.

The Dragster RR represents a continuation of MV's recent policy of pushing the limits of looks and performance with its three-cylinder models. The RR follows in the broad tyre-track of the Dragster 800, a radically shaped naked triple that exceeded MV's expectations when more than three times the predicted total were sold following its launch earlier this year.

This encouraged the firm to create the even more powerful and outrageously styled Dragster RR. It shares the standard Dragster's distinctive bar-end mirrors, cut-down rear end and fat rear tyre, adding an eye-catching pair of wire-spoked wheels. The 798cc engine is tuned with intake and exhaust modifications to produce 140bhp, an increase of 15bhp, and gains an electronic quick-shifter that allows clutch-free changes both up and down through the six-speed gearbox.

That maximum output is the highest in the naked middleweight class, and backed up by strong midrange performance. The Dragster name is inappropriate because unlike drag racers the RR is short, as well as very light, at 168kg. Inevitably, hard acceleration is frequently accompanied by the front wheel rising. At least the seat's slightly humped shape helps by keeping the rider's weight forward as the MV storms towards its top speed of about 150mph, howling through its trio of curved silencers.

Crisp throttle response aids control; thankfully the fuelling woes that blighted MV's early triples have been almost totally eradicated. The RR has four riding modes, one customisable, plus an adjustable traction control system. The bike tends to "hunt" slightly when held on a steady throttle at about 5,000rpm, but it's not a serious flaw.

The chassis echoes the engine with a policy of: "like the standard Dragster's, but more so", with suspension that's slightly stiffer than that of the standard model. Handling on smooth roads is taut but on bumpy surfaces the ride is harsh, occasionally to the point where maintaining the light-action throttle's position becomes difficult.

Cornering poise is not helped by the gigantic rear tyre, chosen primarily for visual impact rather than grip or handling. Even so, the MV is almost as agile as it is quick. It is also powerfully braked, thanks to Brembo front discs and calipers. But under hard braking the ABS occasionally activates slightly early, not to prevent the front wheel locking but because the system is also designed to prevent the bike's rear end lifting.

This tendency is exaggerated because the seat prevents the rider from moving rearwards to compensate for the weight transfer, which can feel inhibiting. But there's little point in complaining about the cramped accommodation. MV's designers know it's not the most practical solution, but this bike was created for style and thrills, not comfort or convenience. At least its fuel tank is a reasonable size, and the curiously protruding mirrors work fine out of town.

Has MV gone too far with the Dragster RR? Yes, if practicality is among your two-wheeled requirements. In that case the Brutale or, frankly, most other bikes would make more sense than the Dragster RR, which at £13,299 is also expensive. But few other middleweights even approach the RR's ability to stop traffic with its looks or leave other road-users behind with a twist of the throttle. It's a visually and dynamically extreme machine that epitomises MV Agusta's current confidence.

THE FACTS

MV Agusta Dragster RR

Tested: 798cc three-cylinder four-stroke, six-speed transmission

Price/on sale: £13,299/now

Power/torque: 140bhp @ 13,100rpm/63lb ft @ 10,100rpm

Top speed: 155mph (estimated)

Range: 130 miles @ 40mpg (estimated)

Verdict: Powerful Italian triple whose unmistakable styling, thrilling acceleration and light weight compensate for high price and highly strung personality

Telegraph rating: Four stars out of five

THE RIVALS

Aprilia Tuono V4R ABS, £12,634

Set for replacement by the Tuono V4R 1100, Aprilia's 999cc V4 produces 170bhp, handles superbly and is slightly less expensive than the MV, as well as even faster.

Ducati Streetfighter 848, £10,995

Ducati's aggressive V-twin can't match the Dragster RR's power output or visual impact but it makes a useful 132bhp, handles well and is marginally more practical.

Triumph Street Triple R, £8,149

Triumph's 675cc triple makes 105bhp so is well down on power to the MV but its blend of acceleration, sublime handling and competitive price remains compelling.

Source : telegraph[dot]co[dot]uk