MV Agusta is taking on other naked sport bikes with a machine that comes straight from the F3 supersport, a pure streetfighter showcasing all the expertise of the renowned Italian manufacturer.

Soon after launching the F3, MV Agusta kept working on a spectacular, albeit toned-down, variant called Brutale. Both models share the same chassis, powertrain and many other specs.

With aggressive styling and modern flair, the 2013 MV Agusta Brutale 675 is in line with previous thoroughbreds from Varesse, Italy. The triple tailpipes echo the 3-cylinder engine, while the sleek overall design is akin to a mighty F3 that was stripped of its racing suit.


Road-oriented triple
The 2013 MV Agusta Brutale 675 is powered by the brand's ultra-compact new triple that contributes to optimum mass centralization, with forward-slanted cylinders and a transmission perched above the crankshaft. The DOHC engine uses large steel valves (whereas the F3 gets titanium valves), a fairly high compression ratio for a street bike at 12.3:1, and forged pistons like most modern sport bikes.

Similar to the F3, the Brutale 675 features a counter-rotating crankshaft that not only limits unwanted vibrations, but also reduces inertia for unprecedented levels of dynamic balance and ease of handling. Having tested the F3, I can assure you that this engineering trick works wonders by maximizing agility and minimizing engine brake.

The 2013 MV Agusta Brutale 675 is said to deliver more mid-range torque than its race-bred sibling thanks to new camshafts and more road-oriented electronics. You get 115 hp at 12,500 rpm and 52 lb-ft of torque at 10,500 rpm. Moreover, as was the case with the F3, the Brutale 675 becomes the first in its class (800cc or less-naked bikes) to offer four rider-selectable engine maps, and eight levels of traction control.

It's all made possible by MV Agusta's Motor Vehicle Integrated Control System (MVICS) which controls the throttle using ride-by-wire technology, unlike Japanese competitors that always rely on mechanical cables.

Photo: MV Agusta

Further similarities
As mentioned earlier, the chassis of the 2013 MV Agusta Brutale 675 is identical to the F3's, starting with an ALS steel trellis frame connected to two light alloy sections and a bolted rear section. Then you add a 43-mm upside-down Marzocchi fork, and a single-sided swingarm with Sachs shock. The former isn't adjustable, while the latter offers preload adjustment. Braking is taken care of by dual 320mm discs with radial Brembo calipers up front, and a single 220mm disc in the back. Unfortunately, ABS is missing.

The 2013 MV Agusta Brutale 675 isn't the most comprehensively equipped bike out there -- and doesn't need to be. The instrument panel houses a clock, timer, gear indicator, and temperature gauge, but alas, no fuel gauge. The engine modes are displayed along with the chosen level of traction control. Similar to the F3, the controls require some getting used to before confidently switching from one mode to another.

And just like the F3 that rivals the Triumph Daytona, the 2013 MV Agusta Brutale 675 poses a direct threat to the Street Triple. Look for this Italian to enjoy quite a bit of success in Canada, especially with its attractive technology package for the price.