What is MV Agusta?
I don’t know if it’s an inherent gene, but the Italians know how to define “sexy.” You’re probably familiar with the striking Ducati Monsters which are popular with women riders. But if you haven’t drooled over MV Agusta motorcycles yet, I urge you to read on to learn more about the company and why its line of bikes—which now include ADV and sport touring among the alluring streetfighters and sportbikes—deserve to be better-known amongst women riders.
History of MV Agusta
The history of these Italian machines is well archived here on the OEM’s site. With a rich background in racing, the roots of the company actually go back to 1907 with the birth of Count Giovanni Agusta’s aeronautics plant near Milan, Italy. Motorcycles were introduced long after his death, when his son, Domenico, introduced the “98” in 1945.
Domenico’s passion for motorcycle racing led the charge to develop high-tech sportbikes, and MV Agusta had a long successful history in the sport until his death in 1971. The chronicles from that point are distraught with financial troubles and corporate buyouts, including Harley-Davidson and Mercedes. Despite all this, the company has been producing the kind of high-tech stylish motorcycles any art or motorcycle lover would welcome into their living room.
Today MV Agusta Celebrates Women Riders
We applaud MV Agusta for being an inclusive motorcycle brand with women in management positions and even featured in some of its marketing materials as front seat riders. Currently, KTM owns a quarter of the company, and WomenRidersNow.com (WRN) joined several other female influencers invited to tour its U.S. facilities and ride MV Agusta motorcycles to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8.
Ready to Ride
With so many gorgeous motorcycles lined up for our afternoon ride, choosing one is too difficult. So instead, we decide to select one for the first part of the ride and swap with each other for the ride back. MV Agusta motorcycles are outfitted with one of two engines: 798 3-cylinder and 998 4-cylinder.
Two models use MV Agusta’s SMS (Smart Clutch System), the Tourismo Veloce sport tourer and the Dragster RR. The SMS uses a Rekluse clutch fitted in the gearbox to the 798cc engine, which allows riders to shift and use the clutch as they normally do, or choose to shift without using the clutch. This means that you can be at a complete stop, in gear, and the motorcycle will not stall. (No revving the engine, though!) You still need to shift, but using the clutch is purely optional.
And Off We Go
I select the bike that matches my favorite riding style to ride first, the Tourismo Veloce. While both the Dragster and Veloce are fitted with the 798cc engine and SCS, the Tourismo’s 110 horsepower is tamed compared to the Dragster’s 140 horses.
With a seat height of 32.68 inches, I am on my toes if I put both feet down. At 5-feet-7-inches and 32-inch inseam, I’m taller than the average woman, but I’m used to riding taller bikes so this doesn’t bother me. The Veloce’s 439 pounds (dry weight) is easy to lift off the sidestand and maneuvering the bike around gravel pullouts doesn’t present any special challenges.
I am smiling from ear to ear inside my helmet as we pull out and head toward the distant snow-capped mountain. I’m happy I chose this motorcycle, as I hadn’t ridden in several months, and the bike is an easy rider. The windshield is not adjustable, but provides good coverage, although we are blessed with a perfect sunny and warm afternoon. I can imagine filling the saddlebags with gear and riding comfortably for days on the Tourismo Veloce.
A Dream Come True
At the swap point, I jump at the chance to swing a leg over one of the Brutales I’ve been lusting after for so many years—the Brutale 1000 RS. The bike’s deep throbbing V-twin note demands attention, and, combined with the 998’s 208 horsepower, you just can’t help revving the throttle.
The Brutale 1000 RS is a naked bike and weighs just 411 pounds, before fluids. It feels super light and very flickable, and it definitely satisfies the need for speed. It begs to be ridden hard, but unfortunately, MV Agusta didn’t let me ride it long enough for a proper review. (Hint, hint, MV… please send me one right away for a long term test!)
But seriously, these bikes may or may not appeal to you, but we at WRN always encourage riders to give those who provide special recognition to women riders a chance. Putting its resources into hosting a special women’s day celebration is just such a call to action. Let’s get more women riding MV Agustas. Which one grabs you? Check out the entire lineup of MV Agusta motorcycles here.