The motorcycle bug is starting to bite me again. Rode years ago and want to get back into it. I've narrowed it down to a 2011 Ducati Monster 796 or a 2006 MV Agusta Brutale 910S. The Duc is obviously new and the MV belongs to a good friend of mine and has 3500 miles on it. The MV retailed for $15,000 new and he wants $7,500 for it. He is the second owner. The Monster 796 is about $8,500. There is a local dealer by me so service for either brand will not be a problem (though I know expensive). Forgetting the Ducati/Oakley connection, I'm looking for some general opinions from anybody who may have extensive time on either one. While they are both considered "naked" bikes, due to thier engine configuratons, they handle and perform differently.

http://ducati.com/bikes/monster/796/index.do
http://www.mvagustausa.com/web-mvagusta/Brutale_910.html

I haven't ridden the Monster "800" yet but I have ridden the Brutale.

I spent a TON of time on Ducatis (Everyday- rain or shine for 4 months)so I have a fair bit of experience with them. I work/worked for the Ducati dealer in Coopersburg (formerly Martin Eurosports, now just "Eurosports") and for Martin Motorsports in Boyertown, which was a Ducati Dealer.

My personal experience with both chassis is tat they're both a bit more sport oriented and could use a rise on the bars for a bit more comfort. BOth handle very crisply.

It comes down to motor performance. The high revving V-twin of the Duc gives you great bottom end grunt and a good deal of mid range. But, as 800 cc v-twin powerplant- it is going to produce about as much top end power as a 600cc inline 4 cyl.

Thus, if you plan to do some distance trips on the highway, like say, ride down to the Dragon, the MV would be a much better choice. The smaller displacement duc's tend to scream at highway speeds.

SO chassis wise they're about the same. It comes down to powerplant choice (and $$).

Hope this helps.

Dave

Thanks Dave. The money is obviously about the same but the MV will be 5 years older and just wondering if that makes sense. I'm leaning towards the Duc a little now because of the newness factor of it. I'll be dealing with "Fast by Ferracci", they're basically down the street from me and a very well respected MV and Ducati dealer. The owner's son was recently named CEO of MV Agusta USA which has it's headquarters also in my area.

I'd scrap both of them and get the Ducati streetfighter.

OR find and older 888 superbike!!!!

HI Steve,
Knowing where you live, I figured you were dealing with Feracci. I've dealt with them on a dealer to dealer basis and with folks who have worked there. For the most part (as with any dealership) they're good people. Old Man Ferracci was very cool.

I've been a Ducati freak since I was a little kid so it pains me to recommend the MV, but realistically, if there's any extended (20 min or more) of highway travel involved with the bike, I would go with a motor that has more than 2 cylinders.

Having spent a good amount of time on a 1098 (on which the motor of the streetfighter is based), I can confidently say that the larger displacement duc motor still has more a tendency to scream at highway speeds. Not that it lacks in power, i'm just thinking rider comfort.


Either way, you can't go wrong.

D

The Streetfighter is way cool but I'm not in the position to drop close to $20k on what is essentially a toy. There is a beautiful one on the dealer floor right now.

I'm a Ducati dork...even though I currently don't own one. Anyway, you'll never be disappointed in the Monster..no matter what engine. The 800 is a nice option. It's quick enough, but not scary fast.

As for the MV...I've never ridden one. But, one of my better friends has a ton of bikes...and he and his riding buddies have experienced a lot of problems with the MV's in the past.

Plus...you can't go wrong with the distinct desmo sound!

DUH... OAKLEY makes a line of Ducati sunglasses so you gotta buy the Ducati!!! LOL. Just messing with you, I don't really know a lot about street bikes just wanted to add a little humor. Good Luck with your decision.

You could always scrap the Duc and get a VFR.
Much better all around.

VFR? I Love the sound of the motor when they're piped. Rode one to Seneca Rocks and back. Sounds like a mini nascar. BUT, it's a pig. Turns slow, brakes slow and heavy, and that VTEC thing makes the motor sound like you're going to blow it up when it kicks in. Very disconcerting until you get used to it.

Starting to go very off topic here, but, I'd go Speed Triple (naked bike wise) or Sprint ST (not the new SPrint GT). Motor characteristics on the SPrint are ver similar to the VFR, but it feel more nimble and sound just as cool.

As long as you're on two wheels, I don't really care what it is.

d