By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Hyper Naked vs Naked Bike
MV Agusta Brutale 910 R (MY2006) vs Ducati Monster S4R S Tricolore (MY2008)
Rev the MV Agusta Brutale 910 R out and its inline-four's still pulling as it climbs toward a wailing redline. Low in the revs, the Ducati Monster S4R S Tricolore's L-twin doesn't run smooth, and it's asking for another gear. Up top, it bursts forward with a desmodromic bark.
So which one do you buy?
The Monster S4R S Tricolore has the edge if…
Daily commuting & city riding
Narrow edge: Monster S4R S Tricolore
For the ride to work, the Monster S4R S Tricolore noses ahead. Thank friendlier manners for that. Don't let that alone make the call.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Slight edge: Monster S4R S Tricolore
The Monster S4R S Tricolore nudges ahead once the pavement starts to wiggle. Put it down to better suspension and stronger brakes. Don't expect a night-and-day difference.
What makes each one tick
Brutale 910 R
There's almost no effort at the bar as the Brutale 910 R flicks into a fast sweeper, and the stiff frame holds it steady at the apex. Its first crack of throttle at low rpm isn't clean. The injection's snatchy in traffic. Higher up, its underseat exhaust shrieks like a race bike.
Monster S4R S Tricolore
On the Angeles Crest Highway, the Monster S4R S Tricolore's trellis frame and Öhlins suspension hold a tight line, and it doesn't wander through the bends. Over a bump, the suspension doesn't give much. Once it's spun hard, the engine hits a fierce top-end rush. Its dry clutch clatters right along.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Monster S4R S Tricolore has the lower wet weight: 441 lb (200 kg) vs 464 lb (210 kg).
- The Monster S4R S Tricolore makes more peak torque: 77 lb-ft (104 Nm) vs 71 lb-ft (96 Nm).
- The Monster S4R S Tricolore has the larger engine: 998 cc vs 909 cc.
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Both miss here
Neither one is built for long-haul comfort. For big miles, look at a proper tourer or sport tourer.
Traveling with luggage
Not their thing
Neither of these was built to haul bags. A tail bag and a credit card is the realistic plan.
Riding two-up with a passenger
Wrong job for both
With someone on the back, both fall short. A tourer will keep the peace far better.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Brutale 910 R
What owners say
Strengths
- Ferocious top-end power and intoxicating soundtrack
- Immediate, responsive handling
- High-spec chassis components
Trade-offs
- Firm, unforgiving ride
- Cramped, aggressive ergonomics
- High maintenance costs and short service intervals
- Temperamental low-speed fueling
Monster S4R S Tricolore
What owners say
Strengths
- Explosive Testastretta engine
Trade-offs
- Rough below 5,000 rpm
- Uncomfortable for daily use
Known problems to check before you buy
Brutale 910 R
- Throttle hesitation and lean stumble Hesitation or a stumble when opening the throttle from closed, particularly at low rpm. Can be caused by dirty throttle bodies, degraded injectors, or sensor issues.
Monster S4R S Tricolore
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
What they share
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front brake
- 320 mm
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
Where the spec sheets split
| Brutale 910 R | Monster S4R S Tricolore | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.9 in (810 mm) | 31.5 in (800 mm) |
| Wet weight | 464 lb (210 kg) | 441 lb (200 kg) |
| Brutale 910 R | Monster S4R S Tricolore | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 909 cc | 998 cc |
| Engine | Inline-four | L-twin |
| Power | 136 hp (100 kW) | 130 hp (96 kW) |
| Peak power at | 11,000 rpm | 9,500 rpm |
| Torque | 71 lb-ft (96 Nm) | 77 lb-ft (104 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 7,900 rpm | 7,500 rpm |
| Brutale 910 R | Monster S4R S Tricolore | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 5.0 US gal (19 L) | 3.7 US gal (14 L) |
| Brutale 910 R | Monster S4R S Tricolore | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear tire | 190/55-17 | 180/55-17 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Brutale 910 R | Monster S4R S Tricolore | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering Damper | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
