Test Report MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR SCS 2024

The MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR SCS is a bike that boasts an impressive array of features. Equipped with a Recluse clutch, which is primarily known in the off-road sector, this system allows for starting without using the clutch, providing the rider with a scooter-like easy riding experience. Additionally, the machine features a quickshifter, enabling fast gear changes without clutch engagement. Other technical highlights include anti-wheelie control, multi-level adjustable traction control, various riding modes, cruise control, and launch control. All these functions are controlled via a 5.5-inch TFT display, which, however, appears smaller than it actually is due to its relatively wide black bars.

The design of the Dragster 800 RR SCS is a successful blend of aggression and elegance. Particularly striking is the wide 200 rear tire, which is elegantly covered with carbon, showcasing the Dragster's rebellious traits. The beautiful single-sided swingarm, a hallmark of MV Agusta, seamlessly integrates into the overall design. The seating position is upright, and the wide handlebars give the rider a dominant presence in the rearview mirror of the (still) leading vehicles. The rear design impresses with its unique lines and the clever integration of the pegs, which are almost invisible when not in use. Questionable is the positioning of the mirrors at both ends of the wide handlebars. On one hand, you have to look quite far away to see anything in the mirrors, and on the other hand, the overall width makes lane splitting in city traffic difficult.

The braking system of the Dragster 800 RR SCS is powerful and reliable. MV Agusta has equipped it with a high-quality M4.32 Brembo system with dual disc brakes at the front, offering excellent responsiveness. The brake levers are individually adjustable, allowing for optimal customization to the rider. Although the combination with the Nissin brake pump may seem unusual at first glance, it proves effective and is more than suitable for sporty applications. On the country road, you are excellently equipped with it, and nothing is missing. The cornering ABS also features rear-wheel lift detection.

The three-cylinder engine of the MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR SCS delivers an impressive 140 hp from 798 cubic centimeters and meets the Euro 5 standard. This engine, in a revised form, also powers the fully-faired Superveloce (S). Despite its street-legal status, the sound of the engine is brutally loud when you give it the beans, which makes the riding experience even more intense. So intense that you might almost not be used to it anymore. The engine unleashes its full power only at high revs, so you have to wind out the Dragster to utilize its full potential. When you do this, it generates a high noise level, which might not be everyone's cup of tea on country roads.

Regarding the Rekluse clutch, riding with this system quickly becomes second nature after a short adjustment period. Sporty starters at the traffic light might be annoyed by the moment of hesitation that occurs after engaging first gear until the Dragster sends the power to the rear wheel. The sharp setup of the triple reinforces this impression. For those in a real hurry, using the launch control for a standing start is highly recommended.

On the country road, the Dragster 800 RR SCS shows its true strength. Thanks to the wide handlebars and the upright seating position, riding feels very controlled and safe. The tighter the twisties in the hinterland of Varese become, the more the machine plays to its advantages, effortlessly allowing the Dragster to be thrown from one radius to the next. In the twisties, however, the engine characteristics can be a bit of a nuisance. You have to be in very low gears to make good use of the power that is only really unleashed in the upper half of the rev range.

The fully adjustable suspension of the Dragster 800 RR SCS already offers a good compromise between comfort and sportiness in the basic setup of the high-quality components. The fork responds finely, and the shock absorber provides enough comfort to make even long tours pleasant. On poor road surfaces, the suspension shows its strengths and ensures a transparent riding feel by effectively damping hard impacts without sacrificing sportiness.

Ergonomically, the Dragster 800 RR SCS offers a very comfortable seating position with a fairly relaxed knee angle, making longer rides comfortable. The wide handlebars support the upright seating position and provide good control over the bike. A minor ergonomic drawback is the side shaping on the left and right of the fuel tank, which makes it a bit difficult to find a secure grip on the bike.

Where there is sporting light, there is often everyday shadow. The limited steering angle of the MV results in an unnecessarily large turning circle, making maneuvering in urban areas more difficult. Additionally, the bike generates significant heat when stationary and at low speeds, which can be particularly uncomfortable in summer. The TFT display could offer a larger diameter given the overall size of the unit. The thick black bars around the screen seem somewhat outdated.

Finally, it should be mentioned that the area around Varese, where the MV Agusta factory is located, is an excellent travel destination for motorcyclists. The picturesque roads around Lago Maggiore and Lago di Varese offer ideal conditions for extended motorcycle tours and make every biker's heart beat faster. A particularly beautiful part of my test ride (which also includes routes used by MV Agusta test riders during bike development) has been tracked for you with Calimoto. So, if you have the opportunity, you should definitely consider a trip to Northern Italy to enjoy the beauty of the region and the riding experience here - perhaps even on an MV Agusta.