I have to say, I love my 2019 MV Agusta Brutale 800 RC because it’s about the sexiest-looking motorcycle on the road. The Brutale RC is a premium limited-edition model with a paint scheme that complements its exquisite trellis frame and elegant, purposeful lines. The bike is fast, and it handles well. The exhaust is exceptionally loud, as I bought it with an SC-Project titanium exhaust system and matching chipped ECU already fitted. The snarling, throaty motor now outputs a claimed 146 horsepower and 87 ft-lbs of torque.
The MV Agusta Brutale has been a joy to me. Despite its ferocious sound and personality, it rides really well. Its show-stopping appearance always draws a crowd wherever I’m parked.
However, despite my undying love for my MV, it has suffered one annoying issue—the rear brake stopped working fairly soon after I took delivery. At its first service at Pro Italia in Glendale, Calif., I was told, “They all do that sooner or later.”
Under warranty, the Pro Italia mechanics bled the lines. That fixed it, but they warned me that it wouldn’t last long—and they were right. I use my rear brake often to keep the Brutale stationary at traffic lights, so I wasn’t happy about it. So, I learned to ride without being so dependent on it.
I’ve owned my Brutale for three years and recently learned about the MV Agusta We Care program, an initiative aimed at MV riders of bikes built in 2018 or later.
MV Agusta’s somewhat checkered track record in America has been frustrating for fans of the storied Italian brand. Hopes that things might change went up when Pierer Mobility AG—owners of the KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas brands) acquired a minority share position in MV Agusta in late 2022, and the subsequent majority position this year.
KTM’s considerable experience managing a vast dealer network and supply chain in the US implied that things would improve quickly at MV Agusta. The Austrian-owned PMG pledged that MV Agusta would retain its Italian roots, with all design and the existing production facilities unchanged. Instead, PMG is focusing on improving the parts supply chain, dealer experience, and overall brand satisfaction for the consumer.
Things are already looking up. In early 2024, MV Agusta Americas CEO Luca Dovesi announced the implementation of the MV Agusta We Care program. It’s an after-sales service initiative aimed at enhancing the ownership experience for MV Agusta customers.
Essentially, all owners of MV Agusta motorcycles produced from January 2018 onwards are invited to take advantage of a complimentary motorcycle once-over, with a 20 percent discount applied to service parts if any work is performed. To participate, customers simply need to register through the form on MV’s website to receive the We Care voucher.
I went online, filled out the form, and received my We Care voucher. With the voucher in hand, I scheduled an appointment with Pro Italia. I didn’t mention Ultimate Motorcycling or this story. Even without an “in”, Pro Italia was very helpful and made my appointment with only a two-week wait.
On the day of the appointment, I brought my MV Agusta Brutale in, and my husband and I then went to a local coffee shop to kill a few hours while the service department did the work.
When I returned, the Brutale was ready to go. The service guy took me through the work that had been performed. Happily, the bike only required scheduled servicing—nothing major—and that ran $290, which I deemed more than acceptable for a limited-edition motorcycle from an exotic Italian brand.
However, Pro Italia went a step further. The service department installed a newly designed rear brake reservoir relocation kit. It moves the reservoir from near the exhaust, where the fluid gets too hot and deteriorates rapidly, to a cooler spot nearer the seat. The kit is apparently worth around $400 and, despite the bike being out of warranty, the kit and labor were free of charge. The rear brake now works well and has continued to do so since.
I was fully satisfied with the new MV Agusta We Care experience. The dealer availability and service were outstanding. The required service work was done at a fair price, and the previous flaw in the bike was fixed at no cost to me. So, yes, I was impressed with the We Care program. It appears that the new owners of MV Agusta do indeed care—very much.
