Motorcycles

MV Agusta refines the rare and collectible Dragster 800 RC

MV Agusta refines the rare and collectible Dragster 800 RC
The 2018 MV Agusta 800 RC is a limited variant of the Dragster series
The 2018 MV Agusta 800 RC is a limited variant of the Dragster series
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With the SC Project exhaust system and appropriate ECU kit, the 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC outputs 150 hp (112 kW)
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With the SC Project exhaust system and appropriate ECU kit, the 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC outputs 150 hp (112 kW)
The 2018 MV Agusta 800 RC is a limited variant of the Dragster series
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The 2018 MV Agusta 800 RC is a limited variant of the Dragster series
Frontal view of the 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC
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Frontal view of the 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC
The 37 on the sides of the 2018 Dragster 800 RC celebrates the number of world championships that MV Agusta has won
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The 37 on the sides of the 2018 Dragster 800 RC celebrates the number of world championships that MV Agusta has won
The 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC is equipped for the race track-minded rider
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The 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC is equipped for the race track-minded rider
The spartan view from the rear of the 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC
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The spartan view from the rear of the 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC
Every 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC is escorted with a model-specific cover
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Every 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC is escorted with a model-specific cover
The triple-cylinder engine of the 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC produces 140 hp (104 kW) in standard trim and 150 (112 kW) with the non-road-legal exhaust and ECU kit
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The triple-cylinder engine of the 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC produces 140 hp (104 kW) in standard trim and 150 (112 kW) with the non-road-legal exhaust and ECU kit
Standard equipment of the 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC includes a brake lever protector
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Standard equipment of the 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC includes a brake lever protector
The 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC sports a lot of carbon fiber parts
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The 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC sports a lot of carbon fiber parts
The 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC employs the same 43 mm Marzocchi forks and Brembo brakes as the RR
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The 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC employs the same 43 mm Marzocchi forks and Brembo brakes as the RR
The SC Project exhaust kit is escorted with a dedicated ECU to unleash the full potential of the 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC's triple
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The SC Project exhaust kit is escorted with a dedicated ECU to unleash the full potential of the 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC's triple
The two-tone leather seat of the 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC
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The two-tone leather seat of the 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC
Only 350 MV Agusta Dragster 800 motorcycles will get to carry the RC moniker
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Only 350 MV Agusta Dragster 800 motorcycles will get to carry the RC moniker
The 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC sports adjustable clip-ons
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The 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC sports adjustable clip-ons
The welcome kit of the 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC includes a wooden box with the motorcycle cover and a plaque
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The welcome kit of the 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC includes a wooden box with the motorcycle cover and a plaque
Proof of the 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC's rarity
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Proof of the 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC's rarity
View gallery - 17 images

The limited RC version of the naked Dragster 800 has received a discrete update, invisible from the outside, yet extensive enough to make a difference. A series of mechanical changes aim to bring the triple-cylinder motor up to par with the latest emission norms without compromising its fiery character.

Some manufacturers simply don't care for affordable commuters, and MV Agusta is certainly one of them. In a line-up consisting exclusively of Italian sportbike savvy, there are still some very special models that stand out from the rest. You can distinguish them by the letters RC, standing in for Reparto Corse, MV Agusta's racing department.

Four MV Agusta models have RC variants; the F4 and F3 superbikes, the Dragster and the Turismo Veloce. In each case, it's a limited production special, equipped with some very desirable and expensive parts from the company's racing catalogue.

The 37 on the sides of the 2018 Dragster 800 RC celebrates the number of world championships that MV Agusta has won
The 37 on the sides of the 2018 Dragster 800 RC celebrates the number of world championships that MV Agusta has won

The Dragster is essentially a Brutale 800 naked triple with a fatter 200-section rear tire and a sportier riding position. It starts with the 125-hp base model, then takes it up a notch with the 140-hp RR and tops it off with the limited RC. The latter sports the same high-end running gear as the RR, but abundant with carbon fiber parts, lightweight cast wheels in place of the RR's stylish spoked ones, and a paint scheme that relates directly to MV's superbike racing team.

For 2018, MV Agusta updates the RC according to Euro 4 norms just like it did last year with the RR. This process involves a brand new exhaust system with a denser catalytic converter, but also includes an optional, track-only SC Project terminal that takes the horsepower up to 150 hp (112 kW) and shaves 8 kg (18 lb), bringing the total down to a dry weight of 160 kg (353 lb).

The engine itself hosts a lot of refinements, like new smoother-action gearing for the oil and water pumps, as well as the balance shaft, thicker engine covers for more resistance to impacts and less noise, and a new gear shifter for lighter lever action.

The 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC sports adjustable clip-ons
The 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC sports adjustable clip-ons

The electronics are updated in order to work with the new exhaust, and several refinements have been made to the eight-level configurable traction control and the standard quick shifter system. According to MV Agusta, all these changes are mainly meant to provide a smoother, more seamless riding experience that will be greatly appreciated on the race track, where the Dragster RC is mostly meant to be ridden.

The updated Dragster 800 RC will debut at the upcoming EICMA show in Milan, Italy, after which MV Agusta will probably reveal its retail price. Given that the RC version is limited to 350 pieces worldwide, its price tag is expected to float around the US$20,000 mark – just like the 2017 model.

Source: MV Agusta

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