My Brutale 800 was in having the map updated so i took out the shops demo Dragster.
Comparisons against my Brutale:
The clutch is softer on the Dragster? (the mechanic thought it odd too, maybe MV have changed the spring?)
The brakes (ABS Model) have less initial bite than my brute but then felt good and progressive and firm at the lever. (maybe to do with the demo only having 160 miles on it?)
The handling is a bit lazier in the bends no doubt to do with the 200 tyre, felt similar to my '10 Z1000, still handled really well, just the initial drop in is more of a progressive roll into the bend.
The bars felt slightly narrower, the mirrors were good but had a little wrist ache after 15-20mins (zig zag hill could have had something to do with that, see below)
The fuelling is spot on, I took it down a section of road nearby called Zig Zag hill, it is an unbelievably tight switchback road that winds up a steep hill, usually you would negotiate it in 1st and 2nd, I did it in 3rd and 4th purposely to test the throttle response, barely faster than walking pace on the turns and the drive from 1500rpm was silky smooth. Also the quick shifter was just as complying (Note to self, get a quick shifter)
Best thing, my Brutale is now just as smooth
And now the bad points:
That seat! I like to move around a bit when I ride, especially when things get a bit spirited and on my bike I can move back or forth a couple of inches when i'm braking or tucking in a bit and sliding and hanging off to one side in the bends is natural and comfortable but on the Dragster its like sitting in a kids high chair, the hump in the seat keeps you up against the tank and i'm no lard arse, in fact someone who is a bit portly wouldn't fit, and the contour of the seat isn't that comfortable on the underside of your leg when your hanging off either.
I know there are some riders out there who that won't bother as they sit pretty static when they ride but its not for me and incidentally the shop said most others who have tested it commented on the same thing?
Did I like it? Overall yes, apart from the seat. Would I sell my Brutale to get one tomorrow, no, they're too similar and the seat is better on the Brutale.
