MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR revealed
The full production version of the MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR is expected in UK dealers imminently
BASED on the extraordinary Serie Oro, limited production has recently begun, the Brutale 1000 RR – albeit slightly delayed thanks to COVID-19.
The machine is a slightly lower spec version of the Brutale 1000 Serie Oro limited edition machine launched at the tail end of last year, although to make the new bike’s pricetag easier to swallow a few of that machine’s features have been left out.
The bike uses the same 208hp, 85lb-ft, four cylinder engine and frame as the Serie Oro version, meaning that compared to many super nakeds, the performance of this so-called lower-spec model will still be stratospheric. Some notable omissions are the lightweight carbon wheels of the Serie Oro, with the Brutale 1000 RR wearing lightweight forged aluminium items. Another difference is the use of aluminium fasteners on the RR, as opposed to titanium on the Serie Oro.
Keeping it high-end, the RR also features a full colour TFT screen, with the menus and riding modes all accessed through handlebar controls. MV Agusta worked with Eldor for the engine management system of the new bike, creating the new EM2.0 control unit specifically for this platform. The bike also features a full ride by wire throttle with multiple engine and throttle maps covering Sport, Race, Rain and Custom. The system works in conjunction with the bike’s IMU, managing traction control and slip strategies (covering eight different levels and off) and modulates intervention based on lean-angle data provided by the IMU. The Front Lift Control, an evolution of the anti-wheelie system, has active and non-active options. The Brutale 1000 RR also features launch control, which calculates the prefect getaway based on the engine’s revs, torque, and velocity of the bike during a start. Rounding out the electronics is an up and down quickshifter and blipper system.
The MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR has aero!
Another key battleground for any motorcycle designer is the advent of wings on road bikes. With over 200bhp on tap and with a top speed nudging the double ton, it’s really no surprise that the MV features an array of downforce-inducing winglets to help keep the front end on the deck. With wings are located by the radiator of the new bike, improving downforce and adding some all-important front end stability at speeds of over 120mph.
MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR suspension and brakes
The chassis dimensions are identical to those of the Serie Oro: compact wheelbase of 1,415 mm, with front-wheel trail of 97 mm. The Öhlins Nix EC fork, with TIN surface treatment, features electronic adjustment of the hydraulic brake in application and release. Adjustment of the spring preload is manual. The same electronic management is offered by the Öhlins TTX rear shock absorber fixed to the aluminium single-sided swingarm and the Öhlins EC electronic steering damper, which continually adjusts on the basis of the bike’s speed and is fixed by supports specially designed for the new Brutale.
The braking system is the same as the Serie Oro, with top-spec radially mounted Brembo Stylema front callipers and 320 mm diameter floating discs taking up the task of slowing the machine. The rear disc is 220 mm and is combined with a dual-piston calliper. Electronic management is assigned to the ABS Bosch 9 Plus system with Race Mode, particularly light and effective.
The new RR is said to be available in UK dealers 'imminently' and it has a price tag of £26,380 - not cheap compared to the competition from Japan, a snip when compared to the £40k Serie Oro version of what is a very similar machine!
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
