Identities transformed, MADE IN MV.
Almost a decade has passed since the appearance of the first Brutale, a prestigious, naked motorcycle with fascinating design, power, and speed. Its characteristics, unique and unmistakable, have made it famous the world over, enabling it to win coveted prizes as the most beautiful motorcycle of the year. Fifteen thousand, four hundred Brutale units have been sold worldwide, including special versions. Its identity has remained timeless, backed by MV Agusta’s legendary racing heritage. The 38 riders’ world championship titles and 37 manufacturers’ championships - attained with the contribution of motorcycling legend Giacomo Agostini - demonstrate the company’s ability to work under extreme conditions, as well as its great passion for racing.
The Brutale pushes the limits of research and technology in its 2010 models - the 990R and the 1090RR. With its state-of-the-art components, the 2010 Brutale delivers acclaimed performance and ease of riding, in keeping with the “Made in MV” formula: a commitment to excellence in componentry, in the design of which MV Agusta is at the forefront. The “easy” handling enable the Brutale to compete with the Japanese nakeds: it is agile and instinctive in the hands of the rider. It excels on the racetrack, and its eclectic elegance and charm thrill even the casual admirer. To achieve these results, it was necessary to replace 85% of the components, but the new Brutale has preserved the significant style features of previous versions. The work carried out on the 990R and 1090RR cannot be defined as mere restyling; rather, it is a silent MV Agusta revolution.
The BRUTALE STORY, from 750 to 1090
Created in 2001 with a 750 engine, the Brutale instantly stirred motorcyclists, who were enthusiastic, but also insatiable, to the extent that MV immediately pushed on towards more extreme limits in search of absolute performance. The first change came in 2003. The 910S gained 12 hp over the 750, with its 139 horsepower, and a torque of almost 73 ft-lb which, with the increase of 160 cc, completed the job. The R version was even more powerful—144 hp with racing exhausts; a professional rolling chassis that included radial brakes, forged rims and TiN-treated front forks; and an engine capable of reaching speeds of 163 mph. The second evolution took place in 2007: the engine was made even larger, the 910S became the 989R, and the meanest model was named the 1078RR. These demonstrated incredible power, 142 and 147 hp respectively, with torque varying between 74 ft-lb and 84 ft-lb, and a top speed of around 167 mph. Each model had a different rolling chassis, with the “professional” version boasting enhanced performance. Throughout the years, the face of the Brutale never changed expression; it only flexed its muscles to be stronger and more athletic, always coming in two versions, the basic and the sport.
In its career, it donned elite dress for limited editions. The “Serie Oro” (“Gold Series”) was the first to make its debut, which was an all red 750 special with a limited production number of only 300 units worldwide. The Serie Oro was presented along side the first standard model of the MV naked. After the Italian win in the 2006 World Cup, the “Italy” version was launched, a replica for motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors of the limited edition Brutale that MV Agusta President Claudio Castiglioni wanted to give to each player on the Italian team. Only 124 units were made, all light blue, with the proud inscription “Champions of the World.” More recent times have seen the “Hydrogen” (100 units), created in the partnership with the clothing company of the same name, which can be purchased from MV Agusta dealers as well as from the luxurious boutiques of this prestigious name in fashion. The latest creation is the “Wally,” resulting from a co-branding with Monte Carlo based Wally, the largest manufacturer of yachts. Only 118 units were made, signifying the 118-foot length of the extraordinary motor boat that has become an international icon among luxury watercraft.
BRUTALE NEW ERA: 85% of the components are new and were DESIGNED BY MV AGUSTA
There is little left of the old Brutale model, as 85% of the parts have been completely redesigned. From the aesthetics, to the engine, to the rolling chassis, no component can be interchanged with those of the previous versions. Among the new parts:
- Front wheel rim, either gravity die-cast, or forged
- Front brake disk
- Suspensions Internals (oil dynamics and components of the front fork)
- Instrument cluster (design, logic definition and information handling)
- Brake pump with integrated tank
- Headlight
- Mirrors with directional indicators
- Handlebar
- Handgrips
- Steering damper
- Fuel pump
- Fuel filler cap
- Inner damper (oil dynamics and inside components)
- Rear swingarm
- Rear turn signals
- Taillight
- Pressure die-cast rear taillight support
- Rear wheel hub, either gravity die-cast, or forged
Many of these parts have been designed and crafted by MV Agusta, rather than sourced from market suppliers, thereby affording technical and aesthetic perfection. Of all the world’s manufacturers, only MV Agusta obsessively pursues aesthetic perfection in its component design, because its aim is to make beautiful what others make only functional. And, without being presumptuous, the Brutale is the best example there is on the market.
BRUTALE 990R Aesthetics
Headlight - The headlight retains the same drop profile and the same dimensions, but introduces a fresh, more modern design, which takes account also of a modified support, but eliminates the direction indicators. Inside, in addition to a new polyellipsoidal element, there is a system of 8 LEDs that create a “light strip” effect, like that found on cars, which for motorcycles is entirely new. Instrument cluster and instrumentation - The new lines of the instrument cluster have abandoned the soft shapes of the previous cluster to achieve a style that is in keeping with the modern, slender features of the bodywork. It is designed to fit a personalized, interchangeable cover, which the rider can select from those available in the accessory line. The instruments are also all new, working in conjunction with the engine control module via a high speed CAN line, retaining the split dial, with the rev counter, which is even more precise. The two LCD screens have been enlarged and have even more functions. There is now an indicator showing which gear is engaged, the fuel level, the speed, the hazard key, the water temperature, and the chronometer function, with memory of laps and of times. The instruments are already set up to use a system for monitoring tire pressure.
Handlebar - The fitting of the handlebar is flexible, to improve comfort and to reduce the vibration level. On the integrated handlebar clamps, the upper triple clamp assembly, including the handlebar clamp, is new. This latter has been designed with an elegant hinge release system, which enables the handlebar group to be quickly dismantled. The handgrips also have a new design, with an alternation of smooth and rough areas that improves grip.
Rearview mirrors - The rearview mirrors are larger and have more volume for greater visibility, but have also been placed higher up than before; the arm is in pressure die-cast aluminum, to reduce vibrations and to improve stability. They house LED direction indicators (3 on each side), which are perfectly incorporated into the rear mirror assembly, yielding a cleaner line than the traditional position. Key block - The ignition block is the very latest generation, fitted with an immobilizer, the presence of which is indicated by a red light on the instrument cluster. The fuel cap is also new, with an advanced design in which the MV name stands out on the back, thanks to careful and precise manufacturing. Bodywork and technical fittings - The air ducts for the air box are larger and tapered directing additional airflow. The radiator protections, no longer in metal and integrated with the mechanical components, are now part of the bodywork. In addition to streamlining the radiator and protecting it, they act as ducts to provide better cooling. The most evolved part of the motorcycle is the rear, thanks to a thinner, more modern tail, which makes sitting more comfortable. The LED taillight is integrated into the tail, which is no longer in plastic, but is pressure die-cast in aluminum, and is an entirely new design element. The two beautiful exhausts, which flow along the right side of the motorcycle, have been enhanced, eliminating the welding at the tips of the silencers and, above all, featuring an even more inclined and thinner cut that matches the lines of the bodywork. The external engine supports are sleeker and, along with the side stand, are embellished with the MV logos in relief. The 990R version comes in two colors: red or black, both with silver tank side panels.
BRUTALE 1090RR Aesthetics
The differences with respect to the 990R:
- The new steering head has a new steering damper on the handlebar
- The air ducts of the air box, painted in the same color as the tank, become an integral part of it, and as a result, the design is even more aggressive
- The valve cover is painted red
The 1090RR version comes in two color formats: pearl white/black and red/silver.