Yesterday, MD took possession of a new, MV Agusta Brutale RR for a full test. You may recall that MV Agusta reached an agreement with KTM to “create a dedicated US-based legal entity, which will be in charge of all MV Agusta operations in North America.” This transition is already occurring, and MD picked up this press bike from the same distribution center that handles KTM, Husqvarna and GAS GAS press loaners.
MD is exploring the nature of this KTM/MV Agusta relationship, and should have some additional details in Part 2 of this evaluation of the Brutale RR.
The Brutale RR designates an 800cc, high-output version of MV’s Brutale line. The 800s are three-cylinders, while the 1,000cc models are four-cylinders. MV makes a standard 800cc Brutale that puts out a claimed 110 horsepower. The RR version being tested by MD makes a claimed 140 horsepower from 800cc. Quite impressive.
We haven’t done much more than ride the bike back to the MD offices, but already we have a few initial impressions worth passing on to our readers.
First of all, this bike is very, very fast for an 800cc machine. Our editor literally got on his hands and knees to look and see if there were three header pipes, rather than four. That’s how impressive this engine is, as there was a small concern that we had picked up a 1,000cc model, instead.
The rush of power near the top of the tach is almost shocking given the displacement of the bike. Nevertheless, power delivery is not entirely peaky. Good fueling and engine response from low to mid rpm levels, coupled with good mid-range torque, make the top-end rush all the more impressive.
Another interesting feature that struck us is the use of a Rekluse clutch, which MV calls the “Smart Clutch System.” In essence, the clutch auto-engages when coming to a stop, after which you can roll on the throttle to leave a stop without ever touching the clutch. It is a bit of a strange sensation at this point, so we will reserve judgment to comment on this further in Part 2. Once moving, the auto-shift feature on the bike works seamlessly with both upshifts and down-shifts.
The other, perhaps obvious, impression to us is the beautiful design and finish of this Italian machine. The bike is stunning to look at. We will put some miles on the Brutale RR attacking familiar twisty roads, and report back. Stay tuned.
Did anyone notice the portal/opening under the seat? Cool.
Man, those Brutales. The first time I saw one, I was in awe. Fabulous!
In case you ever wondered where the inspiration for the Gladius came from.
Work here. Thank you for writing and posting this helpful article; I’ve learned a lot from it. Never stop what you’re doing.
Man that catalytic converter or whatever it is sure looks ugly hanging down there. Not sure what the solution would be, but it’s a real eyesore on an otherwise gorgeous machine.
Why can’t they at least paint that cat flat black or something to help it blend in with the background a little, I remember my Aprilia Shiver had a very slender cat that did not stand out like a sore thumb.
Does it whine like the Yamaha triple does?
So many decent engines are ruined by whining cost cuts.
MV having an expanded network is a good thing.
I cannot understand why anyone would tell him/herself something like:
It is a beautiful bike but I will never be able to afford it”. Of course you can, if you put your mind to it. Giving up in advance is a looser attitude.
I can afford the bike, just not the insurance. Mid 50s, no incidents and full coverage is outageous. The cost of owning an Italian beauty. Hencem I never owned a Ducati either.
I was looking at the Turismo Veloce Lusso CSC or whatever it is the past couple years and the insurance was just a dealbreeaker. I have a downpayment on a Guzzi V100 Mandello with the semi active Ohlins right now.
The Mandello is awesome! Good for you.
What a beautiful (as usual MV) bike. I hope they get a dealer network going. Partnering with KTM is a small step, as KTM dealers don’t seem to acknowledge anything that looks right without knobbies from the ones I’ve visited.
Watched one of this thing of previous generation. In black livery (strange). If I did not find MV on gas tank, did not even think that that was MV. So, red/silver livery with standard badge is better. For sure it is MV and strangely cheaper than some of Ducaties.
The only question is why it is not in classic red/silver colors.
Like all MV’s it’s gorgeous. Also like all MV’s, it’s expensive. For $20k I could have a Street Triple, and still have money left over to buy a Monkey – and buy insurance.
Will mere mortals (read median income enthusiasts) be able to AFFORD this bike??
What is Suggested Retail ??
How much did you pay for your truck?
Shocker! The milk crate brigade doesn’t like this.
I have no doubt that the sound of this machine is as beautiful as its looks.
Unfortunately, I have an excellent very local dealer…Fortunately, I am relatively certain that I can not afford this bike. 😉
Not to be the fox looking up at the “sour grapes” but the performance capabilities of such a motorbike are wasted upon such as I. But oh the looks…That is another matter entirely. Enjoy the ride, Sir Dirck of Edge!
ORT
What happened to the back of the front fender…..??? That radiator and oil cooler is gonna take a lickin of road debri, grit, maybe a small rock……and water spray.
Good point, apparently form over function wins again. Aftermarket might release a ‘rear’ fender extender for the front fender.
I had an original Brutale with the 750cc four back in the day. Beautiful to look and and it was fun to ride but the 750 was no GSXR.
I don’t care for buzzy 4 cylinder motors and the triple might entice me back.
The two inline fours that I owned were buzy, but became better smooth after I installed a carb kit in my FZ1 and a Power Commander on my FJR1300.
thing is beautiful
Please do tell, what does it sound like ? These exhaust outlets must sound different, of course all inline triples sound great. Seat looks painful.
Best of luck on this merger.
Better looking than any ktm currently available.
And the people said as one, “AMEN!”
ORT
Has all the ingredients to be a fantastic bike, but aesthetically is ugly as the 99% of naked bikes.
It is “stunning to look at” alright
Well…. it is a goofy kinda sexy looking bike. Stands out somewhat in this modern naked bike grouping. IMO
At first glance, I was like, ok, not TOO bad for a modern naked especially. Better than most similar bikes. But then I started to notice the busy details, and how they kind of work but kind of don’t, and the exhaust looks like it should be on a Batmobile or something…argh, the more I look the more I’m just like like “so near and yet in the end so far.”