MV Agusta is working hard on its new three-cylinder 675 Brutale, but the Italian bike maker hasn’t forgotten about the F4-derived Brutale.
Earlier this year, the Brutale 990 was phased out and replaced by the more accessible and flexible Brutale 920. Unfortunately, the 920 is not available in the U.S., but it was positively received in most European markets, where its lower price, superior comfort and greater practicality made sense.
Following the same approach, the Brutale R1090 replaces the much more expensive 1090RR. The engine is the same 79.0 x 55.0mm, 1078cc inline-Four and features a Magneti Marelli 5SM ECU and 46mm Mikuni throttle bodies to manage ignition and fueling. Further, the rider can toggle between a peak output of 144 horsepower at 10,300 rpm, with 83 ft.-lb. of torque at 8100 rpm, or wet-conditions-friendly 99 hp at 8500 rpm and 76 ft.-lb. of torque at 5500 rpm.
The engine is harnessed in the Brutale 920 frame with a fully adjustable 50mm Marzocchi fork, Sachs shock and Brembo radial-mount four-piston calipers. The latter are teamed with 310mm front rotors—not the customary 320mm Brembos. Geometry is unaltered: 25 degrees of rake, 4.1 inches of trail and a 56.3-in. wheelbase. A fatter, 195/55-17 rear tire is the only visible difference.
From the Brutale 920 also comes the larger, more generously upholstered seat. Gone are those extra touches of refinement that made the Brutale the way Massimo Tamburini wanted it. But everything that really counts is there, made even more attractive at a price of 13,990 euros ($19K), which is way below the 18,500 euros of the previous 1090RR.
For the purists, a Brutale RR1090 will soon follow.
