2024 MV Agusta Brutale

It’s been more than two decades since MV Agusta—then newly revived under the guidance of the late Claudio Castiglioni—introduced the first-generation Brutale and created a model that’s long since outlasted the F4 superbike it was derived from. Looking at that original bike and its 2024 successor, it’s striking how much of the Brutale’s original design has survived the intervening decades. The distinctive headlight was controversial at its launch, but has since been mimicked by hordes of rivals, and other key elements, including the stacked exhaust pipes on the right side and the single-sided swingarm, have also been maintained across the generations.

Although now vastly superior to the original 750cc Brutale, since the introduction of the latest-generation 998cc engine back in 2018, power hasn’t changed much either; it’s still one of the most powerful bikes on the planet, regardless of category, with a claimed 208 hp at 13,000 rpm. A new six-axis IMU and a full suite of electronic rider aids (traction control, wheelie control, cruise control) helps fully exploit the Brutale’s potential. The frame features the typical MV Agusta combination of a steel-tube trellis structure integrating with massive aluminum plates that bolt up to the rear engine mounts and locate the single-sided cast aluminum swingarm’s pivot. Wheelbase is a compact 55.7 inches, and the steering geometry is a race-inspired-steep 24.0 degrees rake and 3.8 inches of trail. The 43mm Öhlins NIX fork and TTX shock absorber both feature full electronic damping management. The Brembo brake system uses twin 320mm rotors up front with Stylema four-piston calipers and a 220mm rear rotor teamed with a two-piston caliper.

Just how fast is the Brutale? CW’s Doug Toland wrote in his test of the Brutale 1000 RS: “I’ve had the opportunity to ride numerous, world-championship-level racebikes in my career, and the MV’s acceleration in [the 8,000–11,000] rpm range is honestly one of the best I’ve ever experienced.”

The 2024 MV Agusta Brutale 1000 is available in three variants: The Brutale 1000 RS is available in Grigio Nardo/Grigio Scurro Metallizzato Opaco or Rosso Ago/Grigio Scurro Metallizzato Opaco for $29,998; the Brutale 1000 RR is available in Rosso Edonista Opaco/Nero Carbon Metallizzato Opaco or Nero Carbon Metallizzato Opaco/Rosso Mamba/Grigio Scuro Metallizzato Opaco for $38,198; or the Brutale 1000 RR Assen in Blu Nordico/Argento Ago for $46,998.