by Mark Appleton
The MV Agusta has been redesigned with, according to MV, increased charm, components and a quality of finish…what that says about the previous quality of finish is anyone’s guess!
The 2013 Brutale four-cylinder range is based on three new models: Brutale 1090, Brutale 1090 R and the Brutale 1090 RR.
All three bikes come with an in-line four cylinder engine with two configurations of power, eight-level adjustable traction control, single-sided swing arm with adjustable absorber and 50mm diameter inverted forks.
Day running lights, arranged symmetrically on either side of the dashboard cover, are capable of enhancing the whole front section and also make the motorcycle more visible and safe during day and night.
The four-cylinder engine has been painted silver and the same chromatic range characterises the new wheels, a unique design in the motorcycle industry: the multiple spokes are split and give rise to a fascinating design and at the same time efficient, considering the weight of a pair of wheels has been decreased by about 1,500 grams compared to those fitted on previous models.
The two new double exhaust silencers, a key element of the design, have become even more racing thanks to tapered ends, with a decisive diagonal cut reminiscent of American dragsters.
On the Brutale 1090 R and Brutale 1090 RR the indicators are integrated within the mirrors, benefitting the look and dimensions; on these same models, the rear indicators use LEDs.
The inline four-cylinder engine is found on the complete Brutale range and comes with a displacement of 1078 cc. It employs a bore and stroke of 79mm and 55 mm.
Unique to the motorcycle industry is the double overhead camshaft with four valves per cylinder which are arranged in a radial pattern. The engine employs both water and oil cooling with separate radiators.
Two engine configurations are offered, they are characterized by different values of maximum power and torque:
- Brutale 1090 and Brutale 1090 R reach 144 hp (106 kW) at 10,300 rev / min and 112 Nm (11.4 kgm) of torque
- Brutale 1090 RR reaches 158 hp (116.5 kW) at 11,900 rev / min and 100 Nm (10.2 kgm) of torque at 10,100 rev / min.
The cassette style removable gearbox is a six speed, constant mesh whilst the multi-plate clutch in runs in an oil bath and on the Brutale 1090 RR it employs race track derived slipper clutch unit.
The 50 mm diameter front forks are fully adjustable by means of special external adjusters: compression on one leg, rebound on the other and spring preload on both legs.
The new axle carrier allows quick release of the front wheel: a touch of functionality typically found only on race bikes.
The shock is completely tunable with some distinctions depending on the version: on the Brutale1090 and Brutale 1090 R it is possible to adjust the rebound and spring preload; Brutale 1090 RR offers a wider range of adjustment, in addition to the spring preload and rebound damping it is also possible to vary the low and high speed hydraulic compression damping.
The braking system of every Brutale features: two front discs 310mm in diameter for Brutale 1090 and Brutale 1090 R, 320 mm discs are used on the and Brutale 1090 RR, floating, with steel braking disks and an aluminum disk carrier. The rear disc is also made of steel with a diameter of 210 mm. Calipers are four-piston front and rear; Brutale 1090 RR employs Brembo monobloc front calipers for maximum braking efficiency and weight reduction.
The new Brutale range is offered in 3 color combinations for each model with pricing starting at €12,990.
- Brutale 1090: Matt Black - Matt pearl white - Matt metallic grey. €12,990
- Brutale 1090 R: Metallic black - Pastel red – Silver. €13,990
- Brutale RR: Pastel red/Silver - Metallic gold/Pearl white - Metallic blue/Pearl white. €16.990
