2018 MV AGUSTA BRUTALE 800 RR
FIRST TEST
P92
(Clockwise from top
left) MV says the
exhaust design was
inspired by organ
pipes. It sounds better
than anything you'll
hear in church, and
is still MV's savior.
•Some of the styling
details of the Brutale
RR are simply ornate—
note the mount for the
calipers. But aren't we
past the point where
having ABS deserves a
sticker? •The LED turn
signals are a work of
art, but we were hoping
they'd at least be self-
canceling for $16,698.
•This motor is in a
class of its own.
T R I P L E T H R E A T
This MV Agusta Brutale 800 RR
drivetrain is best explored with laps
on a track, but MV instead took us
for a scenic lap around Lago Mag-
giore in Italy. Unfortunately, some
of the sights included significant
traffic, so we got the bonus of a
preview of what the RR would be
like as a commuter. It wasn't pretty.
Under 20 miles per hour, the mo-
tor is lumpy and the saddle is an
unpleasant place to be.
But, once the Brutale gets to
stretch its legs, it's incredible.
Above 8000 rpm, it's downright vi-
cious in a smile-inducing way.
What's no longer vicious is the
fueling. The previous generation re-
ceived complaints because throttle
response and overall fueling were
average at best. MV has modified
the fuel injection computer and
throttle return spring on this Bru-
tale, and the improvements were
instantly obvious.
This means it's now much easier
to control the 140 horsepower and
64 lb-ft of torque—those numbers in
addition to an effective quickshifter
are a good formula for breathtaking
acceleration. You'll only be able to
enjoy this combination briefly be-
fore you're breaking the law—thank-
fully the Italian police (Carabinieri)
don't seem to mind. The quick-
shifter is most satisfying during full
throttle acceleration runs but it's
also enjoyable on the way down the
