Italian exotica-builder launched new lower-spec version of 208bhp 1000cc super-naked Brutale RR, here is your first look at the 2022 MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RS.
‘Entry-level’ isn’t a term you associate very often with MV Agusta. The Varese firm only really sells high-end, top-performing, gorgeous pieces of moto-art, so it’s all relative. But this new Brutale 1000 RS does actually fit the bill.
It’s a variant on the £30k Brutale 1000 RR machine which sits at the top of the firm’s naked bike range, festooned with the very finest chassis kit from Öhlins and Brembo, and the firm’s 208bhp 999cc inline-four engine at the heart of the magic.
This RS version keeps the full-power engine, steel tube trellis frame and hardcore styling, but dials down the chassis kit a notch, with front forks from Marzocchi, and a Sachs rear shock, rather than the full electronic semi-active Öhlins kit on the RR. Having said that, you do still get some Öhlins love: the mechatronic active steering damper is still by the Swedish spring-meisters.
You still get lovely Brembo brakes too: the front calipers are the high-end Stylema units, with 320mm discs and a radial master cylinder setup. There’s a new Continental MK100 ABS module, new seat, bars and mirrors, and Agusta’s top-end set of electronic riding aids: IMU-assisted cornering ABS and traction, launch control, wheelie control, cruise control, up/down quickshifter, satellite tracker, built-in sat-nav and Bluetooth phone link.
Dry weight is just 186kg: decent for the power and chassis kit, and there are lots of detail upgrades, like new forged footpegs, new rear wheel and the engine is the latest Euro5 version with DLC coated valve gear.
No firm word on price as yet: but expect a big saving on the RR’s €32k price tag, and something a bit closer to Ducati’s V4 Streetfighter range. More details: https://www.mvagusta.com/models/brutale