Both versions use a lighter engine crankcase than before, and both have names that suggest a displacement different than what is actually under the tank. The 990R has a 998cc motor, up from the 982cc 989R via a stroke increase and a bore reduction. The larger and more expensive Brutale, the 1090RR, retains the old 1078RR’s 1098cc displacement. According to factory claims, both models have less peak horsepower, but the 989R receives a slight bump in torque. Both models include a traction-control system, and the RR adds features like a slipper clutch, larger brake rotors and forged aluminum wheels.

More info and some early riding impressions from Italy after the jump.

The previous Brutales were massively fun to ride, but their handling qualities bordered on skittish. So MV has given the new versions more sedate chassis specs by lengthening the wheelbase with a longer swingarm and more relaxed steering geometry. Style updates include a new headlight, mirrors with integrated LED turnsignals and a new instrument package. Pricing is typical Italian exotica, with the 990R retailing for $15,000 and the MSRP for the 1090RR set at $18,000.

Our European correspondent, Tor Sagen, is currently testing both Brutales in and around the Misano circuit in Italy, and here are his early impressions:

I have now ridden the two new Brutale models both on the road and on track. I’ve still got more sessions on Misano before I’m done. On the road both bikes have plenty of power and the 1090 RR is one of the best wheelie machines out there as it power wheelies in third gear. Both chassis are composed and stable.

The 1090 RR has got better brakes than the 990 R and a lot more feel. The power band in the 1090 version is also somewhat more pleasing both on the road and on the track and not only because of the extra horsepower. But despite all this the 990 R is still one of the more potent naked streetfighters out there.

Despite the easy wheelies on the road, the Brutale 1090 RR doesn’t wheelie at will out of corners or when hard on the throttle from lower speed. It’s actually very composed and a steering damper keeps the front in check most of the time too.

Turning the bikes hard from left to right on the circuit isn’t the very easiest thing in the world compared to a full on sportsbike. The fuel injection also causes some hiccups here and there both on the road and on the circuit but less so on the latter. The 990 R suffers more than the 1090RR in this area particularly when you want to modulate the throttle from slow to faster.

More to come the full article…

For 100,000 Euro (about $135,00 US), if you order now, not only will you get the bike of your dreams but they will also throw in a Girard-Perregaux Swiss watch and a limited edition leather jacket by Italian fashion house Trussardi, operators are standing by…

Source

2008 was an interesting year in the world of motorcycles. But the biggest stories of 2008 have left some big questions for 2009. What’s in store for the New Year? We’ll soon find out. Here are some of the top news stories for 2008.

Harley-Davidson buys MV Agusta

The Motor Company acquired MV Agusta and its subsidiary Cagiva in July for approximately US$109 million. With the acquisition, Harley-Davidson adds the premium European marque to its organization which already includes the Buell brand. Now that its debts are out of the way, MV Agusta can get started on a clean slate. But it’ll do so without the legendary Massimo Tamburini who announced his retirement. Let’s see what MV Agusta has in store for us in 2009.

Daytona Motorsports Group buys rights to AMA Pro Racing

A group headed by Roger Edmondson and NASCAR VP Jim France acquired the rights to the AMA’s professional racing properties. DMG set to work and reshaped AMA Pro Racing with new classes and rules including spec fuel and tires. After many decisions and revisions, not to mention negotiations with the manufacturers, they finally settled on the new structure of AMA Road Racing. What will AMA racing look like in 2009? We’ll see when the Daytona 200 will be raced under the lights on March 7.

Troy Bayliss retires as World Superbike champ

Troy Bayliss went out with a bang, retiring after capturing his third World Superbike title. Bayliss records 11 wins and 19 podium finishes to win the championship by a 118-point margin over Troy Corser. Ducati honors Bayliss with a limited edition 1098R featuring the special livery used in his final race. Bayliss went out on top with nothing left to prove. Except maybe a one-off shoot-out against MotoGP champ Valentino Rossi. Could we see this dream match-up take place in 2009? Bayliss says it would take a $1.5 million pay cheque for him to take part. Anyone want to start passing around a hat?

Honda pulls out of AMA racing, and Kawasaki withdraws from MotoGP

With the worldwide economy struggling, “bailout” became one of the key buzzwords for 2008. We thought it referred to banks and auto manufacturers begging the government for money. We didn’t expect it would also mean “bailing out of racing”. Honda shut down its AMA Road Racing operations and Kawasaki is rumored to do the same with MotoGP. What will the racing landscape look like in 2009, with the loss of these factory teams? At least we have World Superbike Championship to look forward to, with the addition of two new factory teams, BMW and Aprilia.

Mladin vs. DMG

Mat Mladin has been one of the most vocal critics of AMA Pro Racing’s new management and its plans for the future. And why not? After years of dominance in the AMA Superbike series with Suzuki, Edmondson and company suddenly step in and change the playing field. And then, while chasing teammate Ben Spies for the championship, Mladin gets stripped of a pair of victories at Virginia International Raceway for an illegal crankshaft. The two DQs pretty much ended Mladin’s run for the 2008 championship. But what about 2009? Suzuki hasn’t announced its plans for the upcoming AMA season, and the team was conspicuously absent from the winter tire tests. Will they follow Honda and withdraw from competition?