MV Agusta announced it will offer ABS-equipped versions of its four-cylinder Brutale 1090 models. The addition of ABS should come as no surprise, considering the European Union’s recent move to make the technology mandatory for all new models larger than 125cc by 2016.

The 2013 MV Agusta Brutale 1090, 1090 R and 1090 RR will be available with the Bosch 9MP, an ABS that’s becoming popular with a number of manufacturers due to its lightweight and compact packaging. The small size of the unit was particularly helpful given the little amount of space available on the compact Brutales.

The Bosch unit uses data from internal pressure sensors as well as wheel speed sensors to calculate the optimal amount of brake pressure to prevent the wheels from locking. Continue Reading »

MV Agusta has made it no secret it is producing an 800cc motard-styled model using a larger version of 675cc three-cylinder engine from the F3 and the Brutale 675. MV Agusta had been openly talking about the new model, expected to be called the Rivale, releasing a sketch of it earlier this week. Less discussed, but probably expected, was the same larger Triple engine would appear in another version of the Brutale.

The 2013 MV Agusta Brutale 800 slots into the manufacturer’s lineup between the Brutale 675 and the newly announced four-cylinder Brutale 1090 models and stepping into the gap left by the discontinued 921. The new Brutale, and the upcoming Rivale as well, is powered by a 798cc three-cylinder engine with a counter-rotating crankshaft.

The extra capacity comes from increasing the Triple engine’s stroke to 54.3 mm from the 675cc engine’s 45.9mm throw.  MV Agusta claims an output of 123.3 hp at 11,600 rpm and 59.7 ft-lb. at 8600 rpm from the Brutale 800′s powerplant, though the Rivale will likely be tuned a little differently. MV Agusta claims a top speed of 153.1 mph for the Brutale 800 compared to the Brutale 675′s claimed 139.8 mph top speed. Continue Reading »

MV Agusta teased its four-cylinder Brutales last week with a video, and today, the Italian manufacturer released official details on its three-model 2013 Brutale 1090 line. Despite the 1090cc labels shown in the teaser, it appears the new Brutales will keep the 2012 models’ 1078cc engine displacement.

The base-model MV Agusta Brutale 1090 will be joined by a slightly pricier 1090R version and an even higher level 1090RR (pictured above). All three models feature an eight-level traction control system, tubular steel trellis frame with aluminum plates, single-sided swingarms, ten-spoke wheels, 50mm inverted forks and radial-mount Brembo calipers.

Though all three models are equipped with 1078cc four-cylinder engines with double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder in a radial arrangement. MV Agusta will offer two different versions of the engine however, with the 1090 and 1090R getting an engine claiming 142hp and 82.6 ft-lb. The 1090RR meanwhile, sacrifices some torque for more horsepower, with MV Agusta claiming 156hp and 73.8 ft-lb. All three models use cassette-style six-speed transmissions, while the RR version equipped with a slipper clutch. Continue Reading »