MV Agusta teases the Brutale 1000 RS, a more street-friendly version of hardcore 1000 RR.
The Brutale is MV Augusta’s range of hyper-naked sportbikes with super-responsive powertrains designed to offer a better riding experience on the road and crazy quick lap times on track days. The Brutale 1000 RR is the Italian brand’s flagship offering in this segment and comes with a 998-cc liquid-cooled i4 engine that pumps out a whopping 208 hp at 13,000 rpm and 86 lb-ft of torque at 11,000 rpm! And if that wasn’t enough, the impressive powerplant is coupled with a 6-speed gearbox with a Quickshifter/Autoblipper. As it stands, it is one of the quickest motorcycles of any kind, only behind the Ducati Streetfighter V4S and other liter-class engineering wonders. Beyond the spec sheet, the Brutale comes into one with its world-class design and the kit on board.
Every MV Agusta Brutale features a single angular oval-shaped headlamp, a hunkered-down stance with protruding ram air intakes, clip-on handlebars, an exposed tubular trellis frame, a single-sided swingarm, and triple/quad exhausts. The 1000RR follows a similar design philosophy with extra carbon fiber bits for the airbox, suspension, and winglets. The RR is also bestowed with a suite of electronics, including support for the MV Ride App, along with some serious hardware such as the Ohlins electronic suspension at the front, a TTX 36 Rear Monoshock with full adjustability, Ohlins electronic steering damper, and Brembo Stylema brakes with a 4-pot/320 mm twin-disc setup at the front and a 2-pot/220 mm single disc at the rear. With all this combined, the RR weighs 410 lb dry.
While all this looks really impressive on paper, critics who tested the Brutale 1000 RR in real-world conditions suggest that the motorcycle is better suited for track riding and a bit too hardcore for the city. The upcoming 2022 Brutale 1000 RS aims to be a little more friendly without compromising on the hooliganism of its sibling. The 208 hp powertrain is expected to be carried over without any significant drop in performance. The Brutale 1000 RS will see changes to the ergonomics, though. The lowered-down aggressive clip-ons from the RR are said to be placed a few inches higher, with a flatter and wider handlebar. The bike will also be an inch taller, which is comparable to the slightly relaxed stance of the Brutale 800 series. It’s too early to mention changes being made to the riding position yet, but expect the footpegs to be lower for a more relaxed seating posture. Other technical details, including the electronics package, and chassis are yet to be disclosed.
Pricewise, the Brutale 1000 RS should sit between the 800 RR and the 1000 RR, both of which cost $20,198 and $38,376, respectively.
