MV Agusta Brutale 989R (2008-current)

The inline-four-cylinder 982cc Brutale 989R is a bored-out evolution of the old 909cc Brutale 910, not a sleeved-down version of the superbike-engined Brutale 1078RR, although it does use the same pistons with a reduced compression ratio. Make sense? It’s insanely fast when you’ve got the space to use it. It’s also loud, brash, aggressive and ready to bite the second you take your eye off the ball, like the finest Chav-bred Pit Bull Terrier. It maybe a smaller version of the superbike-engined 1078RR, but remember it’s still bigger than the original 750 and 910 Brutales, and we thought they were pretty quick in the first place. The 989R does suffer from a harsh throttle response, though, which spoils low-speed and motorway riding.  

This isn’t a bike for tall people, if you’re over six foot you’ll struggle to get your knees under the ‘wings’ on the 19-litre fuel tank. Its dinky dimensions make it cramped for most riders and it’s easy for feet to slip off smooth, rounded footpegs too. That aside, the Brutale handles like a superbike, with sharp steering and superb stability in the corners and in a straight line, although it is on the heavy side.

The 989R has typical Italian hand-built attention to detail and it’s loaded with expensive cycle parts like Brembo Monobloc calipers, a fully adjustable Sachs rear shock, 50mm Marzocchi forks and adjustable rearsets. You get a rasping, angry soundtrack to die for and a view over the clocks like you’re perched on the edge of a cliff. Compare and buy parts for the MV Agusta Brutale in the MCN Shop.