MV-AGUSTA BRUTALE 1090RR (2009 - on) Review

MV’s new range-topping Brutale 1090RR, the first of the new-generation of machines built under Harley Davidson ownership, might not look very different to the old one, but it’s a revelation.

It’s 85% new, boasts a dual power map, an eight-stage traction control system and is 4kg lighter than the out-going 1078RR. But most importantly it’s night-and-day friendlier and easier to ride than ever before, and still goes like stink.

It’s a real shame MV didn’t move the styling on a bit though. This would be a five out of five motorcycle but its fourteen-grand price tag puts it out of reach for all but the lucky few.

Gone is the cramped, harsh, uncomfortable Brutale of old, MV’s new super naked is almost Honda-like in its refinement, comfort and friendliness.

On the road it’s smooth and easy and on track it’s one of the best production bikes you can buy out of the crate, with or without a fairing.

The standard slipper clutch helps the Brutale glide into corners effortlessly, there’s epic stability at full lean and tons of grip and composure on the throttle.

The 142bhp inline-four cylinder 1078cc motor has the same basic layout and capacity as the out-going flagship Brutale 1078RR.

It’s around 3bhp down on last year’s bike, due to restrictions in the exhaust for noise and emissions.

The motor is 2.5kg lighter and has a slipper clutch. It also has a new starter and generator assembly, revised gearshift with a longer throw, water pump, oil pump, oil pump pick-up, fuel pump, balance shaft and exhaust.

It’s still an angry, powerful beast of a motor but now with all the rough edges smoothed off.

The traction control system detects engine revs and doesn’t have wheel-speed sensors, like the Ducati Streetfighter S. It’s very subtle and is hard to feel whether or not it actually works.

There’s no doubting the quality of the Brutale 1109RR, it’s exemplary, and has a better attention to detail than its closest rival: the Ducati Streetfighter S.

Previous Brutales have been proved to be reliable and now that Harley Davidson are at the reigns, spares availability promises to be improved.

This is still the awe-inspiring Brutale we all know and love, but now it has a calm and civil side, which we like. It’s a superb machine and one we’d all love to own if we had the disposable.

But for £6000 less you can buy a brand new Triumph Speed Triple, which might not be as exclusive but is just as much fun. Find an MV Agusta Brutale 1078RR for sale.

As well as traction control the Brutale 1090RR comes with fully adjustable 50mm Marzocchi forks and a Sachs rear shock.

It has monobloc four-piston calipers, a slipper clutch, a gear position indicator and completely new bodywork, including a roomier seat and a taller 23-litre fuel tank. It has hand-built exotic-ness oozing from every pore.