MV-AGUSTA BRUTALE 990R (2009 - 2013) Review

Replacing the old Brutale 989R, the new 139bhp 990R has a sleeved-down version of the new 1090RR engine.

It’s slightly lower spec, so has non-adjustable footpegs, more durable Pirelli Diablo Rosso tyres (not Dunlop Qualifier RRs), forged aluminium wheels, no steering damper or slipper clutch, but still has a two-way engine map and eight-position traction control.

Like its big brother, the 990R is more refined, roomier and easier to ride than before, and still has more than enough power to keep you amused on road and track.

The fuelling and ride quality aren’t quite as smooth as the more expensive 1090RR but these things are only noticeable if you ride the bikes back-to-back. On its own it’s still a cracker.

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 friendly and on track it’s extremely capable, with superb stability at full lean and lots of grip and composure on the throttle out of the corners.

The 139bhp inline-four cylinder 998cc motor is bigger than the out-going 982cc Brutale 989R, but 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 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 990R and has better attention to detail than its closest rival: the Ducati Streetfighter.

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 £4000 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 for sale.

As well as traction control the Brutale 990R comes with fully adjustable 50mm Marzocchi forks and a Sachs rear shock (with slightly lower-spec internals compared to the 1090RR).

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.