MV Agusta Brutale 800 RR updated, meant to be easier to live with

The MV Agusta Brutale 800 RR is among the firm’s most popular bikes, and it’s been updated with a new engine, chassis and electronics suite. The idea, so MV say, is to keep things as fun and zippy as they are now but make it a bit easier to live with. Sounds good to us.

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First up, the engine has had an update to make it Euro5 friendly. There have been a few small changes inside, including added Diamond Like Coatings to help reduce friction, and a redesigned exhaust.

Despite these eco-friendly changes, MV Agusta 800 engine peak power is the same at 138bhp – not bad for an 800cc triple. Paired with these engine updates are a new clutch and changes to gearbox to smooth out the shifting. Just like the previous model, MV are offering the Smart Clutch System auto-clutch as an option. 

The electronics too have had a huge update, courtesy of an Inertial Measurement Unit made by Milan-based e-Novia. The MV Agusta Brutale 800 RR now comes with lean-sensitive traction control, cornering ABS, launch control and front lift control as standard.

The workings of this are through a joystick on the left-hand controls and shown in the new 5.5 full-colour TFT dash (same one as the Superveloce 800). There are other creature comforts hidden inside the dash including turn-by-turn navigation when paired with a smartphone and cornering lights powered by the IMU. There’s even a factory installed tracker to thwart any ne’er-do-wells.

There are some more practical changes for long distance types including cruise control and more padding on the seat, as well as daft changes for mad types like a launch control button by the throttle. 

Some of the changes are more physical. The frame has been updatd with new side plates that improve the stiffness, while there’s a new linkage for the rear suspension to improve comfort. The shock has been updated to get the most from it, while the front suspension has been tuned to match the updated rear. 

Keep an eye out for the updated MV Agusta Brutale 800 RR review coming soon on MCN.