The 2010 MV Augusta Brutale isn‘t for sissies, nor is it for inexperienced riders. Capable of going more than 160 mph, this naked bike is for riders who are in total control of their motorcycles, whether they‘re racing around a track or down a highway. Riders can’t afford to make any mistakes when there’s this much power between their legs. MV Augusta introduced the Brutale, with a 750 cc engine, in 2001; the 2010 models represent an almost complete redesign, with 85 percent new parts in this high-performance motorcycle. Visually, however, this year’s Brutale does not look much different from previous years. The new parts are designed by MV Augusta, allaying fears the Brutale would feature parts made by Harley-Davidson, which now owns the Italian manufacturer.
With dozens of racing trophies under their belts, the folks at MV Augusta know how to build a bike for speed. Both 2010 models, the 990RR and the 1090RR, fall into this category. The 998 cc 990RR is the smaller of the two, but still packs a wallop when it comes to power. The bike debuts an LED light system that is common on cars but new to motorcycles. Another new feature is flexibly mounted handlebars designed to be more comfortable and reduce vibration. Many of the new parts are lighter weight than their predecessors, including a crankcase that weighs 1.32 pounds less and a new generator and transmission system that is a combined 3.52 pounds lighter. The 990RR is available in red or black with silver side panels.
The more powerful 144.2 hp 1090RR has all the new features of the 990RR, as well as a few features that are unique to this model. New features include air ducts painted to match the gas tank and, because of the added horsepower, a new steering damper. Besides a larger engine size, 1078 cc, the 1090RR also features a slipper clutch that is an original MV Augusta design. With its superior technology, the 1090RR has been described ""a beast with an insatiable drive"" by one reviewer. The 1090RR comes in two color combinations: pearl white and black, and red and silver.