2015 MV Agusta Brutale 800 RR and Brutale Dragster 800 RR | FIRST LOOK

Even if you don’t speak Italian, you can probably figure out that “brutale” isn’t a euphemism for “Mr. Nice Guy.” So nobody’s going to mistake either of MV’s latest Brutales––the 800 RR or the 800 Dragster RR––for run-of-the-mill naked bikes.

The Brutale 800 RR is powered by a DOHC, 12-valve, liquid-cooled triple that cranks out a claimed 140 horsepower at 13,100 rpm at the crankshaft, and 63 foot-pounds of torque at 10,100. So, yes, a rev-happy powerplant. A six-speed, cassette-style gearbox is paired with a slipper clutch. MV’s throttle-by-wire Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System (MVICS 2.0 for short) deals with misfires and detonation with four maps; traction control has eight levels of intervention. There’s also an electronically assisted shift system (MV EAS 2.0) that works on upshifts and downshifts.

The Brutale 800 RR’s chassis uses a mixed-structure frame with tubular-steel trellis sections and two high-torsional-rigidity aluminum-alloy plates. A single-sided swingarm is controlled by a Sachs shock, while the fork, a 43mm USD unit by Marzocchi, gets DLC (Diamond Like Coating) that increases surface hardness, and an adjustable steering damper. The fork and the rear shock are adjustable for preload, and rebound and compression damping.

A pair of 320mm rotors, clamped by Brembo four-piston calipers, works with a 220mm rear. Bosch ABS with RLM (Rear-wheel Lift-Up Mitigation) is standard. Five-spoke “vortex” cast wheels come shod with Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tires, a 120/70-ZR17 up front and a 180/55-ZR17 in the rear. The Brutale 800 is available in Pearl Shock Red/Pearl Ice White, and Metallic Avio Grey/Carbon Metallic Black. The only price announced so far is in Euros, 13,980 of them, which is currently a five-spot shy of $18,000.

If you’re feeling the Brutale 800 RR is a bit, well, plain, point your orbs toward the Brutale Dragster 800 RR. It uses the same engine as the Brutal 800 RR, and the same engine electronics with the exception of an eight-level traction control system that can be disengaged. The Brutale 800 RR’s cast wheels are replaced by spoked wheels with black or white rims, and a dedicated graphics package. Colors include Pearl Shock Red/Pearl Ice White, and Pearl Shock Red/Carbon Metallic Black. Expect to push around $21,000 across the table for the Dragster.