The MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR is a high-speed winglet-equipped naked bike that is, according to our test rider, “equally at home blasting at no-prisoners speed on the highway, carving good lean angles on a twisty back road, or even cruising downtown, where its agility pays unexpected dividends.” The Bosch 9 Plus ABS ECU offers a race mode to the Brembo Stylema brakes, while digitally managed Öhlins suspension work on maintaining stability at speeds and confident flicking on curvaceous back roads. A 998cc engine powers the beast for a claimed 208 hp at 13,000 rpm and 86 pound-feet at 11,000 rpm. The 5-inch TFT dash keeps the rider connected to the ride with navigation, four ride modes, active cruise control, and eight traction control settings. With a premium price of 29,990 euros (about $36,300) you better bet this machine has the componentry and power to deliver white-knuckle fun.
In his First Ride review, Bruno dePrato went so far as to say that the 2020 Brutale 1000 RR may be the best naked superbike in production today, concluding that the Brutale 1000 RR “proved extremely friendly, solid at any speed, and comfortable.”
When it comes to superbike-like expectations and 208 hp, another comparable naked bike offering includes the Ducati Streetfighter V4 S, which is about $12,000 cheaper than the Brutale. Other rivals include the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100, BMW S 1000 R, KTM 1290 Super Duke R, and Yamaha MT-10, all of which being serious competition.
The redesigned engine is operated by a new EM2.0 ECU with its unchanged frame design making up the skeleton.
