MV Agusta Unveils 2010 Brutales

According to MV Agusta, the two new Brutale bikes share only 15% of their components with their predecessors, the 989R and 1078RR.

The 2010 MV Agusta 990R is powered by a 998cc four-cylinder engine, up from the 982cc engine powering the 989R. This was achieved by decreasing the bore to 2.99 inches from 3.10 inches while increasing the stroke to 2.17 inches from 1.97 inches. The updates result in a claimed power output of 139hp, down 3hp from the 989Rs claimed output, but torque has increased to 78 ft-lb. from 76 ft-lb.

The 1090RR has the same 1078cc engine displacement as the 1078RR but stats released by MV Agusta show a drop in both horsepower (144.2hp from 154hp) and torque (84.8 ft-lb. from 86.2 ft-lb.).

Both the 990R and 1090RR come with traction control, while the 1090RR also gets a slipper clutch.

Both bikes share transmission systems with the same gear ratios as the 09 models but MV Agusta says the shift mechanism has been redesigned to provide smoother shifting.

The 990R and 1090RR use an all-new chassis made of chorme-molybdenum tubes and aluminum plates. The new rear swingarm is said to be 2.2 lb lighter, but is longer, helping increase the wheelbase by more than an inch. The 1090RR gets adjustable foot rests, an updated rear shock and lighter discs brakes with monobloc calipers with 320mm discs compared to the 990Rs 310mm discs.

Aesthetically, the two new bikes look similar to their predecessors from afar. The updates are more noticeable up close. The headlight keeps the same profile and dimensions, but gets new LED sidelights. The instrument panel has been updated with larger LCD screens with indicators for gears, fuel level, water temperature and lap times.

With the unveiling of the new Brutale 990R and 1090RR, MV Agusta looks forward to once again showing the world why the company continues to be one of the most respected names in the motorcycle industry, says Larry Ferracci, MV Agusta Director of US Operations. The launch of the new Brutale models marks a revolution for the MV Agusta brand as it moves forward producing motorcycles echoing the spirit of its Italian heritage while also demonstrating the highest quality of manufacturing.

The 2010 MV Agusta Brutale 990R will come in red or black, both with silver tank side panels. It carries a ticket price of $15,000. The 2010 MV Agusta Brutale 1090RR is priced at $18,000 and comes in pearl white with black and red with silver.