New Model: 2020 MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR, EICMA 2019

By Jeff Ware • 5 years ago

Nov
2019

Controlling 208hp@13,450rpm and 116.5@Nm on a nakedbike is never going to be easy. But for 2020, MV have made the Brutale 1000 more than just a pretty face...

The 2020 MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR and Brutale 1000 Serio Oro are pushing out a whopping 208hp@13,450rpm and 116.5@Nm, so MV have worked hard to get the electronics and chassis working to make the bikes as rideable and rider friendly as possible. Here’s some info from the official press release from EICMA 2020. What a couple of beasts!

The design draws on tight lines and forms which are perfectly integrated between the front and rear end: this balance has long been a distinctive trait of the four-cylinder Brutale, right from the first iconic model that marked the relaunch of the Italian brand along with the F4. The stand-out features, including headlight, fuel tank and tail fairing, have been designed and manufactured specifically for this new Brutale. The full-LED headlight uses Cornering Lights for improved illumination, managed from the inertial platform: the light beam, in fact, changes direction and angle based on the dynamic position of the bike. The headlight, that boasts an internal coloured X-shaped section, another exclusive feature, is enhanced by the Daylight Running Lights, designed to provide a lighting effect that makes the new Brutale unmistakable from any angle.

The Serio Oro model (see specifications) features a full kit of additional components: some of these can be purchased for the 1000 RR, such as GPS tracking, available as an original accessory. Another difference is seen in the bolts and screws, made of steel instead of Titanium. The Serie Oro’s light carbon-fibre wheels have been replaced on the 1000 RR with forged aluminium components, featuring a special design and weight specifications that contribute to the optimal overall 186kg dry weight.

The second generation TFT display colour panel, with 800×480 pixel resolution, is the main interface between rider and the many customisable settings on the Brutale 1000 RR. Access to the numerous configuration menus is immediate via intuitive electric handlebar controls. Instrumentation allows Bluetooth connection with your Smartphone to manage incoming calls, messages and music. Cruise control is also included, very handy also on a hyper-naked motorcycle like the 1000 RR.

The dashboard allows optimal use of the many functions offered by the MV Ride navigation App, that opens a world of possibilities. For example, bike electronics can be customised directly via Smartphone, as well as creating and saving routes, which can then be shared with friends. Navigation functions can also be immediately accessed via mirroring on the dashboard with the MV Ride App.

The 1000 RR engine represents the most recent evolution of the in-line, four-cylinder MV Agusta design. This new version stands out for its significant redesign, across all areas; the use of the finest materials and complete review of electronic-management parameters, which MV say are greatly refined compared to previous versions. All of this makes this hyper-naked bike the most powerful of its type in the world. The power and torque values set new records: 208hp@13,450rpm and 116.5@Nm.

The radial valve timing and central timing chain, technical choices that have characterised all of the most recent MV Agusta four-cylinder engines, are used here following significant redesign, inspired by Formula 1 and MotoGP technology. Specifically, the radial valves in the combustion chamber uses F1 technology, whilst the Titanium contribute to reducing mass, loads and inertia of the engine. The central timing chain is also a MotoGP-inspired component, and is capable of mitigating the torsion effects of camshafts at high rpm.

In addition, there are new valve guides and camshafts, with new timing on both the intake and the exhaust side. The pistons use low-friction Asso piston rings, and there is a new crankshaft that is balanced to limit vibrations at low revs.

Based on MV Agusta’s direct experience in factory-derivative competition, it has created the new splitter lubrication system, which allows oil to be separated from moving mechanical parts. The semi-dry sump lubrication is capable of guaranteeing mechanical protection under extreme riding conditions such as during high lean angles and wheelies, yet without compromises in terms of reducing friction levels, that remain significantly low. A large portion of the design and development work has been focused on reducing friction levels, also in terms of the transmission, revamped with gears that reduce both friction and overall noise. This goal is supported by tone wheel and clutch covers that partially absorb noise.

Redesign of the airbox has been implemented by a complete redesign of the intake system: the ducts have different lengths to maximise engine efficiency, power and torque. The current structure features dual injectors per cylinder: four lower Mikuni and four upper Magneti Marelli shower head injectors, with greater capacity and positioned above the intake duct. The Arrow exhaust system uses the 4-1-4 set-up, with a throttle valve for maximum torque at lower rpm.

Electronic engine management has also evolved, thanks to collaboration with Eldor, which has created the new EM2.0 control unit specifically for this four-cylinder platform. The bike also features a full ride by wire multimap system (Sport, Race, Rain and Custom) with IMU inertial platform, which manages traction control with slip strategies (with eight different settings and the option to deactivate it) and modulates intervention based on lean-angle data provided by the IMU. The Front Lift Control, an evolution of the anti-wheelie system, has active and non-active options. Launch control is provided for starting, which acts on the engine revs and torque based on velocity during departure; the electronic EAS 2.1 Up&Down gearbox offers both comfort and ease of use.

In true MV Agusta tradition, the frame on the new Brutale offers a highly evolved mixed structure with steel lattice and aluminium side plates, aligning it with engine performance and the requirements of increasingly sporty riding style that is also immediate and easy. The riding position is the product of careful ergonomic analysis, aimed to guarantee optimal vehicle control and comfort: the semi-clip on handlebars reveal the bike’s sporty calling. Careful attention to aerodynamics, fundamental for a bike that can reach a maximum speed of over 300km/h, is clear from the aerodynamic wings positioned beside the radiators, to improve downforce and adding load to the front end, limiting lift at high speed. The effect can be felt over 200km/h and guarantees the steering precision typical of MV Agusta bikes.

The chassis dimensions are identical to those of the Serie Oro: compact wheelbase of 1415mm, with front wheel trail of 97mm. The Öhlins Nix EC fork, with TiN surface treatment features electronic adjustment in application and release. Adjustment of the spring preload is manual. The same electronic management is offered by the Öhlins TTX rear shock absorber fixed to the aluminium single-sided swingarm and the Öhlins EC electronic steering damper, that continually adjusts on the basis of the bike’s speed and is fixed by supports specially designed for the new Brutale.

The braking system is the same as the Serie Oro, with the prestigious Brembo Stylema front calipers, radial callipers and 320mm diameter floating discs. The rear disc is 220mm and is combined with a dual-piston calliper. Electronic management is assigned to the ABS Bosch 9 Plus system with Race Mode, particularly light and effective. Check out MV Agusta Australia for more info soon.