BIKE REVIEWS
MV Agusta Brutale 990: You Say “Agusta, I Say “Augusta”
by Tony D'Augusta
You may have noticed that we nearly share a name: MV Agusta, TD’Augusta. Despite the close family origins this was actually the first time I had ridden one!
Going into this I had some preconceived notions that I was eager to confirm. The Brutale is a compact in-line 4 liter bike that has a huge pedigree and mystique that comes with it. Now in its third iteration from it’s start as the 750 to the 910 to the 1078 and now in its latest form as the 990 and 1090.
This latest series comes with traction control and a whole host of upgrades and refinements to further the pedigree along its evolutionary line. Smoother power delivery and lighter weight were some of the key goals of the latest model.
The Brutale’s looks are largely retained from the previous generation with subtle refinements that give it further polish and make it look like something you might find at fashion week in Italy. Its bold naked lines and impeccable details are the hallmark of the model.
The chassis sports massive 50mm Marzocchi forks up front and a premium Sachs shock out back linked with a light compact frame that utilizes the power plant as a stressed member of the frame. Premium Brembo binders finish off the package.
The ergonomics are quite nice. Let’s face it, I own a Tuono for a reason and so it’s no surprise I felt at home on the Brutale. Its compactness is apparent while seated on it. While nothing is cramped, it is immediate and accessible. If anything you are bit more locked into the Brutale.
My ride started as a commute from the shop with a little detour test run as I live by some of my favorite roads. I made a quick stop to adjust shifter lever positions and off I went as I was losing evening light. The chassis was precise and controlled while being flickable, very nice indeed. I found the suspension a bit taute on the highway, but once in the mountains and at speed it showed itself as well sorted especially as the pace increased.
There was something amiss though and I was having trouble putting my finger on it. Traction control was set at 4 of 8 and I honestly wasn’t sure how to change it. With light gone I fueled the 990 and proceeded home to process the info gathered on the short trek.
I wanted to love it, but I didn’t. It had all the ingredients but there was still something amiss. Perhaps the traction control was killing the party? It seemed a bit soft, yet this is a liter bike and there should be no wanting for power on a modern liter bike. I made a plan to rise early the next morning and see if I could look at it with fresh eyes.
Morning broke and I was up and at the dash of the Brutale, scrolling through options for traction control. No luck changing that one, but I got “Sport” to show up on the dash. Okay, let’s see how it does. Up my favorite test road I headed. It’s a combination of fast sweepers, tight blind corners and precise transitions. What was lost now was found! Sport is the mode folks! The response and pep that was amiss was now propelling the bike at my beckoning and allowing for spirited acceleration and the ability to control the chassis’ attitude.
Now the magic of the Brutale was showing through. The precision and character of its design were evident. The fast sweepers were dispatched with stable chassis manners and stealth-like acceleration, transitions were somewhat telepathic in their execution and the precision of the chassis guided me through the blind and slightly decreasing radius corners. Oh yeah, now we’re talking! I had to do it all in reverse just to be sure! Yep, a nice lofting of the front wheel off the backside of the dip confirmed that all 4 cylinders are alert and eager to fly. The traction control worked well without being heavy handed further enhancing the refined sophisticated character of the Brutale.
My only criticisms of the bike were minor. One, the heal guard on the right side was cramping my boot a little bit. Two, the bike contrary to most Italian machinery was geared fairly short. With the power this bike makes it could stand to go up one tooth on the counter-shaft sprocket or down a couple on the rear.
And so we come to the thick of it. It’s a sneaky bike really. It achieves things that its Ducati and Aprilia counterparts do in very different ways. The Streetfighter and Tuono go about their business with much vibrato and chest pounding always letting you know they are charging.
The Brutale, despite its name, achieves things with subtle refinement and quietly lethal resolve. Opening the throttle results in a sensation I would liken to hitting the 2x fast forward button on your DVR. No chest pounding, no sounding of alarms just quiet brutal propulsion of body and soul through the landscape. Maybe there is something in a name after all?
Pros:
- Refined Power
- Great Chassis
- Responsive Brakes
- Responsive Compliant Top Shelf Suspension
- Comfortable Ergonomics.
- Unique Italian Styling.
Cons:
- Short gearing.
- Cramped heal guard.
- Non-sport Mode.
- They haven’t sent me my family subscription. ;-)