MV Agusta 1000 Brutale Ottantesimo 2025 — Specifications

Eighty years. That's how long it took MV Agusta to forge a reputation that few manufacturers can claim to equal. To celebrate this anniversary, Varese didn't choose the easy route of a cosmetic collector's edition. The Italian brand released the Brutale 1000 Ottantesimo, a series limited to 500 units, and took the opportunity to seriously rework the internals of its flagship naked.

Let's start with what's slightly disappointing. The paint scheme is certainly elegant in its historic red and gray, colors that have been a house tradition for decades, but the visual differentiation work remains measured. A few additional shades of gray, an MV logo engraved in the traditional style, a numbered plate under the tank. There's even an explanation of the correct pronunciation of the name "Emmevi," a tasty detail for purists. For €30,000 and such a confidential series, one could have hoped for a more marked stylistic effort. The chrome-molybdenum trellis steel frame, the muscular architecture of the inline four-cylinder engine, the imposing single-sided swingarm: the mechanics are sufficient on their own, fortunately.

It's under the four Arrow exhaust outlets with redesigned openings that the real novelty is hidden. New camshafts, a completely redesigned electronic control unit, refined ride-by-wire, a clutch that requires 50% less effort on the lever, and above all a noticeably reinforced torque in the mid-range. MV Agusta claims significant gains between 3,500 and 9,500 rpm, where the Brutale spends its days on open roads. The net result displays 201 horsepower at 13,500 rpm and 115.7 Nm at 11,000 rpm, all in a 998 cc engine with a bore of 79 mm and a stroke of 50.9 mm, compressing the mixture at a ratio of 13.4:1. It should be noted that the maximum power has slightly receded compared to the previous generation, sacrificed on the altar of emission standards. The Ducati Streetfighter V4 and the BMW M 1000 R now claim more than 210 horsepower each. Nevertheless, the difference remains theoretical on the road, and no one has ever left a Brutale test complaining of a lack of punch.

The electronic arsenal follows the price level. Four riding modes, traction and wheelie control, fourth-generation quickshifter, IMU inertial sensor, cornering ABS, anti-stoppie, launch control, cruise control, Bluetooth, integrated GPS, and a 5.5-inch color TFT screen to control everything. Alongside the Streetfighter V4 and its brutal but very accessible mechanics, the Brutale plays in the same league of champions with a slightly more artisanal, more engaging philosophy. It weighs 210 kg dry, the saddle is positioned at 845 mm, and the tank holds 16 liters, all data that describe a motorcycle accessible to pilots of average height without being a walk in the park for the uninitiated.

The chassis equipment is faultless. The 50 mm Marzocchi inverted fork and the Sachs shock absorber are fully adjustable, the Öhlins steering damper can be managed manually or electronically as desired. Brembo Stylema calipers bite on two 320 mm front discs, with a 220 mm rear disc, all shod in Pirelli Supercorsa SP tires. It's a track-day material disguised as an urban roadster, a combination that has always been the signature of the Brutale since its origins. The announced top speed reaches 300 km/h, a figure that will be taken care not to verify on public roads. This Ottantesimo is aimed at an enlightened enthusiast, who knows the history of the brand, who is looking for something other than Japanese or German hyper-naked bikes, and who accepts to pay the high price for a rare object. Anniversaries are earned.