MV Agusta Brutale 800 R 2025 — Specifications

The "first" MV-Agusta in the range recently abandoned the Rosso name for a more aggressive R prefix. However, the motorcycle isn't more sporty or aggressive, but it does benefit from several improvements. Next, the electronics are upgraded, with an update to the dashboard display, a throttle with the best feel, and a new process for deactivating the cruise control, a revised rear brake circuit, and a revised seat.

Previously, when it was called Rosso, MV-Agusta had reworked it following Euro5 regulations. But rather than simply upgrading the mechanics, the staff implemented quite a few modifications. An apparent superficial change, yet more substantial at every level.

One of the hallmarks of the Brutale is its famous triple exhaust. The shape became much sharper, bisecting in polygons for a cleaner but more tortured function. The catalytic converter gained volume, rerouting the exhaust pipes. Considerable attention was paid to the chassis. The side plates attached to the tubular frame were modified to increase chassis rigidity. A new rear suspension linkage and new settings for the fork and shock are intended to improve efficiency and comfort.

Regarding the engine, the work is more significant. Valve guides, crankshaft bearings, and piston bearings have been optimized to reduce friction. The 3-cylinder engine gains a bit of power, a new clutch bell, and a bit more electronics.

The quickshifter works with a new sensor to soften gear changes. The installation of an inertial measurement unit improves the action of the electronic assists – there is also cruise control now installed as standard. You will instantly notice the technological improvement when turning on the dashboard. The LCD is a thing of the past; now the TFT panel from the latest 1000 Brutale is positioned in front of the handlebars of the 800. A 5.5-inch screen with a multitude of information, capable of communicating with a smartphone, recording routes, and capable of being a GPS navigator thanks to a "mirror" function.

This is the most affordable of the Brutales, but these improvements move it away from an "accessible" price. In red, the 800 R manages to stand out effortlessly. Its design already does a lot, its name ignites the flame, its engine rumbles with flavors of Italy.

Communication from Varese presents this Brutale as a model more accessible than the RR, with less power and a less flashy presentation. That's true, but it's mostly a (former) standard 800 Brutale that has been somewhat simplified to reduce the price. The savings come from a single color choice, improved manufacturing processes, and a slightly less refined finish. The electronics remain, as does the chassis and the charm of the transalpine production.

The RR produces 140 hp – the current Brutale delivers 112, which is 2 more than the first Rosso. Taking offense at that would be missing the philosophy of this motorcycle. With true thoroughbreds that deserve to be appreciated as they should be: Italian mechanics. Filled with character and watts, with emotion in the connecting rods.

In the frenzy of development of smart chips, MV-Agusta is not left behind; far from it. It continues to offer a serious package, with switchable ABS (from Continental), Ride-by-Wire, 8-level traction control, multiple injection maps (4 including one customizable*), and the up&down EAS 3.0 quickshifter. With it, upshifting and downshifting no longer stresses the left hand.

The feel of the road, the virile riding, the senses sharpened by the rhythm... An MV doesn't conceive of them as a Japanese motorcycle. It's much more direct, more unique, for those who believe that emotion is felt raw. Miss Brutale retains her confidence in a 43 mm Marzocchi inverted fork, a steel trellis frame connected to beautiful aluminum plates, a Sachs shock to contain the movements of the monobrach swingarm and quality braking. Two 320 mm discs gripped by 4-piston radial Brembo calipers – the 220 mm rear disc will suffice with a 2-piston caliper. These elements return the favor with a rigidity that is difficult to fault; and a comfort for enthusiasts.

It is not easy to modernize a Brutale, let alone an MV-Agusta. The hand must be sure and skilled, the talent certain, the work flawless. A matter of character. The 800 Brutale R also wants to appeal to young license holders by offering a bridable version in A2.

M.B - media constructeur