MV Agusta Brutale 800 Rosso 2022 — Specifications

MV-Agusta was quick to improve its Brutale Rosso. Euro5 regulations played a role, but rather than simply updating the engine, the staff implemented numerous modifications. A seemingly minor change on the surface, yet a more significant overhaul at every level.

One of the Brutale’s hallmarks is its distinctive triple exhaust. The shape becomes sharper, polygonically bisecting a cleaner, yet more complex function. The catalytic converter has increased in size, rerouting the exhaust pipes. Considerable attention has been paid to the chassis. The side plates attached to the tubular frame have been 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. The latter point is also appreciated thanks to the revised seat (new type of foam).

The engine work is more substantial. 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 basket, 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 aids – there is also a cruise control system now installed as standard. The technological improvement will be immediately apparent when the dashboard is switched on. The LCD screen is a thing of the past; now, the TFT panel from the latest 1000 Brutale is fitted in front of the handlebars of the 800. A 5.5-inch screen with a wealth of information, capable of communicating with a smartphone, recording routes, and acting as 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 point. In red and black, the 800 Rosso manages to stand out effortlessly. Its design already does a lot, its name ignites the flame, and its engine rumbles with the 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 primarily a standard 800 Brutale that has been somewhat simplified to reduce the price. 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 horsepower – the Brutale of today delivers 112, two more than the first Rosso. Taking offense at this 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 developing 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, one customizable*), and the EAS 3.0 up&down 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 does not conceive of them as a Japanese motorcycle. It is much more direct, more unique, for those who believe that emotion is experienced 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 are gripped by 4-piston radial Brembo calipers – the 220 mm rear disc will suffice with a two-piston caliper. These elements repay it 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 Rosso also wants to appeal to young license holders by offering a version that can be restricted to A2.

M.B - media constructeur