MV Agusta Brutale 800 RR SCS 2021 — Specifications

The entire 800 Brutale range is evolving to meet regulations. Not outwardly, but seriously beneath the silhouette. Starting with the engine, featuring new components (crankshaft, valve guides, pistons, camshafts), and whose exhaust note escapes through a more taut and sharp exhaust system.

The MV gains a bit more rigidity with new plates and new damper settings. Electronics go further with the installation of a 5.5-inch TFT screen, the arrival of an IMU, a Continental-supplied ABS cornering system, a headlight with cornering lights, a cruise control system, and a launch control system. The Up&Down shifter becomes 3rd generation.

The SCS offers a peculiarity almost nonexistent in the world of road motorcycles. To do without the clutch lever, let the motorcycle manage gear changes and corners, and let only the foot command. With its SCS clutch, MV-Agusta offers all of this. The parallel with the robotic gearboxes from Honda or Yamaha would be tempting... But no, not here. Because this is not a traditional automatic system. Everything happens within the clutch housing.

Following the Turismo Veloce, the 800 Brutale RR can now offer this system. Realized in partnership with the Rekluse company, this centrifugal clutch engagement clutch weighs only slightly more than a classic clutch. Simply put: when changing gears while riding, the EAS 2.1 Up&Down shifter assists the gear change – the SmartClutchSystem "bites" or "releases" its grip on the clutch as one would do with the left lever when starting or stopping. Except it does so automatically.

One can still use the classic control, for low-speed maneuvers, for example. In addition to the comfort and time saving provided by the alliance of the SCS and the shifter, the rider can focus more on their riding by forgetting about clutch management. The weight gain is minimal. Only 36 grams. However, it’s 1/2 bar more in the final price tag. It’s a shame it’s impossible to recognize this version compared to the RR. Whereas the Turismo Veloce SCS proudly displays this with a transparent straight clutch housing.

The system is so well designed that it integrates perfectly into the three-cylinder engine, without any modification to it. This allows you to fully enjoy a Brutale 800 RR, its tone and its appetite for revs. Let’s see.

Beautiful, captivating, stiff as it should be, and encourages transgression with its rev-hungry three-cylinder, the Italian youngster may lack a bit of power for sports riders. Fortunately, the B3 also exists in RR version. This is the 800 Brutale, improved in almost every way. The silhouette is thus almost similar, able to seduce everyone. The finish is, however, a notch above. Across the Alps, they know how to charm, sometimes with small or subtle attentions. This is how the roadster adds to its equipment an more expressive look, an engine guard, specific forged wheels, sportier tires, and a good dose of adrenaline in the three-cylinder.

From the 800 Brutale to the RR, there is a real change of register, with power worthy of a larger displacement. In this optimized three-cylinder, 140 horsepower churn at 12,300 rpm. Torque peaks at 8.87 mkg once the 10,250 rpm mark is reached.

What says big power implies an ad-hoc chassis. At MV, they know how to do it. No problem with the Brutale’s effectiveness with the famous aluminum plates / steel tubular trellis frame, the 43 mm Marzocchi inverted fork, the fully adjustable Sachs shock, and the Brembo braking system with 320 mm discs and 4-piston radial calipers at the front – 220 mm disc and 2-piston caliper at the rear.

A serious upgrade for the Brutale, to spice up the playful outings on one of the most beautiful mid-size roadsters in production. The machine has presence, a strong potential for seduction, and enough power to take you to the limits of reason. To exceed them, better a large dose of technique and composure. The Brutale doesn’t carry its name for nothing. And the virtues of intoxication are earned.

M.B - Photos constructeur