Motorcycle specifications MV-AgustaBRUTALE 990 R 2011 The Prince's invitation

after several changes in displacement, followed by a host of special editions (Gladio, Wally, Italia, etc.), the most sculptural roadster of the decade dared to give itself a facelift....), the most sculptural roadster of the decade dares to give itself a facelift. An almost unrealistic exercise for this Tamburini creation, as difficult to conceive as it was for Ducati to create a new Monster. Ducati had no hesitation in creating a completely new design, a complete break with the old one. MV-Agusta, on the other hand, is more cautious, insisting on preserving the Brutale's identity. As a result, this ebullient roadster seems to be evolving on details, while 85% of modifications have been made.

get up close and taste the subtle differences in this new face. The famous Porsche 911-like headlamp looks identical...and yet everything inside has been redesigned, with a double line of LEDs creating nightlights to great effect. A pirouette around the steering column and you're faced with the Brutale's all-new speedometer - since the F4 10 years ago, the instrumentation had never changed (except for some very timid graphics). This time, we're talking about an all-new instrument cluster, with a design that some may find more impersonal, but which offers more indications to the rider, such as the gear engaged and a bar-graph for water temperature and fuel gauge. Turn signals are now inlaid in the rear-view mirrors. New scoops have been fitted to the edges of the radiator. A more attentive eye will have noticed the new design of the airbox gills, the retouching of the star rims, and the new rear end, where the machine's name is engraved, right next to new LED headlights, somewhat inspired by those on the Ducati 1098.

A new name just for a facelift? Of course not. The new brutale has taken the opportunity to redesign its engine and chassis. The trellis frame connected to aluminum plates has been retained, but extensively modified and optimized, making it more compact and lighter. The column angle is now 25°, 0.5° more open. The fork remains a 50 mm model, whose internals have been adjusted for greater efficiency. A new, 20 mm longer swingarm contributes to the increase in wheelbase from 1,410 to 1,438 mm - the Brutal has clearly focused on greater ease and stability. Liveliness should be maintained thanks to the adoption of lighter rims. The rear shock absorber has also had its physical and hydraulic laws readjusted. The braking system continues the tradition of 310 mm discs combined with 4-piston radial calipers. Monobloc calipers are reserved for the new 1090 R. Ah, wait! Back to the cockpit. What do you see under the new handlebars? Yes, a rotating steering damper, particularly discreet. The riding position has also been revised, and you even get adjustable footrests.

the brutale is all about 2 essential things: an incomparable face, and a wild engine. On the 990, it's a new displacement, new dimensions, and new power ratings. From 982, cubic capacity climbs to 998 cc. To achieve this, the bore has been reduced from 79 mm to a more compact 76 mm. The reverse is true for the stroke, which has been reduced from 50.1 to 55 mm. This should enhance torque availability. Torque is also up slightly, to 10.6 mkg. On the other hand, there's a slight drop in power. The "little" Brutale now develops 139 hp. In and around the innards, the engine-makers have also worked in several areas: new electronics with 8-position traction control, new throttle valves, 2 choices of mapping, improved reliability with a new cooling circuit and better lubrication (larger capacity oil pump).

could we conclude with an ergonomic repositioning of the rider for greater ease of use (although the seat is now 830 mm high), that the bevelled echappements have calmed down to pass Euro 3, that riding pleasure is set to last longer thanks to a fuel tank whose capacity has been increased to 23 liters? No, no conclusion seems possible with the Brutale. We can only try to understand it, although purists seem to regret that this aristocrat makes teasing winks at a wider audience.

M.B
(manufacturer's photos)