Motorcycle specifications MV-AgustaBrutale 920 2012 A tempting "entry-level" model

the Brutale arrived on our roads in 2003, and immediately established itself as a styling benchmark. To own (in every sense of the word) this machine represented a difference, a pinnacle of roadster design. And even today, the fascination remains. Without shedding its "high-end" image, MV-Agusta now wants its jewels to be more accessible. Hence the idea of the 920 Brutale. Or how to offer the brilliance of a fine jewel by removing a few carats from the diamonds...

we won't go back over the silhouette. It stands the test of time as if it were gliding along. The slight alterations made to the genesis of the 1090 / 990 were merely chocolate chips added to an already irresistible cake. The 920 is identical to its siblings, except that the matte black color is not the most shimmering, bordering on the taciturn. The other available color, white, should be more cheerful, but lacks the sparkle of the MV colors of the higher productions.

It's reminiscent of Ducati's "Dark" models. But rest assured: if Varese has found a way to cut costs, it's not at the expense of the Brutale's identity. It's all there: the single-sided frame, the star wheels, the bevelled flute exhausts, the Brembo radial brake calipers, the big 50 mm inverted fork, the Tamburini-sculpted lines, and the headlight... that headlight, a symbol and a legend in its own right. This 920 isn't a cheap Brutale - it's an entry-level Brutale, nuance.

and how much will it cost? Less than 12,000 euros, says MV. WHAT?!? There's a plastic engine for that price, isn't there? Not at all, no. But to keep the price down, we've scrimped on a few things that don't show too much. Standard turn signals no longer integrated with the mirrors, a shock absorber with only preload and rebound adjustments, brakes that aren't monobloc, and a new, more compact design.tent, non-monobloc brakes, and economies of scale thanks to the massive reworking of 990 / 1090 components. Same frame (so much the better), same trim, same dashboard, same monobars, and a new engine that draws much of its inspiration from the 1090.

How do you get a 921 cc from the big 4-cylinder 1078 cc? Simple: reduce the bore. From 79 to 73 mm. The stroke remains unchanged at 55 mm. Combined with Marelli 5SM fuel injection, the boiler produces a whopping 129 hp at 10,500 rpm. That's about what a CB 1000 R can muster. Except that, in terms of behavior, it would be like comparing a badly awakened wildcat to a respectful samurai. Although the 920 Brutale is equipped with 8-position traction control and 2 engine mapping settings, the 4-cylinder should live up to its reputation for temperament. Any other mood would be inconceivable - would you be satisfied with sweetness and minuteness with such plastic?

while the engine's dose of patience will be limited, certain aspects of this 920 clearly indicate Varese's desire to win over the curious and attract them to its roadster. In addition to its "low" price, this troublemaker features a new, lower seat and softer, more comfortable suspension. For sporty riders, there's nothing to worry about: MV claims that all it takes is a few clicks on the settings to transform it into a track weapon.

an affordable MV-Agusta? We've seen it all. This Brutale 920 is a very tempting proposition when compared to other streetfighters, virtually equivalent in power and price. If I'd told you last year that for the same money you could choose between a Z 1000 ABS, a 1050 Speed Triple, a 1100 Monster ABS or a Brutale, you'd have thought I was a humorist or the local scatterbrain. Not any more.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos