fbpx
Bikes > Motor

MV Agusta Brutale RR and Dragster RR are both smart and sexy

These bikes have a high-tech clutch and a 244km/h top speed

It’ll be hard to choose which Italian vixen to go for. PHOTO FROM MV AGUSTA

If you’ve got a yearning for distinctively outrageous styling and have a fair amount of cash to spare, MV Agusta would like you to check out the Brutale RR and Dragster RR. The naked-sport-bike duo from the boutique Italian brand has been refreshed for 2021 with updated chassis, engine and electronics. The Brutale uses cast wheels and an aggressive riding position, while the Dragster wears spoked wheels and has more upright ergonomics.

The Brutale RR wears cast alloy wheels and has a more aggressive riding posture. PHOTOS FROM MV AGUSTA

The heart of both machines is a 798cc three-cylinder engine with new sintered valve guides and DLC-coated (diamond-like carbon) tappets for reduced friction, new bearings for the crankshaft, piston rods and countershaft, a modified exhaust collector, and a redesigned exhaust silencer. And we have to admit those pipes look absolutely bonkers. Peak output is 138hp at a spine-tingling 12,300rpm, and peak torque is 87Nm at 10,250rpm. There is an optional Smart Clutch System, which automatically works the clutch when you come to a stop and when you get going again. Manual shifting for the six-speed transmission is also eased with an up/down quickshifter.

The Dragster RR has a riser handlebar, higher pegs, and spoked wheels. PHOTOS FROM MV AGUSTA

The steel trellis frame and the aluminum-alloy subframe feature redesigned plates for increased torsional and longitudinal stiffness, and the suspension has been retuned for more precision. An adjustable steering damper with eight settings is included—essential for tickling that 244km/h top speed. The front suspension is a 43mm Marzocchi inverted fork, and at the back is a progressive Sachs single shock absorber. Both ends are fully adjustable for rebound, compression and preload.

Brembo provides the braking equipment with dual 320mm discs and four-piston calipers in front, and a 220mm single disc with a two-piston setup at the rear. The Brutale RR wears Pirelli Diablo Rosso tires (120/70 front and 180/55 rear) on cast aluminum-alloy wheels, while the Dragster RR uses wider 200/55 rubber at the back on spoked aluminum-alloy rims.

A 5.5-inch TFT display helps you manage all the electronics. PHOTOS FROM MV AGUSTA

The electronics package leaves no room for excuses with a new Continental MK100 ABS module working with a six-axis inertial measuring unit for lean-sensitive ABS and traction control. The latter has eight levels of intervention, and four maps for setting the torque output. It also has what MV Agusta calls “Front Lift Control,” which moderates front-wheel lift under acceleration so you can ride like a hoon without losing control.

All of the functions are managed with a joystick on the left-hand block and a new 5.5-inch TFT display, which also interfaces with the MV Ride App for navigation. Naturally, both bikes also benefit from an LED headlamp with a daytime running light. A dry weight of 175kg should give these machines nimble handling, while decent range can be had with a 16.5L tank and a claimed fuel consumption of 16.9km/L.

Both bikes feature a distinctive triple-pipe exhaust. PHOTO FROM MV AGUSTA

Pricing starts at P1,100,000 for the Brutale RR and P1,300,000 for the Dragster RR. Buyers have to fork out P100,000 for both models if they want the Smart Clutch System. All SCS-equipped units are already sold out as of press time, but MV Agusta Philippines (through its distributor Motostrada) is taking preorders for the next batch.



Andy Leuterio

Andy is both an avid cyclist and a car enthusiast who has finally made the shift to motorcycles. You've probably seen him on his bicycle or motorbike overtaking your crawling car. He is our Motorcycle Editor and the author of the ‘Quickshift’ column.



Comments