The 2020 MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR Gets A Serie Oro Makeover
Tue, 05 Nov 2019
So close, you can barely tell them apart
It’s safe to say the collective motorcycling world gasped when they first caught a glimpse of the 2019 MV Agusta Brutale 1000 Serie Oro. We sure did. Boasting 208 horses (212 hp with a pipe!) and some drop-dead gorgeous styling, MV threw a grenade on the streetfighter category a year before Ducati officially unveiled the new Streetfighter V4. And let’s not forget, the Brutale Serie Oro put wings on a naked bike before that other Italian brand, too. But the Serie Oro was limited to just 300 units, all of which were snapped up quickly. Thankfully, like it did with the Superveloce 800, much of the Brutale 1000 Serie Oro is trickling down to its mass-produced sibling, the Brutale 1000 RR.
So what’s the difference? Not a lot. The engine and frame are the same. Even much of the carbon fiber bits carry over. However, and this is a big one, the red stitching on the seat is reserved for the Serie Oro. Some electronic aids like GPS tracking are standard on the Serie Oro and optional on the RR. Other differences include the forged wheels on the RR (versus carbon fiber), and steel bolts instead of titanium. Brakes, suspension, and much of the electronics carry over as well. If you were too late to grab one of the Serie Oros, picking up a standard Brutale 1000 RR isn’t sacrificing much. Get the full scoop by reading the press release below.
Begin press release:
MV AGUSTA BRUTALE 1000 RR
Based on the extraordinary Serie Oro, limited production has recently begun, the Brutale 1000 RR will bring the same nuances, and carefully balanced choices of style, technical components and dynamic development onto the road.
Confidence inspiring performance was one of the main priorities in designing the new Brutale 1000. Continual increases in maximum power of the more sports-oriented models has not been matched by a relative increase in ease of use on the road. This means that motorcycle designers have a responsibility to offer the customer the best possible conditions of: technology, style and ease of control. The goal is to get the best out of chassis, engine and electronics, with minimum effort from the rider, taking into account the exceptional performance levels of models such as the Brutale 1000 RR.
A spectacular Superbike replica. Naked. And available to all.
Design and details
The design draws on tight lines and forms which are perfectly integrated between the front and rear end: this balance has long been a distinctive trait of the four-cylinder Brutale, right from the first iconic model that marked the relaunch of the Italian brand along with the F4. The stand-out features, including headlight, fuel tank and tail fairing, have been designed and manufactured specifically for this new Brutale. The full-LED headlight uses Cornering Lights for improved illumination, managed from the inertial platform: the light beam, in fact, changes direction and angle based on the dynamic position of the bike. The headlight, that boasts an internal coloured X-shaped section, another exclusive feature, is enhanced by the Daylight Running Lights, designed to provide a lighting effect that makes the new Brutale unmistakable from any angle.
The emotional experience offered by the Brutale 1000 RR is the same as the Serie Oro: this is thanks to outfitting choices that make the two models virtually identical. The superstructures on the 1000 RR, for example, also use precisely modelled carbon-fibre elements, ideal to outline and enhance the frame and engine; although the exclusive “red wire” is reserved for the Serie Oro. The latter features a full kit of additional components: some of these can be purchased for the 1000 RR, such as GPS tracking, available as an original accessory. Another difference is seen in the bolts and screws, made of steel instead of titanium. The Serie Oro’s light carbon-fibre wheel rims have been replaced on the 1000 RR with forged aluminium components, featuring a special design and weight specifications that contribute to the optimal overall 186 kg dry weight.
The second generation 5” TFT display colour panel, with 800×480 pixel resolution, is the main interface between rider and the many customisable settings on the Brutale 1000 RR. Access to the numerous configuration menus is immediate via intuitive electric handlebar controls, that allow you to access the various sections without delay. Instrumentation allows Bluetooth connection with your smartphone to manage incoming calls, messages and music. Cruise control is also included, very handy also on a hyper naked motorcycle like the 1000 RR. The dashboard allows optimal use of the many functions offered by the MV Ride navigation app, that opens a world of possibilities. For example, bike electronics can be customised directly via smartphone, as well as creating and saving routes, which can then be shared with friends. Extremely useful navigation functions can also be immediately accessed via mirroring on the dashboard with the MV Ride App.
Engine and electronics
Like the Brutale 1000 Serie Oro, the 1000 RR engine represents the most recent evolution of the in-line, four-cylinder MV Agusta design. This new version stands out for its significant redesign, across all areas; the use of the finest materials; and complete review of electronic-management parameters which are greatly refined compared to previous versions. All of this makes this hyper naked bike the most powerful of its type in the world. In fact, the power and torque values set new records: 208 hp at 13,450 rpm and 116.5 Nm.
The radial valve timing and central timing chain, technical choices that have characterised all of the most recent MV Agusta four-cylinder engines, are used here following significant redesign, inspired by Formula 1 and MotoGP technology. Specifically, the radial valves in the combustion chamber uses F1 technology, whilst the titanium piston rods, typical in MotoGP vehicles, contribute to reducing mass, loads and inertia of the engine. The central timing chain is also a MotoGP-inspired component, and is capable of mitigating the torsion effects of camshafts at high rpm.
In addition, there are new valve guides and camshafts, with unprecedented new timing on both the intake and the exhaust side. The pistons use low-friction Asso piston rings, and there is a new crankshaft that is balanced to limit vibrations at low revs.
Based on MV Agusta’s direct experience in factory-derivative competition, it has created the new splitter lubrication system, which allows oil to be separated from moving mechanical parts. The semi-dry sump lubrication is capable of guaranteeing mechanical protection under extreme riding conditions such as during high lean angles and wheelies, yet without compromises in terms of reducing friction levels, that remain significantly low. A large portion of the design and development work has been focused on reducing friction levels, also in terms of the transmission, revamped with gears that reduce both friction and overall noise. This goal is supported by tone wheel and clutch covers that partially absorb noise.
Redesign of the airbox has been implemented by a complete redesign of the intake system: the ducts have different lengths to maximise engine efficiency, power and torque. The current structure features dual injectors per cylinder: four lower Mikuni and four upper Magneti Marelli shower head injectors, with greater capacity and positioned above the intake duct. The Arrow exhaust system uses the 4-1-4 set-up, with a throttle valve for maximum torque at lower RPM’s.
Electronic engine management has also evolved, thanks to collaboration with Eldor, which has created the new EM2.0 control unit specifically for this four-cylinder platform. The bike also features a full ride by wire multimap system (Sport, Race, Rain and Custom) with IMU inertial platform, which manages traction control with slip strategies (with eight different settings and the option to deactivate it) and modulates intervention based on lean-angle data provided by the IMU. The Front Lift Control, an evolution of the anti-wheelie system, has active and non-active options. Launch control is provided for starting, which acts on the engine revs and torque based on velocity during departure; the electronic EAS 2.1 Up&Down gearbox offers both comfort and ease of use.
Chassis, suspension and brakes
In true MV Agusta tradition, the frame on the new Brutale offers a highly evolved “mixed structure” with steel lattice and aluminium side plates, aligning it with engine performance and the requirements of increasingly sporty riding style that is also immediate and easy. The riding position is the product of careful ergonomic analysis, aimed to guarantee optimal vehicle control and comfort: the semi-clip on handlebars reveal the bike’s sporty calling. Careful attention to aerodynamics, fundamental for a bike that can reach a maximum speed of over 300 km/h, is clear from the aerodynamic wings positioned beside the radiators, to improve downforce and adding load to the front end, limiting lift at high speed. The effect can be clearly felt over 200 km/h and guarantees the steering precision typical of MV Agusta bikes.
The chassis dimensions are identical to those of the Serie Oro: compact wheelbase of 1,415 mm, with front wheel trail of 97 mm. The Öhlins Nix EC fork, with TIN surface treatment features electronic adjustment of the hydraulic brake in application and release. Adjustment of the spring preload is manual. The same electronic management is offered by the Öhlins TTX rear shock absorber fixed to the aluminium single-sided swing arm and the Öhlins EC electronic steering damper, that continually adjusts on the basis of the bike’s speed and is fixed by supports specially designed for the new Brutale.
The braking system is the same as the Serie Oro, with the prestigious Brembo Stylema front callipers, radial callipers and 320 mm diameter floating discs. The rear disc is 220 mm and is combined with a dual- piston calliper. Electronic management is assigned to the ABS Bosch 9 Plus system with Race Mode, particularly light and effective.
Troy's been riding motorcycles and writing about them since 2006, getting his start at Rider Magazine. From there, he moved to Sport Rider Magazine before finally landing at Motorcycle.com in 2011. A lifelong gearhead who didn't fully immerse himself in motorcycles until his teenage years, Troy's interests have always been in technology, performance, and going fast. Naturally, racing was the perfect avenue to combine all three. Troy has been racing nearly as long as he's been riding and has competed at the AMA national level. He's also won multiple club races throughout the country, culminating in a Utah Sport Bike Association championship in 2011. He has been invited as a guest instructor for the Yamaha Champions Riding School, and when he's not out riding, he's either wrenching on bikes or watching MotoGP.
More by Troy Siahaan
Magnificent! Truly stunning, a work of beauty and power. Massimo Tamburini would approve, I look forward to seeing this beast up close, If this is a sign of things to come from MV then their future looks bright. Based on looks nothing can touch it, specs show it can give Ducati real competition. I know you guys cant wait to jump on and ride this thing!
- See 11 previous
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Barrylindon on Nov 06, 2019
This is my dream bike, it blows the Ducati out of the water in the looks department, trully a work of art.
I think mv has now the most beautiful lineup in the industry.
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TroySiahaan on Nov 06, 2019
There's no question MV has always nailed the aesthetics, but historically the mechanical bits – you know, the stuff you notice when you actually ride the bike – haven't always equaled the bike's beauty. I can't wait to find out for myself with this one! :)
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Mackja on Nov 06, 2019
Yeah MV has had some idiosyncrasies over the years, my bet is with the new management team in place and funding secured for the future those issues will have been addressed. Time will tell!!
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Ryan Haag on Nov 06, 2019
Given the price tag of well over $30k, I would hope it beats the Ducati in the looks department!
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Barrylindon on Nov 06, 2019
Hopefully they have a smooth ride by wire by now, also they should tighten their manufacturing, small shops tend to have that issue you don't see in Japanese brands.
I hope you do another supernaked shootout with the Ducati, the Tuono, the new ktm and this beauty.
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DickRuble on Nov 06, 2019
"it blows the Ducati out of the water" -- yeah.. it has that z900 Kawasaki look that blows.
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DickRuble on Nov 06, 2019
"Time will tell!!" -- That's profound.
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Born to Ride on Nov 07, 2019
The 910R was the best looking Brutale. They’ve been getting busier and more angular in design ever since. The Tuono in monochromatic paint is prettier than this to my eye.
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DickRuble on Nov 07, 2019
Was never a fan of the Brutale looks, but yes.. compared to recent iterations the 910R looks actually good.
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Ryan Haag on Nov 11, 2019
I owned a 910 for a while and while I thought it was beautiful, I think this bike looks better.
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Born to Ride on Nov 11, 2019
I object to your aesthetic preferences and furthermore belittle your intelligence!
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Ryan Haag on Nov 12, 2019
Now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!!
They should revamp the name too: MV Agusta Serie Oligarch.
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Mackja on Nov 07, 2019
Ok, that is funny comrade Ruble
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By Troy Siahaan
See also: MV Agusta Rosso Range - The Most Affordable MVs Yet, MV Agusta's Stunning Superveloce 800 Is Going Into Mass Production, 2020 MV Agusta Rush 1000 Revealed.