November 29, 2005 The recent 63rd International Motorcycle Show in Milan coincided with the sixtieth anniversary of MV Agusta, one of the most successful and exclusive motorcycles in history. Though MV Agusta ceased competing in MotoGP 30 years ago, its total of 37 world titles is still second only to Honda and far greater than that of familiar winning marques such as Yamaha (32), Suzuki (15) and Aprilia (7). To celebrate the anniversary of the launch of the first MV Agusta, the company showed two new models at Milan: The F41000 SENNA and the BRUTALE 910R. The former was created as part of the current agreement between MV Agusta and the Senna Foundation and only 300 limited edition models will be manufactured with a proportion of the proceeds from sales going to the Foundation for underprivileged young Brazilians. The naked Brutale 910 R has its roots in racing machines and with a liberal sprinkling of carbon fiber and elite equipment such a the new Marzocchi 50mm forks, it just reeks of exclusivity. The bike was voted the “Most Beautiful Motorcycle” of the show, garnering 19.6% of show attendee vote ahead of the new ride-by-wire Yamaha YZF-R6 (13.4%), Ducati’s Monster S4RS (5.5%), Bimota’s Delirio (4.7%) and BMW’s HP2 enduro bike (4.4%). It’s not surprising – the BRUTALE 910R has improved performance, better braking and the dynamic handling characteristics of a full race machine – in a roadbike package.
In order to achieve its mission of creating a bike suitable of wearing the Senna name, MV Agusta made modifications to the F4 1000 both in technical terms and in appearance to create a new motorcycle.
The modifications include the customised looks but also the introduction of Brembo brakes with radial P4/34 calipers and 320mm discs and a new Magneti Marelli 5M integrated ignition-injection system. The forged aluminium Marchesini wheels could not fail to be noticed nor could the carbon body panels that are very much a feature of this limited edition MV Agusta.
The Brutale 910 R has its roots in racing machines as can easily be seen in the little details that affect not only the bodywork but also the handling and performance characteristics. Details like the recurring use of the colour red and the titanium-treated forks underline the unique preparation that has gone into this machine. The new forged aluminium wheels serve to emphasise the degree of technical perfection attained, as do the Brembo P4/34 radial calipers and 320mm discs. From next year, the Brutale 910R will line up alongside the best-selling 910S for the 2006 season and will also be available in a new matt black colour scheme.
The 910R is a motorcycle for everyday use but, under the right circumstances, capable of rewarding its rider with the behaviour and riding sensation that are more in line with full race machines. The MV Agusta Brutale 910R derives from the S version and keeps the same elegant lines however several modifications that make it even more dynamic and aggressive. As far as appearances go, the R version features changes relating to the frame and mechanicals in comparison to the base model S. It must be said that this has great style value making the machine identifiable by means of various elements like the red rocker box cover, the black forged aluminium wheels and the Brembo brakes with their distinctive radial calipers and enlarged discs.
As with all MV Agusta’s the frame on the new Brutale 910R has a frame made from chrome-molybdenum steel tubing – the only one in the four-cylinder production category to enjoy the considerable advantage in terms of torsional rigidity. The tubular structure is made at the TELCA plant (Telai Cagiva) in Morazzone (VA) and unites the swingarm pivot plates where both the rear swingarm and the saddle support bracket are connected. The sculpted single swingarm, apart from its phenomenal style, was created as much for its beauty as for its unmistakeable technical efficiency by the engineers from the CRC (Centro Ricerche Cagiva).
The Brutale 910R is the first time that Marzocchi’s 50 mm R.A.C. (Road Advanced Component) forks have been fitted to a production motorcycle. These forks are the most prestigious item made by the Bolognese factory and feature a multi-adjustable unit (13 compression settings and 32 for rebound) fitted with carbon nitride treated uprights designed for improved slide characteristics. The looks of the 910R also differ in the anodised stays that add to the individuality of this specific model. Rear suspension is looked after by a Sachs single shock absorber with reboundcompression damping and spring preload adjustment depending on a simple setting that distinguishes between the absorption of a high or low speed shock.
The MV Agusta Brutale 910R also heralds the introduction of a new Brembo brake system featuring radial P4/34 calipers that are customised with the Brutale logo. This monoblock braking system, derived from competition Superbike and Moto GP machinery, has a strut to provide increased rigidity mounted on radial adaptors made exclusively for MV Agusta. The enlarged Ø 320mm discs with steel braking area and aluminium flange are also new.
The rear brake remains an unchanged four-piston (opposed) caliper unit acting on a 210 mm disc. The Nissin-designed front brake and clutch levers are exclusive to MV Agusta and can be micrometrically adjusted. The Brembo forged aluminium wheels with Y spokes measure 3.50” x 17” at the front and 6.00” x 17” at the rear. Tyres are 120/70 ZR 17 up front with 190/55/17 at the rear.
The Brutale 910R is equipped with the most powerful engine of the Brutale range. Derived from the 910S EV it differs through having hand-polished inlet ducts, a racing exhaust system and a specialized Eprom.