When an Italian manufacturer with a legendary history and a compact lineup of high-end motorcycles announces the creation of a special vehicles division, we instinctively think exotic bikes limited to the few that can afford them. Such is the case as MV Agusta officially presents the Reparto Veicoli Speciali #1.
In a move that seems to draw inspiration from Harley-Davidson's Custom Vehicle Operations program, MV Agusta has inaugurated its own boutique in-house workshop. The Reparto Veicoli Speciali (RVS), or special vehicles division, was setup with the co-operation of the Castiglioni Research Center and is intended to create hand-built specials in limited numbers.
The first official model to come out of the RVS is uninspiringly called #1, taking the standard three-cylinder Brutale Dragster 800 for a wild exotic ride – an endeavor not as easy as it may sound, given that the Dragster is essentially a richer version of the basic Brutale.
MV Agusta is not very descriptive when it comes to the mechanical changes that make a production Dragster into the RVS #1, but the end result is described explicitly by just two numbers: 150 hp (111.8 kW) for 160 kg (352.7 lb). That would translate to 10 hp (7.5 kW) more and 8 kg (17.6 lb) less than the most race-worthy version of the Brutale 800, coupled with new engine riding modes that have been exclusively developed for this special model.
In order to shed weight, the RVS uses titanium plates to link the fuel tank with the seat unit, and new lateral frame plates from aviation-grade aluminum. Lighter special parts can also be found all over the body of the motorcycle, from the handlebars and dash supports, to the footpegs and engine protectors. Needless to say that the stock exhaust system has been replaced by a titanium kit, specially designed for the occasion by SC-Project.
The spoked Kineo wheels are transferred directly from the Dragster series, with the front one sporting a couple of impressive-looking Batfly disks by Braking Sunstar.
Finally, MV Agusta replaced the standard headlight for an adaptive kit that uses an inertial system to illuminate the inside of the corner with its LED lights – looking suspiciously like the J.W. Speaker's Model 8790 that New Atlas reviewed last year.
MV Agusta does not disclose any information on pricing or availability, instead referring interested parties to their local dealers for more. There's little doubt that the RVS #1 will not come cheap, as unconfirmed market rumors suggest it will be limited to a batch of 95 hand-built motorcycles – for the rest of us, the following launch video might be as close as we'll ever get to it.
Source: MV Agusta
