Back in February this year, MV Agusta launched the 2021 edition lineup of their very desirable naked motorcycles, the Brutale and Dragster models. First reactions were when do we get them Philippine-side. Due to the ‘situation’ that we are in globally, a few delays were bound to happen along the way.
But the wait is now over and it’s time to rejoice MV Agusta fans. MV Agusta Phillipines recently introduced the MY21 Brutale and Dragster for sale in the country. Before we get into the pricing of these Italian thoroughbreds, heres a little information:
A MORE ADVANCED BRUTALE THAN EVER BEFORE
A refined engine, a revolutionary electronics package and a more effective chassis architecture. These few words sum up the new Brutale RR MY21. The upgrades addres every aspect of the bike, from the engine, to the chassis architecture and even the entirely revamped electronics section. The result is a Brutale that is still razor-sharp, but even easier to manage, thanks to state-of-the-art electronics.
ENGINE, RELENTLESS IMPROVEMENT
The in-line three-cylinder engine with counter rotating crankshaft (still unique in the segment), received numerous upgrades which improve its character and power output. Obviously, Euro 5 compliant, maintaining 140 peak HP, it has gained character and sophistication.
The new DLC-coated tappets and the new valve guide materials help further reduce internal friction, thereby improving engine efficiency at any rpm. Added to this are a redesigned exhaust system and new-generation injectors that raise injection pressure from 3.5 to 4 bar. The new ECU provides even more precise throttle management. The clutch was also revised to improve reliability and launch precision, with a more robust clutch basket. At the same time, the EAS 3.0 electronic gearbox, now in its third generation, features a new sensor and offers faster and more precise gear changes with smoother shifting.
ELECTRONICS, STATE OF THE ART
The electronics compartment of the new Brutale 800 is undoubtedly the area where the benefits of the generational leap are clearest. The arrival of the IMU inertial platform developed by Milan-based e-Novia exclusively for MV Agusta brought the level of electronic controls to the state of the art.
The management of Traction Control and ABS (with cornering function) is now precise and accurate. The FLC “Front Lift Control” is also based on MV Agusta’s philosophy, seeking to avoid compromising the excitement of sports riding while maintaining the high safety standards required of a modern sportbikes. There fore, the current front lift control does not prevent a wheelie, but manages and controls it offering the maximum acceleration and emotion. But it isn’t just “concealed” electronics that have made a generational leap – the ones right under the rider’s nose have also evolved radically. The new, 5.5” TFT dashboard makes a big impact. It is highly comprehensive and capable of communicating with the MV Ride App, which lets you personalise every aspect of the bike directly from your Smartphone, as well as offering the more “classic” features, like recording and sharing routes. The mirroring function also allows the dashboard to be used as a satnav unit with corner by corner directions. Every function can be accessed and navigated quickly via the new joystick control on the left-hand block.
FRAME, MORE COMFORTABLE AND EFFICIENT
Now universally recognised as one of the best in the segment, the Brutale’s frame has been further upgraded in a continuous search for efficiency and control.
Updates were made to all areas of the bike, starting with the frame, which benefits from new side plates that improve its torsional and longitudinal rigidity. All the Brutale 800 MY21 family models also receive new rear suspension linkage. Featuring a different progression, it now works with a single shock absorber with revised spring and calibration to offer better efficiency and comfort so that you end the day still wanting to ride. The fork setting has been revised to match the new calibrations and offer the best front/rear balance.
SUPERSTRUCTURE, ATTENTION TO DETAIL
The saddle was also redesigned with an eye to comfort, and features a new type of foam. The headlight is full LED and, thanks to the presence of the IMU, has a “cornering” function, lighting up the inside of the turn when the bike tilts, thus increasing active safety. A small flyscreen protects the instrument panel and deflects airflow away from the rider’s torso. Its profile has been modified to increase its effectiveness.
BRUTALE RR SCS
Brutale RR SCS features the innovative Smart Clutch System developed by MV Agusta and Rekluse. By managing the clutch engagement independently and efficiently, this system means the rider does not need to use the clutch to stop and restart.
Universally popular with all users, the SCS takes nothing away from the joy of riding. Shifting gears is still in the hands (or rather, the feet) of the rider who has full control over the ride. However, they are spared the tedium of operating the clutch lever in urban riding. The advanced LC launch control system enables “automatic” starting. However, traditional gear shifts are possible thanks to a system that weighs only 36 grams and leaves the pleasure of riding intact.
MECHANICAL AND ELECTRONIC REVOLUTION
2021 is the pivotal year for the Dragster family. The most aggressive of the MV Agusta naked bikes has been updated, with a technological breakthrough designed to make riding even more intuitive and comfortable, without sacrificing the emotion that has always characterised all of the motorcycles produced in Schiranna. To achieve this MV Agusta focused on every aspect of the Dragster: frame, engine, gearbox and electronics.
The excellence of the MV Agusta chassis architecture is world renowned. Excellence is the fruit of constant evolution, and all the bikes in the Dragster MY21 range have received upgrades to the chassis architecture with a redesigned frame plate that increases torsional and longitudinal rigidity.
The new frame is also accompanied by a new rear suspension system featuring a progressive linkage and a monoshock with spring and revised valving. The fork setting has also revised. The goal? To provide performance, comfort and an unparalleled
riding experience in all conditions.
EVEN MORE ADVANCED ENGINE
The three-cylinder engine was subject to relentless development activity. The counter rotating crankshaft, unique in the segment, defines its character. With maximum power of 140 HP, the MV Agusta triple remains one of the most powerful in its class.
The meticulous fine-tuning work for the 2021 version – Euro 5 compliant – led MV Agusta engineers to further reduce internal friction with DLC treatment with the new tappets and new materials for the valve guides. From the manifold to the silencer, we entirely redesigned the exhaust system to improve power output and consequently obtain even more generous torque and power curves at any engine speed. The injectors are also new, capable of handling an increased injection pressure of 4.0 bar. The ECU firmware was also renewed, as were the engine control algorithms, allowing even more precise and refined throttle management.
MORE PRECISE AND QUICKER GEAR SHIFT
The clutch also received a major upgrade, with a more robust clutch basket that makes the bike more manageable and quieter. Quick-Shift EAS 3.0 with up and down function is now in its third generation, with smoother and more precise shifting courtesy of a new sensor and algorithms.
ELECTRONICS: MORE COMPLETE THAN EVER
From the dashboard to the cornering ABS, as well as the controls and the ECU firmware. The electronics in the new Dragsters represent a significant leap in quality, thanks in part to the arrival of the IMU inertial platform – an entirely Italian-made project by Milan-based e-Novia, and developed expressly for MV Agusta. This system detects the bike’s pitch and roll, allowing extremely accurate management of all the controls based on lean angle.
The ABS, now developed by Continental, features the cornering function, and the TC slip control works as function of lean angle. Also, thanks to the IMU, the revolutionary FLC front lift control can now execute a controlled wheelie instead of entirely preventing it, maximizing acceleration.The future of technology before your eyes. All the Dragsters benefit from the new 5.5” TFT dashboard which communictes with the MVRide App. This app can be used, not only to customise every aspect of the bike directly from your Smartphone. Also, you can share your trips on your favourite social media platform. The mirroring function allows navigation with corner-by-corner directions in addition to route recording and sharing. These features were previously only found on the Brutale 1000 RR. The handlebar controls have a new left-hand block with joystick for browsing through the various dashboard menus and FLC + speed limiting functions on the right hand control.
SUPERSTRUCTURE
The saddle was also redesigned with a focus on comfort and features a new foam base.The headlight is full LED and, thanks to the presence of the IMU, has a “cornering” function, lighting up the inside of the turn when the bike tilts, thus increasing active safety. A small dash cover protects the instrument panel and deflects airflow away from the rider’s torso. Its profile has been modified to increase its effectiveness.
DRAGSTER RR SCS
Dragster RR SCS features the innovative Smart Clutch System developed by MV Agusta and Rekluse. With this revolutionary system the rider does not need to use the clutch to stop and restart by managing the clutch engagement independently and efficiently.
Universally acclaimed by all users, the SCS takes nothing away from the joy of riding, while enhancing performance and ease of use. Shifting gears is still in the hands (or rather, the feet) of the rider who has full control of the transmission. However, they are spared the tedium of operating the clutch lever in urban riding. The advanced LC launch control system enables “racing” starting. However, traditional gear shifts are possible thanks to an automatic clutch system that weighs only 36 grams more than a traditional manual clutch and leaves the pleasure of riding intact.
DRAGSTER RR SCS RC
The pinnacle of the Dragster range, the ultimate mid-range naked sports bike. The RC also benefits from all the Dragster range’s technical upgrades but adds the limited edition model’s absolute exclusivity.
Exclusive and distinctive, Dragster RC SCS stands out with its colour schemes and graphics reminiscent of Moto2 and Supersport
teams. The forged wheels drastically reduce unsprung weight, raising the agility level, which is already at the top of its class thanks to the engine with its counter-rotating crankshaft. High quality carbon is used for some of the aesthetic elements such as the front mudguard supports, the fuel tank side panels and the rear mudguard. Dragster RC SCS takes the performance of the 800 three-piston engine to the extreme, thanks to the optional racing kit that includes the SC Project exhaust tailpipe and optimised mapping. Only 200 numbered and certified Dragster RC SCS units will be available.
And finally, as promised, we get to the prices of these beauts.
The MV Agusta Brutale 800 RR is priced at Php 1,100,00.00 while the Brutale 800 RR SCS is priced slightly higher at Php 1,200,00.00.
The MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR kicks off pricing at Php 1,300,00.00 with the Dragster 800 RR SCS coming in at Php 1,400,000.00. And finally, the most desireable motorcycle of the line, the Dragster 800 RR SCS RC carries a Php 1,650,000 price tag.