MV Agusta Brutale 1090 (2013-2018): A Symphony of Italian Aggression

Introduction

When MV Agusta introduced the Brutale 1090 in 2013, it wasn’t just launching another motorcycle—it was unleashing a statement. A statement that blended raw, unapologetic power with the kind of design flair only the Italians can master. For riders seeking a naked bike that’s equal parts art and adrenaline, the Brutale 1090 generation (2013–2018) remains a benchmark. This isn’t just a motorcycle; it’s a mechanical sonnet, a crescendo of engineering that demands to be ridden hard and admired deeply. Having spent time with this machine, I can confirm: it’s as thrilling today as it was when it first snarled onto the scene.

Design: Where Form Meets Fury

The Brutale 1090 is a visual masterpiece. From its signature steel trellis frame to the sculpted fuel tank, every line screams aggression. The 2013–2018 models refined this ethos with details that matter:

• Lighting Drama: Symmetrical LED daytime running lights flank the analog-LCD dash, giving the front end a futuristic edge. On the RR and R models, turn signals are integrated into the mirrors, a touch that cleans up the bike’s profile.
• Exhaust Theater: The twin under-seat pipes, angled like a dragster’s headers, are pure MV Agusta theater. The brushed aluminum heat shields aren’t just practical—they’re jewelry.
• Weight-Saving Obsession: Forged aluminum wheels shed 1.5 kg over previous designs, and the minimalist front fender is riddled with vents. Even the license plate holder is a lightweight metal strip.

The seat deserves special mention. At 825 mm (32.5 in), it’s tall but sculpted to lock you in. The one-piece design (with passenger accommodations) uses dense foam that’s firm yet forgiving—no numb backside after an hour of carving corners.

Performance: Controlled Chaos

The heart of the Brutale 1090 is its 1,078 cc inline-four, a descendant of MV’s racing heritage. But this isn’t just an engine—it’s a personality.

Power Delivery

• Brutale 1090/R: 144 HP (106 kW) @ 10,300 RPM, 112 Nm (82.6 lb-ft) @ 8,100 RPM.
• Brutale 1090 RR: 158 HP (116.5 kW) @ 11,900 RPM, 100 Nm (73.8 lb-ft) @ 10,100 RPM.

The RR’s higher-revving nature is intoxicating. Below 6,000 RPM, it’s docile enough for city traffic. But crack the throttle past 8,000 RPM, and the world blurs. The intake howl crescendos into a metallic wail as you chase the 11,900 RPM redline—a reminder that this engine shares DNA with MV’s F4 superbike.

Chassis and Handling

The steel trellis frame and aluminum swingarm pivot plates strike a balance between rigidity and feedback. At 183 kg (403 lbs) dry, the Brutale feels telepathic mid-corner. The 50 mm Marzocchi USD forks (Öhlins on the RR) are fully adjustable, letting you dial in compression and rebound for track days or bumpy backroads.

Braking? The RR’s Brembo monoblocs bite 320 mm discs with race-grade ferocity. Even the base model’s 310 mm discs (with radial calipers) haul you down from 160 km/h (100 mph) with confidence, aided by Bosch ABS and anti-lift tech.

Technology: Smart Brutality

MV Agusta didn’t just throw power at the Brutale—it weaponized it with tech:

• 8-Level Traction Control: From rain-soaked commutes to track-day heroics, adjust干预ion on the fly.
• RLM (Rear Wheel Lift Mitigation): The Bosch 9MPlus ABS doesn’t just prevent lockups—it keeps the rear wheel grounded under panic braking.
• Instrumentation: A retro-analog tach dominates the dash, flanked by LCDs for speed, fuel, and settings. Ice-blue backlighting adds a cool, futuristic vibe.

Competition: How the Brutale Stacks Up

The Brutale 1090’s rivals are fierce, but none match its charisma:

| Bike | Power | Torque | Weight (Dry) | Key Strength |
|-------------------|-------------|--------------|--------------|--------------|
| Brutale 1090 RR | 158 HP | 100 Nm | 183 kg | Exotic design, top-end rush |
| Ducati Monster 1200 | 145 HP | 124 Nm | 182 kg | Low-end grunt, Ducati prestige |
| Yamaha MT-10 | 160 HP | 111 Nm | 210 kg | Crossplane howl, value |
| Aprilia Tuono V4 | 175 HP | 121 Nm | 209 kg | Quickshifter, electronics |

The Brutale trades brute torque for top-end theatrics. It’s lighter than the Tuono and MT-10, making it flickable, but the Monster’s 124 Nm (91 lb-ft) dwarfs its midrange. Yet, none match the MV’s visual drama or exclusivity.

Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive

Owning a Brutale is a love affair, but it demands commitment:

• Oil Changes: Every 6,000 km (3,700 mi) with SAE 10W-60 full synthetic.
• Valve Checks: Every 20,000 km (12,400 mi)—a job best left to MV specialists.
• Chain Care: The 525 final drive chain needs regular cleaning and adjustment.

Pro Tips from MOTOPARTS.store:
- Upgrade to a DID 520VX3 chain for longevity.
- Swap the stock levers for adjustable CNC units—better feel, less fatigue.
- Consider a Termignoni exhaust to unlock the inline-four’s full soundtrack.

Conclusion

The MV Agusta Brutale 1090 isn’t for the timid. It’s a motorcycle that rewards skill, demands respect, and oozes passion. From its hand-welded frame to the screaming radial-valve engine, every detail feels special. While rivals might offer more tech or torque, none deliver the Brutale’s blend of art and aggression. It’s a rolling reminder that motorcycles aren’t just tools—they’re dreams made metal.

Ready to make your Brutale uniquely yours? Explore our curated selection of MV Agusta parts and accessories to elevate your ride.

Specifications sheet