Menus
- Chic ticket
- Anxiously awaiting the arrival of the small 675, the Brutale 990 R is "entry level" at MV Agusta. Admittedly, this flagship of Italian industry still costs € 15,490, but beyond its curves and originality, is it really so attractive? ?
- Discovery
- In the saddle
- Contact
- In the city
- Highway
- National
- Departmental
- Braking
- Comfort
- Consumption.
- Convenient
- Conclusion
Chic ticket
Anxiously awaiting the arrival of the small 675, the Brutale 990 R is "entry level" at MV Agusta. Admittedly, this flagship of Italian industry still costs € 15,490, but beyond its curves and originality, is it really so attractive? ?
Discovery
Appeared in 2010, the 990 R succeeds the 989 which itself descended from the 910. Between the 989 and the 990, many changes have occurred: the aesthetics have been redesigned without calling into question the goldsmith’s work. great Massimo Tamburini who designed the first Brutale in 2001, almost ten years ago. A nice stroke of the master’s pencil that has aged very little, but still deserves a little update in a world where some models change every two years. But it’s not just the lines that have changed, the frame and the engine are new too. It is therefore not a question of plastering, but indeed of an in-depth development, notably with the adoption of new housings that can receive a balancing pendulum.
In the saddle
Easy to climb, even for little ones like me (1.68m), the Brutale is not intimidating at a standstill. Not too high (830mm) but not too heavy either and equipped with a wide handlebars, it offers a comfortable position that is not constraining. Once in place, we discover a very complete dashboard which only lacks a control on the handlebars. Brake and clutch levers are both adjustable in spacing.
Contact
Here is finally the long awaited moment. Does the Diva really have a voice? Yes ! Despite the loss of 2 out of 4 outings compared to its cousin F4, the Brutale retains a magnificent sound that would gladly give chills. We take the clutch, a quick tap on the selector of a very pleasant gearbox, the first slams gently and off we go !
In the city
This 1000 cm3 handles smoothly in the middle of cars and its size does not pose a problem. Like all four cylinders, its engine is flexible, which does not pose any particular problem in terms of dimensions. Certainly a scooter will do as well if not better in traffic jams, but our beautiful Italian is doing with the honors due to her rank.
Highway
Here on the other hand the scooter should have difficulty in following. Even in 100 hp, the Brutale has something to do with it! The protection is not exemplary, but it’s kind of the lot of all roadsters, isn’t it? The small deflector above the headlight saves you a little, but quickly you will have a small session of cervical weight training, if you do not respect the speed limits. In fact, it is better to find another playground, because here we are bored !
National
There, the Diva finds a place more suited to her vocation. Very flexible, the engine becomes furious in the turns. Even if the bridle makes him lose 1/3 of his power, he keeps a strong character, without being too violent. It’s workable, without being tiring. It seems that in "Full", it is much more demonstrative and even remarkable for a 1000 four-cylinder…
Overtaking is not a problem whether it’s cars, or speed limits…. as long as there are no radars in sight, because it is difficult to contain the ardor of this beautiful Italian.
Departmental
Finally, here we are more calm. We will be able to play with this rigid part-cycle, make the engine vocalize, jump on the brakes, dive with the rope (it’s better than diving on the brakes and jump with the rope), well, in short, have fun. with a motorbike dedicated to pleasure.
Only downside both literally and figuratively, suspensions a little rough. Because it is here that the manufacturer has cut back for its "entry level" with a Sachs rear shock without cylinder or compression adjustment (adjustment only in rebound). A little tight in rear damping therefore, the 990 R jumps in bumps as soon as the asphalt deteriorates, which is often the case on departmental roads. It’s hard to enter the turn as hard as you’d like for fear of not being able to keep a flawless line. Too bad because the chassis would allow it without problem.
Braking
A pair of 310mm rotors with radial mount 4 piston calipers, mounted on a 50mm inverted fork with a huge wheel axle, it feels stiff, it inspires confidence and it isn’t usurped. Nothing to complain about on this side, that’s perfect. Dosable, powerful, what more could you ask for ?
Comfort
The position is pleasant, with brake and selector pedals adjustable in length. The saddle wide enough is well designed, the vibrations are contained and in the end we are rather well aboard this Italian roadster..
Admittedly, the rear shock absorber is a little soft, but on small shocks are not necessarily very well damped anyway. Too bad, a little softness in this brutal world was not stupid.
Consumption.
At good speed, we consumed an average of 8 l./100 on this test, which is already relatively greedy. Fortunately, the 23-liter tank offers good range … but we would have preferred a less fuel-efficient engine and a smaller tank, it’s both better for the planet and the wallet.
Convenient
The "scooter" resumes its rights as long as it does not end up in the ditch trying to follow the Brutale on the departmental roads. More seriously, you don’t buy a Brutale for its practicalities, but rather for its lines and enchanting voice. Don’t look for the center stand, but rave about the superb single-sided arm that will keep you from getting caught in the wheel alignment when you tighten the chain. You will also appreciate the complete and well presented tool kit, or the very complete dashboard (reserve indicator, and engine temperature, stopwatch, shiftlight …) and the small storage under the saddle.
Conclusion
At 15,490 euros, the 990 R charges dearly for the entry ticket to MV. However, apart from a shock absorber that is really fair on a motorcycle of this price, we have to admit that the charm operates. The lines are beautiful and the finish superb. With its single-sided, star wheels, huge inverted fork and double-ended exhaust this MV is a real eye-catcher, that’s also the pleasure of having a roadster that touches your heart !
Strong points
- real "mouth" !
- nice finish
- very expressive engine (especially in full)
Weak points
- Ar shock absorber really too tight
- high price compared to the competition
- high consumption.
Datasheet
Test conditions:
Motorcycle showing 1150 km at the start. 220 km of a varied route in the beautiful land of Tourraine
Related articles
-
MV Agusta Brutale 1090 RR test
Shock ticket With 80 cm3 and 5 more horsepower than the 990 R, the “big brutal” is positioned at the top of the pyramid in the great family of roadsters….
-
Appeared in 2013, the 800 is the worthy heir to the 750 Brutale Oro, 4 cylinders, unveiled in 2000. For this new development which marks the transition…
-
Screaming metal ! Between 1966 and 1972, the mecanica Verghera (MV) won six world titles with three cylinders 350 and 500. It is to celebrate them that…
-
Test MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso SCS
A very high-end and very techno vision of fast tourism 3 cylinders in line, 798 cm3, 110 hp at 10,150 rpm, 80 Nm at 7100 rpm, 192 kilos, € 21,490 Be…
-
MV Agusta Rush 1000 motorcycle test
0 to 100 km / h in 2.9 seconds! All in excess ! 4 cylinders in line, 998 cm3, 212 hp and 116.5 Nm, 186 kg dry, 300 copies, 34,000 euros The success of…
-
Test MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800
The TGV (High Speed Tourism) according to MV Agusta A motorcycle completely redesigned for tourism and equipped with real saddlebags. MV Agusta…
-
The Italian exception lavishes strong sensations. Really strong ! 3 cylinders in line, 798 cm3, 140 hp at 12,300 rpm, 87 Nm at 10,100 rpm, 175 hp, €…
-
MV Agusta Brutale 1000 Serie Oro test
0 to 100 km / h in 2.9 seconds! Muscular test at over 300 km / h ! 4 cylinders of 998 cm3, 208 hp and 115 Nm, 186 kg dry, 300 copies, 42,990 euros At the…
-
Without rival ? Known first for its F3 and F4 sports cars, MV Agusta has particularly developed its range since 2009, going from 3 to 11 models, notably…
-
Kawasaki Z1000R Performance Pack test
4 cylinders in line, 1043 cm3, 142 hp, 221 kilos, € 15,549 An old-fashioned roadster, which grows hairy and very pleasant to drive… To have or not ?…