MV Agusta boss Giovvani Castiglioni promised they would be downsizing and not developing new models and he delivered at the EICMA show last week with just an update of the Brutale 800 RR.
While the company has been innovating and producing new models over the past few years, their liquidity issues have certainly slowed down the new model releases.
Instead, they are producing more race replica, limited edition and RR versions of their stock.
However, there are quite a few updates to the 2017 Brutale 800 RR.
Quieter and cleaner
For a start, it is now Euro 4 compliant and they say it has a power boost, but the output figures of 104kW and 86Nm are the same as before.
However, the 798cc three-cylinder engine will now have less vibration and be 50% mechanically quieter.
Changes include a harmonic damper, a new mechanical cam-chain tensioner, new camshafts, new valve guides, a redesigned cylinder head, noise-reducing engine cases, new starter motor, new countershaft and no new primary gear drive.
The 2017 Brutal 800 RR also gets a quickshifter for up and down clutches shifts, a hydraulic clutch with integrated slipper system, an updated throttle and an on-board diagnostic display.
Better handling
Suspension has been tweaked with gold Marzocchi 43mm upside down telescopic forks with rebound-compression damping and spring preload external and separate adjustment. The rear suspension is a Sachs monoshock with rebound and compression damping and spring preload adjustment with 124mm travel.
The RR also features a new steering damper with eight levels of manual adjustment.
Still a beauty
There is little doubt that this is one of the most beautiful naked bikes in the world, so MV has been careful not to play around too much with a winning formula.
However, they have added an LED daytime running light ring around the headlight, as well as LED taillights and indicators.
It also gets a discreet retractable passenger grab rail and the pillion seat is more detached. There are minor cosmetic changes to the shape of the radiator inlets, instrument cowl, a thinner tail and, of course, new paintwork.
Australia and NZ importers Urban Moto Imports expects demand to be “very high”.
No word yet on arrival or pricing.