MOTORCYCLE – MV Shows 910cc Brutale

The MV Agusta 750cc Brutale, a bike responsible for sales of more than 5,000 units since its introduction, will be replaced in 2006 by a larger sibling, the Brutale 910 ($14,495).
Cagiva USA, also operating as MV Agusta USA and Husqvarna USA, says the new 909.1 cc engine follows the same pattern as the 750EV but unleashes 70.8 ft. lb. of torque at 7,900 rpm and 136 hp at nearly 11,000 rpm.
The bike is outfitted with a 50 mm Marzocchi Magnum hydraulic fork with rebound compression damping, spring preload adjustment and a quick-release mechanism for the wheel. In the rear, suspension is handled by a Sachs single shock absorber with rebound-compression damping and spring preload adjustment.
Braking at the front comes from two six-piston Nissin F4 calipers acting on 310 mm discs. The rear brake is also a Nissin F4 unit, equipped with a four-piston caliper acting on a 210 mm disc.
Tire sizes are 120/70 ZR 17 or 120/65 ZR 17 up front and 190/50 ZR 17 or 180/55 ZR 17 at the rear. A new 190/55/17 developed exclusively by Pirelli for MV Agusta is also possible.
Other features include an extractable gearbox system from the GP Cagivas, a Quick-release rear sprocket, adjustable footpegs, and a tach with a new numerical scale and Brutale logo.
Other 2006 MV Agusta include the F4-1000 S ($21,795) and the F4-1000 S 1+1 ($21,795).
Also scheduled to be available through the Willow Grove, Penn.-based distributor in 2006 are Husqvarna motorcycles, including the
2006 CR 125 ($5,199), TC 250 ($5,999), TC 450 ($6,599), TC 510 ($6,998), TE 250 ($6,399), TE 450 ($7,199) and TE 510 ($7,399) off-road bikes.
Also available, the SM450R ($7,299) and SM510R ($7,699) supermotos, and the TE610E ($7,199) and SMR610S ($7,499) dual sport machines.
Malaysian firm Proton Holdings Bhd. owns 55% of MV Agusta. Proton, also 49.9% owner of Lotus Finance Ltd., finalized the $91 million MV Agusta deal with CEO Claudio Castiglioni in June 2004, six months after it made its initial bid.

– Guido Ebert