For many years, naked sportbikes were seen as more relaxed, less extreme versions of faired bikes with the same displacement. The Japanese manufacturers were especially guilty of this until very recently, with their naked bikes using last-generation engines, steel in place of aluminum frames, and basic-spec suspension components. The Europeans, on the other hand, generally just ripped the fairings of their top-shelf sportbikes, stuck on a headlight, and called it good. Sometimes they tuned naked bike engines for more midrange torque, but they were still serious performance machines. Such is the case with today’s Featured Listing, a 2010 MV Agusta Brutale 990R.
Introduced in 2001, the original Brutale used the F4 superbike’s 749cc inline four that sported exotic radial valves and a raspy, metallic scream, even in stock form. Displacement grew through several iterations to the size seen here: 998cc producing a stout 139hp. Build-quality was excellent, and there were few of the ugly brackets and tacky plastic parts that often mar naked sportbikes when they can’t be hidden behind expansive plastic fairings.
The Brutale often considered to be one of the best-looking modern naked bikes, with MV’s gorgeous trellis frame on display, a lovely, sculpted tank, a sleek headlight, the sexy, single-sided swingarm, and what is probably the most graceful stock exhaust ever produced. The shotgun cans are slim, with a pair of slim slash-tip end cans and nice detail work. Only the relatively tiny holes in the ends give the game away that these are stock pipes. I think the best move for an aftermarket system is to keep most of it and simply get a cat-delete connector pipe. You get a bit more sound without driving your neighbors crazy, save some weight, and keep the stylish looks of the stock end cans.
The Brutale has an upright riding position that offers a commanding view of the road and is surprisingly comfortable, although the reach to the ground could be a literal stretch for shorter riders.
From the Seller: 2010 MV Agusta Brutale 990R for Sale
We have to say to this day we still feel MV Agusta motorcycles are some of the nicest fit and finished bikes in the market. Check out this gorgeous 2010 MV Agusta Brutale 990R we received on consignment. This one was purchased brand new from our longtime friends at Bellevue Motosports in 2012. All of the modifications were carefully chosen and most had to be sourced from various vendors around the world. We think the end results are stunning, it is dripping with carbon fiber upgrades along with many other top bits from all the best aftermarket craftsmen. Here’s a list of the top shelf brands chosen; MV Corse, MotoCorse, Evolution Bike, Melotti, Muzzy, Design Corse, Gutsy Performance, Rizoma, Motovation, ConStands, Team Italia, Powerlet, MotoComposites, Sato, CRG and Shorai.
In 2017 the owner decided to do some trading with his good friend and the bike changed hands for the next 5 years, last year, the MV Brutale came back home with only a few more miles and was still as nice as he handed it off. Our service techs were given the okay to go over the MV, and perform a basic service including hydraulic flush, a test ride, and a detail and this Italian beauty is ready for its next adventure.
We have seen some very generous “owners kit” from the various moto manufacturers. But nothing compares to the owner’s welcome kit that comes with an MV Agusta Wow! We have a few boxes of extra tools, spares, ConStands paddock stand, MV cover, and a few more carbon bits that were never even installed! Spare key, all the manuals, books, and a clean WA title.
The bike is light and agile, a real backroad and canyon machine, with quality suspension that somehow feels expensive, although the rear Sachs shock is adjustable for preload only. The motor is raucous and powerful, probably much more than the bike needs, given its light weight and lack of wind-protection.
These are currently exotic sportbike bargains, although it looks like prices are finally on the rise, especially for super-clean, low-mileage examples like this Featured Listing that has just 4,558 miles and a $10,999 asking price.
-tad
