MV Agusta has lifted the covers from its 2016 range, revealing several tweaks to existing models including a heavily revised Brutale 800. And a Lewis Hamilton-inspired Dragster RR. Given MV’s new connections with Mercedes AMG, and the fact that the world’s most iconic hip-hop superstar has spanked the F1 field in a Merc, the partnership and consequent ‘Dragster RR LH44’ wasn’t a revelation.
Personally speaking, the standard Dragster RR is one of the world’s sexiest motorcycles: fashion over function in every sense, but that’s what makes it so appealing. There’ll be a limited run of 224 LH44s, and the bling factor is restricted to cosmetics, carbon fibre and Ergal components joining a quilt-finish Alcantara seat, plus a medley of Lewis graphics. MV reckons this RR is ‘dedicated to collectors and enthusiasts,’ which probably means it won’t be cheap either.
Moving onto the Brutale 800, there’s a new Euro-4 compliant triple-pot motor (the exhaust is heftier) that produces 116bhp at 11,500rpm and a 25% increase in torque. The slipper clutch is now hydraulically operated and there’s now an auto-blipper to match the quickshifter. Talking chassis, there’s little mention of revisions although the new 800 features an shit-ton of lightweight alloy. The Brutale 800 accounts for 25% of MV’s output, so it’s a fairly important model.
MV Agusta recorded a record-breaking year in 2015, with an increase in turnover by 40% after production was upped by 25%. Thanks to new staff and attitude, the UK market was MV’s most successful with a 138% increase in sales. 2016 also sees a revised Rivale (bigger tank, which it bloody well needed), and the F3 AMG, plus minor tweaks to the 800 range…
