MV AGUSTA has announced that the middleweight naked Brutale and Dragster 800 are to get the Smart Clutch System (SCS) for 2020.
The bikes are now joining the Turismo Veloce Lusso 800 SCS and Turismo Veloce 800 RC SCS and feature a clever Rekluse clutch that effectively makes the clutch lever a redundant item.
MV Agusta Brutale 1000 walk around
The SCS 2.0 system was developed by MV and Rekluse and is different to other methods (like DCT for instance) in that all the standard components of the gearbox are present. The gear lever, clutch lever and even quickshifter are all still there, giving the rider the option to ride the bike normally should they wish. Although if they choose to, they may never need to use the clutch, even when stopping and pulling away the bike.
The Rekluse clutch automatically disengages when the bike comes to a stop, engaging again when the throttle is opened. Aside from the obvious advantages of not having to constantly pull in the clutch while riding in traffic, the SCS also helps the new MVs to attain extremely fast zero to 60mph times. It is not a launch control system as such, although pinning the throttle from a standing start with the bike in sport mode results in acceleration that can outdo most sports bikes.
The engine is the same 798cc triple as before, featuring a counter-rotating crankshaft and removable gearbox. It produces 140bhp at 12,300 rpm and 64lb-ft of torque. The engine slots into a trellis frame while the single-sided swingarm is manufactured from aluminum alloy.
The electronics on the new SCS models are the same as the stock bikes, meaning the SCS versions get electronic engine management with MVICS 2.0 and Eldor engine control unit which allows the rider to choose between four torque control maps. Other refinements include traction control with eight intervention levels. Unfortunately, the motorcycles lack any cornering ABS, but they are fitted with the latest generation ABS Bosch 9 Plus. Completing the package is are two radial four-piston calipers with 320mm brake discs on the front while on the rear MV Agusta fitted a two-piston caliper with a 220mm brake disc. Suspension wise, on the front MV Agusta fitted an upside-down telescopic hydraulic Marzocchi fork manufactured from DLC treated aluminium with anodized fork legs. It can be adjusted for rebound-compression damping and spring
preload. On the rear, the engineers equipped the bikes with progressive Sachs shock absorber with rebound, compression damping and spring preload adjustment. All these help the motorcycles to have a low dry weight – 175 kg in the case of the MV Agusta Brutale 800 RR SCS and 168 kg on the MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR SCS.
