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History runs fast: MV Agusta Ottantesimo edition

Six special and updated models to celebrate 80 years of the legendary MV Agusta

Home Road Motorcycles History runs fast: MV Agusta Ottantesimo edition

Thirty-eight  driver's titles, 37 Constructor's titles, 270 Grand Prix won thanks to the strongest riders in history, including Leslie Graham, Carlo Ubbiali, Gary Hocking, Phil Read, John Surtees, Tarquinio Provini, Mike Hailwood, Cecil Sanford, and the unparalleled Giacomo Agostini. MV Agusta stands as a titan among motorcycle manufacturers, with an unparalleled legacy of success.

Who would have thought that a simple 98cc motorcycle would give birth to such a legendary brand? The early days of MV Agusta were shaped by the unique challenges and opportunities of post-war Italy. The world war left the country in ruins, with cities levelled, infrastructure destroyed, and industrial production at a standstill. In this bleak landscape, thanks to the vision of the great aviation entrepreneur Domenico Agusta, the adventure of Meccanica Verghera began, the embryo of the glorious MV Agusta.

The tumultuous history of the 98

In August 1943, the 98cc motorcycle engine, designed for mass production, was ready to go. However, in September 1943, the German army occupied the Agusta factory, halting production. In a stroke of luck, the blueprints, models, and prototype of the first engine were preserved. With these invaluable assets, the project was revived mid-year. And so, the MV 98, the first motorcycle bearing the MV Agusta name, came into being.

Calling it a motorcycle is almost a stretch. With its tiny engine and the technology of the era, the MV 98 was more akin to a motorised bike. But from such humble beginnings, a legend was born. On January 19, 1945, the Agusta family, pioneers of aviation, founded Meccanica Verghera Srl in Cascina Costa. Unable to continue producing aircraft in the aftermath of war, they channelled their passion for speed and innovation into motorcycle manufacturing.

Enter the “Emmevì”

The engines and many parts of the early MV Agustas were proudly stamped with the word “EMMEVI” while the MV logo, representing Meccanica Verghera, was prominently displayed inside a sprocket, a nod to the company's mechanical roots, was adorned with a windswept wing, signifying the bike's pursuit of speed and performance.

The MV Agusta Style Centre has unveiled a fresh, new logo, a homage to the brand's illustrious past. This logo now adorns all motorcycles in the Ottantesimo (Eightieth Anniversary) Collection, taking the place of the traditional emblem.

These models also feature the inscription "Ottantesimo" to emphasise the anniversary celebration further.

MV Agusta is celebrating its 80th anniversary with a collection of no less than six exclusive Ottantesimo models. Each bike is limited to only 500 units, and features a unique laser-etched inscription (1 of 500) on either the steering stem or fuel tank, adding to their exclusivity.

The adoption of Euro 5+ standards in 2025 served as a catalyst for comprehensive upgrades to the mechanics, chassis, and electronics of the celebratory models. These enhancements were designed to elevate the riding experience, improve efficiency, and boost performance.

Here they are.

800cc 3-cylinder range:
- Brutale RR Ottantesimo
- Dragster RR Ottantesimo
- F3 RR Ottantesimo
- Superveloce S Ottantesimo

1000cc 4-cylinder range:
- Brutale 1000 Ottantesimo
- Brutale 1000 RR Ottantesimo

3-cylinder range

Even while meeting the demanding Euro 5+ emissions standards, the 800cc triple-cylinder line-up has managed to preserve the raw power and torque that defined its predecessors. They are equipped with a 6-axis inertial platform and offer 4 Riding Modes (Rain, Sport, Race, and Custom), allowing riders to choose the throttle response, power delivery, engine braking, rev limiter, and electronic suspension settings. Further enhancing the riding experience is an eight-level traction control system (2 Rain, 3 Road, 3 Track), Launch Control, and Front Lift Control (FLC) that precisely manages front wheel lift during acceleration, offering maximum performance without compromising safety. Cruise Control is standard.

Enhanced braking safety

Completing the electronic suite of the 3-cylinder range is an ABS system that utilises an inertial platform for cornering ABS, ensuring optimal braking performance even when leaned over. Additionally, the RLM (Rear Wheel Lift-Up Mitigation) function prevents excessive rear wheel lift.

Additionally, it offers two distinct riding modes: Sport and Race. Sport mode, tailored for road riding, engages both the anti-lock braking system and RLM for enhanced control. In Race mode, ABS is active on the front wheel, cornering ABS is deactivated, and RLM is set to be less intrusive.

The right tyres for triple-cylinder bikes

Given their sporty nature, the MV Agusta Brutale RR, Dragster RR, F3 RR, and Superveloce S presented herein are best paired with Pirelli DIABLO tyres for optimal performance. The front-mounted DIABLO ROSSO™ IV tyres on the high-performance naked bikes deliver ultimate sportiness for the road, drawing on cutting-edge technology from World Superbike. With naked bikes, riders seek fun and safety on winding roads, which is why a tyre with lightning-fast turn-in and excellent cornering control was chosen. Additionally, the multi-compound construction, enriched with silica, ensures grip in wet conditions.

Both the F3 RR and Superveloce S, with their full fairings, offer both driving and track capabilities. For those seeking maximum performance on the track, the Pirelli DIABLO ROSSO™ IV Corsa tyres are the perfect choice, offering a more aggressive compound and construction for ultimate grip and handling. With enhanced dry grip, greater agility at speed, and unwavering performance, this tyre is perfect for riders who demand the most from their machine, even during extended high-performance riding.

Feature-rich cockpit

The instrumentation of the triple-cylinder models consists of a 5.5" colour TFT display that connects to the MV Ride App. Packed with features, it enables you to capture and share your riding adventures, tailor your bike to your exact preferences using your smartphone, and enjoy convenient turn-by-turn navigation.

The clutch

For a smoother ride, the clutch has been updated and combined with MV Agusta's quick-shift system. Equipped with a refined 9-plate slipper clutch and torque assist, the Ottantesimo Brutale RR, F3 RR, and Superveloce S offer a significantly smoother and more progressive lever action (50% more than previous versions). The Dragster RR Ottantesimo features the innovative SCS clutch, enabling riders effortlessly to stop and go in gear, eliminating the need to operate the clutch lever.

The Ottantesimo triple-cylinder model liveries

The Brutale RR, in particular, pays homage to the brand's legacy with iconic colour options: Ago Red and Ago Silver, along with a dedicated Color Trim & Graphic (CTG) scheme and the Heritage logo.

The Dragster RR, MV Agusta's rebellious side, combines darker tones, Metallic Carbon Black and Ago Silver, with a gold Heritage logo.

The F3 RR pays homage to MV Agusta's heritage with the iconic colour pairing of  Ago Silver and Ago Red. Moreover, it comes equipped with a premium kit featuring an Akrapovic performance exhaust, enhancing power to 155 HP at 13,250 rpm. Other upgrades include a carbon fibre end cap, a precision-crafted CNC-machined fuel cap, and a sleek passenger seat cover.

The Superveloce boasts a striking colour combination of Fire Red and Satin Intense Silver, complemented by a luxurious Alcantara seat and distinctive “Millerighe” wheels. Moreover, it comes equipped with a premium kit featuring an Arrow performance exhaust, enhancing power to 153 HP. A sleek passenger seat cover completes the package.

What's new in the Ottantesimo 4-cylinder models

In addition to the fresh new colours, the four-cylinder 800 models have received a comprehensive overhaul of their electronics and mechanical components. With the new ECU, we've been able to fine-tune the engine mapping for Ride-by-Wire technology, resulting in a more responsive throttle and a smoother ride. With 4 distinct Riding Modes (Rain, Sport, Race, and Custom), you can tailor the bike's character to suit your riding style, adjusting throttle response, engine torque , braking, engine character, and rev limiter.

With a redesigned camshaft profile, the engine now delivers more torque and horsepower from low revs, providing a significant boost of 10-20 Nm and 12-15 HP depending on the rpm. The final drive ratio has been shortened to improve acceleration.

The updated 1000cc inline-four engine is now Euro 5+ compliant, producing an impressive 201 HP at 13,500 rpm and 116 Nm of torque at 11,000 rpm. Equipped with 16 radial titanium valves, forged titanium connecting rods, and DLC-coated camshafts, this engine offers exceptional performance. Updates have optimised its low-rpm response, resulting in smoother power delivery and reduced vibrations.

Both the Brutale 1000 and Brutale 1000 RR Ottantesimo models are equipped with a custom-engineered four-outlet exhaust system, developed in partnership with Arrow. The bike is equipped with a new 10-disc slipper clutch that reduces lever effort by 50%, enhancing overall performance.

The braking system is by Brembo, with 320mm diameter front discs gripped by radial Stylema calipers. It features ABS with two modes (Sport and Race) and a cornering function.

Sliced track tyres

As four-cylinder engines push power beyond 200 HP, a tyre capable of handling near-race-level stress is essential. The Pirelli DIABLO™ SUPERCORSA SP - V4 tyres were selected for their uncompromising performance. As the latest generation of track tyres, they feature street-legal grooves for dual-purpose use. Drawing on years of Superbike World Championship experience, this tyre boasts a structure and compounds engineered to deliver peak performance, providing consistent drive at all lean angles and lap after lap consistency. Engineered to master the power of high-performance motorcycles, these tyres excel both on the road and on the track, delivering exceptional lap times.

The Brutale 1000 Ottantesimo

The Brutale 1000 has always combined brutal power with less rigid and less in-timid ergonomics, making it perfect for those who wish to alternate between a sporty and a more relaxed riding style. The Brutale 1000 Ottantesimo retains its unmistakable aesthetics, with a new, updated livery and completely revised engine behaviour, offering a completely new riding experience.

In the Ottantesimo edition, the Brutale 1000 retains its unmistakable appearance, Rosso Ago, Argento Ago.

The Brutale 1000 RR Ottantesimo

The Brutale RR is the most refined hyper-naked, thanks in part to a new Öhlins Smart EC 3.0 electronic suspension set-up. The system is event-based, as it analyses the specific riding phase and responds accordingly. By processing the information from the inertial platform, engine control unit and ABS, the suspension control algorithms are able to identify the various events, braking, cornering, cornering on the apex, acceleration on the exit, ensuring optimum support in every situation.

The Brutale 1000 RR Ottantesimo is available in Fire Red and Ago Matte Silver, with extensive and highly visible use of carbon fibre.

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