MV AGUSTA BRUTALE 989r (2008)-current

OVERALL VERDICT:
Don’t think of the Brutale 989R as a watered-down version of its 1078RR bigger brother; it’s a powerhouse of a bike in its own right. MV claim a massive 142bhp from the crank and a top speed of 165mph, which puts it right up there with the best in the super naked class. Compared to the Brutale 910, the 989R has new Brembo four-piston radial calipers, revised catalysers, revalved suspension and 4mm extra fork travel.

ENGINE:
The inline-four-cylinder 982cc Brutale 989R is a bored-out evolution of the old 909cc Brutale 910, not a sleeved-down version of the superbike-engined Brutale 1078RR, although it does use the same pistons with a reduced compression ratio. Make sense? It’s insanely fast when you’ve got the space to use it. It’s also loud, brash, aggressive and ready to bite the second you take your eye off the ball, like the finest Chav-bred Pit Bull Terrier. It maybe a smaller version of the superbike-engined 1078RR, but remember it’s still bigger than the original 750 and 910 Brutales, and we thought they were pretty quick in the first place. The 989R does suffer from a harsh throttle response, though, which spoils low-speed and motorway riding.

Ride and Handling:
This isn’t a bike for tall people, if you’re over six foot you’ll struggle to get your knees under the ‘wings’ on the 19-litre fuel tank. Its dinky dimensions make it cramped for most riders and it’s easy for feet to slip off smooth, rounded footpegs too. That aside, the Brutale handles like a superbike, with sharp steering and superb stability in the corners and in a straight line, although it is on the heavy side.

Equipment:
The 989R has typical Italian hand-built attention to detail and it’s loaded with expensive cycle parts like Brembo Monobloc calipers, a fully adjustable Sachs rear shock, 50mm Marzocchi forks and adjustable rearsets. You get a rasping, angry soundtrack to die for and a view over the clocks like you’re perched on the edge of a cliff.

Quality and Reliability:
Build-quality is superb and we haven’t heard of Brutales breaking down either. There’s now a new UK importer (http://www.motogb.co.uk/), which should give you piece of mind that parts and servicing won’t be an issue and now that MV Agusta is owned by Harley Davidson, the constant threat of MV’s closure has gone.

Value:
It may be hand-built, exclusive and lightning fast but twelve grand is way too much for the 989R. You can get equivalent performing exotic super nakeds for less, like the KTM Super Duke R and Ducati Streetfighter.

Model History:
2008 – Brutale 989R launched
Other Version

Specifications:
Top speed :155mph
1/4-mile :--
Power:142bhp
Torque:76.4ftlb
Weight:185kg
Seat height:820mm
Fuel capacity:19 litres
Average fuel consumption:---
Insurance group:17
Engine size:982cc
Engine specification:16-valve, in-line-four
Frame:Steel trellis
Front suspension adjustment:Fully-adjustable
Rear suspension adjustment:Fully-adjustable
Front brakes:2 x 310mm discs
Rear brake:210mm disc
Front tyre size
120/70 17 in
Rear tyre size
190/55 17 in

Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird

OVERALL VERDICT:
The Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird is a useable, comfortable, tidy handling sports tourer but also a ballistic power-house that used to hold the record as the fastest production motorcycle. The Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird is sensible and utterly insane in one nicely presented Honda package. One of the best all-round motorcycles out there. Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird rivals are plentiful but none match this proven motorcycle.

Engine:
The Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird's in-line four is a conventional layout but it works well producing acceptable low down power, muscular midrange and a top end rush that gobbles up any straight in seconds. Twin balance shafts mean it’s so smooth it can be rigid mounted making the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird lighter and stiffer overall. Problems with the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird are almost non-existent even at huge mileages.

Ride and Handling:
Neutral and stable – but there’s no getting away from the fact the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird weighs 223kg. The latest sports bikes come in under 170kg so on tight roads the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird may get left behind a little. Front and rear brakes are linked – it’s an effective system that works well in the wet but experts may dislike it and overhauls are costly.

Equipment:
The Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird was a range topper in its day, meaning it’s reasonably well spec’d up. Comfort’s pretty good although the bars have to be quite low due to the high top speed. Some Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird owners boost low speed comfort with bar risers, lifting them about an inch. Many Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird owners add a double bubble screen too for increased wind protection.

Quality and Reliability:
The Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird's build quality is better than pretty much anything out there on two wheels. Some Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbirds get pressed into service as long distance, year round commuters and show few signs except tatty fork leg lowers. The Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird's reliability is superb too. Cam chain tensioners and regulator rectifiers can fail – like almost every Honda four.

Value:
Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbirds hold their value extremely well – whether that’s good or bad depends how old a model you’re thinking of buying. More glamorous rivals like the Suzuki Hayabusa and Kawasaki zx-12r fetch little more – the Kawasaki ZZR1200 is cheaper year for year.Older models can still be priced very high and newer ones represent better value.

Insurance:
Insurance group: 16

Model History:
1997: Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird launched.1998: Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird gets modified cooling system.1999: Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird gets major re-vamp, including fuel injection, bigger fuel tank, HISS and more.2001: Catalytic converted added to Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird, new instrument panel, taller screen.
Other Versions
1997-99: Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird had carbs, not fuel injection

Specifications:
Top speed: 176mph
1/4-mile acceleration :10.3 secs
Power:164bhp
Torque:88ftlb
Weight:223kg
Seat height:810mm
Fuel capacity:23 litres
Average fuel consumption:36mpg
Tank range :180 miles
Insurance group:16
Engine size:1137cc
Engine specification:16v in-line four, 6 gears
Frame:Aluminium beam
Front suspension adjustment:None
Rear suspension adjustment:Preload, rebound, compression
Front brakes:Twin 310mm discs
Rear brake:256mm disc
Front tyre size:120/60 x 17
Rear tyre size:180/55 x 17