When MV Agusta first unveiled the Rush 1000 model late last year, we were taken by the new hyper naked’s bold elevation of the already-amped-up Brutale 1000 RR. The Rush allegedly boosted horsepower, added tasty carbon fiber and titanium details, and packed on premium suspension and braking components. But when the pandemic hit, some weren’t sure the model would be seen in 2020. We needn’t have worried; the self-proclaimed purveyors of “motorcycle art” (and cheesy promo videos) have announced that production of the Rush 1000 “dragstrip-inspired” model will start in June at MV’s Lake Varese facility.
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| © Provided by Cycle World The Rush 1000 model is meant to evoke the concept of a hyper-naked “beast.” That headlight distinguishes it from its naked Brutale sibling, but the two share most of the same underpinnings. |
We know the Rush is not so loosely based on the Brutale 1000 RR, and shares the same 998cc inline four-cylinder engine package within an aluminum and steel trellis frame, though the chassis gets trimmed via extensive use of CNC-machined aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber elements to drop weight to a claimed 405 pounds dry. The stubby rear subframe and passenger seat as well as the side exit exhausts are also unique to the Rush, and a specially designed headlight and spoke front wheel further distinguish it from its sibling. The so-called “drag-racing aesthetic” gets even more emphasis thanks to an aerodynamic rear wheel cover MV says is used as a technical solution in drag races “to reduce the coefficient of drag.”
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| © Provided by Cycle World That aerodynamic carbon fiber cover over the CNC-machined aluminum rear wheel is supposed to convey the idea that the Rush is meant for straight-line pursuits. |
The thing about that is we don’t see the performance gains MV crowed about when the Rush was initially released. The Rush claims a peak output of 208 hp at 13,000 rpm, in standard trim, which is the same number as the Brutale’s (as seen on MV’s website). Of course, you can boost that to a ridiculous 212 hp with the optional Rush Racing Kit, which includes a revised ECU map to optimize power and a non-homologated titanium exhaust (and why wouldn’t you at this price level). Peak torque claims are likewise similar, with both bikes claiming 86 pound-feet coming at 11,000 rpm, and both boast a top speed of more than 186 mph (300 kph). Either way, pretty impressive numbers—but they are the same.
MV Agusta’s MotoGP tech is also seen on features like the Rush’s eight-level traction and “launch control” systems, meant to help manage the bike’s finger-snapping acceleration and starts. The full suite of electronics also includes an up/down quickshifter for clutch-free changes, and the Rush also gets the Öhlins EC suspension units adopted from the Brutale 1000 RR along with the Brembo Stylema calipers and the Bosch 9 Plus Race ABS.
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| © Provided by Cycle World Titanium bits include the exhaust, with carbon fiber pieces taking up residence in much of the rear spaces as well. |
An MV Agusta limited production bike has to look as good as it goes, so the Rush 1000 piles on unique details like side-mounted winglets, machined display frame, and a stylish livery to match, with dark metallic matt gray, Mamba red matt carbon, and metallic bronze colors adorning the model.
Timur Sardarov, CEO of MV Agusta Motors S.p.A. commented: “We are right on track with respect to our five-year industrial plan announced a few weeks ago. …MV Agusta will continue to produce amazing works of exclusive motorcycle art from its headquarters in Italy, remaining true to its heritage of performance, elegance, and state-of-the-art technology. I am sure this incredibly attractive model will meet the enthusiasm of the proud new owners.”
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| © Provided by Cycle World The Rush 1000 is limited to 300 units so if you’ve got a bottomless budget, best get cracking. |
Thing is, the Rush will be a limited edition—just 300 units of the “dragstrip-inspired” bike will be produced in June, with the first bikes planned to be rolled out toward the end of the same month. As you’d expect, this bike will command a premium over the Brutale 1000 RR’s $32,000 price tag, retailing for a hefty $37,000 (or 34,000 euros)—“motorcycle art” doesn’t come cheap.
2020 MV Agusta Rush 1000 Specs
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