How Much Power Does the 2022 MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RS Make?

The MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RS is a more streetable option from the Italian marque, if there is such an option. It shares the core fundamental components with the wicked Brutale 1000 RR, but has been nipped and tucked to deliver more approachable on-road performance.

One of the shared fundamentals is the Euro 5-compliant 998cc DOHC liquid-cooled inline-four engine, which MV Agusta claims a bold 208 peak horsepower. MV boasts the use of high-end materials in the engine, including titanium connecting rods and intake and exhaust valves. Diamond Like Coating (DLC) treatment is also used on the valve tappets for reduced friction.

Ahead of an upcoming first ride review of the Brutale 1000 RS, we ran it on the Cycle World dyno, gathering horsepower and torque performance numbers. The MV recorded a ripping 170.45 hp at 13,300 rpm and 74.44 pound-feet of torque at 10,970 rpm. The Brutale is all about peak performance, as reflected in both its power and torque curves. Near idle, the torque output is roughly 65 percent of its peak, and does not cross 70 pound-feet until between 9,000 and 10,000 rpm. Likewise, the power delivery surges around 8,000 rpm and doesn’t taper off until just before redline. Keep it spinning for maximum entertainment.

To put things in perspective, we recently dyno tested the 2022 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo, which is arguably one of the toughest in-class competitors. The 1,301cc 75-degree V-twin-powered Duke ripped out a similar 161 hp, but a monster 93 pound-feet of torque, with admirable curves to complement it. To add to it, the KTM is also 18 pounds lighter than the Brutale on the Cycle World scales.

The MV Agusta has a lot to handle