MV Agusta build LH44 Brutale
Following past collaborations between MV Agusta and four-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton that have produced the Dragster 800 RR LH44 and F4 LH44, the latest joint venture brings Hamilton style to the Brutale 800 RR naked.
The MV Agusta ‘Brutale 800 RR LH44’ takes the Brutale base and adds unique colours and a number of bespoke cosmetic features, which were designed and created by MV Agusta’s in-house design and technology arm, the Castiglioni Research Centre (CRC), with input from Hamilton.
The higher-powered (104kW / 87Nm) 798cc triple from the RR version of the Brutale remains unaltered for this special edition, along with the updated chassis and improved electronics that were introduced in 2016.
A standard mechanical spec would mean features like MV’s EAS 2.0 quick shifter for the six-speed gearbox, Marzocchi USD forks and Sachs rear monoshock are part of the special edition, as well as dual 320mm front brake discs with Brembo 4-piston calipers and a 220mm rear disc with a 2-piston Brembo caliper.
Elements that set this limited-edition variant apart from the standard Brutale 800 RR include CNC-machined and anodized billet levers, clutch and alternator covers, fuel and oil filler caps and brake reservoir caps. How much this extensive use of lightweight billet parts shaves off the regular Brutale 800 RR’s 172kg dry weight is unconfirmed.
The LH44 also includes materials and components that MV Agusta claim have never been previously utilised on production naked bikes, like specially-designed carbon fibre parts, while a ceramic-based, ultra-high temperature resistant coating on the exhaust system is claimed as a true exclusive.
Following the pattern set with the F4 LH44 edition, the bodywork on the Brutale 800 RR LH44 features extensive use of black and dark red, while contrasting white has been applied to the frame. The alloy wheels and fork legs feature the same deep candy red finish that’s a darker hue than the regular Brutale’s Pearl Shock Red.
The wheels themselves are lightweight 17-inch alloys previously used on the Brutale 1090RR, but seen more recently on the Pirelli limited-edition version of the Brutale 800 RR that was announced last November. In line with past Hamilton and MV Agusta collaborations, the seat on this model is a work of art in itself, finished in a complex, hand-stitched combination of black alcantara and red and black leather.
The F1 champ’s branding is used throughout, including ‘Lewis Hamilton’ identification on the tail and tank, Hamilton’s ‘44’ race number on the radiator shrouds and his ‘panther’ logo on the seat and tank. There’s even ‘LH44’ branding on the Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tyres! Each model is identified by a unique number on the carbon fibre instrument panel surround.
Production of the Brutale 800 RR LH44 got underway in June, but only 144 examples will be built. Allocation of that total for Australia and New Zealand is expected to be tiny, so buyers are advised to place their order soon through their nearest MV Agusta dealer.
Pricing has not been revealed, but the Dragster 800 RR LH44 cost $38,990 when it was released in 2016, so the Brutale 800 RR LH44 edition should be somewhere in the same arena. See your MV Agusta dealer for more details.
