Apart from everything they make, MV also makes special superbikes for a few esteemed celebrities in the world, and one of them is the three-time Formula One World Champion, Lewis Hamilton. The Brit has also been responsible for a limited edition Dragster model that MV created for just 244 blokes out there, and all of them got sold out within a few hours of launch: the Dragster RR LH44. Then came 44 units of the MV Agusta F4 LH44 based on the Italian brand’s top-of-the-line trim of its four-cylinder superbike, the MV Agusta F4 RC.

Now, the same team has met again to collaborate with another limited edition model based on their famous Brutale 800 RR. Called as the MV Agusta Brutale 800 RR LH44, it gets similar detailing on the bike styled by Lewis Hamilton himself and will be produced in a limited series of only 144 units.

STYLING

Don’t expect this to be a paradigm-shifting model since it is purely a visual exercise. Giving it an exquisite pearl shock red and metallic carbon black cynosure, the paint scheme takes the visual extravaganza up a notch, especially with the candy white TIG-welded hand-built CrMo steel trellis frame. The bikini fairing is carbon fiber, features Hamilton’s number “44”, which he ran victoriously on all the Formula 1 tracks.

As a matter of fact, just like in the Dragster LH44 and the F4 LH44, the F4 also gets a solid going-over, by Lewis Hamilton himself. Special “Ergal” aluminum parts takes over the brake lever, handlebars, and fuel-filler cap and anodized red and black finds itself at a few places like the fork tubes and the rear shocker.

The tank cap, engine oil filler cap, clutch cover guard and alternator guard are all CNC machined. The LCD instrumentation is now housed in a carbon-fiber screen that gets the stamp of the limited edition numbered from 001 – 144. Carbon –fiber is also seen on the front and rear fender as well as the airbox side cover.

Forged aluminum wheels come in Candy red, and the magnesium casings get red inserts and 44 markings. Natural leather and Alcantara will carasse the bottom of your behind and also gets the red and black treatment. Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires get red sidewalls, which sport the LH44 logo.

There is a perfect interface between the rider and the motorcycle via the digital LCD panel and dashboard indicators that are also the point of interaction for the MVICS system (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System) all of which can be controlled by the rider’s gut and will alone. New LED headlight setup remains unchanged here except for the brushed aluminum housing getting a black makeover.

Overall Dimension

POWERTRAIN

On the mechanical front, the LH44 will exactly run the same bits as that of the Brutale 800 RR. Based on MV’s three-cylinder Brutale platform, it is a blend of compact dimensions, lightweight, and incredible class-leading performance. It weighs just at 119 lb, and this power mill can churn out around 140 hp and 65 lb-ft of peak torque.

That is more of a revelation when you want to rip on a 379 lb bike. This is officially the most powerful bike within the MV three-cylinder range. Almost on the hyper sports territory.

The mechanical slipper clutch system takes power to the rear wheel through the cassette type, 6-speed gearbox. The higher compression ratio of 13.3:1 makes the rpm redline limit at 13500 to maintain reliability. All this is mated to an Eldor ECU, six injectors and full Mikuni ride-by-wire tech festival.

The bike is equipped with a Quickshifter EAS 2.0 that changes gears in a millionth of a millionth of a second. Okay, I’m exaggerating, But it’s seriously quick. At the end, you get an exhilarating tune from the 3-into-1-into-3 exhaust which is now dipped in full black. It houses a counter-rotating shaft which was exclusive to only MotoGP monsters.

This makes the engine reduce inertia during quick directional changes and enhances engine balance to give the bike a better handling ability. This Agusta also gets a new specifically developed engine ride modes that alter the performance of the engine to suit the rider’s requirements and tastes.

Engine Specification

RIDE AND HANDLING

With all that carbon materials used, this LH44 has managed to lose 3 lb compared to the Dragster 800 RR and stands at just 379 lb. As astonishingly low as it gets, you are in for a surprise on how just that much weight loss will heighten the bike’s riding experience on the whole. The riding position is definitely very aggressive, and one should not have even the slightest doubt on the capability of attacking apexes with this.

The new ‘semi-handlebars’ are adjustable for riders to set their own preference of length. The stitched “honeycomb” seat is expressly designed for comfort and ergonomics.

A tubular TIG-welded hand-built CrMo steel trellis frame holds all this madness together and is enhanced with new aviation grade aluminum lateral plates. Riding on fully adjustable Marzocchi upside-down fork at the front, it gets rebound-compression damping, and spring preload external with separate adjustment and at the rear is a fully adjustable Sachs suspension unit with spring preload adjustment mated to a single-sided aluminum swingarm.

To stop the RC, twin 320 mm front discs are clutched by Brembo four-piston radial calipers and with a two-piston Brembo caliper and 220mm disc out back aligned to hoon the savage force. Dual channel ABS is a standard issue equipment with Bosch 9 Plus system and RLM (Rear wheel Lift-up Mitigation).

You also get manually adjustable steering damper with 8 settings and eight-level traction control, that also includes a disengage option allowing you to either spin the wheels to glory or contrast it with the tranquility of complete electronic intervention. This LH44 will be equipped with not one or two but four riding modes for you to exploit every breath of the bike’s life offering complete freedom into adjusting the motor response, rev limiter, engine torque management, throttle sensitivity and engine braking.

Chassis Specifications

PRICE

The European pricing stands at € 24,144 ($ 28,250), € 8,374 ($ 9,800) more than the 800 RR it is based on. Production is due to start next month, and only 144 will be built. Each will be numbered and provided with a certificate of authenticity.

The Brutale 800 RR LH44 is available in Pearl Shock Red & Metallic Carbon Black.

COMPETITION

Triumph Street Triple RS

Designed to be an addictive and intuitive performance street motorcycle, Triumph’s attempt here is authentic. It is pretty safe to say that the Street Triple was arguably one of the best-looking roadsters designed by the company and we especially liked the twin headlights, the angular windshield and sharp lines of the body, of which makes the scene even in the new one. Said to have been inspired by the ‘nose-down’ focused attitude, the Street Triple showcases significant styling evolution over its previous generation. It gets all-new bodywork, flyscreen, radiator, cowls and integrated air intake.

It carries a 765cc powerplant, again derived from the brand’s Daytona 765, which has more power and a better performance package compared to the outgoing model. The RS variant is the most powerful one around which gets a whopping 121 bhp and 57 lb-ft of torque making it feel closer to the liter-class counterparts, courtesy of a unique engine set-up, ECU and tune and is the most explosive Street Triple built by the British legends.

This new Street Triple focusses on state of the art rider-centric technology giving everyone maximum control and safety. Triumph has equipped the Street Triple with ride-by-wire for precise throttle response and improved on/off throttle transition.

The RS, on the other hand, moves around with the highest- specification 41mm front forks, adjustable for preload, rebound and compression damping, premium Öhlins STX40 piggyback reservoir mono shock, range-topping Brembo M50 4-piston radial monoblock calipers and premium Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires.

VERDICT

Till what limit can the art on two wheels be extended to? Ask MV Agusta. Having made some of the most exotic Italian masterpieces on two wheels, MV has a tremendous history in terms of making some of the most beautiful looking motorcycles on the planet. And thankfully, their lust is still going strong, and we keep filling our walls with some of them.

Calling it the MV Agusta Brutale 800 LH44 (Lewis Hamilton 44), this stunning piece of entry by the house of Varese is for an audience who desire the best of both worlds. Beauty and performance. Wearing jazzier clothes, and of course, Lewis’s insignia, the panther, all around the bike, this RR can let you taste the spirit of racing and technology that thrives on pure emotions and a rich heritage.

Lewis Hamilton comments on this partnership: “I am very excited to continue my partnership with MV Agusta. I love working with Giovanni, and the guys at MV Agusta, their passion for engineering and attention to detail produces quite stunning, original looking bikes. My projects with MV Agusta are a great way to combine my love of riding bikes with my interest in creative design process so I am very much involved with the CRC (Castiglioni Research Department) design team throughout."