As with supercars, there’s no shortage of expensive motorcycles on the market. And just like supercars, many of these bikes are limited-edition models, differentiated by everything from special paint to extra features. But do the unique touches on the 2021 MV Agusta Rush 1000 justify its price tag?

The 2021 MV Agusta Rush 1000: when the Brutale 1000 RR isn’t quite enough

A rival for the Ducati Streetfighter V4, Cycle World calls the MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR a “superbly refined naked superbike.” That appellation seems appropriate given the bike’s 208-hp 998cc inline-four engine. Not to mention the 2021 Brutale’s slew of tech features, including a semi-active steering damper and suspension.

Still, MV Agusta wanted to push the capabilities of the Brutale 1000 RR even further. So, when it updated the naked superbike for 2020, it also released the Rush 1000, Cycle World reports. Unfortunately for riders, the Italian brand only made 300 examples.

But if you missed your shot at getting one, you now have a second chance. Because the MV Agusta Rush 1000 is back for 2021. And it’s been subtly tweaked in several places.

As before, the 2021 MV Agusta Rush 1000 is based on the Brutale 1000 RR chassis and powertrain, Motorcyclist reports. That means a 998cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine rated at 208 hp and 86 lb-ft of torque and a chromoly steel trellis frame. And just like the Brutale, the Rush 1000 has semi-active fully-adjustable Ohlins suspension, carbon-fiber bodywork, and ABS-equipped Brembo Stylema brakes.

However, the MV Agusta Rush 1000 isn’t identical to the Brutale 1000 RR. The inline-four engine has different cam timing for more low-to-mid-range torque, as well as stouter and lower-friction valve guides, RideApart reports. And it’s Euro5-emissions compliant. Plus, the six-speed transmission has stronger internals and a reprogrammed electronic quickshifter.

MV Agusta also recalibrated the Ohlins suspension’s software. Considering Bennetts noted the Brutale’s ride quality was a bit, well, brutal, the recalibration may have resolved that issue. Based on MCN’s impression of the 2020 Rush 1000, that seems to be the case.

What else comes with the limited-edition naked bike?

Speaking of software, that’s arguably the biggest change between the MV Agusta Rush 1000 and the Brutale 1000 RR. Thanks to a new IMU, the limited-edition naked bike has upgraded traction, wheelie, launch, and cruise control. And while the Brutale has ABS, too, the Rush has cornering ABS, RideApart points out.

The suspension and engine weren’t the only areas on the MV Agusta Rush 1000 to get a tech upgrade, though. Compared to the Brutale, the Rush has a larger TFT display. It’s also compatible with the MV Agusta ‘My MV’ app, which allows riders to adjust various settings remotely. And the 2021 Rush 1000 has a new leather-and-Alcantara seat, Bennetts notes.

Plus, MV Agusta bundles the 2021 Rush 1000 with the company’s race kit. That means a CNC gas cap, auxiliary lights, CNC brake and clutch levers, carbon-fiber instrument and exhaust covers, bike and seat covers, and a matching AGV Pista helmet. The kit also includes an SC-Project exhaust with a corresponding ECU tune. It’s not street legal, but it does bump the engine up to 212 hp.

Is the 2021 MV Agusta Rush 1000 worth the extra cost over the Brutale 1000 RR?

If you want a 2021 MV Agusta Rush 1000, you’ll have to act quickly. As before, the company is only making 300 examples. And they’re not exactly cheap.

The standard 2021 MV Agusta Brutale 1000 costs roughly $38,400. But the Rush 1000 costs just over $47,300. That’s about $13,000 more than the Ducati Streetfighter V4 S, which also has 208 hp and semi-active Ohlins suspension. And at 392 pounds dry, it’s 18 pounds lighter than the Rush 1000. So, on paper, the Rush doesn’t make much financial sense.

But, as MCN points out, bikes like the MV Agusta Rush 1000 aren’t about on-paper practicality or value. As with supercars, subjective features like image, sound, design, and exclusivity are arguably bigger draw-points. Indeed, low-volume production is a key part of MV Agusta’s strategy going forward, RevZilla reports. And style is a key differentiator and selling point of another Ducati-rivaling MV Agusta, the Superveloce.

Plus, looking at what separates the MV Agusta Rush 1000 from the Brutale 1000 RR, the price increase isn’t necessarily excessive. For example, the helmet and exhaust alone cost $3000. Add in the software and hardware tweaks, plus the carbon fiber and CNC-machined components, and the $8900 upcharge is less brutal and more reasonable.

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