The four-cylinder engine, with its Ferrari-designed, radially arranged valves, revolves freely to well over 11,000rpm, making 137bhp on the way, but it suffers from a too-sudden delivery when turning the twist grip from fully closed. This is annoying on a race track (and some Brutales will be used on track days) but also uncomfortable around town, where progress can be lurching.
It's much better than older Brutales but needs improving, and MV accepts this, saying work is continuing on the fuelling.
Judging by the new F4 superbike, the factory knows how to sort this and I'd expect full production versions to be better. To put it in perspective, I've ridden recent Japanese bikes which are similar.
The performance is very strong, with plenty of urge at lower revs, much more useful for dispatching twistier roads, and while the 1090RR does this better, the 990R is a lot of fun.
You don't get the muscularity of Triumph's Speed Triple, the bike which sets the class standards, but where the British bike scores over most fours with its growling exhaust, this four-cylinder doesn't disappoint in that respect.
It's an easier place to sit now, with room for taller riders despite the bike's compact dimensions, although the seat is fairly high.
But the ride quality is good, but when the bike's being thrown around the 990R's suspension doesn't offer the same outstanding control of the bigger and costlier 1090RR version.
That's also when you notice the bike's weight. While it's been substantially updated for 2010, with 85 per cent of components renewed according to MV, it's still a decade-old design at heart, and it feels hefty when changing direction compared with many newer machines.
To be fair, some of this comes from having a very useful 5.1-gallon fuel tank (we had no chance to measure economy but this promises a minimum 200-mile range).
The mass helps stability, though it gets a little more vague at high speeds compared with the 1090RR.
There aren't any inherent problems, its just that the 990R is £2,300 cheaper than the 1090RR, and suspension quality is one of the areas where costs have been cut. But it's still an accomplished set-up.
You also have to manage without the 1090RR's traction-control system, while ABS is not an option, although the Brembo brakes offer excellent control of their power. And you get single colour rather than twin-tone paint...
Bike buyers these days generally go for the higher-spec versions where they're available, but with the Brutale it's worth thinking about how you'll be using it.
If you crave the performance and ride hard, then the 1090RR is worth the extra. If you want a naked bike with a classic badge and strong all-round performance, the 990R is more than sufficient, it's hugely enjoyable and surprisingly practical.
THE FACTS
PRICE/AVAILABILITY About £11,400/Now
POWER/TORQUE 137bhp@10,600rpm/78lb ft@8,000rpm
TOP SPEED 164mph (claimed)
FUEL TANK/RANGE 5.1 gallons/ n/a
VERDICT Knockout looks, strong performance now with decent ergonomics. Needs a smoother throttle response though
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