MV Agusta just announced the Turismo Veloce RC claiming it to be the most “sports orientated tourer ever.” The Turismo Veloce was already near the end of the sports spectrum when it comes to touring machines, but the new RC takes things up a notch.
The 800cc triple is a gem, as we found out, and this limited edition model (250 units) incorporates engine changes (described below) together with chassis improvements all in an extremely lightweight package. Here is the full press release from MV Agusta:
A dedicated race kit and a list of enhancements make this motorcycle the most sports orientated tourer ever.
“Varese, November 3th 2016 – A revolutionary product concept came before distinctive aesthetics; the Turismo Veloce has redefined the idea of a touring motorcycle. MV Agusta has re-prioritised and redefined the objectives, focusing on compact volumes, minimal weight wrapped in a unique design. Initial studies took into account the side mounted luggage, designed to integrate seamlessly not only with the lines of the bike but also with the supporting structure of the rider seat and passenger. When the luggage is removed the bikes character is transformed and characterised by a lithe, dynamic profile. Focused around a compact three-cylinder 800 cc engine – with a revised black surface treatment – the “Fast Tourer” offers an unaccustomed light weight to power ratio for this segment. The use of LED lighting technology combined with a graphic DRL (Daylight Riding Light) has created a unique identity for this vehicle, making this bike immediately identifiable, even in a fleeting moment when encountered on the street.
The construction of this top of the range motorcycle is further enriched by virtue of the RC version, which will be produced in a limited edition of 250 pieces. Recognizable primarily for specific racing livery, characteristically aligned to the other precious RC models. The evolution of the Turismo Veloce encompasses both functional and cosmetic features: the latter of which is accentuated with a carbon fiber deflector on the front mudguard. The forged wheels feature a design that accentuates lightness and a racing pedigree derived from the variant used on the F4RC. Functional changes include a new sprocket, which improves smooth driving characteristics and precision. The passenger seat has been redesigned to improve ergonomics and comfort over long distances. The front engine mounts have increased longitudinal chassis stiffness and subsequently driving dynamics.
There has been a series of profound modifications regarding the three-cylinder engine with counter-rotating crank; redesigned to further reduce vibration and noise. Regarding the head there has been interventions to the valve guides, redesigned to achieve improved reliability; the harmonic damper and the chain tensioner, which now ensure a significant reduction in mechanical noise alongside an updated gearing for the transmission.
The desire to improve an engine that has achieved since the onset highest levels of efficiency is underlined by the new six-speed gearbox, with an optimized design to improve general functionality for faster, precise, gear shifting. The starter motor and the associated gears have been revised and improved for enhanced reliability and durability, critical to a model that was created to cover tens of thousands of kilometers per year.
Alongside the mechanical updates there has been further refinement to the MVICS 2.0 (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System) electronic platform developed exclusively by MV Agusta and with EAS 2.0 (Electronic Assisted Shift Up & Down), as well as traction control adjustable on 8 levels with the possibility of complete disengagement. The first improvements were made to the engine control management, with the aim of increasing the engine regularity providing a more fluid and enjoyable power delivery in all conditions.
Consequently there has been a redefininition of the various engine maps (Flexible ‘Tourism’, Full-Power ‘Sport’ and ‘Rain’ limited to 80 hp), in search of perfection and refinement . The hardware has been subject of significant improvemnets, thanks to the revision of the Ride By Wire components, for maximum sensitivity, response and improved throttle control.
The high quality of the chassis is the result of the integration with the platform MVICS: front forks and a Sachs rear shock absorber are controlled by electronics on the basis of the vehicle’s dynamic parameters. The semi-active suspension provides continuous control of the response, on the basis of the established and reliable ‘Skyhook’ algorithm; revised and tuned by MV to define the Turismo Veloce riding characteristics.
Standard equipment includes the Garmin navigation system, dedicated twin 30 liter capacity side panniers, center stand, adjustable windshield, heated grips and cruise control.”
See more of MD’s great photography:
Pretty sexy ride like most Italian motorcycles and cars. I think that Triumph also markets a great 800 triple with 5 percent offroad intentions. The Triumph likely sells for far less but it will never be a Hottie like the MV. So either pick the pretty one or the one that cooks well, just don’t look back on what could have been. Cheers.
That MOTUL decal has got to go!
Or better yet, just get a Yamaha FZ-10 and you wont even have to mess with it at all.
FZ-10 with bags and windscreen makes alot more sense than this latest euro tourer.
More Yamaha dealers, cheaper more readily available parts, and the re-tuned crossplane 4 engine is much better for long distance travels than any triple.
The MV might have better handling right out of the box, but the FZ-10’s suspension can be tuned to be right in there, and if you require more handling you can always swap suspension down the road.
Overall, the Yamaha FZ-10 seems to be the best in this genre right now. The Aprilia would be my second choice.
The FZ-10 is surely a very good motorcycle, but where it falls short compared to this MV is in its lack of touring amenities, such as standard lockable hardbags, wind protection, and cruise control.
Also, the FZ-10’s hideous Transformers styling is a deal-breaker to the very buyers who are actually old enough to afford the thing. The FZ-10’s over-the-top silly looks appeal to a much younger crowd, most of whom could never swing such a purchase.
it has cruise doesn’t it?
I’ve never been able to sell my Ducati ST4s as I haven’t found anything that quite fits that niche. A very sporty sport tourer. Of course this thing isn’t exactly discreet, but still it looks fun as hell.
The more I look at this, the more I think I’d prefer a Yamaha FJ-09, especially with the 2017 updates. I’d prefer something a little more understated, especially if I am leaving it in a motel parking lot over night. Plus if it really is $20K the difference would come in handy for gas, tires and motel rooms.
A comparison test between the two would be cool to read.
Yamaha really needs to need to add Cruise Control and a better seat for the FJ09. The pillion rear seat portion lacks proper cushioning.
There are a lot of motorcycles that could use better pillion seats imo. Poor passengers have to sit on tiny crowned pads sticking way up in the air these days. Comfort giving way to esthetics.
What Yamaha really, REALLY needs to add to the FJ-09 is smoother fueling and a windshield that isn’t so noisy and turbulent that it turns any freeway ride into a headache-inducing pain in the ass.
Also, it’s far too tall for mickey.
not with my KISS boots on, but then I can’t shift.
It is tall, my son has one, and I am not comfortable on it although I have ridden it. He has an aftermarket windshield that is better than the stocker, his is smooth in anything other than A mode, A is still a little twitchy, but he says he can now ride it in A where he couldn’t on the FZ-09. Doesn’t have cruise, or ABS. I think the new ones, the 17’s, have TC and ABS.
He likes it a lot but wish he had known the FZ-10 was coming and he might have gone with that because he loves that crossplane liter in an upright bike. BTW our dealer got an FZ10 as soon as it became available and it has been sitting on the floor with zero interest he tells me ever since.(which really suprises me)
Even though the FZ-10 is a great bike, it’s just too goofy-looking to appeal to the people who can actually afford it.
Nice looking day tripper.
I hate luggage on anything other than a cruiser, but this is probably the best looking I’ve seen.
My brother has an 07 Multi and he said he would not go anywhere without the bags. Lunch. Couple tools. Rain gear. The weather changes fast and if you are sport touring in the mountains you need the gear. Some guys go into the mountains and desert on the same day and top boxes are way off the center of gravity. I know a guy who crashed his VFR when the top box caused it to start a front end shake.
I’d like to see it without the overly-busy paint and graphics. I’m not sure if I like the design or not. I think with a typical MV silver paint job, and the red frame, I would really like it. The paint and graphics make it difficult to distinguish what the lines of the bike really look like. I agree with the the comment made by others about how ugly the exhaust is.
I find its design and paintwork too busy and complicated. As if it’s trying to say many things at once. I’d like to see it with toned down graphics also before passing further judgement.
As a modern-day white collar motorcycle commuter: the criterium for hard bags isn’t whether it can fit a helmet, but whether it fits a 15″ laptop and an A4 sized folio. This is surprisingly hard to find in OEM panniers.
(FYI A Givi 22 litre pannier can take a MacBook Pro 15)
Right on. My BMW System 2 cases fit my laptop perfectly. I made sure I got solid state hard drives since they take quite a beating down there.
I could do without all the unnecessary electronics, but if they finally got the fueling correct—a huge “if,” where MV Agusta is concerned—that looks to be just about the perfect sport-tourer for me. Looking it over from stem to stern, I simply can’t find any nit to pick.
No beak. No hideous front end, period. No pointless plastic shrouds or other superfluous effluvia. No fake intakes. Decent-looking headlight. Gorgeous exhaust. Standard heated grips. Cruise control. Best-looking panniers ever, and large enough to hold a full-face helmet. Fully exposed single-sided swingarm. A truly upright riding position. One of the coolest motors on the planet. Stunning paint scheme, including the red frame. Genuine exclusivity.
Serious lust-worthiness with this one. So how will MV Agusta manage to screw it up this time?
P.S.- Regardless of the MV Agusta quality control risk factor, man, if I had mickey money, I would absolutely be first in line to grab one of these things.
Ah, I finally spotted the one potential problem area: the windshield. Upright ergos and small, far-away windshields nearly always result in noisy, headache-inducing wind buffeting.
Doesn’t matter how amazing the performance or how gorgeous the aesthetics, if the thing is straight-up annoying to ride, it quickly loses its appeal.
Well, that, plus the sky-high cost to purchase, insure, and maintain the thing.
As you have observed, just having mickey money sometimes isn’t enough. Plus you’d have better luck finding a pot at the end of a rainbow than finding an MV dealer ( at least in these parts)
For some reason that exhaust reminds me of the exhaust on my 69 BSA Rocket 3.
There aren’t any MV dealers in Ohio, or nearby in the surrounding states?
My nearest MV dealer is two hours away, in San Francisco. Not too much of a hardship, since it gives me an excuse to go visit any of a dozen of my favorite restaurants. Also, hey, when the bike is ready, there I am, in San Francisco!
Lotta truly killer riding in that area. All in all, always a fun trip.
No. The exhaust on this overwrought monstrosity is somehow both comically absurd, and hideous. BSA may have made shit, but they knew how to style an exhaust – let’s give them that RIP.
VLJ- Went to the MV website and searched for “dealers near me” and it said ZERO results found and showed a circle covering a couple hundred miles in each direction with no dealers. Heck we have to drive 125 miles to see a BMW, Ducati or KTM. We did just get a Guzzi dealer about 40 miles away.
My BSA came stock with a muffler on each side and each muffler had 3 gun barrels or tubes coming out of it in a stacked formation ( reminiscient of this MV exhaust). Back in the day we called them ” ray gun” mufflers
What “unnecessary electronics”? The MotoGP riders run traction control, electronic shift assist, and different engine maps depending on conditions. I’m sure that none of us is so talented that we can’t benefit from similar electronics tailored for street use.
MotoGP riders are piloting 260-hp potato chips in the pursuit of exacting every last hundredth of a second off of their lap times, while simultaneously attempting to avoid losing the plot and landing on their heads. They’re doing all this on a closed circuit amid a buzzing swarm of twenty-something-year-old maniacs who are hellbent on blitzing each other into and out of every corner.
This sort of riding bears little resemblance to casual sport-touring, as in, no, in order to zip through Skaggs Canyon on my way up the coast to Mendocino, I have zero need for “MVICS 2.0,” “EAS 2.0,” three-different sketchy engine maps, and eight different levels of programmable traction control.
For a 115 rwhp sport-tourer I’d be more than happy with just one glitch-free engine map, smooth shifting, and TC that can be switched between On or Off.
Simple is nearly always better, particularly when dealing with MV Agusta’s traditionally iffy R&D/engineering.
I would think a basic traction control, maybe dry and wet mode engine maps (to dull power deliver a bit in the wet), ABS, and cruise control would be all the street rider would really need. Well, not need, but want.
I have been riding for 1/2 century without ANY of those things and gotten along just fine, however some basic stuff could make life a little easier and safer. A whole bunch of that stuff just makes things confusing and overly complicated.
I guess if I have to ask what it costs, I can’t afford it.
I could probably be perfectly happy without the extra $4,000 worth of electronic aids and gizmos. Why is this necessary on just about every new bike available now?
Give it traction control and cruise control with ABS and I’m good. I agree the rest is useless.
Huh, well, it’s not -completely- hideous.
Not utterly.
Are all 250 of them #37 or just that one? Is there room for the # 250 on the side cover?
Likely a really good ride but the first thing I’d do is get out the heat gun and remove all the juvenile stickers. “Gee I didn’t know Motul made motorcycles”.
ROFL! Can I get extra stickers to put on my shirt? Seriously though, beautiful bike. Easily the best looking adventure tourer.
My mom thought my R1 was made by Akrapovic. 😀
People still think ’88/’89 GSXR’s are called Suzuki Slingshots…
I really loved the Turismo Veloce when I first saw it, the issue I have is the seat height.
I did end up with a MV Agusta, a 2016 Brutale 800 RR, and there is no shortage of performance.
I’m not sure why the seat height has to be so high, but the 3 banger engine is a real gem (at least mine is).
Triumph may give MV a run for their money with the new Street Triple 765 RT.
yea it’s of. Strangely it has a high seat but the tank cutouts jam the knees of anyone over 6′ 2″. I really wanted one but the ergonomics were ruined by that. I guess i could ride around with a loose knee grip but not really. I still go into the shop now and then to drool thinking maybe something changed since the month before. Just as well probably as it saves 20k
Turismo veloce…. almost the opposite of Turismo Enjoye (a.k.a. CB1100)