MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800
Looking for a sit-up-and-beg sportstourer with a bit of Italian flair? Know this...
There’s four different versions
Alongside the standard Turismo Veloce, MV launched a Lusso version (‘luxury’ in Italian) with Sachs semi-active suspension, uprated rider assists, hard panniers and a TFT dash. There is also the Reparto Corse (‘race department’) with racy paint, forged lightweight wheels and carbon add-ons and a Rosso, which is Italian for red. Bella.
It’s available with no clutch
In 2018, MV’S SCS (Smart Clutch System, built by Rekluse) was added as an option to the Lusso. Effectively a gyroscopic clutch, it makes the bike impossible to stall and means that once you select a gear, you don’t need to touch the lever again as its up/down quickshifter and SCS take all the strain.
The electronics work
MV’S MVICS 2.0 (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System) helps banish the jerky throttle and is easy to use. ‘Touring’ map cuts the power to 98bhp while ‘Sport’ gives the full 123bhp. The eight-stage traction control and ABS aren’t angle-sensitive but work well and cruise control is standard.
It’s a feisty ride
The triple loves to be revved and if you work it hard, it responds brilliantly. In bends, the low weight and agile chassis make it a real hoot; far more eager to turn than a Multistrada.
You
can tour on it
Unlike many Italian bikes, the TV’S suspension is set softly and if you like the ‘sit in’ riding position, the bars are a comfortable distance and the pegs are low. You can certainly cover miles on it.
It’s a bit thirsty
Despite its 20-litre tank, the triple is quite thirsty and that means 40mpg if you are lucky and a range of 175 miles.
Service costs aren’t that bad
It needs a service every 9000 miles and a valve-clearance check at 18,000 miles. That’s £200 (minor) and £500 (major).