xBhp rides the MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 in Australia where we were present for the launch of the MV Agusta brand in Melbourne, Australia. We had also ridden and reviewed the MV Agusta Brutale 800 Dragster there.

The beautiful and organic looking Turismo Veloce 800, MV Agusta’s first foray into the adventure bike segment. It is also a beautiful machine but looks a bit too simple and empty from up front, otherwise by no means is it a bland machine! The colour TFT console which even has a visual indicator for side stand down is a delight to see and displays all the necessary information the tourer requires. The touring mode gives 90Hp, while the sport bumps it up to 110Hp, and rain produces 80Hp. The Veloce is a ‘bit different’ compared to the regulars from the stable. This was built for those who want to tuck their luggage in and go off for a long ride. The torque is bumped up by 20% coming at 2100rpm less. Along with that service intervals have been increased from 6000km to 15000km, perfect for someone wanting to get up and Go!

This is the first attempt by the Italian manufacturer into this segment, and it has given a fresh new perspective towards adventure bikes. It mates touring comfortably on a motorcycle with the sportiness you would expect from MV Agusta. The Turismo Veloce is fast, flickable and a hoot to ride. And can easily make you forget that it is built for munching miles sedately. That  is until you decide to munch miles sedately! The ergonomics are comfortable for getting the job done, and the saddle is plush with adequate cushioning. We didn’t ride the bike for a lot of kilometres, but enough to believe that it will make for a happy bum!

The 17 inch wheels itself tell you half the story. The Turismo is meant for tarmac use and not really meant for off-roading. Why then have MV Agusta fitted the bike out with Pirelli Scorpion Trail tyres, which are meant for light trails? It is also much lighter than the traditional Adventure Tourers at 191kg dry, compared to the Multistrada at 209kg dry and the R1200GS at 238kg wet. This results in ease of use and makes it an extremely practical motorcycle for most. And the power figures which are lower than the competition is not felt so much while riding.

The Veloce uses the same three-cylinder 798cc engine which is found on many other MV Agusta models and is tuned for more torque and usable power in the mid range. The engine is smooth, though at times one can notice a bit of vibrations. But that is generally put down as Italian character! The bike also comes with a bunch of electronics to keep you safe and does its job without being intrusive. The rider still feels connected to the engine through the right wrist! The bike does have a bit of fuelling issues at crack of the throttle, which even the electronics are unable to mask.

To sum up this MV, it cannot be compared with the likes of the Multistrada or BMW R1200GS, but by no means is it an incapable machine. And no matter which landscape it is photographed in, it will make everything look more beautiful! The bike has a few minor niggles, but is a fantastic first attempt by MV Agusta into the Adventure Motorcycle segment.

MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 Review Technical Specifications

ENGINE

Type: Three cylinder, 4 stroke, 12 valve
Total displacement: 798 cc
Compression ratio: 12.2:1
Starting: Electric
Bore x stroke: 79 mm x 54.3 mm
Max. power- r.p.m. (at the crankshaft): 110 hp at 10000 r.p.m.
Max. torque – r.p.m.: 80 Nm at 8500 r.p.m.
Cooling system: Cooling with separated liquid and oil radiators
Clutch: Hydraulic clutch, wet multi-disc
Transmission: Cassette style; six speed, constant mesh | Electronic quick-shift MV EAS 2.0 (Electronically Assisted Shift)

GEAR RATIO

Primary drive: 19/36
First gear: 13/37
Second gear: 16/34
Third gear: 18/32
Fourth gear: 19/30
Fifth gear: 21/30
Sixth gear: 22/29
Final drive ratio: 16/41

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Voltage: 12 V
Alternator: 450 W at 5000 r.p.m.
Battery: 12 V – 11 Ah

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

Wheelbase: 1424 mm
Overall length: 2084 mm
Overall width: 900 mm
Saddle height: 850 mm
Min. ground clearance: 140 mm
Trail: 108 mm
Dry weight: 191 kg
Fuel tank capacity: 20 l

PERFORMANCE

Maximum speed: 230 km/h

FRAME

Type: ALS Steel tubular trellis (MAG welded) Rear swing arm pivot plates material Aluminium alloy

FRONT SUSPENSION

Type: Marzocchi “UPSIDE DOWN” telescopic hydraulic fork with rebound-compression damping and spring preload external and separate adjustment
Fork dia.: 43 mm
Fork travel: 160 mm

REAR SUSPENSION

Type: Progressive Sachs, single shock absorber with rebound and compression damping and spring preload adjustment
Single-sided swingarm material Aluminium alloy
Wheel travel: 160 mm

BRAKES

Front brake: Double floating disc with 320 mm diameter, with steel braking disc and flange
Front brake caliper: Brembo radial-type, with 4 pistons 32 mm
Rear brake: Single steel disc with 220 mm dia.
Rear brake caliper: Brembo with 2 pistons – 34 mm
ABS System: Bosch 9 Plus with RLM (Rear wheel Lift-up Mitigation)

WHEELS

Front: Material/size Aluminium alloy 3.50” x 17”
Rear: Material/size Aluminium alloy 5.50” x 17”

TYRES

Front: 120/70 – ZR 17 M/C (58 W)
Rear: 190/55 – ZR 17 M/C (75 W)

FAIRING

Material: Thermoplastic

ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT

Included accessories: Immobilizer – Bluetooth – Adjustable windshield