MV Agusta la 800 2023 — Specifications

It sometimes takes just a simple detail to set your ears ringing. A mark under the eyes, a sock, a road milling machine in the field next door, Louboutins instead of sneakers… For the Superveloce "evo," it will be the exhaust pipes that will catch your attention. Beveled, sharpened, cutting the profile of the MV, the silencers are the only visible modification on this neo-retro sportbike.

This beauty is very recent and didn't really need retouching. It was the regulations that led the manufacturer to revise certain things; and in doing so, to improve others. Consequently, the chassis, engine, and electronics have all been slightly refined. Let's discover in each part what is and what evolves.

This beauty is a real success, to the point that we forget or don't think about its origins. A fashion soul on an F3 800 body, desirable from every point of view. The concept had thrilled everyone at its presentation at EICMA 2018. Due to its experimental status, it could afford a few whims, such as the deliciously vintage yellow headlight.

On the production model, this ray of sunshine has disappeared. But that’s about the only concession the Superveloce had to make. The essentials are there, intact, preserved from the original design from the end of the cap to the middle of the windshield. At the beginning of this family, only the ORO had the leather strap running on the tank. This privilege is democratized: standard and Alpine models now all have it.

Superb, nothing else can qualify it. We will love it for that, then we will be thrilled by the capabilities of the F3 800, its pseudo twin. At first glance, you can see that it borrowed its exhaust outlet type and spoked wheels. The steel trellis frame fixed to aluminum plates will also put you on the track. The plates have been modified for increased rigidity. Then, it’s difficult to draw a parallel. Digging a little, we discover that it gains a beautiful color TFT screen - originally 5 inches, now upgraded to 5.5 inches. Derived from the 1000 Brutale, it has Bluetooth and can serve as a GPS once the appropriate app is installed on the smartphone. That’s not all. Like on many recent and high-tech machines, it can pilot calls, messages, and music, as well as allow the rider to parameterize the on-board electronics from the phone.

Under the skin, almost all the technology comes from the F3. The swingarm, the suspension, the engine. We find the Marzocchi 43mm inverted fork and a Sachs shock absorber, adjustable everywhere. The latter is also slightly different, moreover aided in its work by an optimized linkage. We also notice that the front and rear subframes are specific.

To send power, the three-cylinder is not stingy with resources and emotion. Improved in a few points, it receives new valve guides, a DLC treatment on the lifters, more powerful injectors, and an ECU update. The power is established at 147 horsepower plus a torque approaching 9 mkg. The clutch is strengthened and cooling progresses by 5% with a new oil radiator.

On top of that, it’s the electronics that are talking. The maps have been revised for more flexibility compared to the F3; and more homogeneity than the Superveloce of yesterday. Then, the assistance consists of: - 4 Riding Modes, including one customizable - 8-level Traction Control + deactivation - An Up&Down shifter - A speed regulator - An ABS - A Launch Control (new)

With this evo and the arrival of an IMU inertial unit, the assistance is sensitive to the angle and more effective, the anti-wheeling becomes wheelie control, the ABS now comes from Continental and goes cornering. Also, the shifter improves in version 3.0.

In addition to revised colors, the 2023 Superveloce gains better brakes. It can now rely on Stylema calipers, of great efficiency, animated by a Brembo PR 16/19 radial master cylinder. The software managing the instrumentation is revised to be more intuitive while the Ride-by-wire is completely revised to offer a better feel.

On this 800 Superveloce, the ergonomics claim to be a little more accommodating than on the F3. The temperament too. This remains very subjective given the character of the Varese machines. Well, now, let's talk about what hurts. This beautiful Italian demands 20,000 euros to take you to the carnal pleasure. It hurts. It’s noticeably more than the F3 800... It’s less than the S - a little more desirable. It jealously keeps the spoked wheels (very particular) and the Arrow exhausts. MV sells high-end products, the Superveloce extends the charm.

M.B - Photos manufacturer