MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 Rosso 2020 — Specifications

How much of a motorcycle’s essence should be sacrificed to make its price more accessible? MV Agusta attempted this with the Turismo Veloce 800 Rosso in 2020, a simplified version intended to compete with the Yamaha Tracer 900 GT or the BMW F 900 XR without losing its soul. The Italian manufacturer cut back on finishing and options, but preserved the heart of this hybrid machine, that famous 798 cc triple delivering 110 horsepower at 10,150 rpm and 80 Nm of torque at 7100 rpm. The result is a proposition at €13,990 that seeks to appeal to the sporty touring rider, the one who wants character without breaking the bank.

The first impression is this dominant black color scheme with red accents, a minimalist aesthetic that doesn't betray its origin. The design remains faithful to the MV lineage, with a nose inspired by the F3 and these taut curves that evoke a sportbike more than a classic trail bike. The size is contained, with a dry weight announced at 191 kg and a seat height of 850 mm, which places it in an agile rather than massive category. You can feel that the objective is not to conquer trails, but to dominate winding roads with elegance. The dashboard with its 5-inch color TFT screen confirms this approach focused on driving pleasure rather than raw utilitarianism.

Technically, the 2020 MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 Rosso does not differ from its big sister. The steel trellis frame with aluminum plates, the Marzocchi and Sachs suspensions, the Brembo radial braking with ABS, all of this is retained. The MVICS 2.0 electronics also offer its usual arsenal: four riding modes, adjustable traction control, anti-wheelie, cruise control, and EAS 2.0 quickshifter for clutchless gear changes. This is where the machine shows its seriousness; it does not sacrifice high-tech equipment to reach this price. The 16.5-liter tank and the announced consumption of 5.8 liters per 100 km promise correct stages, even if we remain far from the capabilities of a true large-displacement GT.

Compared to its Japanese or German competitors, the Turismo Veloce Rosso plays in a different league. It does not offer the versatility or tranquility of a Tracer, nor the practicality of a BMW XR. Its triple is lively, demanding; it requires playing with the gears and exploiting the high end of the rev range to feel its true potential. It is a machine for those who want sporty touring with a pronounced Italian temperament, not for those who seek a docile and comfortable travel companion. The target audience is clear: the enthusiast who accepts some compromises on finishing to have an MV in his garage without spending €20,000.

In conclusion, this Rosso version is an interesting gamble. It retains the exciting mechanics and sophisticated electronics that make the Turismo Veloce charming, but it presents itself with a less luxurious appearance and a unique color palette to reduce the bill. This is an MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 Rosso that suits the sporty touring rider, ready to accept a few rough edges to obtain that unique riding sensation. It will not be the easiest or most versatile, but it offers a dose of emotion that its wiser rivals cannot distribute.