MV Agusta Superveloce A Timeless Design with Cutting-Edge Technology

The MV Agusta Superveloce mixes classic 1970s racing style with modern performance. It has a powerful 798cc engine, advanced electronics, and a vintage look with a round LED headlight. The bike offers a thrilling ride with options to customize.

MV Agusta Superveloce 2021 First Ride

Less than a year ago, I had the chance to test the first-production MV Agusta Superveloce 800. In its standard form, the bike in silver and red was undeniably stylish, classic, and dynamic. The Superveloce made a strong emotional visual impact, pleasing both traditional and modern fans, which is a great quality. The 2020 model also came in a black/dark gray color combo. Now, for 2021, the silver/red paint scheme is still available, and a yellow/gray version replaces last year’s black/gray. The S model now comes only in Surreal White with a touch of gold.

Our testbike featured the yellow/gray paint scheme, but honestly, in person, it looks a bit lackluster compared to the official images. The gold frame doesn’t help either. To meet Euro 5 standards, the bike now has a exhaust similar to the latest MV Agusta 800 three. While it suits that bike, it feels out of place on the sleek Superveloce, even worse than it did on the 2021 Brutale 800. The racing kit for the Superveloce S includes a neater Arrow exhaust system, more fitting for the Superveloce’s style, though it might not meet Euro 5 specs.

But there’s also good news: The rest of the bike is meticulously engineered, with no compromises in terms of style or execution. The engine was a critical point of focus for this 2021 Superveloce test, as last year’s model needed refinement, particularly with its injection-ignition system and ECU.

To summarize our experience with the previous version: The Euro 4-compliant engine struggled when cold, showing poor response below 3,000–3,500 rpm. This was made worse by a tall final-drive ratio aimed at fully utilizing the bike’s sleek aerodynamics for a potential top speed of around 160 mph. However, the engine performed better at higher revs, producing a substantial 148 hp at 13,000 rpm and 65 pound-feet of torque at 10,600 rpm. Chief Project Engineer Brian Gillen assured that MV Agusta’s technical team was working hard to address the low-end response issues for the Euro 5 version.

He wasn’t exaggerating. The 2021 bike’s extensively overhauled engine has addressed all the previous issues. It’s smooth and responsive from 3,000 rpm onward, with excellent progression up to its peak at 13,000 rpm. Despite meeting stricter Euro 5 emissions standards, it still boasts a claimed 147 hp, just one less than before. This accomplishment is remarkable considering the engine remains the same basic unit with no increase in displacement.

The improvement in the torque curve is evident in two key areas: Firstly, throttle response is clean, gradual, and robust. Secondly, peak torque of 65 pound-feet kicks in at 10,100 rpm, 500 revs lower than before. This wider separation between peak torque and power—spanning a 2,900-rpm band—demonstrates impressive flexibility for an engine with nearly 200 hp/liter. At just 4,000 rpm, the new torque curve is already registering 46.5 pound-feet, a testament to its enhanced performance.

Despite common complaints about stricter emissions standards leading to decreased performance, the 2021 Superveloce proves otherwise, offering enhanced performance across the board. Efforts to minimize mechanical, inertial, and frictional losses within the engine have boosted its efficiency. A new injection system operates at 0.5 bar higher pressure, improving fuel atomization and combustion. Additionally, a more powerful catalytic converter and larger exhaust system contribute to these improvements. Managing the fuel injection system is the latest MVICS 2.1 ECU, while other vital functions are controlled by an Eldon Nemo ECU.

Sharing a chassis with MV’s other 2021 triples, the Superveloce boasts a classic steel-tube trellis frame augmented by large aluminum plates at the rear engine mounts. These plates significantly enhance chassis rigidity, providing greater stability while allowing riders to fully exploit the bike’s agility. Equipped with a new six-axis IMU e-Novia inertial platform, electronic rider aids include the Continental MK 100 ABS system, offering cornering braking, ABS, and lean-angle-sensitive traction control.

• Our Superveloce testbike came fitted with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires, offering an intriguing experience. These new Pirelli tires mark a significant advancement from the previous Diablo Rosso III models, particularly in terms of wet-surface traction and stability. On dry roads and at high speeds, the Diablo Rosso IV tires delivered exceptional steering feedback and responsiveness, particularly during aggressive braking maneuvers.

Specs

MSRP	$21,600
Engine	DOHC, liquid-cooled 4-stroke 3-cylinder; 12 valves
Displacement	798cc
Bore x Stroke	79.0 x 54.3mm
Compression Ratio	13.3:1
Transmission/Final Drive	6-speed
Claimed Horsepower	147 hp @ 13,000 rpm
Claimed Torque	64.9 lb.-ft. @ 10,100 rpm
Fuel System	Integrated ignition-injection system; ride-by-wire
Clutch	Wet, multiplate slipper
Frame	ALS steel tubular trellis
Front Suspension	Marzocchi inverted fork, spring preload, compression and rebound damping adjustable; 4.9 in. travel
Rear Suspension	Progressive Sachs shock, spring preload, compression and rebound damping adjustable; 5.1 in. travel
Front Brake	Brembo radial-type Monoblock 4-piston calipers, dual floating 320mm discs w/ ABS
Rear Brake	Brembo 2-piston caliper, 220mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear	Aluminum alloy spokes; 17 x 3.50 in. / 17 x 5.50 in.
Tires, Front/Rear	Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa IV; 120/70ZR-17 / 180/55ZR-17
Rake/Trail	23.5°/3.9 in.
Wheelbase	54.7 in.
Ground Clearance	4.7 in.
Seat Height	32.7 in.
Fuel Capacity	4.4 gal.
Claimed Dry Weight	381 lb.
Availability	Now
Contact	mvagusta.com

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