MV AGUSTA TURISMO VELOCE LUSSO 800
TURISMO VELOCE
IS THE BOLDEST BIKE EVER MADE BY MV AGUSTA.
This
meant redefining the design priorities: comfort, cargo capacity, smooth
operation, low fuel consumption, longer service intervals and everything else a
customer looks for in a bike designed for touring. Available in two versions,
both share the absolute best technology available today: from the MVCSC (MV
Agusta Chassis Stability Control) electronics package to the MVICS 2.0 (Motor
& Vehicle Integrated Control System) with inertial platform and the latest
generation Bosch ABS.
The
Turismo Veloce stands out immediately as an MV Agusta, despite the fact that it
expresses a stylistic concept which is uncommon for the brand from Schiranna.
The overall compact sensation provided by the size of the three-cylinder
engine, further reduced by the hydraulic clutch control, is expressed in
extremely well balanced volumes on the two axles, even with the side panniers
mounted. Even the fuel tank, particularly narrow in the area that comes into
contact with the knees, demonstrates an evolution both in terms of style and
capacity (22 litres), conveying a general feeling of three dimensionality also
emphasised by the design of the Full LED light clusters and the new
three-muffler exhaust layout, which are now quadrangular. The semi-fairing,
with a clean and tidy design, joins the tank to the top fairing which has an
adjustable windshield (up to 60 mm). Inside it space for two glove-boxes was
found which snap closed, whereas the hand guards have built-in turn indicators.
The two saddle portions are particularly refined and comfortable, with the
passenger seating area perforated and sporting exposed stitching. The
lightweight alloy wheels are also brand new and the rear has a 6 inch channel.
The
frame is unmistakeably MV Agusta - steel tubing at the front set off by aluminium
alloy side plates - redesigned to meet the specific requirements of the Turismo
Veloce. As a result, it is wider in the middle section and features special
plates designed to act as an anchor for the centre stand. The Turismo Veloce
makes good use of the rider and passenger saddle support as well as the saddle
bags thanks to a lightweight aluminium alloy support system. The suspension
system has been developed to ensure maximum comfort when touring and dynamic
performance in sports use. On the Turismo Veloce Lusso, the MVCSC 2.0 system,
employing Sachs front forks and rear shock absorber, features a sophisticated
electronic control system which provides the best possible response to all
specific riding conditions by continuously monitoring and changing the
hydraulic settings. The ECU includes the inertial platform which supplies vital
parameter readings key to the continuous suspension setting changes and employs
the Skyhook algorithm. This algorithm was specifically developed by MV Agusta.
The system acts on the hydraulic compression and rebound readings when the bike
is in motion.
The
performance of a heavyweight and the weight of a medium size engine, this is
the magic of the 800 cc in line three cylinder engine. In the configuration
developed for the Turismo Veloce these parameters shifted from the search for
maximum power to the search for the most evenly distributed power curve
possible, increasing the maximum torque value 20% compared to the sportier
versions, obtaining 2100 rpm less. All this thanks to redesigned and
appropriately phased driven cam profiles, a new piston, new dedicated intake
and exhaust systems and dedicated mapping strategies developed specifically for
this bike, all enhanced by the three cylinder split which, as we all know, theorises
the ideal engine with bar setting low and medium speeds, accompanied by a
thrilling peak speed. This three-cylinder engine has many characteristics which
make it a milestone for MV in terms of the technology applied to a standard
production bike. The oil and water cooling systems have been built into the
engine casting and this is the particular feature of the three-cylinder engine
that gives it such an exceptional aesthetic impact and which allows it to blend
in perfectly with the flowing lines of the Turismo Veloce. Under the cast and
forged aluminium surfaces lies a counter-rotating crankshaft derived directly
from MotoGP. This was introduced as standard on the F3 675 and characterises
the MV Agusta three-cylinder engine, not to mention the considerable impact it
has on riding dynamics by significantly deceasing the effects of inertia when
the bike changes direction. The precise application of fluid dynamic and
thermodynamic principles, along with advanced electronic engine management
systems have permitted specific fuel mapping settings to be designed which
ideally suit both Touring and Sport riding modes on the new Turismo Veloce.
Among the new features are the hydraulic timing chain tensioner, common to all
the MY2015 three-cylinder engines as well as, like on the Stradale, the
hydraulically controlled clutch. However, unlike the Stradale, the Turismo
Veloce also boasts the mechanical slipper clutch. All of these evolutions
allowed service intervals to be increased, now going from 6000 to 15000 km.
Spark plug changes and valve adjustment has even gone to 30000 km. Both the
battery and the alternator are more powerful, going from 350 to 450W. The
exhaust system is also brand new, with a 400 cell catalytic converter.
The
reference platform is the new second generation MVICS 2.0 (Motor & Vehicle
Integrated Control System) which lets the rider customize mapping with
versatility being its strongest point. There are three preset mapping options.
The Turismo option offers fuel mapping specifically designed for touring and
limits power output to 90 HP. The Sport setting increases power to the maximum
output of 110 HP whereas the Rain option (80 HP) is for riding safely in poor
grip conditions and the Traction Control is automatically set to the maximum
level. The fourth option, Custom, is also available so that the rider can
select various parameters in order to create the best possible set-up for his
or her own personal desires. Some of the parameters that can be customized are
the engine torque curve in-line with power output (two levels), rev limiter
cut-in point (Hard or Soft), throttle sensitivity (three levels), engine
braking (two levels), engine response (two levels) and of course the traction
control (eight levels). Some of the new features include the handlebar
controls, characterised by an even more user-friendly logic which allows them
to be used on the fly, without distracting the rider's attention from the road.
The rider can access the instrumentation menu by using dedicated buttons in
order to make any changes to bike management parameters even quicker.