MV Agusta Turismo Veloce Lusso

[Navy Boy]

346530

Good Day one and all

I've recently managed to secure myself a new MV Turismo Veloce Lusso - Yes I do have eclectic tastes in bikes but it wouldn't do to be the same as everyone else I reckon :msn-wink:

So - Thoughts thus far:

Engine and Gearbox

Ruddy great engine - This is 'Only' the 110 Bhp version of the 800 triple but it's got plenty of mid range grunt which is ideal for real roads. It sounds lovely and still has some of that visceral appeal that MVs are so good at. The gearbox has an up-down quickshifter which is a bit of a mixed bag. Upshifts are fine (I always only use the quickshifter after 5-10 minutes of running so that the oil has time to warm up a little) but the downshifts aren't as slick as they could be. I'm still using the clutch for down shifts as mechanical sympathy doesn't allow me to give the gearlever the stomp it needs to go down the box.

Looks

I think that it's a fabulous looking machine. Some may disagree and I hope that's the case as the day MV start making bikes that everyone likes will be a sad day indeed.

Chassis and brakes

This is where things become more interesting/hard to decide upon. The brakes bit is easy - They are Brembo and they work as you'd expect. The suspension is an electronically adjustable semi-active system which, I'll be honest, is taking some getting used to. There's plenty of choice with regards to the settings. In fact I'd argue that there may be too much choice but I think that I'm slowly getting the hang of it. You can feel the semi-active technowhizzbangery doing its thing over the smaller lumps and trying to be supple which brings with it a slightly odd pitching-type motion. It's not unpleasant, just not quite what you were expecting. However trying to find a set-up that suits me and my riding is taking a while. It's all part of the fun I guess though I do find the front end feel isn't quite as precise as other bikes so it's a game of trusting the front end to do what you want it to.

Overall

I really like MVs. They aren't perfect and they take some getting used to but they represent a lot of what I like about bikes and biking. The TVL takes a lot of the good MV qualities (Visceral engine and unique styling) and matches those with good luggage, a comfy riding position and real world-friendly ergonomics. If you're ever curious I'd suggest taking one for a ride. You might like it more than you thought you would. ;)

[Bonez]

Cool. Yes, I agree. Being different is what motorcycling is all about :).

[mulletman]

More pics please :cool:

[onearmedbandit]

You had me at single sided swingarm.

[Navy Boy]

346571

There we go - Taken overlooking Oyster Bay and Cloudy Bay (In the background) this last weekend. Sunny Marlborough at its best. :yes:

[MD]

They are beautiful Italian models. Congrats.

You need to pay more attention when cleaning it though, there appears to be a clump of grass growing underneath the seat and the underside of the rear wheel arc/mudguard?

[Navy Boy]

They are beautiful Italian models. Congrats.

You need to pay more attention when cleaning it though, there appears to be a clump of grass growing underneath the seat and the underside of the rear wheel arc/mudguard?

:laugh: You funny guy!

[tri boy]

New bikes are worth working for.
Houses aren't. MHO

[Bonez]

New bikes are worth working for.
Houses aren't. MHONew bikes devalue $1000s as soon as you sign the paperwork.:lol:

[Navy Boy]

346530

Good Day one and all

I've recently managed to secure myself a new MV Turismo Veloce Lusso - Yes I do have eclectic tastes in bikes but it wouldn't do to be the same as everyone else I reckon :msn-wink:

So - Thoughts thus far:

Engine and Gearbox

Ruddy great engine - This is 'Only' the 110 Bhp version of the 800 triple but it's got plenty of mid range grunt which is ideal for real roads. It sounds lovely and still has some of that visceral appeal that MVs are so good at. The gearbox has an up-down quickshifter which is a bit of a mixed bag. Upshifts are fine (I always only use the quickshifter after 5-10 minutes of running so that the oil has time to warm up a little) but the downshifts aren't as slick as they could be. I'm still using the clutch for down shifts as mechanical sympathy doesn't allow me to give the gearlever the stomp it needs to go down the box.

Looks

I think that it's a fabulous looking machine. Some may disagree and I hope that's the case as the day MV start making bikes that everyone likes will be a sad day indeed.

Chassis and brakes

This is where things become more interesting/hard to decide upon. The brakes bit is easy - They are Brembo and they work as you'd expect. The suspension is an electronically adjustable semi-active system which, I'll be honest, is taking some getting used to. There's plenty of choice with regards to the settings. In fact I'd argue that there may be too much choice but I think that I'm slowly getting the hang of it. You can feel the semi-active technowhizzbangery doing its thing over the smaller lumps and trying to be supple which brings with it a slightly odd pitching-type motion. It's not unpleasant, just not quite what you were expecting. However trying to find a set-up that suits me and my riding is taking a while. It's all part of the fun I guess though I do find the front end feel isn't quite as precise as other bikes so it's a game of trusting the front end to do what you want it to.

Overall

I really like MVs. They aren't perfect and they take some getting used to but they represent a lot of what I like about bikes and biking. The TVL takes a lot of the good MV qualities (Visceral engine and unique styling) and matches those with good luggage, a comfy riding position and real world-friendly ergonomics. If you're ever curious I'd suggest taking one for a ride. You might like it more than you thought you would. ;)

So - Managed to get a little more saddle time this last weekend and thought I'd have a bit more of a play with the different modes.

A bit of background - The bike has the 4 rider modes of Rain, Touring, Sport and Custom. The first three are pre-set with the Custom mode being adjustable by the rider. Thus far I've played with the custom map (As I did with my previous MV Rivale) to try and get it to my liking. This time I tried the other 3 modes to see what difference they made. Well wouldn't you know but the Touring mode seems to feel the best with supple suspension and a nice smooth throttle response (This isn't always a given with the MVs I ridden/owned in the past).

I guess the bigger point here is that whilst rider choice is great in theory the reality is often a little different. What do others reckon - Do rider modes make things better or worse? :wacko:

[Blackbird]

I guess the bigger point here is that whilst rider choice is great in theory the reality is often a little different. What do others reckon - Do rider modes make things better or worse? :wacko:

Interesting point Lee. I guess it comes down to the conditions each rider normally rides in. On my Duke 790, I have Rain, Road, Sport and Track (with a few sub-options on Track). I use Rain mode in wet conditions a lot. Apart from more sensitive traction control, it gives a very smooth power delivery which is great for those greasy roundabouts in town. Road is my "go to" setting and to be honest, it spends 80%+ of the time in this mode, probably because a lot of my riding is spent mentoring in a range of environments and conditions. I guess this equates to your "reality" comment. If I'm going out for a brisk outing on the back roads, I'll pop it in Sport mode because the power delivery is addictive. The downside is that it's pretty snatchy in town on this setting. Very quick to change back to Road or Rain but if I know I'll be spending time in traffic, I'm lazy and just leave it in Road for the whole day. Guess that validates your thoughts. I've never even tried Track Mode with launch control, anti-wheelie and all that jazz.

[Berries]

I guess the bigger point here is that whilst rider choice is great in theory the reality is often a little different. What do others reckon - Do rider modes make things better or worse? :wacko:
I get ABS and traction control but not engine modes. If you whack the throttle open coming out of a wet corner you deserve to fall off. Not sure if my GSXR has two or three modes but I can't see why I would want to select less power? I can do that with my right wrist. Having electronic suspension on your MV does however mean you could have a comfy two up touring setting and then a solo no luggage setting, so possibly some point to it on your bike?



New bikes devalue $1000s as soon as you sign the paperwork.:lol:
If nobody bought new bikes there would be no 1970's nails around for people to wank on about.

[MD]

If nobody bought new bikes there would be no 1970's nails around for people to wank on about.

Exactly. I used to get the odd moment of guilt about the new bikes I've bought over the years but now I realise it was absolutely the right choice every time. You don't know when your numbers up so enjoy life while you can, while still fit and able to play with toys. You can't enjoy them once 6 foot under or incapacitated with old age in a rest home. Better to look back with fond memories of this or that bike, not stare at a pointless bank balance from your walking frame.

[Bonez]

If nobody bought new bikes there would be no 1970's nails around for people to wank on about.Well it is still running perfectly well.:lol: Did I mention ikt was still running points and carbs?:rolleyes: I bought new for the first 5 years after my CJ250. Then saw the like. No ABS and one mode-Rider Mode.....:baby:

[Berries]

Then saw the like.
Yeah, had you down as a Facebook user.

[Bonez]

Yeah, had you down as a Facebook user.Well I'm not smart arse.

[Laava]

Exactly. I used to get the odd moment of guilt about the new bikes I've bought over the years but now I realise it was absolutely the right choice every time. You don't know when your numbers up so enjoy life while you can, while still fit and able to play with toys. You can't enjoy them once 6 foot under or incapacitated with old age in a rest home. Better to look back with fond memories of this or that bike, not stare at a pointless bank balance from your walking frame.
Yep exactly! No point getting old and then thinking you might finally buy a brand new bike and not be able to enjoy it!
I also get a lot of satisfaction from the rebuilds I have done but to be honest, when they are finished, I don't want to ride them. The older bikes totally show their age compared to the current available machinery...

[Blackbird]

Yep exactly! No point getting old and then thinking you might finally buy a brand new bike and not be able to enjoy it!
I also get a lot of satisfaction from the rebuilds I have done but to be honest, when they are finished, I don't want to ride them. The older bikes totally show their age compared to the current available machinery...

Yep, restoring/building and riding are two separate sides of the same coin. I used to love fettling older bikes but now I'm in my 70's, riding is the number 1 priority whilst I'm still competent to do so. I want something new that I can just jump on with no hassle. All a matter of your interest and priorities at a given time of your life I guess.

[Navy Boy]

346530

Good Day one and all

I've recently managed to secure myself a new MV Turismo Veloce Lusso - Yes I do have eclectic tastes in bikes but it wouldn't do to be the same as everyone else I reckon :msn-wink:

So - Thoughts thus far:

Engine and Gearbox

Ruddy great engine - This is 'Only' the 110 Bhp version of the 800 triple but it's got plenty of mid range grunt which is ideal for real roads. It sounds lovely and still has some of that visceral appeal that MVs are so good at. The gearbox has an up-down quickshifter which is a bit of a mixed bag. Upshifts are fine (I always only use the quickshifter after 5-10 minutes of running so that the oil has time to warm up a little) but the downshifts aren't as slick as they could be. I'm still using the clutch for down shifts as mechanical sympathy doesn't allow me to give the gearlever the stomp it needs to go down the box.

Looks

I think that it's a fabulous looking machine. Some may disagree and I hope that's the case as the day MV start making bikes that everyone likes will be a sad day indeed.

Chassis and brakes

This is where things become more interesting/hard to decide upon. The brakes bit is easy - They are Brembo and they work as you'd expect. The suspension is an electronically adjustable semi-active system which, I'll be honest, is taking some getting used to. There's plenty of choice with regards to the settings. In fact I'd argue that there may be too much choice but I think that I'm slowly getting the hang of it. You can feel the semi-active technowhizzbangery doing its thing over the smaller lumps and trying to be supple which brings with it a slightly odd pitching-type motion. It's not unpleasant, just not quite what you were expecting. However trying to find a set-up that suits me and my riding is taking a while. It's all part of the fun I guess though I do find the front end feel isn't quite as precise as other bikes so it's a game of trusting the front end to do what you want it to.

Overall

I really like MVs. They aren't perfect and they take some getting used to but they represent a lot of what I like about bikes and biking. The TVL takes a lot of the good MV qualities (Visceral engine and unique styling) and matches those with good luggage, a comfy riding position and real world-friendly ergonomics. If you're ever curious I'd suggest taking one for a ride. You might like it more than you thought you would. ;)

So - I'm almost 6 months in and have racked up some 5500Km on the TV Lusso now and, thanks to recent weather conditions, have experienced it in nearly every type of weather short of full-on snow! :msn-wink:

Thus far most of my initial impressions remain intact. The bike's great fun to ride and is a head turner wherever you go which is a nice feeling :niceone:

Like most I suspect I've distilled the myriad settings and adjustment down to 2-3 settings to suit the road/mood. 'Touring' mode is a bit softer and smoother for general riding. 'Custom' livens things up a little and 'Rain' is at the other end of the spectrum. The not so good bits are the misting up indicators (Front and rear), the still slightly clunky operation of the quickshifter on the upshifts and the dashboard wanting me to enter the pin code every now and again for no apparent reason... Who says bikes have no personality?

I guess the main question is would I buy another and what would one compare it to? I'd say that the Multistrada 950 I rode is possibly a better Adventure type of machine but wasn't as visceral in its appeal. A VStrom 1050 would be entirely dependable but wouldn't have the 'Specialness' of the MV and a Triumph Tiger 900 is lovely but I'm not 100% convinced by the whole T-plane crank alteration that makes it fell more like a twin and less like a traditional triple motor. Given the choice I'd probably plump for one of Triumph's latest 1200 Scramblers were I to choose again but the MV is certainly worth a close look if you're in the market for a sporty yet comfortable road machine that can tour as well as scratch down your favourite back road.

[MD]

Well done buying something a bit left field and enjoying the experience. That's what life is about. There's no bad bike purchase, they're all just part of life's experiences.

[Navy Boy]

Well done buying something a bit left field and enjoying the experience. That's what life is about. There's no bad bike purchase, they're all just part of life's experiences.

Just an update as I've now moved the MV on and had a few changes of bike/s since then.

In short I really enjoyed riding the MV TVL. A genuinely rideable and useful MV which is something of a rarity. It looks good, sounds great and attracted comment almost everywhere I went on it - Which I like.

What I didn't enjoy the almost total lack of support for after sales and servicing, not to mention the total lack of joy I received in getting the two main warranty items repaired/rectified. It's such a shame that basic customer service still seems to be beyond some concerns - Especially when you're buying into a prestigious and exotic brand such as MV where you want to be made to feel just a bit more special and valued than a more mainstream brand.

Still, you live and you learn. :shifty: