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
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.
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