A Neo-Retro Marvel, MV Agusta’s Superveloce Blends Classic Grand Prix Glory with Modern Mastery

Summary

• MV Agusta’s neo-retro Superveloce pays homage to the glory days of Grand Prix racing while boasting modern engineering and electronics.
• The Superveloce offers two model trims, the base 800 and the S model, both equipped with a powerful 798cc engine and advanced technology.
• With a price starting at $24,598, the Superveloce impresses with its drop-dead gorgeous design, agile handling, and comfortable ergonomics.

Long before the MotoGP era, the 500cc class was the pinnacle of Grand Prix motorcycle racing. MV Agusta reigned over the 500cc epoch for nearly two decades when the Varese-based firm won the premier manufacturer title 18 times between 1956 and 1974, seven of them in the hands of the legendary Italian rider Giacomo Agostini. Ago, as he was known, in and beyond the paddock, won seven of those titles riding the legendary 500 Tre. The MV Agusta Superveloce’s neo-retro design emulates the Tre’s orbital nose fairing, single round headlight, and bobbed tail, paying tribute to the glory days of Ago and his unbeatable three-cylinder machine.

At its heart, the Superveloce is essentially an F3, redressed and tweaked to make it less of a track weapon and more of a road warrior in retro clothes. Nevertheless, the Superveloce’s nostalgic aesthetics contrast with its state-of-the-art engineering and electronics. Like the F3, it is a highly capable machine bestowing ample power and a full suite of rider aids and modes. MV Agusta offers the Superveloce in two trims: the base 800 and our test S model. For the aficionados, there is also a limited edition 98, which honors the 80th anniversary of MV’s first engine, a 98cc thumper.

Both model trims share the same engine, chassis, and technology package, and choosing between them is mostly a question of styling and price. The $24,598 (MSRP) 800 comes in two color schemes, Nardò gray and matt metallic carbon black with Ago Red detailing, or in Ago Red and Ago Silver, inspired by the original racing livery that graced Agostini’s 500 Tre. The S model has an MSRP of $27,998 and is also available in two striking finishes, a metallic carbon matt black and matt gold, and, new for 2023, the iridium silver and matt gold of our test bike.

Note: In order to provide you with an honest and unbiased review, the vehicle reviewed in this article was ridden on a daily basis throughout the course of daily life for a period of one week. For detailed insight into testing procedures and data collection, please review our methodology policy.

2024 MV Agusta Superveloce S First Impressions

The Superveloce’s flowing lines and distinctive detailing turn heads everywhere you take it. An elegant realization of classic and contemporary design cues combine to create a sleek, swept-back aspect, far removed from the angular, stocky designs popular among the latest sportbikes. Its classic bullet-nosed fairing incorporates an aggressively raked clear acrylic bubble and twin air-intake scoops. The intakes slash across the engine cowling and flow into the indented fuel tank before tapering to the single, round taillight. A hub-mounted license plate bracket also houses the rear indicators, allowing for a clean, bobbed tail section.

Adding to the nostalgia, the Supervolce gets a (cosmetic) leather trank strap. In a further salute to MV’s racing heritage, our S test model comes with a matching chestnut-brown leather seat with an Alcantara insert and spoked wheels, which hark back to the glory days while exhibiting state-of-the-art performance credentials. And, if you really must spoil the Superveloce’s beautiful lines with a passenger, every S model comes with a matching pillion seat delivered in a sturdy, foam-padded, wooden kit box.

All four color schemes available on the 800 and S models are striking and sophisticated. Nevertheless, the new iridium silver with matte gold detailing that adorns our test bike offers the perfect finish for enhancing its sublime bodywork. Under the skin, the Superveloce bristles with modern components, including the slash-cut, three-way, stacked exhaust system it shares with the Dragster America we recently tested, an aluminum single-sided swingarm, and all-around LED lights. So, the MV Agusta Superveloce is, as my fellow Brits would say, drop-dead-gorgeous, but does the ride match its looks?

Engine and Performance

MV’s liquid-cooled, 798cc inline-triple engine with four valves per cylinder powers the Superveloce, which, in this guise, produces a peak output of 147 horsepower at 13,000 RPM and 65 foot-pounds of torque at 10,100. These are big numbers for an 800, derived from large-bore pistons coupled with a relatively short stroke. The resulting powerplant invites high-revving antics, and the Superveloce is in its element when its exhaust is wailing. The optional Arrow racing exhaust system and accompanying ECU map wring out an additional seven horses and probably sound majestic.

Helping the Euro-5 compliant inline-triple optimize output are titanium intake and exhaust valves, DLC-coated valve guides and cam followers, and improved main bearings and piston rods to maximize efficiency. An intuitive counter-rotating crankshaft helps overcome the gyroscopic effect produced by the transversally mounted engine, adding lightness to the Superveloce’s featherweight handling. MV’s counter-rotating throttle grip manages the ride-by-wire fuelling, providing a natural feel while smoothing out wayward rider inputs. A wet, multi-plate, slipper clutch, coupled with a six-speed transmission, replete with an electronically assisted up-and-down quickshifter, delivers power to the rear wheel.

Engine And Performance Specifications

Ride And Handling

The Superveloce’s aluminized steel trellis frame uses the engine as a stressed member and a single-sided aluminum swingarm, reducing weight and providing a rigid platform for the suspension. Up front, a 43mm Marzocchi USD fork with ceramic-coated stanchions combines with a progressively sprung Sachs monoshock at the rear. Both offer compression, rebound, and spring preload adjustment, and with the compression and rebound rates set to the mid-range, the ride was firm without becoming skittish on less-than-perfect roads. Exclusive to the S and 98 models, aluminum spoked wheels add retro style with no additional weight and come clad in sticky Pirelli Diablo Corsa tires.

The steering response is exceptionally quick thanks to the Superveloce’s aggressive 23.5 degrees of steering rake and 3.9 inches of trail. An equally short 54.3-inch wheelbase adds to its agility. With a curb weight of only 421 pounds, MV’s 800 is within a few pounds of smaller engined bikes like the Yamaha YZF-R7 and Suzuki’s GSX-R750 but provides considerably more power than either. Keeping all that performance in check are Brembo Stylema brakes with a radial master cylinder. Radial four-pot calipers and twin, floating 320mm discs take care of braking up front, and at the rear, a single two-pot caliper clamps a 220mm disc.

With so much power on hand and so little weight, the Supervolce has all the hallmarks of a wild and unruly machine, and yet, the first thing you notice when riding MV’s neo-retro marvel is just how manageable it is. The clip-on bars feel slightly higher than those given to the F3, providing a sporty yet comfortable reach to the bars, and the lower peg positioning requires less bend at the knee. The Superveloce is a compact bike but is surprisingly accommodating (even for a tall rider like me). The engine’s frisky nature is entirely predictable thanks to its excellent fuelling characteristics and a comprehensive suite of rider aids, adding confidence at every corner.

Chassis Specifications

Technology And Equipment

Thanks to its RBW throttle management and a six-axis IMU, the Supervolce comes with all the tech bling expected from an MV Agusta. A 5.5-inch color TFT instrument display provides all the necessary information in a clear and easily read format. However, the fuel warning light should be more apparent, making it easier to see with a smoked visor. Multi-functional bar-mounted switches provide the interface for customizing the settings and work well once you figure them out.

Three preset performance maps include Rain, Sport, and Race. A fourth Custom mode allows riders to tailor their preferences with eight levels of lean-sensitive traction control intervention and two levels of engine brake, power output, and throttle response settings. The Superveloce also benefits from Continental MK100 cornering ABS with a function to reduce rear wheel lift under heavy braking.

Standard features include launch control, cruise control, and anti-wheelie software, which showboaters can deactivate. Surprisingly, the Supervolce does not get a fuel gauge, and riders must rely on a low-fuel warning message, letting them know it’s time to fill up. As with the Dragster America, the Superveloce offers wireless smartphone connectivity and customization control via the MV Ride App, offering a simpler alternative to the switchgear to customize settings. A built-in GPS allows for real-time tracking and turn-by-turn navigation, and a factory-fitted Mobisat anti-theft system has built-in geolocation.

Standard Equipment

• Electronically Assisted Up-and-Down Quickshifter
• Six-Axis IMU
• Cornering ABS
• Adjustable Traction Control
• Customizable Throttle Response
• Customizable Engine Braking
• Customizable Power Output
• Launch Control
• Cruise Control
• Integrated GPS
• Wireless Connectivity
• Mobisat Anti-Theft with Geolocation

Riding Style

The MV Agusta Superveloce Vs. Its Competitors

MV Agusta’s premium market positioning makes drawing direct comparisons difficult, especially in the sparsely populated 800cc sports class. Yamaha’s YZF-R7 has won many plaudits and costs less than ten grand but offers half the power of the MV. KTM’s $40,000 RC 8C produces similar performance levels but is a specialized track-only weapon. The Superveloce’s closest rival, purely based on credentials, is the Suzuki GSX-R750, which offers comparable performance, weight, and chassis dimensions. However, the Ducati Supersport 950, which looks like a very different machine on paper, delivers a similar, if less revy riding experience.

How The MV Agusta Superveloce Compares To The Suzuki GSX-R750

• 	2023 MV Agusta Superveloce	2024 Suzuki GSX-R750
  Model	Superveloce	GSX-R750
  MSRP	$24,598	$12,999
  Engine	798cc Liquid-Cooled, DOHC, Inline-Triple	750cc Liquid-Cooled, DOHC, Inline-4
  Transmission	6-Speed with Slipper Clutch and Q/S	6-SPeed
  Horsepower	147 HP @ 13,000 RPM	128 HP @ 12,600 RPM
  Torque	65 LB-FT @ 10,100 RPM	56 HP @ 11,100 RPM
  Driveline	Chain	Chain

Okay, MV Agusta and Suzuki clearly cater to distinctly different segments of the market and are not likely to be cross-shopped. Nevertheless, it is the closest competitor on paper. The Gixxer 750’s peak horsepower of 128 is only 20 shy of the Superveloce’s, and both bikes weigh around 420 pounds wet. But, while the MV stands out for its luxurious finishes and high-end components, the Suzuki GSX-R750 is a more straightforward, track-focused machine with an MSRP of $12,999. It delivers raw performance from its 750cc inline-four engine and is renowned for its handling and agility, making it a favorite among riders looking for a capable sportbike at a reasonable price.

How The MV Agusta Superveloce Compares To The Ducati SuperSport 950 S

• 	2023 MV Agusta Superveloce	2024 Ducati SuperSport 950
  Model	Superveloce	SuperSport 950
  MSRP	$24,598	$15,495
  Engine	798cc Liquid-Cooled, DOHC, Inline-Triple	937cc, Liquid-Cooled, 11º L-twin
  Transmission	6-Speed with Slipper Clutch and Q/S	6-Speed w. Q/S
  Horsepower	147 HP @ 13,000 RPM	110 HP @ (9,000)
  Torque	65 LB-FT @ 10,100 RPM	69 LB-FT @ (6,500)
  Driveline	Chain	Chain

Ducati’s racing stable has its fair share of ballistic maniacs, but the SuperSport 950 S stands out by offering just enough performance for spirited road riding in a handsome package. With an MSRP of $18,395, it is also one of Ducati’s more affordable premium sports machines. Utilizing the same 937cc Testastretta L-twin engine found in the DesertX and the Multistrada V2S models, the 950 S produces a peak output of 110 horsepower and 69 pound-feet of torque. While these are lower performance numbers than the MV, they arrive earlier in the rev range. The SuperSport’s more relaxed chassis geometry is less agile than the Superveloce’s, but both bikes offer manageable power delivery and excellent handling.

Should You Buy The MV Agusta Superveloce?

I defy any motorcyclist not to find some appeal in the Superveloce’s stunning retro-inspired aesthetics. Its design, dimensions, and details are perhaps the pinnacle of the neo-classic genre. Nevertheless, not all of us are in the market for nostalgia, and even fewer have the requisite budget required for this example, but for those who are (and do), there is nothing quite like it. Because, for all its beauty and bling, the MV Agusta Supervolce is, above all else, a fabulous bike to ride. Keep the revs above 7,000, and the inline-triple rewards with ballistic acceleration and a sublime soundtrack, while surefooted handling, abundant electronics, and premium components provide no end of drama and no sign of crisis. And, when the ride ends, you can always grab a drink and a seat and admire how the sunset enhances its exquisite bodywork. Cheers!