When the phrase ‘cool Italian motorcycle’ comes to mind, many think ‘Ducati.’ But Italy has more bike brands than that to offer. There’s Moto Guzzi, for example, with its vintage V7 and V85TT adventure bike. And there’s also MV Agusta. When it was in production, its F4 Claudio was one of the most expensive motorcycles available. And it was something of a rival to the Ducati Desmosedici RR. Now, though, MV Agusta is looking to take on the Ducati Panigale with the Superveloce 800.

What does the 2021 MV Agusta Superveloce 800 offer?

Initially, the MV Agusta Superveloce 800 was a concept, Motorcyclist reports. Then in 2019, the company produced 300 ‘Serie Oro’ models after the bike won an award from Italy’s Association for Industrial Design. And the reception was strong enough that MV Agusta is releasing a regular-production Superveloce 800 for the rest of the world.

Underneath the bodywork, the MV Agusta Superveloce 800 is based on the F3 800 sportbike, Motorcycle News reports. It’s powered by a 798cc three-cylinder engine rated at 148 hp and 65 lb-ft, RideApart reports. That links up to a 6-speed transmission with a slipper clutch and a quick-shifter.

The regular-production MV Agusta Superveloce 800 doesn’t have the Serie Oro’s yellow-tinted headlight, the Arrow dual exhaust, or the red Alcantara seat. Its fairings also lack the Serie Oro’s carbon-fiber elements. However, it has the same trellis frame, albeit painted gold, not red. And the lack of carbon fiber doesn’t seem to affect the weight much. Without fluids or fuel, it weighs just 381 pounds. The bike retains the leather tank strap, though.

The MV Agusta Superveloce 800 rides on Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II tires, with an upside-down Marzocchi fork and a Sachs rear shock. Both the fork and the shock are fully adjustable. It also has Brembo disc brakes with ABS and an aluminum single-sided swingarm.

According to Robb Report, the majority of the MV Agusta Superveloce 800’s electronics are controlled through the 5” TFT display. That includes the multiple riding modes, which adjust the engine’s power delivery, as well as the ABS, traction control, and wheelie control. It also lets you use your phone to navigate through the dash. Interestingly, the Superveloce 800 also has cruise control.

Pricing and availability

The MV Agusta Superveloce 800 was supposed to begin production at the end of 2019, RideApart reports. However, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with financial difficulties, delayed it until now.

As of this writing, US dealers are taking Superveloce 800 orders. The bike can be pre-ordered with a $120 deposit. All told, the MV Agusta Superveloce 800 retails for roughly $23,785. That’s about $3000 more than the standard F3 800. However, it’s also roughly $9500 cheaper than the Serie Oro.

MV Agusta Superveloce 800 vs. the Ducati Panigale lineup

The MV Agusta Superveloce 800 is actually down on power compared to the Ducati Panigale V4 and V2. The former, in S trim, has an 1103cc V4 rated at 214 hp and 92 lb-ft. The latter’s 955cc 90° V-twin (‘L-twin’) makes 155 hp and 77 lb-ft.

However, the Superveloce 800 is slightly lighter than either of the Ducati Panigales. The V4 S weighs 386 pounds dry, and the V2 weighs 388 pounds without fluids.

On the features front, both the Ducati Panigale models and the Superveloce 800 are fairly similar. The Panigales, like the Superveloce, have slipper clutches, quick-shifters, Brembo brakes, adjustable ABS, traction control, and wheelie control.

But they’re both cheaper than the Superveloce 800; the V4 S by about $1800, and the V2 by roughly $7300. And the V4 S has fairing-mounted winglets for better aerodynamics, Cycle World reports, as well as electronically-adjustable Ohlins dampers.

Ultimately, choosing between these bikes depends on how comfortable you feel riding them. And, of course, if the Superveloce 800’s style makes up for the difference in features and price.

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