2016 MV Agusta Turismo Veloce Lusso review

In April 2015 we presented a new player in the sports touring market: the all-new MV Agusta Turismo Veloce. Our tester Steve Martin was so enamoured with the bike that we didn't really have to delve into the whole 'Why is MV Agusta taking the touring/adventure route' thing when the brand has such a rich history with sports bikes.

A major reason for that was probably just how well the Veloce performed with the oversquare 798cc triple. The bore and stroke are 70mm and 54.3mm, but far from being a bike that is a 'screamer' MV Agusta had dialled in the electronics so beautifully with its MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System) that the spread of torque from about 3500rpm to just under the rev limiter was immense.

Bikesales had another small taste of the Veloce earlier this year, and now we've ridden the Lusso (luxury) version of the bike as well — one which addresses what some may have perceived as shortcomings of the standard bike such as the absence of a centrestand and heated grips, while also adding some other tasty features such as LED lighting, a larger full-colour TFT dashboard and, the biggie, electronically controlled suspension.

The standard Veloce retails for $20,499, and the Lusso carries a $3K premium ($23,499). Colours are pearl white/avio grey (our test unit) or red/silver for the Lusso.

TURISMO VELCOCES IN BIKE SHOWROOM

We had no doubt that MV Agusta's new direction was the right one over 12 months ago, and the Lusso simply reinforces that message. Over the last few weeks we have ridden the premium model over all sorts of proving grounds, and it's proven to be comfortable, fast, agile and extremely manageable, which puts it firmly in the spectre of what bikes in the touring and adventure markets should feel and act like.

Not so sure why it's fitted with Pirelli Scorpion adventure-type tyres though, as it's in no way looking to head off-road… That's a bit of a head scratcher: not the Pirelli connection per se, but some more sport or touring-orientated rubber would be a better fit. However, despite all that, the Scorpions aren't too bad at all on tarmac…

Elsewhere, the rest of the Lusso pie is just so on the money: this is one of the best sports tourers on the planet, and the design quality is excellent.

The Euro4 compliant engine, as we've already alluded to, is brilliant. With a raucous range of torque the sense of urgency never vanishes, with MV Agusta claiming 15 percent more torque than the similarly engined Rivale and Brutale MV Agusta nakeds.

MV says there is 90 percent of maximum torque (which is 83Nm) available between 3500rpm and the last dance at 10,500rpm, which seat of the pants feels about right. What really is impressive is the superb connection between the ride-by-wire throttle and the rear wheel. It really is sublime, and adds to the intoxicating atmosphere. The rev limiter is set at 11,000rpm, and by that time the Lusso is emitting a beautiful lusty note.

Claimed peak power is 115hp, and anyone with designs on wanting 150hp is underestimating just torquey and how obliging the triple really is However, if that still isn't enough, then you'll be looking at other sportstourers such as the KTM Super Duke GT to fill that space.

The two-way quickshifter is standard fare, and really does work well even when the Lusso is on a less aggressive throttle. I love the 'auto blipper' function as well. Sure, the gearbox stiffens up a little with the quickshifter when just cruising — and that's when I tended to make greater use of the function rather than when I was riding with a heavier fist. Back in traditional mode, the clutch is a little on the stiff side but I could still use it effectively in slow-speed urban snarls.

There are four engine modes: Sport (full power), Touring (90hp), Rain (80hp) and a Custom one which can set and adjust engine braking, throttle sensitivity, engine response, engine torque and the rev limiter. That can be done through the dash, or through an iPhone app which will communicate to the motorcycle via Bluetooth. The Lusso can connect up to nine Bluetooth devices, including your mobile, and then you can see the information on the display. When someone calls, you can answer and talk through a Bluetooth-connected headset inside your helmet — or reject using the switchgear.

In addition, the Lusso’s semi-active suspension can be configured for rebound and compression by a graphical tool on the App for both front and rear wheels. The MV Agusta ‘Turismo Veloce’ App is downloadable for free from the App library.

Back to the heart the matter. I spent most of the time in Sport mode, which is obviously the most aggressive one but such is the wide spread of torque it's certainly not hair-trigger by any stretch of the imagination.

The Lusso just about overs all electrical bases, and you'll get an instant feel for all the settings, including the semi-active suspension, on the TFT display screen (which can also be adjusted for 'night' and 'day' viewing). The TFT display hits the senses hard initially as there's a lot of information to digest, but it all begins to make sense within minutes as the eyes are trained where to go. There's also a little bit of learning involved to toggle through all the bits and pieces, but nothing too stressful.

The Lusso has a speed limiter as well; just set it at a predetermined speed and forget about watching the speedo. It works well and you can just have it on in the background, allowing you to ride with less stress. The cruise control is easy to use as well.

The bike is a mini energy plant with two UBS adapters for charging your devices, and two 12-volt sockets for extra gadgets. There is also a new 450-watt alternator to keep all the lights shining brightly. The LED lights save power, and they are not your ordinary fare as they are specifically designed for the narrowness of the bike's rear end. Up front the main light is designed to maintain the MV signature shape but incorporates a new technology called DRL (Day Light Running). When left on, DRL automatically turns on the main lighting system when the computer deems visibility is becoming sketchy.

As Mr Martin found out in France, the Veloces do have quite a high seat height at 850mm, and the Lusso's skinny waist does exacerbate the feeling of being up in the clouds. My legs were at a stretch, but I didn't ever feel like I was on an unstable footing.

The seat is quite narrow at the front before beginning its spread, and for a standard design it's mighty comfortable.

The frame is typical MV with an ALS steel trellis setup mated to a set of alloy plates at the rear which the swingarm and the rear of the bike hang off. The design benchmark for handling was to make the bike lightest in class and very nimble — but on the other hand very stable. Tight or open, the Lusso is in its element with a level of neutrality that is just the ticket for this class. Tip in isn't razor-sharp but still impressive, and better still there's plenty of stability once you're committed. And if you go in too deep there is still time to wash off speed and re-adjust your trajectory. The balance of the bike is exceptional, and I was able to U-turns with ease.

The Brembo brakes are matched to Nissin master cylinders, and there's great modulation and good stopping power.

Away from the twisties, I'd like to see the adjustable screen a little taller, as there's quite a bit of turbulence to deal with on a highway even when it's set at maximum height.

The 30-litre panniers on the Lusso are extremely narrow, so lane filtering is a cinch — if the handlebars can clear a path, you're all good. The panniers have a separate latch on the front side of them as secondary holding supports, but if you want the panniers they are an optional extra.

The Lusso isn't a sports bike or ballsy naked bike, but I handed it back with the same level of affinity I would have done for any other MV product. The delectable throttle response, agility, user-friendliness and electronic smarts make it great value for money, if not one that is affordable for all the masses. There are other bikes that fit that category, but the Lusso certainly has all the tricks of the trade.

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 110hp (81kW) at 10,000rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 83Nm at 8000rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Clutch: Wet multi disc slipper clutch
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Steel Trellis
Front suspension: Marzocchi upside-down fork, fully adjustable, semi-active
Rear suspension: Sachs monoshock, fully adjustable, semi-active
Front brakes: Dual 320mm discs with four-piston monobloc Brembo calipers
Rear brake: 220mm disc
Tyres: 120/70-17 front, 190/55-17 rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed dry weight: 191kg
Seat height: 850mm
Wheelbase: 1460mm
Fuel capacity: 22 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $23,499
Colours: Pearl white/avio grey or red/silver
Bike supplied by: Urban Moto Imports, mvagusta.com.au

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