MV Agusta F3 spy shots

MV Agusta may still be holding a "for sale" sign after being dumped by previous owner Harley-Davidson, but that hasn't stopped development of new models.

The all-new MV Agusta F3 is currently undergoing testing, and these pics snapped by Italian mag Motociclismo show how far along development has come.

MV Agusta's new middleweight supersport bike will be powered by a 675cc three-cylinder engine, akin to the Triumph Daytona 675's donk, and to be competitive it will need to be pumping out around 135hp.

The new F3 could eventually become MV Agusta's top selling model, and will certainly help the company's bottom line by adding another product to its line-up.

With a kerb weight expected to be around 160kg, about average for the class, the MV Agusta F3 should be able to mix it with rivals from Asia and Europe, but the main hook will be its badge value; the opportunity to own an exotic Italian motor vehicle.

As the photos show, the design of the bike (which shouldn't be viewed as final) shows a side exhaust, eschewing the common practice of most modern middleweight supersport bikes' underseat units.

The look thus far adheres to MV Agusta's design philosophy with plenty of Mediterranean styling cues (Ed: No idea what that means) and a simple but fitting colour scheme.

Expect the new model to go on sale in early 2011 after officially breaking cover at the big and glitzy motorcycle shows later this year, including Milan and ahem, Bendigo.