2021 MV Agusta Superveloce and Superveloce S First Look

Admin · April 16, 2021

The new 2021 Superveloce 800 (standard model shown) receives upgrades to meet Euro 5 emissions standards. (MV Agusta/)

MV Agusta is looking healthier than it has in the past 20 years, and in my opinion that steady progress has been due largely to the efforts of Dr. Brian Gillen. When Dr. Gillen became the full-fledged R&D director of MV Agusta and the Republic of San Marino’s Castiglioni Research Center in 2020, he focused on the maximum refinement of what was already in MV Agusta’s hands. The results, in terms of quality, reliability, and attractiveness, are paying big dividends. In addition, he reorganized the CRC to create an integrated team where ideas circulate, literally, at the speed of sound. The renewed Superveloce model for 2021–2022 is solid proof.

The 798cc inline-triple engine and revised exhaust are beneficiaries of refinements already implemented in the Brutale and Dragster models. (MV Agusta/)

After the technical success of the radically evolved Brutale 1000 RR, MV Agusta is in the process of thoroughly revising and upgrading its entire range of three-cylinder models. The firm’s popular series has enjoyed increasing sales of late, and the sleek Superveloce is at the top of the list, as it is one of the more fascinating motorcycles in production today. As we already detailed in our look at the 2021 MV Agusta Brutale and Dragster models, the reliable 800cc triple engine underwent a series of technical refinements in order to meet the tight emission restrictions of Euro 5 regulations. It’s important to note that the basic engineering of the engine was addressed first, an approach that corresponded with Dr. Gillen’s style. His analysis of the project’s mechanical aspects was intended to find the weak spots of the original design and apply the latest technological upgrades. So, prior to upgrading the engine and exhaust treatment management electronics, the MV Agusta 798cc triple was “polished” in order to reduce losses and inefficiencies related to frictional loads. The final result shows consistency; even in the higher-performing Superveloce version, claimed engine power is 147 hp at 13,000 rpm.

A single elliptical, full LED headlight dominates the Superveloce 800’s classic front form. MV calls it “vintage.” (MV Agusta/)

The mechanical portion of the engine upgrade focused on reducing frictional losses by using state-of-the-art materials and treatments wherever this was more efficient. This was the case with the sintered metal valve guides and the Diamond Like Carbon (or DLC)-treated inverted cup cam followers. In addition, the Superveloce edition of the MV Agusta three now features titanium inlet valves. Taken together, these modifications meaningfully reduce frictional losses throughout the powertrain. At the bottom end, the previous generation plain bearings were replaced by elements that granted superior reliability and reduced frictional losses. The new bearings opened the door to the evolution of the lubricating system, which now feature a reduced oil volume, a more efficient oil pump and a new dual flow oil radiator that lowers the temperature of the lubricant by a solid 5 percent. Thanks to a new injection system, fuel is squirted down the inlet port at a 4-bar pressure, 0.5 bar higher than in the previous fueling system, for superior atomization that improves the quality of combustion in the cylinder for better throttle response at any rpm.

Related Content: 2021 MV Agusta Brutale 800 and Dragster 800 First Look

Once the mechanical refinements were complete, a new exhaust system was developed, featuring a larger, more potent catalytic converter to meet Euro 5 standards. The fully integrated ignition-injection system is managed by an MVICS 2.1 ECU controlling six injectors, two for each of the 50mm Mikuni throttle bodies. The engine’s compression ratio is 13.3:1, and its functions are managed by a new Eldon Nemo ECU. The new exhaust system works with this new ECU to efficiently treat exhaust fumes.

You can choose from four engine maps on the 5.5-inch TFT display; three are preset and the fourth is fully customizable. A brand-new IMU appears this year as well. (MV Agusta/)

As mentioned, the Superveloce’s 800cc engine (79mm bore by 54.3mm stroke) generates a claimed peak of 147 hp at 13,000 rpm and 65 pound-feet of peak torque at 10,100 rpm. Peak power and peak torque are separated by only 2,900 rpm, giving the engine a very wide band of efficiency and superb flexibility despite its high specific output; 46.5 pound-feet of torque are already available at 4,000 rpm. The electronically controlled gear shifting system has been refined for quicker, more precise action. The engine is mounted in a frame structure that keeps its elegant steel tubing trellis design, but now features higher flex and torsional strength thanks mainly to the new design of the aluminum plates clamping the rear engine mounts and the location of the single-sided swingarm, now better integrated into the trellis structure. The chassis spans a compact 54.7 in. wheelbase, the steering axis is set at a sharp 23.5 degrees and generates 3.9 inches of trail, all done through 30mm-offset triple clamps and a standard 120/70-17 front tire. Marzocchi supplies the 43mm fork while Sachs provides the link actuated rear shock absorber; both units are fully adjustable.

Brakes are by Brembo, with twin 320mm rotors and Monoblock four-piston calipers up front and a 220mm rotor and two-piston caliper rear. The braking system is fully controlled by a Continental MK 100 ABS system that provides corner braking and traction control calibrated in relation to the cornering lean angle.

Related Content: MV Agusta Superveloce 800 First Ride

The electronics suite is an evolution over previous MV Agusta arrangements thanks to a six-axis inertial platform developed by Milan-based e-Novia. The system is capable of constantly checking the position of the bike and communicating with other dynamic electronic controls in order to assist the rider second by second, including Front Wheel Lift control and Launch Control. A 5.5-inch TFT display includes speedometer and tachometer functions, navigation and maps, and acts as a control center for all connectivity functions provided by the MV Ride app. With the MV Ride app the rider can talk to his bike to customize its settings and to other MV riders to exchange travel information and to record the riding experience.

The 2021 Superveloce is also available in the more stylish S edition that sports a distinctive white colorway, spoked wheels, and special Alcantara leather saddle. (MV Agusta/)

The 2021 MV Agusta Superveloce is available in standard and S versions. Both boast clean lines and clean, elegant styling with no tricky graphics. The standard bike comes in a pair of two-tone paint schemes, red/silver gray or yellow/graphite gray, and the S edition is available in a Surreal White colorway only. An optional “racing kit” is available on demand for the S model, featuring a classic three megaphone-style exhaust system as well as a related chip to adjust engine management for a couple of extra horsepower.

MV Agusta has indicated that European pricing will start at 20,700 euro for the base Superveloce, with the S retailing for 23,600.

The S model also comes with what MV calls a “racing kit” consisting of a tail cover, triple-exit Arrow exhaust, and an appropriately mapped ECU. (MV Agusta/)
MV Agusta says the white paint scheme on the Superveloce S underscores its “timeless lines” which were designed in a wind tunnel. (MV Agusta/)