2014 MV Agusta F3 800 – First Impressions

We had expected the Rivale 800 to be our next MV Agusta appointment, but instead they pushed forward the F3 800′s launch at Misano. After having tested the Brutale 800, this was a mouth-watering prospect.

The three-cylinder MV Agusta range now consists of four models (F3 and Brutale in 675cc and 800cc) plus the upcoming 800cc Rivale, helping the Schiranna factory offer its most extensive lineup ever.

The F3 800 sounds glorious from ignition to racing through Curvone at more than 125 mph. The 800 shares many of its components with its little sister, the F3 675. What’s new is a hefty 20 horsepower boost in the larger-capacity 800cc Triple which makes for a claimed 148-horsepower output. This much power combined with the F3 800′s lightweight platform results in a very quick machine!

The new MV supersport is very precise at both corner entry and exit, and under acceleration it gets very light in the front, as Ed-in-Chief Kevin Duke noted in his recent test of the Brutale 800. It got so light on occasion that I could have wished for a steering damper, but it’s an extra-cost option. The engine’s ride-by-wire throttle enables traction control and riding modes which will be fully explained our full review to follow shortly.

After a day lapping Misano, I was left with a superb first impression of the F3 800 because it’s such a responsive and nimble supersport. I suspect it will land in MV’s line-up exactly where you are used to finding Suzuki’s GSX-R750. Stay tuned for its full review.

[Photos by Milagro]

By Tor Sagen