MV Agusta Rivale 800

In what seems to a radical departure from the usual curves we’ve associated with MV Agustas the Rivale 800 has enough slashes on its curves yet is still distinctly MV Agusta. While design descriptions from manufacturers usually don’t mean much, MV Agusta’s summary is beautiful. The MV Agusta Rivale 800 with ‘its mix of harmonious and “discordant” lines, tense yet voluptuous, bordering on futuristic whilst retaining synergy with our past’. Just about right.

The Rivale will be shown in the flesh at the 2012 EICMA and be available on sale from the second half of 2013 for 10,990 Euros.

The three elements – the mudguard, the side panels and the fuel tank present a strong ‘visual shield graphic’ that MV Agusta says will make this machine instantly recognizable as an MV Agusta. The motorcycle from behind the tank onwards is very minimal allowing the rider the freedom to move around. The rear is elegant and ‘sinuous’. The twin trailing-edge floating blade lighting incorporating light guides make the rear very distinct. LED light guides up front help highlight the profile and reduce the visual width of the vehicle. BMW and Audi use a similar technique but to increase the visual width of their cars at the rear by using horizontal lighting elements. The three-dimensional amber turn signals are perfectly integrated into the beautifully designed hand guards. The rear side lights and brake lights are housed in two separate elements, while the direction indicators have been placed on small “dynamic” wings. The retractable rear view mirrors are telescopic to improve and increment rear visibility and integrate into the bike seamlessly.

The dashboard designed specifically for the Rivale 800 has a modern monochrome fully digital, multi-function display. The compact three-cylinder in-line engine in the Rivale 800 features a counter-rotating crankshaft that debuted on the F3 675. It is said that Claudio Castiglioni was inspired by Valentino Rossi’s Yamaha YZR-M1 to use the counter-rotating crankshaft concept in road bikes. The crankshaft which rotates in a counter clockwise direction, opposite to the direction of rotation of wheels helps offset the rotational inertia of the wheels and quickens steering and thus improves handling. Technology MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System) allows for smooth power delivery making it easier to ride the Rivale. Three engine maps and a custom default are available thanks to MVICS. As with other MV Agustas recently, throttle control is fully Ride-By-Wire.

Chassis is signature MV Agusta steel trellis combined with a rear of two aluminium alloy plates, that act as a fulcrum for the sculpted single sided rear swingarm and suspension. The angle of the steering head is half of a degree more open than the Brutale 800. The excursion of the fork and shock have also been increased to provide more comfort. The suspension units are respectively by Marzocchi and Sachs. They are adjustable in spring preload as well as hydraulic compression and rebound damping.

Braking duties are taken care of up front by 320 mm diameter discs, gripped by twin four-piston Brembo radial callipers. The rear is comprised of a 220 mm diameter disc mated to a two-piston calliper.