MV Agusta operates in India under the umbrella of its local partner, Motoroyale, and the group has just launched the Turismo Veloce 800 at Rs 18.99 lakh. We first got news of the sports-tourer arriving on Indian shores early this year, but it seems like the bike’s launch took longer than expected.
Now that it is here, let’s take a look at what it has to offer. MV Agusta calls the Turismo Veloce “the everyday F3” and that’s because the sporty characteristics of the bike outweigh its touring side. Powering the bike is a 798cc, three-cylinder motor that makes 110hp at 10,150rpm and 80Nm of torque at 7,100rpm. MV also claims that 90 percent of torque is available from as low as 3,800rpm.
Internationally, the Turismo is available in four variants – Standard, 800 Lusso, Lusso SCS and a limited-edition RC SCS. For now, we’ll only have the standard variant on sale here. That’s not necessarily something to complain about as it’s still a well-equipped motorcycle – it gets a fully adjustable 43mm Marzocchi USD fork and Sachs monoshock. It also gets an up-down quickshifter and an eight-level traction control system. Braking, meanwhile, is handled by Brembo – 4-piston calipers working alongside dual 320mm discs at the front, and a two piston caliper and 220mm disc combo at the rear. The Turismo gets a rather impressive fuel tank capacity of 21.5 litres, but a very low ground clearance of just 140mm.
We’ve also been told that the Lusso is available on order and that the SCS will make its way to India next year. In case you’re wondering what the other variants have in addition to the standard model, the Lusso variant comes with added aids like cruise control, luggage panniers and a Sachs USD fork. The SCS, on the other hand, stands for Smart Clutch System - it essentially allows for clutchless operation, allowing for you to come to a standstill or start from one without having to use the clutch.
In India, the Turismo will compete in a segment with bikes like the Tiger 800 XRx (Rs 13.39 lakh) and the Multistrada 950 (Rs 12.84 lakh). However, at Rs 18.99 lakh, it’s much more expensive than its direct rivals.
All prices, ex-showroom India
Azaman Chothia
