MV Agusta Stradale 800 – By Trevor Hedge
A very interesting new machine from MV Agusta was released with the cavalcade of other models at EICMA this week, the new MV Agusta Stradale 800.
Essentially an upright sports-touring machine utilising the evocative 800cc triple-cylinder engine, already in use across at least seven machines in the MV Agusta range, the Stradale 800 looks as though it could be the most practical road going motorcycle the Italian company has ever produced.
Sporting a trellis frame, single sided swingarm, fully adjustable Marzocchi forks and fully adjustable monoshock providing a generous 150mm of suspension travel at both ends of the machine, and a 30mm longer wheelbase than most of its brethren, the Stradale 800 could be a real surprise packet on the road.
A fairly tall 870mm seat height might dissuade some shorter folk but with a layout that promises good comfort, and good wind protection from the adjustable-on-the-fly screen it could suit many.
A 16-litre fuel cell is four-litres more generous than the Rivale machine the Stradale seems to be based on.
Complete with two beautifully integrated side panniers with built-in indicators a novel approach, likewise the front indicators are integrated into the handguards.
The triple-cylinder 798cc engine in Stradale guise has 115hp at 11,000rpm and 78.5Nm of torque at 9000rpm. Â Handy numbers in anyone’s book.
The ride-by-wire engine management system offers different riding modes; Sport offers full power, Normal offers 90hp and a smoother throttle response, a Rain mode predictably dulls things a little further.
Bosch provides the ABS system. A standard quick-shifter helps progress through the gearbox.
If priced right, MV Agusta could have a winner on its hands marrying the appeal of that triple-cylinder donk, with the comfort and convenience of a fairly upright sports-touring fit-out on what essentially started out as a minimalist naked sporty.
Full specifications are yet to come to hand, the extra kit no doubt adds some weight to the 178kg base Rivale platform but still, this could be quite a great little package. We are very eager to see how well executed the machine actually is in the flesh and how it performs on the road when they arrive Down Under. It clearly shows great promise.
