MV Agusta Superveloce 1000 Series Oro: top motorcycle for the price of three

MV Agusta is one of the icons of motorcycle construction. From the late 1950s to the early 1970s, the brand dominated the world's racetracks, especially on in-line four-cylinder machines, and 38 rider and 37 constructors' world championship titles speak for themselves. The greatest racers of their time won their world championship laurels on MV Agusta: Giacomo Agostini, John Surtees, Mike Hailwood and Phil Read, to name but a few. But that was a long time ago and today the brand is hardly known even to many motorcyclists. One of the reasons for this is that MV Agusta went bankrupt in 1980, despite all its racing successes. It was not until 1992 that the clever Claudio Castiglioni, owner of Cagiva, bought the rights to the name. From 1999, the F 750 Serie Oro finally brought an MV Agusta back onto the market. After that, there were several changes of ownership - including Harley-Davidson - and some illustrious models.

Almost only three-cylinder models

In 2022, the Pierer Mobility Group entered the market and acquired a majority stake in MV Agusta two years later. Stefan Pierer is the owner of KTM, Husqvarna and Gasgas and had long been looking for a famous brand for four-cylinder sports bikes, as KTM only builds one- and two-cylinder models. MV Agusta fits perfectly into his portfolio. For some years now, the Italian brand has almost exclusively had three-cylinder motorcycles in its range, with the only four-cylinder being installed in the naked bikes called Brutale 1000 and Rush. What all MV-Agusta models have in common is that they sell very slowly, as they are expensive and the engines are now somewhat outdated.

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MV Agusta Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro (8 Bilder)

Four-cylinder superbike

Now MV Agusta, presumably at the urging of KTM, is trying a new start with the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro, which is being built by hand in a limited edition of 500 units - for an incredible 68,600 euros. MV Agusta obviously wants to make real money with this bike. The retro design is based on the Superveloce 800, which has been around for five years but has a three-cylinder engine.

Our test of the Superveloce 800

Fahrbericht MV Agusta Superveloce 800

In a daring attempt to merge the classic with the modern, the look of the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro has been tightened up even further, including the addition of winglets. The aerodynamics have been optimized. Four diagonally cut Akrapovic rear silencers protrude from under the seat and the rear is adorned with a semicircle that grows out of the pillion seat cover. The non-functional leather strap on the tank, on the other hand, is a reminder of the old days. It is merely ornamental. The editors are not aware of any historic MV Agusta with such a belt, and there is probably nothing like it in the brand's museum either. In the same way, the small round headlight is intended to refer to the brand's long tradition, but with the latest LED technology.

Many expensive materials

MV Agusta has spared no expense when it comes to materials and has used 41 parts made of carbon fiber laminate alone, including the full fairing, the cockpit bracket and the chain guard made of this lightweight material. The seat is sewn together from smooth leather and Alcantara. The Akrapovic exhaust is made of titanium. MV Agusta has achieved a small work of art with the cast wheels - shiny gold, of course, as this is the "Oro" series. Thin red struts are also embedded in the star-shaped spokes - a purely visual gimmick, but one that attracts attention.

Performance over speed

MV Agusta wants to be back at the top of the superbike league, which is why the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro is powered by the 1000cc in-line four-cylinder from the Brutale 1000.

Our ride review of the MV Agusta 1000 Brutale

MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RS Fahrbericht

Although this is a somewhat outdated engine, it has particularly light valves and titanium connecting rods and produces 208 hp at 13,000 rpm. The maximum torque of 116 Nm is available at 11,000 rpm. The manufacturer promises a top speed of over 300 km/h - allegedly 305 km/h - for the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro. The kerb weight of 209 kg is not a top value for superbikes, but it is still low enough for exceptional performance. It goes without saying that the Superveloce 1000 comes with the full electronics program, which can be adjusted down to the smallest detail via a TFT display: including four riding modes, eight-way on/off slip control, adjustable cornering ABS as well as wheelie and launch control.

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MV Agusta Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro (7 Bilder)

Semi-active suspension with components from Öhlins

MV mounts a Pirelli Supercorsa SP in 200/55-17 at the rear and 120/70-17 at the front. To transfer the concentrated power to the road in a controlled manner, the developers rely on semi-active suspension from Öhlins. The steering damper from the same manufacturer can also be adjusted electronically. The powerful single-sided swingarm is made of aluminum. As usual, MV Agusta relies on Brembo for deceleration. The radial Stylema four-piston brake callipers on the front wheel are among the best currently available on the market. The front 320 mm brake discs are fitted with covers with cooling air scoops, as are occasionally used in MotoGP.

As expensive as three Yamaha R1s

For the exorbitantly high price of the MV Agusta Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro, there are two Ducati Panigale V4 S with 215 hp and semi-active suspension or three Yamaha R1 with 200 hp. Of course, they do not offer the exclusivity of the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro, which is all about prestige, not performance. Experience shows that MV Agusta always sells out its limited special series, and the brand's most powerful, fully enclosed superbike should be no exception. For less well-heeled MV-Agusta fans, it should be noted that a more affordable basic version of the Superveloce 1000 will be released next year, which will, of course, do without many of the expensive materials and features.

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