MV Agusta Rivale

MV Agusta

Industry	Motorcycle manufacturing
Founded	January 1, 1945 (1945-01-01)
Headquarters	Italy
Key people	Giovanni Castiglioni (CEO)
Products	Motorcycles
Website	www.mvagusta.com

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The MV Agusta Rivale is a motorcycle model manufactured by the Italian company MV Agusta between the years of 2013 and 2017.

Overview

Conceived by designer Adrian Morton, the MV Agusta Rivale debuted at the Milan-based EICMA Motorcycle Show in 2012 and entered production in the following year, 2014. Its design merges elements from both the Supermoto category and naked (unfaired) sport bike styles. The engine and frame are adaptations of those found on the Brutale 800. The motorcycle’s name draws inspiration from the Riva Rivale luxury yacht. Giovanni Castiglioni, MV’s CEO, encountered one of these yachts docked on the French Riviera, found the name appealing, and subsequently obtained permission from Riva to use it.

While sharing some traits with other MV models, its design partially diverges by echoing features from the larger Brutale and Dragster lines. Signature elements such as the triple exhaust outlets positioned on the right side, distinctive saddle and fuel tank contours, and the rhomboid-shaped headlamp integrated into a compact front fairing remain characteristic of this model.

Technical details

The 800 cc liquid-cooled engine, initially created by Ezio Mascheroni, represents the larger of the two triple-cylinder engines MV produced at that period. This powerplant incorporates a counter-rotating crankshaft, a feature typically reserved for Grand Prix motorcycles, which neutralizes the wheels' centripetal forces and enhances cornering agility. The engine's bore and stroke measure 79 mm and 54.3 mm respectively, with the short stroke design enabling a maximum engine speed of 13,000 rpm. Utilizing a DOHC configuration with four valves per cylinder, it delivers an output of 125 bhp (92 kW) at 12,000 rpm. Modifications to the engine control unit (ECU), fuel injection system, and exhaust setup have increased torque compared to the Brutale’s powerplant.

Consistent with contemporary MV models, the motorcycle features a steel tubular lattice frame complemented by aluminum sections around the swingarm pivot points. The single-sided aluminum swingarm is managed by a shock absorber. Suspension components include Marzocchi telescopic front forks with greater travel than those found on the Brutale model.

Braking duties are handled by Brembo discs: dual 320 mm rotors with radial-mounted four-piston calipers upfront and a single 220 mm disc with a twin-piston caliper at the rear.

The bike employs a ride-by-wire throttle system known as MVICS (Motor Vehicle Integrated Control System), offering four selectable engine maps—Sport, Normal, Rain, and Custom—to provide riders with extensive control over performance characteristics. Additionally, it features eight adjustable traction control levels along with settings for engine braking and rev limiter adjustment.

Rivale Urban Camo

Motorcycle with camouflage paint scheme on bodywork

MV Agusta Rivale Urban Camo

The camouflage-themed motorcycle was specially commissioned by MV Agusta's CEO, Giovanni Castiglioni, for his personal collection, and it featured wheels and tires borrowed from the F4 RR model. The creative design was executed by consultant William Melzi from TecnoArt Sersan. After attracting considerable attention during its presentation at the 2013 Milan Show, a limited production run of this special edition was launched.