MV Agusta Stradale 800
| Industry | Motorcycle manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Italy |
| Products | Motorcycles |
| Website | www |
The MV Agusta Stradale 800 is a sport touring motorcycle crafted by the Italian manufacturer MV Agusta. Production spanned from 2015 through 2017.
Background
The design of this model draws inspiration from the Ducati Hyperstrada revealed at the Milan EICMA exhibition in 2012. Initially, MV Agusta added a more cushioned seat and small luggage compartments to the Rivale, but this setup resulted in unstable steering behavior. To address these handling issues, a completely new frame was engineered.
During its development phase, the bike earned the nickname lo scooterone (meaning "the maxi-scooter") inside MV Agusta.
British designer Adrian Morton led the styling of the Stradale. Pre-production units were made available for media testing in December 2014 on routes between Casares and Ronda in Andalusia, Spain. The motorcycle was formally introduced to the public at the EICMA show in late 2014.
Engine
The 800 cc liquid-cooled powerplant, initially engineered by Ezio Mascheroni for the MV Agusta F3, represents the larger of MV's two available "triples" at that period. This engine incorporates a counter-rotating crankshaft, a feature typically reserved for Grand Prix motorcycles, which neutralizes the centripetal force generated by the wheels, enabling quicker cornering.
For the Stradale model, a tailored variant of this engine has been developed. It retains the original bore and stroke measurements of 79 mm and 54.3 mm respectively, along with the same compression ratio and valve dimensions. However, the intake passages have been downsized and only one injector per cylinder is installed. These adjustments lower maximum output to 115 hp at 11,000 rpm but enhance engine manageability and deliver accessible torque starting from 2,000 rpm.
The drivetrain includes a hydraulic clutch which reduces engine width by 40 mm. The six-speed transmission is equipped with both a quickshifter and a ‘blipper’ downshifter for seamless gear changes.
Chassis
Continuing MV’s contemporary design approach, the frame consists of steel tubing combined with aluminium components around the swinging arm pivots. To boost stability, both the rake and trail angles have been increased. The single-sided swinging arm has been extended by 30 mm and is managed by a single Sachs shock absorber. A revised linkage system connecting the swinging arm to the shock allows for 6 inches of rear wheel travel.
At the front, 43 mm Marzocchi telescopic forks provide suspension travel of 6 inches (152 mm). Both front and rear suspension systems offer infinite adjustability. Braking duties are handled by Brembo components: dual 320 mm discs with radial four-piston calipers up front, and a single 220 mm disc with a twin-piston caliper at the rear.
The Stradale also features rear panniers equipped with integrated lighting and introduces a small adjustable windscreen—a first for MV Agusta. A new 4.2-gallon fuel tank has been designed shorter to accommodate a longer seat while shifting rider weight forward. Additionally, an enlarged silencer with three exhaust outlets reduces noise emissions below levels typical of other MV models.
Electronics
Equipped with an Eldor Nemo EM30 ECU, this motorcycle features four selectable engine maps for the rider: Rain, Normal, Sport, and Custom. The Custom setting allows for fine-tuning of throttle response, torque curves, engine braking, and traction control parameters. Additionally, the bike comes with both an ABS and an anti-stoppie mechanism.
The instrument panel utilizes a TFT screen that incorporates a fuel level indicator, marking the first time an MV model has been equipped with a fuel gauge.