MV Agusta appears to be in excellent shape financially judging by the onslaught of new models that have recently hit the market. Hot on the heels of the Rivale, Dragster RR, and Stradale comes the 2015 Turismo Veloce 800 ABS, the adventure-minded crossover.

Photo: MV Agusta

MV Agusta takes on a new segment
In the sporty spirit of the Italian manufacturer, the 2015 MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 ABS takes on a fast-growing market segment -- half-adventure, half-sport bikes -- which already includes some highly capable machines like the new Kawasaki Versys 1000, Aprilia Caponord 1200, Ducati Multistrada 1200, and BMW S1000XR.

MV Agusta actually offers two versions: base and Lusso. The latter features saddlebags, an electronically adjustable suspension, heated grips, and a navigation system. Naturally, the shapely and sexy Turismo Veloce will turn heads with signature MV Agusta styling and character in a package that's aesthetically better executed than many competitors. The available 60L cases are superbly matched with the rest of the bike.

A lot in common with the Rivale
The 2015 MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 ABS shares its frame and engine with the Rivale, although output is down from 140 hp to 125 hp. The 798cc engine's ultra-compact, triple-cylinder architecture results in a narrow, ergonomic motorcycle, while many of its advanced systems come from the F3 800 including sharp, easy-to-use ride-by-wire throttle, 8-level traction control, 4-mode ECU, and revised 6-speed transmission with a chain final drive (16:41 ratio).

The ALS steel trellis frame with aluminum plates works with a longer-travel suspension (+10mm front, +30mm rear) and a wider rear tire (190mm instead of 180mm). The brakes remain unchanged from the Rivale, so look for dual 320mm floating discs with 4-piston callipers up front and a single 220mm disc in the rear.

The long road on the Turismo Veloce
The 2015 MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 ABS puts your butt 870mm off the ground and your chest in an upright position -- pretty much like a grand touring motorcycle does. The much larger fuel tank (20L vs. 12.9L) confirms its long-distance aspirations.

Features on the Turismo Veloce include an anti-theft alarm, Bluetooth connectivity, ABS, and a 5” TFT colour display. Add wraparound fairings and a manually adjustable windshield, and you get a 194kg machine that weighs 16kg more than its sporty sibling (the Turismo Veloce Lusso is even heavier at 207kg).

As the name suggests, the new 2015 MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 ABS invites riders to explore the country at a fast pace, under the sun or in the rain, on slick or rough stretches of pavement. Here's a modern, versatile bike with exceptionally good looks that will delight sporty touring enthusiasts.