Seeing red: MV Agusta F3 800 Rosso unveiled

MV Agusta have released the F3 800 Rosso: an entry level supersports bike from the Italian marque.

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MV have been on an update spree of late bringing their entire range into compliance with the latest Euro5 emissions regulations. Just like the Brutale, Dragster, Turismo Veloce and Superveloce, the F3 has had some small updates to the engine and frame along with some big updates to the electronics.

Sitting at the heart of the new machine is a tweaked engine, that gains lots of changes to reduce internal friction. The result is a Euro5 compliant lump that loses none of its 147bhp.

Interestingly, and unlike other Rosso models in MV’s catalogue, the F3 800 Rosso doesn’t give away any power to the premium models in the range. Again like the other 800s there’s a redesigned clutch plus an improved quickshifter for a smoother gearbox action.

The updates to the frame include new frameplates and a redesigned swingarm pivot for increased stiffness.

The big change comes with the electronics, which are all controlled through a new 5.5″ full-colour TFT dash, which has smartphone connectivity, music, calls and a sat nav.

The addition of an IMU brings cornering ABS, lean sensitive traction control and wheelie control, while MV have also taken the opportunity to add useful features like cruise control and slightly less useful features like launch control.

It also comes fitted with a tracker as standard too because, let’s face it, bikes like this attract some unwanted attention.

At launch the Rosso will cost £14,780 on the road, which is little more expensive than the old F3 but it comes with a higher spec. Even though the Rosso is stated to be the entry level model in the range, it’s currently the only Euro5 F3 available.

However MV’s CEO, Timur Sardarov, recently said that the F3 range would be getting a big update, so don’t be surprised if we see new versions of the higher spec RR and RC joining over the coming months. Once they arrive, the price gap to Rosso is likely to be measured in the thousands, and the ‘entry level’ moniker should make a lot more sense.