MV Agusta Rivale

The MV Agusta Rivale is a motorcycle that was produced by the Italian manufacturer MV Agusta from 2013 to 2017.^[5]

MV Agusta Rivale

MV Agusta Rivale
Manufacturer	MV Agusta
Also called	Rivale 800
Production	2013-2017
Engine	798 cc liquid cooled, three cylinder, 4 stroke, 12 valve, DOHC
Bore / stroke	79 mm x 54.3 mm
Compression ratio	13.3:1
Top speed	140 mph (225 km/h)
Power	125 bhp (93 kW) @ 12,000 rpm
Torque	62 ft-lb (84 Nm) @ 8,600 rpm
Transmission	Wet multi-plate slipper clutch, 6 gears, chain drive
Frame type	Lattice
Suspension	Front: Marzocchi telescopic forks Rear: Cast aluminium single-sided swingarm with single Sach shock absorber
Brakes	Brembo disc brakes Front:Twin 320 mm, radial four-pot calipers Rear: Single 220 mm, twin pot caliper
Tyres	Front: 120/70 x 17 Rear: 180/55 x 17
Rake, trail	23.5°, 105 mm
Wheelbase	1,410 mm
Dimensions	L: 2,070 mm W: 885 mm
Seat height	881 mm
Weight	178 kg (dry)
Fuel capacity	12.9 litres
Footnotes / references [1][2][3][4]

Overview

The MV Agusta Rivale, which was designed by Adrian Morton,^[2] was first shown at the EICMA Milan Motorcycle Show in 2012, going into production in 2014.^[3] The styling was a cross between a Supermoto style machine and a naked (unfaired) sport bike.^[1] The engine and chassis are derived from that used in the Brutale 800.^[2] The machine's name was inspired by the Riva Rivale luxury yacht. MV's CEO, Giovanni Castiglioni, saw one of the yachts in a harbour on the French Riviera and liked the name. He contacted the manufacturers of the yacht, Riva, and arranged for the use of the name.^[6]

The design partially differs from other MVs, and reflects the larger Brutale and Dragster. It retained the characteristic 3-way exhausts on the right-hand side, saddle and tank shapes and the MV signature rhomboid-shaped headlight fitted into a small front fairing.^[7]

Technical details

The liquid cooled 800 cc engine, which was originally designed by Ezio Mascheroni,^[8] is the larger of the two "triples" produced by MV at this time.^[3] The engine has a counter rotating crankshaft,^[1] normally only found on GP machines, which counteracts the centripetal forces of the wheels allowing the bike to turn faster.^[9] Bore and stroke are 79 mm and 54.3 mm and this short stroke allows the engine to rev to 13,000 rpm.^[3] It used DOHC and had four valves per cylinder and developed 125 bhp (92 kW) @ 12,000 rpm.^[4] Changes to the ECU,^[7] fuel injection and exhaust system^[2] gave more torque than the engine of the Brutale.^[7]

As is usual on modern MVvs, the lattice frame is made from steel tubes with aluminium sections around the swinging arm pivots.^[2] The single sided swinging arm is made of aluminium and controlled by a shock absorber.^[1] Marzocchi front forks were fitted and suspension travel increased over the Brutale model.^[7]

Brembo Disc brakes were fitted. The front being 320 mm double discs with radial four-pot calipers, and the rear a single 220 mm with twin pot caliper.^[1]

The machine used a ride by wire system.^[6] The MVICS (Motor Vehicle Integrated Control System) gave four different maps; sport, normal, rain and custom, which allowed the rider great control over the engine. 8 levels of traction control (TCS) were available as well as controls to set engine braking and the rev limiter.^[7]

Rivale Urban Camo

MV Agusta Rivale Urban Camo

MV Agusta CEO Giovanni Castiglioni commissioned a camouflage-painted machine for his own use,^[10] also fitted with F4 RR wheels and tyres.^[6] The design work was carried out by consultant William Melzi of TecnoArt Sersan.^[11] Following public interest when the bike was exhibited at the 2013 Milan Show, a limited edition was produced.^[11][12]