MV Agusta Rivale

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]

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]

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]