SHOOTOUT
P72
2013 MIDDLEWEIGHT SPORTBIKE SHOOTOUT
A more limited range of suspension
adjustment hampers the MV's
handling on track. This is the one
bike in the contest that could benefit
from upgraded componentry from
the aftermarket.
The two-piece Brembos offered
plenty of stopping power as well as
feel through the lever. However, the
limited damping of the fork proved
to be the weak link in an otherwise
strong braking package.
The MV Agusta's electronics still
need some fine tuning. Throttle
response was the least well
calibrated of the group making it
more challenging to ride.
its suspension components prevented it from achieving a faster
lap time. The fork and shock
don't offer the precise level of
damping found on the others.
The suspension was compliant
and tracked well over bumps,
but it lacked the pitch control
expected from a properly set-up
sportbike. The result is a see-
saw effect when braking and
accelerating. This may have
been a factor in its lowest average braking force numbers as
measured at turns 1 and 8.
Speaking of the brakes,
the two-piece Brembo set-up
worked well delivering a good
amount of power and feel. But
when compared to the more
up-spec monobloc jewelry on
some of the competition, the
MV's brakes were rated toward
the bottom. Although the MV
does without a slipper clutch, its
engine brake control more than
makes up for it, giving the F3 a
freewheel sensation entering
turns. In the motor department
the MV is certainly not lacking.
