MV Agusta - general thoughts?

[d3vi@nt]

As I wait for Ducati to come out with a true ST, the Tourismo Veloce has caught my eye.

There's one dealer in CO, a little over 70 miles away. They don't have any in stock and don't remember ever having any. The next closest dealer is 500 miles away (no idea if they have stock or not). I've seen a few pop up on e-bay from time to time through a dealer in FL.

Makes me wonder what support is like in general for these bikes. Other than parts and warranty work, is a small dealer network like theirs best avoided?

Anyone have any thoughts or FHE with MV from a general owner standpoint?

[Speeddog]

Run away.

[koko64]

Maybe look around for a good ST4s and tune it with a PCV for open airbox and free flowing pipes. Maybe change the gearing for better performance too.
Just a thought.

[ducpainter]

They make nice bikes, and since Bruce has been involved with the service end of it they've made some improvements, but the dealer network is weak.

[d3vi@nt]

Run away.

I trust you knowledge, but can you elaborate?

[d3vi@nt]

Maybe look around for a good ST4s and tune it with a PCV for open airbox and free flowing pipes. Maybe change the gearing for better performance too.
Just a thought.

I have a '99 ST2, which I really enjoy; suspension rebuilt by Cogent, 15x43T gearing, DP chip and FBF carbon exhaust, steel braided lines, tapered headset bearings and a few other tweaks and mods. But it's getting a little long in the tooth. Even the ST4s latest model is 12 years old.

Not that old is bad, I'm just looking for some new tech to try and the ST-type bikes suit me best. I'm pondering the 2017 SS with the touring option, but the soft cases are a deal-breaker for me.

ST seems to be one of the smallest niches, which is my the TV caught my eye.  Just not sure how critical the dealer network is. I don't feel I've had to rely on the Ducati dealer network (other than Monster tank replacement), but then again, I've never had an expensive new Ducati, either.

[Speeddog]

I trust you knowledge, but can you elaborate?

Mother Ship has been in a perpetual state of turmoil for quite a while.
Tiny Italian boutique manufacturer.
Microscopic dealer network.
That TV has electronics up the wazoo.
If the Colorado Dealer can't fix a problem, the next closest dealer at 500 miles away is going to be a PITA.
Is there an independent wrench in your area that knows anything about MV's?
From the little I know, resale values are really weak.

Admittedly, those are practical considerations.

[koko64]

In light of all this, I think the new Supersport is a great option. Im sure there will be aftermarket luggage options if you can make do with the soft luggage in the meantime. Luckily there is a good chance all the electronic bugs on the new Hypers and Multis have been sorted on this later model.
The Supersport definitely has Sport Tourer written all over it.

[lawbreaker]

lurk through the MVAGUSTA.NET site.... forum members have formed a very strong support network.... which luckily is better than dealer network, and a wealth of information.

... and Nick (Speeddog) is pretty spot on

Waiting for parts can be quite frustrating (I have a Brutale 1078RR)...

[duccarlos]

MVs are gorgeous and if they had a better support system, not as dependent on the factory, I would consider it. Like Speeddog mentioned, most issues stem from being a small shop that has been either in constant bankruptcy or sold multiple times.

[Speeddog]

IIRC, red baron has an MV.

Perhaps he'll stop by and give us some FHE.

[yamifixer]

My wife thinks they are sexy.

I rode a F4-750 s a long time ago. i liked it but i remember the dealership flat out said they had no parts in stock and didn't see it changing anytime soon. but like i said that was 15+ years ago

[d3vi@nt]

Thanks for all the feedback...  I'm still stewing. The detail of these bikes, to my eyes is phenomenal and makes the '17 SS look mundane, even for a Ducati.

But the realities of the dealer network (roughly 1/3 that of Ducati) are starting to sink in; the hard cases are only available on the Lusso (+ $1k) and are apparently unavailable, otherwise. Not even a reference number in the parts diagrams. Not much in the way of parts on e-bay, either...

Ya'll are far more practical than I had hoped   

[Kopfjager]

make the beast with two backs it! Go for it, you only go around once.  

[koko64]

+1
Or how about a fully Termi/ECU DP accessorised and loaded S model Supersport with Touring Pack?