Tank Slap - Motorcycle Forum

So I wanted something more in the sports touring space as I really liked the XR, plus I needed something with a smaller engine then the Speed Triple. After a bit of searching, step forward the MV.

Practicality, style, sporty pedigree, style, some trick toys, did I mention style?

I managed a quick test ride in the center of London on the entry level bike, so this was bought largely blind. Being my 50th this year, this was my birthday present to myself and is the only time I have ever bought a brand new vehicle.

Initial impressions from the first 60 miles are great. I'll add more about the specs shortly, now my focus is to get the first 600 miles done so I can unleash the engine.

Welcome to the club.

Happy new Bike day D6Nutz.

Happy New Bike day, that's a beauty

Nice!!! Great way to treat yourself

Popped out yesterday with Frankie and the triumph boys. Managed to make it through most of the day without too many piss takes about being the only non triumph rider.

Have now covered 300 miles so can step up the running in and can but go to the heady heights of 7000RPM

Fitted the rad guard and removed the euro side reflectors.

As for riding the bike itself, it's a really wonderful experience. You hear people say "I'm starting to gel with the bike", well not here, it's been an almost instant click. The only thing I have to learn is the steering characteristics. The triumph was very aggressive and liked to be chucked into every corner, whereas the MV is more refined and rewards a smoother and more flowing approach.

The suspension is electronic and fully adjustable via the app. Yes, I mean you can actually set the "clicks" not just a mode.

The clutch really is the showcase though. I've had to describe it a few times now and it's not easy. It's like an automatic clutch, in 1st and 2nd you can come to a complete stop and pull away again without touching the clutch. Similarly with really slow speed stuff, no need to feather the clutch as it does it all for you. Once you're moving though it's a standard gearbox with shifter and blipper.

Minor annoyances around the indicators. The rear indicators are really low and I'm not convinced a lot of cagers see them (not that they look anyway) and the indicator lights on the dash are really dim so it's hard to see them most of the time making it easy to leave them on.

I really can't wait for the first service so I can let it loose.

How are you finding the lack of power compared to your previous bikes?

Kwacky wrote:How are you finding the lack of power compared to your previous bikes?

I don't think it's fair to answer that until a proper run after the first service.

Generally though it does have that feeling of a 600 Vs 1000 cc. Its lighter and more agile and you can really feel it.

Fair play that really does look the nutz!

Little potter it today in the sun. Summer boots and gloves. Ticked over 300 miles fairly early into the ride, that marks the first runin milestone and I can up the revs a bit. The new limit is 7k, which I might have gone over a couple of times.

The bike really is awesome to ride. It's quick enough to get you into trouble and so stable in the corners, combine all this with all day comfort and you've hit a winner.

150 miles to go until the first service.

How far is it to the coast from yours, Nutz?

duke63 wrote:How far is it to the coast from yours, Nutz?

The beach I went to today we can get to in under 1:30 if traffic is good and we take the direct route. We can get to Southampton and Portsmouth in about an hour

I wish I didn't live so far from the coast. It's a whole day out even to Wales.

So that didn't take too long took the bike into London today for its first service.

While it was there I mentioned that the clutch had been slipping and it was impossible to get neutral while the engine was running. Well, turns out it's a bit more then adjustment needed. A screw in the slave cylinder had failed, the mechanic said he was amazed the bike actually moved let alone was rideable. In true MV style there isn't one available to order, but fortunately DMC happens to have one so it's going to be brought down tomorrow.

I like MV loan bikes through...