MV Agusta F3 675: The beauty, the beast

In Nepal, the idea of riding motorcycles for the sheer pleasure of it is very new, almost foreign. MV Agusta F3 675: The beauty, the beast

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In Nepal, the idea of riding motorcycles for the sheer pleasure of it is very new, almost foreign. For someone living in this city filled with commuter bikes, getting my hands on the MV Agusta F3 675, and riding it, was sheer pleasure.

When I got astride the F3, I couldn’t help but feel how much I had been missing out on as a motorcycle enthusiast. The “World’s Most Beautiful 600” made me feel alive. With its state-of-the-art technology and an elegant look, the machine is, by all means, a work of art.

As soon as I threw my leg over the saddle, I immediately noticed that the handle bars weren’t positioned as aggressively as the other super sport bikes in the category, which means that it is more street-friendly. This will certainly allow a rider to cover more miles without the accompanying body ache.

But the F3 is not just about comfort. The motorbike comes with an ultra-advanced chassis and dynamics control. Its new MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System) system is on par with the technology mounted on bikes that are featured on Moto GP. The bike is packed with a three- cylinder engine that is based on the same counter-rotating crankshaft that, again, only Moto GP competitors make use of. The most compact and the lightest body in its class, F3 with its performance-oriented engine, is a speed demon that handles like a dream.

The bike also comes equipped with a host of useful peripherals that add value to the riding experience. The rider can select one of the four available maps, or customise an additional map to obtain the power delivery desired—you can choose from eight levels of traction control from the left handle bar. The traction control can also be custom tailored for special parts. Launch control permits optimum performance during starts and also makes maximum acceleration possible. The EAS (Electronically Assisted Shift) component makes rides smoother by letting you shift gears without having to pull the clutch lever, or letting go of the throttle, once you get to second gear. This makes gear transition quick and painless, a dream come true for racers. With all this at the rider’s disposal, F3 is easily the most feature-rich super sport bike available in the market.

The 126 HP that this 675cc triple-cylinder engine produces is more than enough to slingshot you past the 100 kmph mark in just a few seconds. And I have to mention the deep growling sound that the engine produces—guaranteed to make heads turn. Installed with Marzocchi front forks, a Sachs rear shock and sticky Pirelli Diablo Rossocorsa tyres, the bike feels planted to the ground and gives you that added confidence when you are revving up and during turns. The brake lever feels comfortable and precise and the Brembo discs, up front and back, provide exceptional stopping power. You can actually feel the ABS kicking in while braking hard. The throttle is really sensitive, so a little tug is enough to get the machine moving.

The MV Agusta F3 675 is a perfect blend of art and technology. Power-packed and with an aesthetically pleasing body, the bike is a beauty and a beast at the same time. The non-ABS version of this bike costs Rs3,200,000 and the ABS version is priced at Rs3,300,000, while its elder sibling, the F3 800, is priced at Rs3,400,000. If money is not an issue, than this Italian beauty is what you want, and it will most definitely will not let you down. A definite wishlist-entry for every race enthusiast.

Ride safe! Happy riding!

Engine and transmission

Displacement: 675.00 ccm (41.19 cubic inches)

Engine type: In-line three, four-stroke

Power: 126.00 HP (92.0 kW)) @ 14400 RPM

Torque: 71.00 Nm (7.2 kgf-m or 52.4 ft.lbs) @ 10600 RPM

Top speed: 260.0 km/h (161.6 mph) (dealership claim)

Compression: 13.0:1

Bore x stroke: 79.0 x 45.9 mm (3.1 x 1.8 inches)

Valves per cylinder: 4

Fuel system: Injection

Cooling system: Liquid