MV Agusta F3 800 AGO - A Limited-Edition Tribute to Giacomo Agostini
MV Agusta F3 800 AGO – A Limited-Edition Tribute to Giacomo AgostiniMV Agusta F3 800 AGOBack in 1965, Giacomo Agostini begin competing aboard MV Agusta machinery in Grand Prix racing. Th following year, “Ago” earned his first title with the Varese manufacturer, taking the 500cc World Championship aboard the MV Agusta 500 Three.
Agostini continued in World Championship racing through 1977, earning a total of 15 titles; 13 of those were on MV Agusta machinery. Due to this, there’s no way of talk about just MV Agusta or Agostini without mentioning the other. The two are undeniably one of the most successful rider/manufacturer combos in motorcycle-racing history.And now, MV Agusta pays tribute to the iconic rider with the F3 800 AGO. The creation, which was first unveiled last November at EICMA, was driven by pure inspiration: “Tricolor, gold and that Number 1: the fairings of the campionissimo evoke the exhilarating world of racing and the atmosphere of the tracks where the legend of the unbeatable MV Agusta Grand Prix bikes was born,” MV Agusta says.“These bikes made Giacomo Agostini a motorcycling legend and have now re-emerged from the past thanks to the most faithful replica ever: the F3 800 AGO, packed with unsurpassed technology that provides jaw-dropping performance and unparalleled riding pleasure.”The differences between the F3 800 AGO and the standard sport bike are mostly aesthetics and lighter weight. The AGO edition receives the Tricolor paint job (Italian flag colors), a gold frame, carbon-fiber mudguards and forged aluminum wheels, which help shave nearly 5 lb. from the base-model’s dry weight of 381 lb.Only 300 AGO models will be produced, and a silver plaque attached to the steering yolk will adorn the production number. Also, each bike will be personally signed by Agostini. “A tangible thrill, then, for MV Agusta devotees and fans of the world’s greatest-ever motorcyclist, to be experienced, quite literally, every time they sit astride the bike,” MV Agusta says.Each bike will also arrive with a special certificate signed by Agostini, “providing additional proof of the uniqueness and originality of this latest MV Agusta legend.”MV Agusta F3 800 AGO – A Limited-Edition Tribute to Giacomo AgostiniEverything else is pure high-performance, F3 800 technology, which can be attributed to MV Agusta’s recent sales success.The AGO’s 798cc, inline three-cylinder was designed to feature the torque of a V-Twin and the high-revving performance of an inline four. The engine produces 65 ft/lb of torque at 10,600 rpm, and 148 horsepower at 13,000 rpm (rev limiter set at 13,500 rpm), which is 20 more than its younger sibling, the F3 675.The F3 800 AGO arrives the latest in MV Agusta electronics, including the MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System), which features three preset mapping options – Touring, Sport and Rain – and one that can be customized by the rider. The MVICS also incorporates Ride-by-Wire technology, and eight levels of traction control, which can also be disengaged.The F3 800 AGO arrives with top ABS offered today – the Bosch 9MP with Race Mode and the RLM system, which prevents the rear wheel from lifting under hard braking. The F3 800 AGO features two 320mm front discs up front squeezed by Brembo monobloc 4-piston calipers, and a 220mm single disc out back squeezed by a two-piston caliper.Suspension duties are handled by a 43mm Marzocchi fork up front, and a Sachs mono-shock absorber out back. Also helping in handling is the short, 54.3-inch wheelbase.MV Agusta says the limited-edition F3 800 AGO will go on sale this May for around $33,000 (23,990€).For a review of the base model at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, visit 2014 MV Agusta F3 800 Review. Also, check out some onboard footage from the test on our YouTube channel.
Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory + Steve ’Stavros’ Parrish
byMotos and Friends by Ultimate Motorcycle
Hello everyone and welcome once again to Ultimate Motorcycling’s weekly podcast—Motos and Friends. My name is Arthur Coldwells.
Our first segment features the new Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory. Senior Editor Nic de Sena brings us his report on the flagship version of Aprilia’s upright middleweight machine. He gives us insight into whether it’s worth spending the extra money on the Factory version, and also of course, whether this sporting Aprilia is really the motorcycle for you.
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The next guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—one of the most iconic sportbikes ever. Check it out in person at your local Suzuki dealer now, or visit suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In this segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with (arguably) one of the most interesting Suzuki race riders of all time. the iconic RG500 alongside teammate double World Champion Barry Sheene. The two were almost as famous for their exploits off-track, as for their success on it. Those were the days! Steve also raced the Isle of Man TT for about ten years where he won 13 Silver Replicas, and got a podium finish. His insight into that particular brand of mayhem are fascinating.
But there’s waaay more to Steve Parrish than his motorcycle racing. He is also the most successful Semi-Truck racer ever, and, little known piece of useless trivia—he’s my birthday twin: 24th February. He is a natural entertainer and you can’t miss his recounting of the world’s most entertaining—and arguably terrifying—double-decker bus ride ever. If any of you were actually on that hell-ride then we’d love to hear from you!