MV Agusta Enduro Veloce

What if an adventure bike behaves more like a superbike in disguise?

Ridden on Sardinia’s asphalt and gravel, the MV Agusta Enduro Veloce delivers a thrilling soundtrack—but raises questions about identity and purpose.

Preview – MV Agusta Enduro Veloce, A Sportbike Wearing Knobbies

For years, MV Agusta seemed immune to the adventure-bike trend. Much like Ferrari resisting the SUV craze, the brand from Varese built its reputation on emotion, performance and design purity. The Enduro Veloce marks a clear shift: MV Agusta entering one of the most competitive segments in motorcycling. Curious, sceptical, but open-minded, I head to Sardinia to find out what kind of allroad this really is.

Development has been long and somewhat opaque. The limited Orioli edition was announced first, while ownership changes and internal uncertainty clouded the brand’s direction. Then, almost unexpectedly, the standard Enduro Veloce appeared tasked with standing shoulder to shoulder with the segment’s heavy hitters.

Visually, this is where the first doubts arise. MV Agusta is synonymous with bold, recognisable design, yet the Enduro Veloce feels restrained. The absence of signature elements like a single-sided swingarm or iconic triple exhaust leaves the bike looking surprisingly anonymous. During dinner, even the chief designer admits that cost constraints trimmed more expressive design solutions. This feels like a motorcycle shaped by spreadsheets as much as by passion.

"This feels like a motorcycle shaped by spreadsheets as much as by passion."

Once the engine fires, however, criticism fades, at least temporarily. The all-new 931 cc three-cylinder is the star of the show. Its soundtrack is sensational, raw and intoxicating, amplified by a brutally effective quickshifter. It feels closer to a race bike than an adventure machine, and it’s astonishing that the exhaust passes homologation. A Termignoni option promises even more drama, potentially masking the bike’s understated looks entirely.

Performance is undeniably exciting, but character matters. Power builds high in the rev range, with peak output arriving at 10,000 rpm. Below 2,500 rpm, the engine feels hesitant, especially in villages or tight hairpins. Pulling away requires more throttle than expected, which undermines finesse at low speed. It’s thrilling when ridden hard, but less cooperative when asked to crawl.

Despite its name, “Enduro” feels like a stretch. At 244 kg fully fuelled, the Enduro Veloce sits among the heaviest in its class. Weight is noticeable, especially off-road, where the high-revving engine and mass work against precise control. Gravel riding is possible and the Sachs suspension performs admirably but true enduro confidence never fully arrives.

On the road, things improve dramatically. Manual-adjustable Sachs suspension delivers excellent balance between comfort and sharp handling. The 21-inch front wheel disappears beneath you, and the bike changes direction with surprising ease. Even slaloming through debris-strewn mountain roads becomes playful. Ergonomics are spot-on, offering comfort without dulling feedback.

"Even slaloming through debris-strewn mountain roads becomes playful."

Price places the Enduro Veloce firmly in premium territory. At over €24,700, expectations are high and scrutiny unavoidable. Some features that are standard on cheaper rivals remain optional here, such as heated grips or a height-adjustable screen. Build quality is good, but not exceptional enough to silence doubts when competitors like the BMW F 900 GS or Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro cost significantly less. Even flagship models like the BMW R 1300 GS undercut the MV on price.

The Enduro Veloce excels where MV Agusta always has: steering precision, engine excitement and emotional appeal. But it feels conflicted. Too heavy and rev-hungry to be a true off-road tool, too compromised to justify its price against more complete rivals. It’s fast, loud and engaging but ultimately feels like a missed opportunity.