Well I couldn't find the Brit bike mag but did find the long awaited shootout between the Triumph 675R and the MV F3 in the December issue of Motorcyclist magazine. Not good fof the F3, it was far outmatched on the street by the Trumpet and then got blasted to the tune of 1.5 seconds a lap at the track....where the F3 was supposed to shine.
Positives - Drop dead gorgeous looks, soul stirring exhaust note, nimble handling, +4 Hp over the Triumph at the back tire.
That was it.
Negatives - Poor suspension setup, peaky motor, poor low speed fueling below 6000 rpm, 675R had more torque spread over a much wider range, 675R had much better suspension (Ohlins) and setup was dead on, F3 has a hard to read, dated instrument cluster, think 1980's here.
Quick shifter was balky and frequently missed shifts, traction was inferior on the F3 on corner exits despite 8 level traction control to none for the 675R. F3 way more expensive and very limited dealer network so parts will be hard to come by.
Bottom line, the F3 was a good first effort by MV but a seriously flawed motorcycle. The suspension, motor, fueling, gearbox and electronics all need work. Maybe in 2014 they might get it right but for now this is not a bike worth owning unless you like aggravation.
Would I buy the Triumph 675R instead of the F3? No, it doesn't really push the right buttons although it is a well sorted middle weight. I already have a ZX-6R which has been at or near the top of the middleweight crowd since it was first introduced in 2009 so I wouldn't see any advantage to going with the Triumph either. Had the F3 been a game changer on track and fast road I would have definitely considered it.....but it's not! Game over MV...checkmate!
2021 Aprilia RSV4
2020 BMW S1000RR
2016 ZX-10R KRT
2016 959 Panigale Red
2015 CBR1000RR SP Repsol
2011 ZX-10R Ebony
2009 ZX-6R Lime Green
2006 ZX-14 Red
2004 VTX 1300C Candy Red
"For we walk by faith and not by sight" II Corinthians 5:7