MV Agusta was effectively bankrupt
1996–2010
MV Agusta went bankrupt in 1996 and was revived under various owners (Cagiva, Proton, Harley-Davidson, Mercedes-AMG, KTM AG). The F3 was the bike that proved MV could survive as a small-batch premium maker rather than a mass-market manufacturer.
First MV triple since 1970s GP
2012
The F3 was MV Agusta's first three-cylinder since the famous 1970s GP racers. Engineered by Ezio Mascheroni with a counter-rotating crank — which only MotoGP bikes (Yamaha YZR-M1) had used to that point. The reverse-rotating crank counteracts wheel gyroscopic forces, allowing faster direction changes.
Short stroke for high revs
79 × 45.9mm
The 675 used an extremely short stroke (45.9mm against 79mm bore) — combined with titanium valves it allowed 14,400rpm. The 800 increased stroke to 54.3mm but still revs to 13,500rpm. Both engines have the highest specific output in the middleweight class.
Supersport class is dying
2026
The supersport class has nearly disappeared. Yamaha R6 is track-only. Honda CBR600RR was killed in 2020. Suzuki GSX-R600 lingers. The F3 is one of three full-fat 800cc-class supersports still on sale (alongside the Ducati Panigale V2 and Yamaha YZF-R9). MV is keeping a dying class alive.
Now half KTM-owned
2024
In 2024, KTM AG (parent of KTM/Husqvarna/GasGas) took 50.1% control of MV Agusta. Production stays in Varese, Italy, but parts sharing and dealer network are beginning to integrate.
Price trajectory
2012 → 2026
The F3 launched in 2012 at €13,490 (~$11,500). The 2026 RR is $19,800. Inflation-adjusted that's roughly flat — the real change is component upgrades (Brembo Stylema, IMU, winglets, 5" TFT) that didn't exist in 2012.
Where it sits
Niche premium
The F3 is a low-volume, hand-built premium supersport. UK sales are small — single hundreds per year. Owners value rarity, build quality, three-cylinder character, and racing heritage. Practical buyers go to the Ducati Panigale V2 (more dealers, cheaper service) or Yamaha YZF-R9 (cheaper outright).
