MV Agusta announces semi-auto clutch

MV Agusta has introduced clutchless shifting to its lineup, with inclusion of a centrifugal clutch on the Turismo Veloce Lusso.

In case you’ve forgotten, the Turismo Veloce Lusso  is MV’s sport tourer, and as such, the manufacturer apparently feels it deserves the sort of clutchless luxury that the refined motorcycling public has become accustomed to (see also: Honda’s DCT technology). But the technology isn’t anything earth-shattering; it’s simply a refinement of the Rekluse centrifugal clutch, a system that’s been available for years as an aftermarket add-on for dirt bikes originally, then street bikes. Even further back in history, Honda used a similar semi-auto clutch on some of its early ATVs.

On the new MV, riders will still be able to use the clutch lever as always, but have the option to shift without using it—a handy option in bumper-to-bumper traffic. As well, the system means the clutch is disengaged when the bike is stopped without engine running, so MV Agusta has included a parking brake; otherwise, the machine would roll away, if you had been counting on engine braking to keep it from moving.

For Canadians, the question is whether or not the system will make it here anytime soon. With all the financial restructuring and other machinations of recent months, the new North American distributor seems to be taking its time getting bikes to our market.