The CEO of MV Agusta had an interview with Motorcycle News (MCN). The interview brought some information about recent developments at the MV headquarters related to the Lucky Explorer. The adventure bike from MV Agusta was supposed to be presented in two versions, one with two cylinders and the other with three cylinders, but only one of them is almost ready to be launched, while the other has been put “on the back burner”.
While some say the project is a failure, the CEO of MV clarified in an interview that “the 5.5 is on temporary hold”, meaning the project has been suspended.
The reason MV may have put a pause on the Lucky Explorer 5.5 is because the brand is evaluating market conditions for the model within KTM’s sales network. At the moment, Team Orange has been working closely with MV Agusta, using their resources to help the Italian brand manage sales and networks in various countries.
When the project was first announced, MV unveiled two new adventure touring bikes to add to its lineup and meet the growing demand for these “do-it-all” machines. The 9.5 was an obvious choice for most MV fans, but the 5.5 raised some doubts. MV announced that the 5.5 models will be built in partnership with QJ Motor in China and are based on the Benelli TRK502.
Following this announcement, KTM became more involved with MV Agusta, acquiring a 25.1% stake in the Italian brand. The deal involves Team Orange helping MV in terms of distribution and dealer network, and it seems that Pierrer Mobility (KTM’s parent company) is trying to get more involved with the brand, perhaps against Saradarov’s stance on MV’s independence from the Pierrer Group.
“The fundamental principle is that MV Agusta remains independent in terms of design language and product engineering from the KTM Group and its companies. MV Agusta will not be part of the cross-platform and cross-brand styling that KTM is known for,” Saradarov stated.
Saradarov confirms that the inline three-cylinder engine will be retained in the Lucky Explorer 9.5, and will not be replaced by KTM’s 890cc twin-cylinder engine. MV Agusta will maintain its independence in terms of technology. MV Agusta will produce 500 special editions before the start of mass production of the 9.5. The fate of the 5.5, however, is uncertain, as its production is no longer planned. Will we ever see it? Saradarov has not completely closed that door, and even stated that MV and QJ Motor are still working together on other projects.
For now, the MV Agusta Lucky Explorer 9.5 is scheduled to begin production in October 2023 for the year 2024 and we are eagerly awaiting its launch.
