The CEO of MV Agusta had an interview with Motorcycle News (MCN). The interview provided some information about recent developments at MV headquarters relating to the Lucky Explorer. MV Agusta’s adventure bike was due to be presented in two versions, consisting of two cylinders and one 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, MV’s CEO clarified in an interview that “the 5.5 is on temporary hold”, which means the project has been put on hold.
The reason MV may have put a pause on the Lucky Explorer 5.5 is because the brand is evaluating the market conditions for the model within KTM’s sales network. At the moment, Team Orange has been working closely with MV Agusta, using its resources to help the Italian brand manage MV’s sales and networks in various countries.
When the project was first announced, MV presented two new adventure touring bikes to add to its range and to 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, buying 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 of the design language and engineering of the KTM Group’s products and companies. MV Agusta will not be part of the cross-platform, cross-brand style that KTM is known for,” said Saradarov.
Saradarov confirms that the three-cylinder in-line 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 mass production of the 9.5 begins. The fate of the 5.5, however, is uncertain, as it is no longer scheduled for production. Will we ever see it? Saradarov hasn’t completely closed that door yet, and has 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 start production in October 2023 for the 2024 model year and we are eagerly awaiting its launch.