MV Agusta is Italian Again

After a brief flirtation with its american buyer Harley Davidson, MV Agusta returns to its Italian roots following the sale of the company back to former owner Claudio Castiglioni.  While this is great news for Italy’s resurgent motorcycle industry, it’s unlikely that the funds will make a dent in Harley’s failing finances, with rumors again swirling around HD leaving its Milwaukee home for pastures cheaper.

It would seem the world of bikes has been focussed like a laser on Italy for most of 2010 with revolutionary bikes from Ducati, and more to come, Moto Morini breathing life on the embers of its business, Moto Guzzi showcasing some great concepts for its future plans, and now MV Agusta has its country men at the helm once more.

The press release from MV Agusta is below;

Varese, August 6th 2010 – Claudio and Giovanni Castiglioni, through their family holding company have repurchased from Harley Davidson 100% of the shares of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A. which owns historic brands MV Agusta and Cagiva.  Harley-Davidson announced in October 2009 its intention to sell MV Agusta to concentrate on its core business and brand.  In connection with the repurchase transaction Lazard and Co. have acted as the financial advisor along with counsel Alessandro Varrenti (CBA) and Giuseppe Galeano whom provided legal and tax assistance in conjunction with family counsellors Giuseppe Carteni (Leadlaw), Andrea Lanata and Sergio Caramella.

Along with Giovanni Castiglioni, the company will be headed by Mr. Massimo Bordi, a well known Italian manager.  A 62-year-old engineer, Bordi took Ducati to success during the years when that company was owned by the Castiglionis and continued to manage it successfully under the ownership of Texas Pacific Group.  Since 2003 Massimo Bordi has been the CEO of Same Deutz Fahr, contributing largely to the success of the company.  Massimo Bordi commented that “MV Agusta has full capacity to once again become a major player in the high luxury brand motor bikes, this brand is one of the most recognized worldwide. We will implement a number of reorganization and managerial actions in the near future.  Both the current and new models under development have a very strong character, great innovative features and a very unique design, I have no doubts about their future success. “Claudio Castiglioni, the historic intimate soul of MV Agusta will continue as chairman, and will concentrate on the development of the new products.

Upon signing the agreement with Harley-Davidson, Claudio Castiglioni stated “MV Agusta is the crown jewel of Italian motorcycles, I am thrilled to have completed this transaction.  I have already won once together with Massimo Bordi, we made the most beautiful bikes in the world and we will continue with this tradition”.

New Pictures of the Moto Guzzi V12 Concept Bike

After making an appearance at the Milan Motorcycle Show last November Moto Guzzi’s V12 concept bike has been lurking in the shadows, until now.  New studio pics have appeared showing the tech heavy bike in all its glory, and personally (Editor Nick) I still think it looks awesome.  Some people don’t like Moto Guzzi’s unique styling but I’ve always had a soft spot for it.

The Le Mans adds a distinctly futuristic edge to the regular Guzzi look and adds a plethora of technology some interesting such as the frame being made from rotational moulding nylon polymer, some for tricks i.e. rear cameras with monitors for mirrors.

Hell For Leather has picked up some details on the new bike so head over there for more info on what could be the start of another Italian company revitalizing itself.  Ducati can’t have all the fun.

The Milan Motorcycle Show 2010 Round Up..

Well, a little delayed I know but we got there in the end, here's a round up of news from last week's Milan Motorcycle Show…

First up was a few details of Rieju’s new RS3 sports 125, a
replacement for Rieju’s old RS2 Sportster. It's designed in
partnership with the UK-based Xenophya Design, and while looking good
owes a little more than a nod to Honda styling.

Powered by a Yamaha-Minerelli 125cc engine set in a composite
steel/aluminium perimeter frame it has some great specs and parts
list. Pricing TBC

The Multistrada looks impressive..

Ducati, Ducati, Ducati… Italy's
finest had an unfair home advantage in Milan and boy did they make
the most of it. They launched the undeniably hottest new thing, its
Multistrada 1200 (though the 200 mile at best tank range is still
bugging me) amongst several other new machines.

Ducati Streetfighter

A new 1100 Hypermotard Evo and Evo SP,
which are high class variations of the popular standard
specification 1100 model. According to the company these posher
versions are 7kg lighter and with a 5bhp power increase it should
bring the new bikes to 95bhp.

1198r Ducati Corse

Deep breath, and there's more… The
1198r Ducati Corse, which while you could say it's just a tarted up
1098, it's more of a high class call-girl version of the drool
inducing sports bike.

The upgraded 2010 BMW R1200GS

As mentioned in a previous post BMW launched their incrementally
updated GS and RT models. Not enough to steal the Multistrada's
thunder but perhaps enough (barely) to keep the legions of BMW fans
happy.

The upgraded 2010 BMW 1200RT

The company also revealed a concept bike which appeared to only be
there to showcase the engine, an across the frame 6-Cylinder 1600,
which according to sources within the company will power a new tourer
designed to compete with other mile munchers from Victory, Harley
Davidson, and Triumph.

Triumph Thunderbird

Oh and speaking of Triumph they revealed factory fitted big bore
kits on a limited run for the new Thunderbird giving torque and bhp a
boost. Also mentioned were new paint finishes for some of their
range, with the Thunderbird getting a metallic shimmer to add some
more class to an already great looking bike.

Moto Guzzi v12 Milan Concept bike

Moto Guzzi showed off its new V12
concept at the show, with its eight valve 1200cc engine.
Built to a design by Pierre Terblanche, the concept has a cast
aluminium frame, and apparently is the base from which a number of
bikes can be built upon. Keep your eyes peeled for a series of
production machines in 2010!

KTM 125cc 2010 machines

KTM had a small but significant showing
for its new 125cc learner bike. Hopefully the UK economy can support
the growing number of 'learner' bikes out there in the face of
falling sales and a huge drop in bike test registrations.

That's the update for this year's show, phew!  Roll on 2010 as it looks like we're in for some amazing new bikes…. start saving now!

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