MV Agusta CEO Timur Sardarov has revealed that the new entry-level motorcycle for the brand will make use of 350cc twin-cylinder engines. To be built & developed jointly with Loncin Motor from China, these new sub-500cc motorcycles are expected to help MV Agusta gain more traction in the emerging markets and help boost market share. KTM has set quite a benchmark and example with their association with Bajaj Auto on how small capacity motorcycles can help build a brand worldwide. These new 350cc models will bring in new customers to MV Agusta.
There are no details yet if the 350cc models in question would be sportsbikes or tourers or modern classic models or street naked motorcycles. However, multiple avenues could be considered to appeal to a wider audience, much like KTM does with the 390 Duke, 390 Adventure and RC 390. MV Agusta has already stated that they will have 4 bikes jointly developed with Loncin Motor in China.
We expect these new small capacity MV Agusta motorcycles to either make it to 2020 EICMA show or at INTERMOT next year. The bikes could also head to major Asian market motor shows, where these bikes are primarily going to be very important to boost sales overall. One can obviously expect features such as full LED lighting, digital speedo console, alloy wheels or spoked rims depending on model category, rear monoshock, dual-channel ABS, bluetooth connectivity, etc.
Loncin will retail the new range of bikes under their premium brand VOGE. In India, Motoroyale sells MV Agusta motorcycles in their multi-brand showrooms and the most recent launch was the Turismo Veloce adventure tourer which is the most beautiful motorcycle in its class, but demands money from a whole segment above. It will be interesting to see MV Agusta bringing the Brutale, Turismo or F range of motorcycles with this 350cc engine in the near future. And yes, they will come to India.