The Return of Mv Agusta

THE RETURN OF MV AGUSTA

MV AGUSTA, ONE OF

the most storied

names in motorcy-

cling, may be about to stage

a comeback. Protracted bargaining apparently has resulted in the purchase by Cagiva of the rights to use the MV Agusta name on an all-new line of motorcycles and on existing grand prix racebikes.

The new streetbikes, which are at least two years away, likely will be powered by 750cc and 900cc examples of the long-awaited dohc 16-valve engine being developed by Cagiva with the assistance of Ferrari Engineering. Initial development of this engine was halted after prototypes were able to develop no more than 70 horsepower. Cagiva now is engaged in a complete redesign of the engine’s top end in search of more horsepower.

While the reappearance of MV Agusta roadbikes would seem to be several years away, the appearance of the MV name on Cagiva’s bright-red roadracers could be right around the corner, according to veteran Cagiva-watchers. Indeed, some expect the MV Agusta name to appear on Cagiva’s GP racebikes this season. Bruno de Prato