Motorcycle specifications MV-Agusta Lucky Explorer Project 9.5 2022 The Varese Elefant

The revival of Cagiva has been a dream of MV Agusta's for some time, and as both brands are part of the same group, this dream finally became reality at the Milan 2021 Motor Show, where the Lucky Explorer 5.5 and 9.5 projects were finally unveiled.

The Varese-based manufacturer wasn't content to launch just one new machine, as MV Agusta was banking on two distinct motorcycles to build a range from the outset. The Lucky Explorer Project thus takes on the appearance of a brand in its own right, alongside MV Agusta, in the same way as the Scrambler line developed by Ducati, or the Mini brand for BMW, in the automotive sector. As a result, neither the 5.5 nor the 9.5 bears the MV Agusta emblem on its plastic.

While the Project 5.5 uses a 554 cm3 twin-cylinder engine of Chinese origin, developed by MV's Chinese partner Qianjiang Motor Co and derived from the one powering the Benelli TRK 502, the Lucky Explorer 9.5 is far more flattering.

Although the Lucky Explorer name and logo leave no doubt as to the historical reference of this project, and the design of the bikes matches it, it's clear that it's the 9.5 version is the inspiration for this new Italian adventure: the famous and iconic Cagiva Elefant 900 i.e., winner of the 1990 Pars-Dakar in the hands of Edi Orioli.

born on December 26, 1978, with the kick-off of the first stage, the Paris-Dakar created by Thierry Sabine reached its apogee in the 1980s and 1990s, giving the mechanical and human adventure major letters of nobility. The biggest manufacturers threw themselves into the battle. Cagiva was one of the driving forces behind these African pass-d'armes, challenging Honda, Yamaha and BMW, to name but a few... After a few years of battling in the Saharan dunes, Cagiva won the trophy in 1990 thanks to Italian rider Edi Orioli, who came out on top aboard the Cagiva Elefant 900 i.e. As early as 1983, the Italian manufacturer had signed an engine supply agreement with Ducati: the Elefant was powered by Ducati's unmistakable 904 ^cm3air-cooled L-twin, equipped with an innovative fuel injection system controlled by throttle opening and engine speed. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h, and featuring a rigorous chassis, the Cagiva Elefant made its mark on motorcycle history. Sponsored by Lucky Strike, the cigarette manufacturer, the beast sported a large red circle on its flanks, encircled by white, gold and black stripes, with Lucky Explorer written inside! Hence the name chosen by MV-Agusta for this brand-new project.

Gone is the Ducati twin, and the new Lucky Explorer 9.5 now relies on the Varese-based manufacturer's well-proven 800 cm3 3-cylinder engine. More often used on sportbikes(F3), sporty roadsters (Brutale, Dragster) and even high-performance trail-GT bikes(Turismo Veloce), this beautiful engine has of course been thoroughly revised to meet the needs of hardcore trail riding. Its displacement has been increased from 798 cm3 to 930.63 cm3, by lengthening its stroke and bore, without changing the external dimensions of the engine block. The modifications are legion: new cylinder head, new valves, new counter-rotating crankshaft to reduce inertia, new forged pistons, etc. ... Thus revised, the power and torque announced are respectively 123 bhp at 10,000 rpm and 102 Nm at 7,000 rpm, for a compression ratio of 12.5:1.

The 9.5 will be offered either as a standard model or with the Rekluse SCS automatic clutch system, already available on other models in the range.

chassis-wise, the 9.5 is built on a double-cradle steel frame, with the chassis deliberately geared to off-road use. The Sachs electronic suspension system offers generous travel: 220 mm at the front and 210 mm at the rear. Of course, the wheels are 21" at the front and 18" at the rear, while the seat height of 870 mm (or 850 mm, adjustable) is a reminder that this is a rally-raid bike.

on the other hand, its relatively high dry weight of 220 kg doesn't make it suitable for hard off-road riding, especially as its 20-liter fuel tank will add a few kilos once the tank is full. A capacity that should nonetheless provide a satisfactory range.

The new Lucky Explorer 9.5 is also highly technological in terms of life on board, as the instrument panel features a 7-inch TFT screen with Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity. The Varese trail bike is equipped with launch control, cruise control, 8 levels of traction control, cornering ABS and all-LED lighting.

With its twin headlamps and silhouette perfectly in tune with the trail bikes of the 80s and 90s, the Lucky 9.5 has been quick to win over customers, as MV Agusta reports that order books are full, even though neither the price nor the release date are yet known.

Michaël Levivier - Manufacturer's photos