Motorcycle specifications MV-AgustaLucky Explorer Project 5.5 2022 At the edge of the sand

MV-Agusta or Cagiva? The question is all-encompassing, especially as the Varese-based brand is keeping the suspense alive. When unveiling the Lucky Explorer 5.5 concept, particular care was taken to ensure that the bike would be on its own stand, that its filiation with the former Elefant trail bike would be obvious, and that no allusion would be made to MV, even though it was behind it all. So, can we expect Cagiva to be reborn as MV's adventure brand? Or will MV enter the off-road market under its own name?

Whether it's one or the other, the 5.5 (and its big brother the 9.5) show the manufacturer's appetite for this very buoyant segment. The trail is everywhere, with a more or less pronounced desire for touring or escapism. Here too, the plastic is ready to take the market by storm. Whether or not you're headed for the world's capes, the young Lucky Explorer wants you to believe it.

The bubble heralds the journey, the beefy bodywork offers a front against hardship, the spoked rims presage the earth and its jolts, the 3/4 luminous iris gaze threatens distance. The effect is successful, complemented by a number of neat little tricks. The 5.5 is fitted with flanges to protect the brake discs from unwanted splashes. The air vents are designed to complement the mock logo inspired by Lucky Strike - the cigar sponsor of Cagiva's rally-raid winning days - and reminiscent of the limited-edition Elefant 900 series from the 90's. The panoply is complete with hand guards, pack holder, high-mounted muffler, center stand, large fuel tank and leggy stance. It's a pity that the engine cover is made of plastic. It's virtually impossible for it to survive a good rock fall.

With its size, this Lucky Explorer really stands out from MV-Agusta's precious, feline productions. What's more, it doesn't have Italian heart in its innards. Now that the Italian factory has signed an agreement with China's Qianjiang, Asian equipment will be added to the range. A good way for MV to think about future, more accessible models for markets in the antipodes. The engine is based on the twin of the Benelli TRK 502 and Leoncino. The ribs are modified to give it more trunk space. Displacement was increased to 554 cm3 by increasing the bore (+ 1.5 mm to 70.5 mm) and stroke (+ 4.2 mm to 71 mm). With 47.6 hp, the gain in watts is nil, but the gain in torque is real: 0.6 mkg, with a rounder curve.
For purists, a mere 35kW at full power on an MV........ is disturbing. For others, it makes for a natively A2-compatible bike. The "little" Lucky will appeal to a wider audience than the 9.5. The latter will be aimed at a more demanding market, with a much stronger engine.

beneath its thick coat, the 5.5 hides a steel frame close to (identical to?) its Benelli cousin. The aluminum swingarm, however, is specific to this model. suspension is by Kayaba, with several settings available. Rebound and preload for the 43 mm inverted fork; the same plus compression for the monoshock. It's at this point that it becomes clear that this trail bike will be more road bike than explorer. With 135 mm of travel, the bike will allow itself a few sidewalks or rolling tracks, but there's no question of asking for more. Admittedly, it does smell like a trail bike, with its narrow tires (100 and 150 mm) encircled by spoked rims, mixed tires and job face. But the term "crossover" would be more apt. Its braking system also appears distinctly offbeat, almost too serious. At the front, two 320 mm discs are bitten by Brembo 4-piston radial calipers. The same type of gear as on the 800 Brutale, to stop a fifty-strong skiff, with 220 kilos in the frame and 160 km/h toc. Too much is not the right word; it's more an Italian sense of proportion. In any case, there's little room for concern on the right-hand lever.

MV hasn't gone into great detail about its electronic equipment. For the time being, we have ABS, a 5-inch color TFT screen with Bluetooth, GPS sensor and the MV Ride app with simplified navigator. Since the TRK doesn't bother with riding aids, it's hardly surprising that the Lucky 5.5 will do the same.

What will its definitive nom de usage be? It will remain a mystery for some time yet. Without detracting from the charm of this machine, a clever restyling of an already well-established Benelli. The Lucky Explorer 5.5 won't really compete with it, as it plays on a more upmarket image. With its qualities... and its faults. A nice pencil sketch, a very accessible engine, a somewhat muscular price tag, weight..... But the image of Italian excellence.

M.B. - Manufacturer's photos