[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Italian Superbike manufacturer MV Agusta Motor and the Chinese motorcycle maker Loncin Motor Co. Ltd, have entered a long term strategic partnership agreement that has, as a base, the development of an all new family of MV Agusta products in the 350-500cc displacement.

The vehicles, completely designed by MV Agusta to occupy the premium segment of this high growth market, will be industrialized together with Loncin. The company objective is to expand access of the MV Agusta brand and driving incremental sales – both of the new, smaller displacement motorcycles and of the current MV Agusta product range of 675, 800 and 1000cc.

The President of Loncin, Mr. Yong Gao, announced:

“The conclusion of the strategic agreement is conducive to Loncin’s and MV Agusta's joint response to the changes in global market demand and to the coordinated development of both sides. Loncin will use advanced manufacturing resources and Chinese market knowledge to help MV Agusta expand its product line and enhance product competitiveness. MV Agusta’s technology and advanced design experience of high performance motorcycles will support Loncin’s "VOGE" brand in becoming the market leader of premium motorcycles in China. I am looking forward to our strategic cooperation based on the principles of mutual benefit and success.”

Timur Sardarov, CEO of MV Agusta Motor, said:

“This strategic alliance is an important step to consolidate our vision for the future of MV Agusta. Our target is to reaffirm our leadership in the production of upper-premium motorcycles, while also enlarging our customer base by offering a broader range of products without compromising our distinctive design and performance. We are looking forward to grow with the right partners and the right products, making sure that our clients enjoy the larger choice of models, all of which share the same DNA and MV Agusta pedigree.”

These MV Agusta smaller and more accessible motorcycles will be available for sale in MV Agusta dealerships by the end of 2021.

Read the full press release here.

[Red Liner]

I think loncin already makes engines for the 750 and 850 gs for BMW, so that must have made MV's decision far easier.

Looks like the next big wave is going to come from the lovely 300-450 series bikes in the future.

Loving it. Am in no mood to blow my retirement savings into the kit that MV actually makes today.

[GTO]

I'm seeing a lot of these relatively small volume motorcycle makers go through the same challenges that smaller independent car makers (like Suzuki, Honda & BMW) are.

Purists can shout all they want, but times are changing and these companies are forced to look at newer options that would be scoffed at earlier. Harley-Davidson has also been talking to the Indians & Chinese:

Link 1 (Harley-Davidson in talks with Hero MotoCorp for production of 250-500cc motorcycles)

Link 2 (Harley-Davidson confirms entry level 338cc motorcycle; to be built in China)