MV Agusta F3
The three-cylinder motorcycle scene, that has primarily been dominated by Triumph (Speed Triple, Daytona 675, Sprint ST, Tiger, Rocket III) and Benelli motorcycles in recent years, now appears to have new challenger, from one of the most fascinating brands in the history of motorcycling.
After years of continuous design and development along with ongoing research to create one of the most beautiful and technologically advanced 600cc motorcycles in the world, the first pictures of the new MV Agusta F3 were revealed by the Italian motorbike company.
MV Agusta brings a rich history, beginning during the post World War II reconstruction period in 1945. Two brothers from Cascina Costa, Italy, near Milan, who owned an aviation company, named Agusta, decided to build inexpensive transportation.
The young motorcycle company later entered the world of Grand Prix racing, and by 1980, MV Agusta would have 75 World Titles (38 riders championships and 37 constructors championships).
Throughout the 1970s, MV Agusta fell on hard times and ceased production in 1980. Cagiva bought the dormant MV Agusta name in 1991, and by 1997 a new linage of MV Agusta motorcycles were released, starting with the legendary F4 Serie Oro, which featured a 750cc inline four.
The motorcycles, now produced in the Schiranna (VA) factory, "appeared as a sculpture modeled around an extraordinary inline four cylinder, precious in shape and equally as esoteric as its predecessor. The new creation appeared immediately like a synthesis of the sports motorcycle."
It’s been another rough ride financially, though. In 2004, the Malaysian car producer Proton bought MV Agusta, selling it to a Genoa-based finance company Givi SpA the following year, bringing the company back to Italy.
Then Harley-Davidson would buy MV Agusta in 2008 for $109 million. But after some restructuring in management, The Motor Company decided to divest its interest in the exotic company in October 2009.
In March, MV Agusta reported its bike sales were up 50 percent compared to the same period last year.
In August, Harley-Davidson Motor Company sold MV Agusta to Claudio and Giovanni Castiglioni and their holding company based in Italy, MV Agusta Motor Holding, S.r.l.
The MV Agusta F3 is first new motorcycle announced under the new Italian ownership and we await more details on the new and exciting sport-bike.
