When my favourite MV Agusta Rep Adam revealed something big was coming at the recent Milan Motorcycle Show (EICMA) and it wasn’t MV’s usual street beast, my mind immediately went off-road. But the question was, would it be an off-off-road capable of genuine rugged terrain with suspension to match or gentlefolk-off-road where styling reigns supreme over off-road handling.
After my recent MV Agusta Dragster review I think we know MV don’t release anything unless it’s a traffic stopper, so I envisaged a sexy AF off-road, demonic, adventure touring weapon. I cried for joy. In my heart I am 100 per cent a creature of off-road adventure. Send me to a far away place devoid of human presence or roads any day. But I also like champagne, so it’s a delicate balance. Perhaps this is ultimate glamping motorcycle.
ROAD TEST: MV Agusta Dragster review
The wait was short-lived, MV announced at EICMA their brand spanking new LXP Orioli, the Edi Orioli limited edition. And by limited I mean only 500 so if you want one, prompt action is imperative. Heard of Edi? He’s an Italian motorcycle rally icon. Orioli raced in the late 1980s and early ’90s, when the Dakar Rally was legit tough and there was no choppers or phone service to come save you as you crossed Africa. He then moved into car racing. The iconic green, red and white Lucky explorer colours (thus the name LXP) of Edi’s Dakar winning Cagiva Elephant were symbolic of the world rally scene in the ’90s. Each bike has been personally signed by Orioli. He must have a sore hand.
MV have recognised that the adventure segment is one of the biggest growth areas in the industry and want a piece of that pie. Who better to join forces with than a four-time Dakar Rally winner…
So what’s it going to be like to ride?
Back to the question of off-off road or style over substance off-road. Judging by the legitimate suspension – fully adjustable 48mm Sachs front forks with 210mm of travel, and fully adjustable Sachs rear monoshock with 210mm of travel, giving 230mm of ground clearance and a full suit of all-terrain exlectionics and rider aids, the LXP appears well-equipped for adventure.
Aerodynamics has also been a focus – not so much for speed as for increased protection from wind and noise. Heat deflectors redirect engine heat away from the rider. Ergonomically the question for many is can I touch the ground? The LXP Orioli has an adjustable low seat height (850mm and 870mm). Special care being taken to offer maximum comfort to the driver as well as their pillion because there’s nothing fun about riding off road while piggy backing your passenger because the manufacturer hasn’t thought through how much space two humans need while bumping around. Even adventure riders need personal space.
Why am I going to buy this over a well established adventure bike manufacturer?
MV’s rep Adam tells me: “The engine is a completely new platform from MV Agusta. It’s a 931cc three-cylinder engine producing 124hp and 102Nm of torque. It weighs in at 57kg, which is on average 10 per cent less than our competitors. It produces 85 per cent of its torque at 3000rpm, which is a huge advantage in extreme off road conditions. It also boasts the same, MotoGP technology, counter rotating crankshaft as our other three-cylinder models. [There’s also a] 7-inch TFT display with full Ride MV app connectivity and a full suite of class leading electronics and rider aids.”
He goes on to explain that the LXP comes with everything – Termignoni titanium exhaust, crash bars, fog lights, skid plate, centre stand, aluminium panniers, bike cover, certificate of authenticity, all in a beautifully crafted wooden box. And it’s all developed and created in the OG MV Italian town of Varese.
Tech wise, the highly comprehensive MV Ride app will sort you out for pretty much anything you might need during your ride – navigation, riding data, itineraries, music and calls. Another feature is the Mobistar anti-theft device which could come in handy depending what country you are adventuring in.
Expect four modes – Urban, Touring, Off-Road and Custom All-Terrain. On top of these modes the LXP Orioli offers five levels of intervention for road use, two for off-road use and a Rain mode. There’s also Cornering ABS specific to off-road which can be fully deactivated.
It is also fitted with Brembo brakes, that’s a given for MV. And a high performance exhaust system for maximum thrill and because let’s be fair, most adventure bikes sounds pretty lame.
MV is expecting to see units arriving from April 2024 and are taking pre orders through authorized MV Agusta dealers.
Orioli is still alive so I’m gunning for him to head out of retirement and take on Dakar again on a LXP. Crazier things have happened!
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