MV Agusta’s CEO recently had an interview with Motorcycle News (MCN) where he shared some updates on the Lucky Explorer project. Initially, the adventure bike was supposed to come in two variations, a twin and a triple. However, it seems that only one version is close to being launched while the other has been put on hold.

We also reached out to MV Agusta, and their distributors confirmed that the Lucky Explorer 9.5 is still in progress, but the 5.5 might not see the light of day. Despite rumors of the project being a failure, MV’s CEO clarified in the interview that the 5.5 model is on temporary hold, indicating that it has been postponed.

The reason behind MV’s decision to pause the Lucky Explorer 5.5 might be their evaluation of market conditions, particularly within KTM’s sales network. Currently, KTM has been working closely with MV Agusta, utilizing its resources to assist the Italian brand with sales and networks in different countries.

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Initially, MV Agusta introduced two new adventure-touring motorcycles under the Lucky Explorer project to meet the increasing demand for versatile bikes. While the 9.5 model received positive feedback from MV fans, the 5.5 model raised some eyebrows. MV Agusta announced that the 5.5 model would be produced in collaboration with QJ Motor in China and be based on the Benelli TRK502.

Following the announcement, KTM became more involved with MV Agusta by acquiring a 25.1 percent stake in the Italian brand. This partnership involves KTM’s assistance in terms of distribution and dealer network. It seems that Pierrer Mobility, KTM’s parent company, is looking to deepen its involvement with MV Agusta, possibly different from Saradarov’s perspective on maintaining MV’s independence from the Pierrer Group.

Saradarov affirms that the Lucky Explorer 9.5 will retain the inline three-engine configuration instead of being replaced by KTM’s 890cc twin. MV Agusta is committed to maintaining its technological independence. Before entering mass production for the 9.5 model, MV Agusta plans to manufacture 500 special editions. However, the fate of the 5.5 model remains uncertain as it is no longer scheduled for production. Saradarov has not completely ruled out the possibility of seeing it in the future, and he mentioned that MV and QJ Motor are still collaborating on other projects.

Currently, the MV Agusta Lucky Explorer 9.5 is expected to begin production in October 2023 for the 2024 model year, and enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting its release.