With the financial collapse of parent firm Pierer Mobility at the turn of the year, MV Agusta finds itself operating as an independent outfit once more, separate from KTM and the other firms in that group. It’s issued an update from boss Luca Martin, detailing how it’s setting up new logistics, parts supply, and a new dealer network, with the UK as an important part of that. The firm also says it’s working on new bikes and new engines, which it certainly needs to do.
In the meantime, though, the Varese outfit is continuing to do what it does very well – making pieces of fine moto-art which tick all the ‘exotic Italian superbike’ boxes. This is the latest limited-edition variant: a special ‘Ago’ version of the Superveloce 1000 retro-superbike to mark the 83rd birthday of GP legend Giacomo Agostini, who made history on MV bikes and has an incredible 15 world titles plus 10 TT wins. It was released on his birthday, June 16, with just 83 bikes produced, priced at €83,000.
For that, you get a super-exclusive machine based on the ‘standard’ Superveloce 1000 design, which has an inline-four 16v DOHC 999cc superbike engine putting out a claimed 208bhp, and features titanium radial valves and con-rods, lightened pistons, titanium fasteners and a full titanium Akrapovic exhaust. Engine management is the MVICS 2.1 system with 50mm throttle bodies and eight injectors, which integrates the extensive rider aids package: IMU assisted traction and wheelie control, up/down quickshifter, cruise control, rider power modes, and integrates with the suspension control unit, too.
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This trick motor lives in a hybrid frame with steel tube trellis sections and aluminium alloy swingarm pivot plates. But the Ago adds a full carbon fairing, with the retro winglets, Ago logos and yellow number plates. The bike also comes with unique Kineo wheels, which are similar to the spoked/cast composite rims on the 800 range but redesigned to deal with the extra torque and mass. And the suspension is the top-end Öhlins EC semi-active kit with electronic damping control and manual preload settings. There’s also an integrated Öhlins smart steering damper, and the chassis spec is rounded off with Brembo Stylema brakes and 320mm discs. Wet mass is 209kg: not amazing but not horrendous.
The extras on the Ago model are extensive. Agusta has commissioned a set of special Dainese Demone GP 3X race leathers and a custom AGV Pista GP RR lid to go with each bike, and unlike with the likes of Ducati and its Lamborghini models, the kit is included in the price of the bike rather than an extra cost. There’s an 18-karat gold plate on the top yoke with the number of the bike, Agostini’s signature on the tank, and the Ago name embroidered on the seat and stamped on to the leather tank strap.
The firm has really gone above and beyond with the ignition key: it’s made with two engraved metal medals, made from an actual piece of bronze alloy from one of Ago’s many trophies. The engineers went to his museum and took an angle grinder to a massive cup from one of his Imola 500GP wins, chopping off big strips of metal, which were then formed into the key medals. Amazing attention to detail, and a fabulous piece of genuine history from Agostini and the Agusta brand.
The Ago replicas are available now, with delivery in September. But you’ll probably need to have an ‘in’ with the factory to make an order: only the most dedicated Agusta collectors, fans and followers are likely to get hold of one.
