MV Agusta DragsterMV Agusta Dragster Teaser VideoMV Agusta is at it once again. Just as it did for the Turismo Veloce, the Varese motorcycle manufacturer has released a teaser video of a new model in its triple lineup – the Dragster.
Information on the Dragster, which is expected to be unveiled in February, leaked fairly quick, and last week various Italian motorcycle publications published some low-res spy photos.This new video, which carries a closing tagline “Adrenaline Addicts Only” and uses Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” for music, helps further tease the new Dragster.Appearing to be built on the Rivale 800 platform, the Dragster is the fifth motorcycle in MVA’s lineup to feature the 125-horsepower 798cc triple, which also powers the Brutale 800, the F3 800, Rivale 800 and the Turismo Veloce.Much has been speculated about a turbo-charged engine, but considering the price was leaked to be under $15,000, these claims are likely false.It is expected to arrive with all the electronic upgrades of the Turismo Veloce, including the Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System (MVICS) that features eight levels of traction control, and three preset mapping options – Touring, Sport and Rain – along with a custom option that gives riders total control of all parameters. If it’s the same as the Turismo Veloce, Sport will offer full horsepower, and Touring and Rain have 91.Appearance wise, it appears MV Agusta is taking aim at Ducati’s power cruiser, the Diavel. The Dragster features a tailpiece similar to the Diavel, along with a wide rear tire, though not as fat as the 240mm offered on the Diavel.Maybe we should consider this a mid-weight stab at the Diavel, as the Turismo Veloce was a mid-weight stab at the Multistrada 1200? We’ll have to wait for all the details to be released. Until then, enjoy the attached teaser video.
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This week, in the first segment Editor Don Williams talks to us about the new Kawasaki Versys 650 LT. It’s the middleweight ADV style machine that uses the same 650 parallel twin motor as the Ninja 650, so it’s an excellent performer in a user-friendly, good looking package.
In the second segment, I chat with one of my dearest industry friends—now retired Honda PR executive, Jon Seidel. Jon’s fascinating career spans some 30 years with Big Red, and gave him some great experiences with some incredible machines. I was fortunate enough to be invited on many of the press launches that he organized. His new project is documenting and saving many of the old archives from years gone by—and incidentally, if you have anything that may be of value to the project, please contact us by email at producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com and we’ll pass it all on to Jon.
So on that note, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode!