MV Agusta Lucky Explorer Project 5.5 2022 — Specifications

Is this a new MV Agusta model, or the shadow of a Cagiva return? The Varese manufacturer cultivates ambiguity with this Lucky Explorer Project 5.5, presented as an autonomous entity, without a prominent MV logo, but with a clearly claimed lineage to the Elefant of the 1990s. An intriguing strategy, which could foreshadow either a renaissance of Cagiva as an adventure brand, or an incursion by MV itself into the trail segment. In either case, this 5.5 and its big brother the 9.5 demonstrate a definite appetite for an ultra-competitive market, that of machines with an adventurous look, whether intended for tarmac or trails.

Visually, the gamble is successful. The generous screen, the robust fairing, the spoked rims, and this bright gaze compose a convincing silhouette, ready for escape. The details are not left to chance: brake protectors, stylized ventilation vents recalling the Lucky Strike logo – a nod to the Cagiva sponsor in rally-raid – and a complete set with handguards, luggage rack, and high-mounted silencer. Only the plastic engine guard seems a little light to seriously face the dirt. This robust aesthetics contrasts sharply with the usual feline and precious lines of MV Agusta, and for good reason: under this Italian disguise beats a Chinese heart.

The engine is indeed from Qianjiang’s 500 cm3 twin cylinder, shared with the Benelli TRK 502 and Leoncino, but reworked. The bore and stroke have been increased to bring the displacement to 554 cm3, resulting in 47.6 horsepower at 7500 rpm and a more substantial torque of 50.9 Nm. For purists, swallowing the fact that this MV only develops 35 kW may be difficult. For others, it makes it a motorcycle natively compatible with the A2 license, expanding its potential audience far beyond that, more demanding, targeted by the future 9.5. This mechanical accessibility contrasts with some surprising technical choices.

The chassis is based on a steel frame likely close to that of the Benelli, but with a specific aluminum swingarm. Kayaba adjustable suspension offers 135 mm of travel at the front, a figure that, combined with the 100/80-19 and 150/70-17 mixed tires, clearly indicates a more road-oriented vocation than truly exploratory. It is a crossover, capable of digesting a well-packed trail but not intended for demanding paths. The braking system, for its part, seems almost oversized for the beast: two 320 mm discs at the front, pinched by four-piston Brembo radial calipers, hardware found on the Brutale 800. To stop a total weight of 220 kg announced and a top speed of approximately 160 km/h, it’s serious, maybe even a little too much. Electronics are limited to ABS and a 5-inch color TFT screen with Bluetooth and GPS connectivity, a modest but sufficient equipment.

Ultimately, what to think of this Lucky Explorer 5.5? It is a skillful and beautiful restyling of a proven Benelli platform, playing on a more premium image. It will not come to compete with its low-cost cousin, but offers a stylish alternative with the advantages and disadvantages of its origin: a successful design, a docile and accessible engine, but also a considerable weight and a price of 9000 euros that requires reflection. Its charm works, but it is a road machine with an adventurous look, far from the technical requirements of true trails. An interesting path for MV Agusta, provided that the public accepts to pay the price of the image.