MV Agusta LXP Orioli: the 9.5 concept comes to life

Two years on from the reveal of their Lucky Explorer 9.5 concept, MV Agusta have whipped the covers off their first production adventure motorcycle – taking that early design idea and moulding it into the luxurious new LXP Orioli.

Named after four-time Dakar winner Edi Orioli, the new 931cc three-cylinder machine is inspired by Cagiva Elefant he rode to victory in 1990 and is set to provide the springboard for a range of new models powered by this engine.

However, before you all go reaching for your wallets, this first edition will be limited to just 500 units and is expected to cost in the region of €30,000, with each machine leaving the factory signed by Orioli himself alongside a certificate of authenticity.

More of a capable collectors’ item for now than a serious real-world contender against the likes of the KTM 890 Adventure, or BMW’s new F900GS, it’s the first properly new MV Agusta since the introduction of the Turismo Veloce in 2015. It’s just a shame it’s likely to cost more in the UK than a 170bhp Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally…

Moving on from the readies, just a handful of parts are shared with the firm’s existing 798cc triple – including the intake and exhaust valves, oil pump, and part of the transmission – with the bike designed at MV’s plant in Varese.

That new motor is said to weigh just 57kg, and produces a claimed 122.3bhp at 10,000rpm. Torque sits at a meaty 75.23lbft, with 85% of that available from 3000rpm.

Featuring a counter rotating crank to aid cornering stability by reducing inertia, plus DLC coated cams, countershafts to reduce vibrations, and a hydraulic clutch for controlled lightweight applications, we’re told we can expect to see it appear in more variations of this machine – with other naked and sporty derivatives likely to arrive down the line.

Controlling that power on- and off-road is a six-axis IMU, which unlocks a number of lean sensitive electronic aids. There are five levels of on-road traction control, plus two for the rough terrain, and another for rain – alongside three default rider modes and a further ‘Custom All-Terrain’ setting.

You can also change engine braking across two levels, plus cornering ABS, and more – with everything managed via a mobile connectable 7in colour TFT dash, plus LED back lit switches. Keyless entry is also included.

Housing the new engine is a steel alloy perimeter frame, alongside a removable rear subframe. This is suspended by fully adjustable Sachs front and rear suspension, providing 210mm of travel at each end, 230mm of ground clearance, and a seat height adjustable between 850mm and 870mm.

Although manually altered springs are often preferred for off-road, many considering such a luxurious price tag would likely expect an electronic set-up.

Rims are tubeless Takasago Excel designs, with a 21 incher up front and an 18 at the rear, wearing Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41s as standard. Powerful Brembo Stylemas pick up braking duties.

Rounding out the kit is a set of aluminium side cases, with 39 litres of space on the left and 32 on the right to accommodate the exhaust. That pipe can also be swapped out with a special Termignoni option that shaves over 4kg from the bike.