Having lived in italy, speaking the language, and having my business there, I decided during my last trip to speak DIRECTLY with the MV Agusta factory in Schiranno (I just got back today). I was told that at present the factory is shut down and they are awaiting for a final resolution of their financial problems and their proposed "agreement" with Piaggio (Morgan Grenfeld). The person I spoke with in the "riparto commerciale" said they were hoping for some answers by the beginning of June. I guess my F4S is a keeper (for posterity sake) and my order for a Brutale will not materialize until at least next fall (if at all) as with the August closing I find it impossible for any bikes to be made in the last 6 weeks of the manufacturing season. Sorry for the bad news !

-- gregg levethan (gregg@levethan.com), May 17, 2002

Answers

I assume you are referring to the recent deal between Piaggio and Cagiva. I picked up my June issue of Cycle World, and on page 34, CW indicates that Piaggio is about to close a deal to take over 100% of Cagiva and Husqvarna. However, Castiglioni will reportedly keep MV Agusta. Not sure what this all means for the fate of MV, I'm just glad I bought my '02 F4 and didn't wait for the F5.

-- john milotzky (jmilotzky@wi.rr.com), May 18, 2002.