Entertaining story about MV Agusta's bid to lay claim to their Cagiva bones & the legacy of the Dakar-winning Elefant - and Ducati's efforts to do the same:
https://jalopnik.com/the-mv-agusta-lucky-explorers-are-here-to-remind-ducati-1848117872 (https://jalopnik.com/the-mv-agusta-lucky-explorers-are-here-to-remind-ducati-1848117872)
Since my only (working) bike these days is a Ducati-powered Cagiva Gran Canyon, it's an interesting family feud...
I love the look of the new MV, and welcome another entry into the midweight ADV category, but slightly south of 500 lbs. doesn't say "midweight" to me.
I think MV makes some of the most beautiful bikes. I've been lusting after a TV for years. Unfortunately, there's only one dealer in my neck of the woods (CO) and they never have any MV's on the floor. Any other dealers are multiple states away. Their entire US dealer network is less than 40. Aftermarket is even more spotty.
It seems strange to me to find what are probably two of the most boutique moto brands putting out a 'real' ADV bike.
Totally agree on the mid-weight comment, too. The smaller ADV bike is almost 70 pounds heavier than my '13 MTS GT, which I wouldn't consider taking off-road. And a 34" saddle height will be a hurdle for many.
Great article, too!