Two years after MV Agusta pulled the covers off their Lucky Explorer 9.5 concept, the Italian brand has finally debuted their first adventure bike in its final form at EICMA 2023. The production motorcycle will adopt the new name LXP Orioli in a tribute to racing legend Edi Orioli, who inspired the development of the new model with the Lucky Explorer-branded Cagiva Elefant he rode to victory at Dakar in 1990.

Called by MV Agusta “the world’s first luxury all-terrain motorcycle,” the new LXP Orioli will be produced as a limited run of just 500 and is expected to set you back around €30,000. Besides being numbered, every motorcycle produced will be personally signed by Edi Orioli. And for those wondering about its origins, MV Agusta states that the bike was conceived, designed, developed and manufactured entirely in Schiranna. 

At the heart of the LXP Orioli is a new 931cc three-cylinder engine, developed and manufactured entirely in Italy. Said to weigh just 126 lbs (57kg), the powerplant pumps out a claimed 124 hp — more ponies than the 890 Adventure, Tiger 900, Africa Twin, and DesertX. Torque is 75.2 ft-lbs, 85% of which is already available at just 3,000 rpm. The engine is housed by a double-beam main frame structure composed of high-tensile steel tubing and forged components, along with a bolt-on double-cradle trellis style sub frame.

The crankcase lubrication and cooling systems are completely new plus the crank mechanism and the gearbox have been extensively revised. The distribution is double overhead camshaft, with DLC treated shafts, a typical feature of sporty motorcycles. The crankshaft is counter-rotating which reduces inertia and facilitates changes of direction. Vibrations have been further reduced thanks to the adoption of the countershaft. The clutch is hydraulically controlled to ensure constant operation even in the most extreme driving conditions and the exhaust system is designed to optimize the performance of the 950 engine while enhancing its growl.

Bump absorption is provided by a fully-adjustable Sachs suspension. USD forks and a progressive link monoshock offer 8.27 in (210 mm) of travel, contributing to a ground clearance of 9.1 in (230 mm). The seat is in the average range, offering an adjustable height between 33.5 in (850 mm) and 34.3 in (870 mm). The whole package rolls on 21”/18” spoked, tubeless rims and is stopped by Brembo Stylema calipers at the front on 320 mm diameter discs and a double-piston caliper with 265 mm disc at the rear.

Electronics

The LXP Orioli is equipped with an advanced 6-axis inertial platform, which interfaces with the on-board electronics, consisting of the engine management control unit equipped with a high-frequency microprocessor. Full Ride by Wire is based on torque management strategies; the available maps are Urban, Touring, Off-Road and Custom All-Terrain, specially developed to guarantee suitable delivery and ideal electronic control adjustment in different action contexts. 

The traction control, which can be deactivated, boasts 5 levels of intervention for on-road use, 2 developed for off-road use, and a Rain mode to guarantee maximum safety even in adverse driving conditions. The engine braking has two levels, independent in adjustment with respect to the chosen Riding Mode: level 1 is with reduced engine braking, level 2 is with full engine braking.

The Cornering ABS, in addition to offering great safety in turns, has the RLM (Rear Wheel Lift-Up Mitigation) function, and can be disengaged completely or only on the rear wheel. MV Agusta states that the ABS system has also been specifically developed to work with both knobby and road tires.

The throttle control which, as on the entire three-cylinder range, has a negative stroke, important for increasing feel and for gently managing the deactivation of the cruise control. The latter can be set to increase or decrease speed by 1 km/h or 5 km/h at a time. The key management system is completely keyless.

Electronics are managed via a 7-inch TFT color display equipped with Bluetooth, wifi connectivity and two graphics modes. The MV Ride app, common to the entire range, allows you to connect a smartphone, set corner-by-corner navigation, save itineraries and driving data and share them in the community with other users. Furthermore, thanks to the MV RideApp the user is able to set up their LXP Orioli using their smartphone even before starting the engine. The Mobisat anti-theft device with integrated geolocation is part of the standard equipment of the LXP Orioli as well.

Equipment

Heavy-duty tubeless rims are fitted standard with Bridgestone Battlax AX41 tires. The package is rounded off with an aluminum skid plate, crash bar, CNC hubs, and aluminum panniers. The standard equipment of the LXP Orioli also includes the front and rear full LED lighting system with DRL and LED backlit handlebar controls. With the premium pipe, the LXP tips the scale at a claimed 485.0 lbs (220 kg) dry. 

The new model comes with a kit containing a homologated titanium exhaust, co-designed and developed by MV Agusta and Termignoni, which is paired with a carbon fiber end cap and heat shield for a total weight saving of more than 9 lbs (4 kg). Presented in a special box, the kit also contains the motorcycle cover and certificate of authenticity. According to MV Agusta, the titanium exhaust uses an innovative design with an integrated electronically controlled exhaust valve developed to achieve a smooth torque curve and linear power delivery for on and off-road riding. 

Availability

MV Agusta will begin delivery of the 500 LXP Orioli units to customers at the end of the first quarter of 2024. The new model is wrapped in a Pearl White color that dominates the fairings and the front mudguard, while some details show the colors of the historic Lucky Explorer sponsor with which Edi Orioli dominated the rally scene in the 90s. The central part of the bike is Carbon-Metallic Black, as is most of the saddle, on which the white of the fairings is repeated on the sides.

2024 LXP Orioli Specs