Giovanni Castiglioni Interview

MV Agusta is on a bit of a roll, most recently with the introduction of the F3 800, a third variation of the company’s three-cylinder platform we reviewed recently. Production has quadrupled over the past four years, jumping from just 2,000 bikes up to 8,000 in 2012. And 2013 production is up 27% thus far.

Helming the legendary Italian brand is Giovanni Castiglioni, son of Claudio Castiglioni who passed away in August 2011 while rebuilding MV after investment by Harley-Davidson. We interviewed the younger Castiglioni back then, and we got another opportunity to speak with him during the F3 800’s launch at Misano in Italy.

Motorcycle.com: You’ve released four three-cylinder bikes (F3 and Brutale in 675cc and 800cc versions), and shortly we’ll have the Rivale 800 as well. Is the Triple’s lineup complete now?

Giovanni Castiglioni: No, not really. At the Milan show we will introduce two new models in two different categories and we are looking forward to that.

MO: It was fantastic to hear MV Agusta is doing so well in sales. Can you keep this trend going?

GC: Yes, absolutely. We grew about 80% from 2011-2012, and YTD in May we did about 30% increase, so we think that we can keep about 20% average increase in the next years with the new models and in the investment in the network we will make, so we are very positive on that.

MO: Is it the Triple range which is the cause of the big success?

GC: Now for sure, but in our plan we will continue our investments in both the three- and four-cylinder platforms. It’s two different clients and two different segments in the market, so we will keep going in both.

MO: Which is your personal favorite in the Triple range?

GC: My personal favourite is the F3 800 because I like sportbikes and with the 800 you can get the feeling of a supersport 1000cc bike but with easier riding – a lightweight bike but still with good torque and power, so a really complete bike, both for the track and the street.