MV Agusta: will mark the re-entry of Kinetic in the two-wheeler space

Italian Suddenis is the flavour of the season! And it’s not just Benelli, being ushered in by DSK Group, or Ducati, kickstarting its second Indian innings. Or even Moto Morini partnering Vardenchi. The latest is that MV Agusta, yet another iconic bike maker from Italy, is firming up India plans and the even bigger news is that it will mark the re-entry of Kinetic in the two-wheeler space. Pune-based Kinetic Engineering were the pioneers in the Indian two-wheeler space, first with the entry-moped, the luna, and later the iconic Kinetic Honda, the first gearless scooter. They eventually partnered Hyosung to assemble the Comet and Aquila(the first locally made big bikes!) and with Italjet and SYM for scooters, but limited success meant that the entire operation including manufacturing plants, was sold to Mahindra in 2008, giving birth to Mahindra 2 Wheelers.

But now with MV Agusta, while admittedly in a niche segment, the Kinetic brand is set to return to biking.

Why should you be excited? Just look at the F4! It is arguably the most beautiful bike on the planet, and while it will be eye-wateringly expensive, it will compete with the likes of the Ducati 1299 Panigale and the Kawasaki Ninja H2. However, we understand that MV will first focus on the (affordable) naked segment, rather than the exotic track-specific F3 675, F3 800 or F4 sportsbikes. We believe the Brutale (available in 675, 800, 800 Dragster and 800 guises) will be the main focus of the brand along with the Rivale (MV’s first ever supermoto!) and maybe even the Turismo Veloce 800 (a touring machine). The Brutale is already undergoing homologation tests in the country, and we believe Kinetic will make a formal announcement in the coming months with a launch expected in the second half of the calendar year. With the involvement of the Firodia Group and their considerable expertise in two-wheleers, it wouldn’t be surprising if the CKD route is taken to launch the motorcycles here at affordable prices.

Via the CKD route, the Brutale 675 should be in the `8-10 lakh price bracket, which is going to see a whole lot of action in 2015 (Ducati Monster, Scrambler, Benelli TNT 899 and the like). Clearly, European manufacturers are keen on following in the footsteps of Harley-Davidson and Triumph, who have enjoyed significant success in a remarkably short span of time. The fact that a relative newcomer like the DSK Group (also Pune-based) has not only made a mark with Kinetic’s original partner but have now tied up with Benelli, is sure to have emboldened Kinetic to get back into biking what was once their most visible and high-profile business. And as far as iconic brands with a glorious history goes, MV Agusta is up there with the best.