Cycle News Staff | November 9, 2022
More adventure bikes are being unveiled at this year’s EICMA show and MV Agusta is giving us a look at their 2023 Lucky Explorer 9.5 and 5.5 models. An ode to the Elefant, which won the exhausting Paris-Dakar in 1990 and 1994, the Lucky Explorers are set to land in dealerships at the end of next spring.
The 2023 MV Agusta Lucky Explorer 9.5.
There are two options from MV Agusta in terms of displacement. The 9.5 offers a 931cc three-cylinder engine while 5.5 comes with a smaller 554cc twin-cylider setup. Both bikes feature electric starters, hydraulic clutches, and six-speed transmissions.
The smaller, 5.5 version.
Lucky Explorer 9.5
An 931cc four stroke in-line three-cylinder engine is liquid cooled and equipped with a double overhead camshaft and counter-rotating crankshaft to improve the riding dynamics and reduce inertia effects. Maximum power and torque values come in at 124 hp at 10,000 rpm and 102 Nm at 7000 rpm. Top speed for the 9.5 is a claimed 149 miles per hour.
The 9.5 is powered by a three-cylinder 931cc engine.
The 9.5 stands with an off-road stance, and comes equipped with 21 and 18-inch spoked wheels, as well as a 62.2 inch wheelbase. A closed double cradle steel frame and fully-adjustable Sachs suspension hold the bike upright. Front suspension travel comes in at 8.66 inches while the rear is 8.27 inches.
The 7-inch TFT dash on the 9.5.
The display comprises a 7-inch color TFT display with Bluetooth connection and Wi-Fi to communicate with the MV Ride app, along with various functions including route planning, data acquisition and anti-theft with geolocation. Urban, touring and off-road mappings are combined with Continental Cornering ABS with various functions. The ABS can be totally deactivated during off-road use or disabled only at the rear wheel.
The larger of the two bikes sits at a 34.85-inch seat height. It weighs 485 pounds and carries 5.28 gallons of fuel.
Classic styling.
Lucky Explorer 5.5
The smaller of the two bikes offers a 554cc engine, a liquid-cooled in-line twin with double overhead camshaft. With 70.5 mm bore and 71 mm stroke, the torque curve is evenly spread and more rider friendly for those who choose the smaller displacement option.
The 5.5 is powered by a 554cc twin-cylinder engine.
The 5.5 rides on smaller tires as well as KYB suspension. Up front you’ll find a 19-inch front tire with 43mm forks. The front forks offer 5.31 inches of travel. In the back there’s a 17-inch rear wheel and a KYB single shock.
This bike sits an inch lower at 33.8 inches and weighs in dry at 484 pounds. It carries 5.3 gallons of fuel.
Striking front end.
Luggage option.
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