While the Interwebz are abuzz with rumours Polaris is planning to buy MV Agusta, a source close to the factory tells us that is not the case.
Instead, what we’ve been told is that Polaris executives recently visited MV Agusta to discuss details of a new engine project. The visit had nothing to do with a sale, according to our source. Instead, Polaris sent people over to Italy to talk about a new retro project they’re working on. Reportedly, they want MV Agusta to build them a motor for the machine.
We don’t know if this motor will be a refinement of an existing Polaris powerplant; given that they’ve already extensively massaged their liquid-cooled 60-degree V-twin motor (as seen in the Victory Octane and Indian Scout), we can’t see that engine getting another makeover, although we could be wrong.
The official Polaris line is that “We have discussed projects together, but have no interest in acquiring MV. We have no further comments.”
There are many logical implications from this news. If the rumour is true, and Polaris is building a retro bike, a thumper or twin makes sense. For now, nobody except Honda is really cashing in on the nostalgia for retro four-cylinder motorcycles, and triples haven’t been popular enough to slot into a throwback bike yet. If the bike really is a retro machine, expect a single-cylinder or twin-cylinder engine. Unless Polaris is really going crazy, and wants to build something like the old Indian Four …
Also: If Polaris is going to MV Agusta for a motor, it’s possible it’s not for a cruiser, as that’s hardly MV Agusta’s domain. Maybe, just maybe, we’re about to see a shakeup from Indian, or maybe the long-promised lineup change from Victory that sees them produce more performance-oriented machines? Or maybe Polaris is just looking to jump on the muscle cruiser bandwagon, pioneered by Yamaha’s V-Max in the 1980s but recently resurrected by the Ducati Diavel, and news of a Husqvarna equivalent …
And lastly: This project could be a lifesaver for MV Agusta. There’s no question the factory needs to bring in more money, as their financial woes have been debated at length over the past few weeks. Some quick cash could be a big help in keeping that ship afloat.
I’d love to see an MV powered Indian four, but the engine has to run parallel to the frame (as in the original) and be as pleasing to look at as the current Indian twins, not look like the tractor engine powering the Triumph Rocket III.
Sources tell me that Italian model Fabio is also in the acquisition mix.
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