A mates interested in a tourismo, was going to advise steering clear due to recent news but not really sure where dealers, warranty and parts stand? Can't find any more news than the Bancrupcy / liquidation stories in March. Any one have knowledge or experience? Thanks
The saga with mv is ongoing. Has been for a long time. Dealers have always been few and far between. And parts are also an issue. Shame really, AMG have expressed interest in buying the company entirely but the big cheese won't sell.
Rumour of another foreign buyer - Spanish I think - also Merc have been mentioned / just back from their summer break might know more by end September Pot luck with spares from factory at the moment - make sure you use a recommended dealer MV's are great - I've had no issues with mine but older ones do have sprag issues Check paperwork and make sure serviced by MV dealer Be prepared for the worst ;p
Not the first time they've faced issues like this though this time around investors and banks are wary both due to history and current financial issues in Italy and elsewhere. My interpretation of what's going on Giovanni Castigloni, owner and majority shareholder, isn't going to relinquish control of his father's company any time soon which has torpedoed the relationship with AMG who hold 25%. AMG wanted to ramp up production to 20-25,000 units pa, Giovanni wants to remain exclusive at around 10,000 units. Loans are based on this AMG shareholding so anyone buying them out will need to come up with millions of extra Euros to pay off these loans at the same time. Development costs are high considering low production figures but product range is strong, especially the 800s. The F4 needs a replacement to keep up with the current crop of litre sports bikes out there but the coffers are pretty dry. There was a an Italian equivalent to chapter 11 in force, obligating suppliers to keep parts coming, but I believe that this expired at the beginning of this month. Many haven't been paid by MV for some time. The next month will be interesting but everyone is playing their cards very close to their chests. IMHO it's unlikely that the company will disappear but it's going through a painful patch, for owners of their bikes, employees, dealers and suppliers. I have a Turismo, bought earlier this year and in the knowledge of what was unfolding at the time. Great bike with a few minor flaws, not insurmountable and none so far that have stopped me riding. Dealer (Ed Cosker) has been great but is somewhat hampered by spares availability.
Thanks for the update guys, I will advise caution. I'd love a Dragster RR but think I'll hold off for a while until there's a clear understanding of the future
Problem is, there will never be a clear understanding with MV, lovely bikes but you've just got to have the courage of your convictions and go for it if you fancy one, knowing that there can always be a change in their circumstances around the corner. It was just the same as a Ducati owner in the early nineties in the Ducati/Cagiva era. I remember Moto Cinelli telling me they just didn't know if or when they would be getting their next parts order !
