MV Agusta 921 S First Look
Wed, 09 Nov 2022
Retro-cool, with an all-new engine.
Drawing off a company’s past success is a popular starting point when it comes to future models, and MV Agusta is drawing off its success 50 years ago to guide a new category of motorcycle it hopes to bring to market in the coming years. What you see here is the 921 S concept.
The brainchild of MV Agusta’s Brian Gillen and Stephen Zache, the two looked at the 1973 MV Agusta 750S as the inspiration to build a new motorcycle for the future while still respecting tradition and history. Interestingly, MV’s press materials are quick to point out that the 921S is not intended to be a modern replica of the 750S, but rather a “tribute to that beguiling bike.”
From a design aspect, the horizontal lines mimic cafe racers of the era, while the proportions attempt to stay true to those bikes as well. What this means is a svelte package when viewed from the top. You won’t find much bodywork either, especially on the lower half, because MV wants to show off its brand-new inline-four-cylinder engine. As such, you can see the engine’s red valve cover, and the overall aesthetic of the block with its cooling fin motif is a definite throwback to air-cooled engines of the 60s and 70s.
The 921cc Four is a fresh ground-up design that isn’t necessarily looking for outright performance as nice, useable power. Nonetheless, it still features MV’s radial valves. Other bits include forged pistons and connecting rods, forged and nitrated crankshaft, horizontal air intakes, an optimized cooling system, 39mm ride-by-wire throttle bodies, camshaft profiles for maximum torque over peak horsepower, and a secondary balance shaft. MV says it makes 115.5 horsepower at 10,000 rpm and 85.9 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm.
This engine is suspended from a steel trellis frame with aluminum pivot plates, but the other eye-catchers here are the oversized (red) swingarm, brake air duct, the four exhausts exiting under the engine, and the forged aluminum wheels with spokes meant to mimic the metal spokes used on the 750S. Suspension is fully adjustable Öhlins units.
To keep the handlebar area as clean as possible, the round touchscreen instrument panel is located at the tip of the fuel tank. This allows the bars, beautifully machined triple clamps, and handlebar mounts to stay visible. The handlebars themselves are the clip-on type but mounted to a forged aluminum central piece, reminiscent of clubman bars seen on some cafe racers. In this case, the design was inspired by time trial bicycle racers, with their aerodynamic profile.
Capping off the design at the rear of the 921S, there’s the Alcantara single seat with a “floating” bolster behind it where the passenger seat would go. It’s a clean yet futuristic design that integrates the tail light with a centralized MV logo.
As this is still a concept, though one very close to looking production ready, there’s no telling when the 921S will actually come to market and for how much.
Troy's been riding motorcycles and writing about them since 2006, getting his start at Rider Magazine. From there, he moved to Sport Rider Magazine before finally landing at Motorcycle.com in 2011. A lifelong gearhead who didn't fully immerse himself in motorcycles until his teenage years, Troy's interests have always been in technology, performance, and going fast. Naturally, racing was the perfect avenue to combine all three. Troy has been racing nearly as long as he's been riding and has competed at the AMA national level. He's also won multiple club races throughout the country, culminating in a Utah Sport Bike Association championship in 2011. He has been invited as a guest instructor for the Yamaha Champions Riding School, and when he's not out riding, he's either wrenching on bikes or watching MotoGP.
More by Troy Siahaan
I must be getting old. I’m no longer tempted to open up my wallet to massage my ego.
Add 2 more cylinders and make a 1382s big brother.
New Rider's Hub
Get StartedFind your Motorcycle
Top Brands
Popular Articles
2025 Ducati Panigale V4 and V4 S – First Look
Official: 2024 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT Announced
2024 Ducati Diavel V4 vs Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R – Side by Side
Official: The US Is Getting the 2025 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP
Small Adventure Bike, Big Adventure Dreams
You may also be interested in
Updates Expected for 2025 Triumph Speed Twin 1200
What You Need To Know About Automatic Clutch Transmissions
Ducati Unveils the Panigale V2 Superquadro Final Edition
2024 MV Agusta Enduro Veloce – First Look
Limited Edition MV Agusta LXP Orioli – First Look
2021 MV Agusta Rush First Look
2022 MV Agusta Lucky Explorer Project 9.5 First Look
MV Agusta Lucky Explorer 5.5 First Look
What Kind Of Helmet Do You Prefer? – Question of the Day
MV Agusta Chairman Hubert Trunkenpolz Interview – Part One
Guilty Pleasures – Question of the Day
KTM and Brabus Collab to Continue With 1400 R Models
Trademarks Confirm Royal Enfield Interceptor Bear and Classic 650
Metzeler Roadtec 02 Tire Review
2024 Aprilia RS457 Review – First Ride
Husqvarna Announces 2025 TC85
World Supersport 300 Championship to End After 2025 Season
2025 CFMOTO Ibex 450 Review – First Ride
By Troy Siahaan
See also: MV Agusta Reveals Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro, 2023 MV Agusta Ampelio First Look, Church of MO: 2012 Literbike Streetfighter Shootout - With Video!.