MV Agusta has revealed its all-new five-cylinder engine concept, and the early numbers are every bit as bold as you’d expect from the Italian brand. Designed to serve multiple roles, from supersport to naked bikes to touring, this new “square” five-cylinder layout aims to deliver high performance while keeping size and weight in check. The engine will weigh under 60kg, which is remarkably light for what it’s targeting. The layout is also narrower than an inline-four and shorter than a V4, giving engineers far more freedom with future frames and bodywork.
Displacement will range from 850cc to 1150cc. In its highest state of tune, MV is targeting more than 238bhp at over 16,000rpm and up to 135Nm at 8,500rpm. This suggests a strong top-end punch without sacrificing mid-range usability. The engine also avoids variable valve timing, instead using a unique five-cylinder firing order to deliver clean, predictable torque at low rpms and strong power at the top. If it performs as claimed, throttle response should feel direct and easy to manage in everyday conditions.
A major innovation lies in the crankshaft design. Rather than a single crank, MV has split it into a three-cylinder “front” crank and a two-cylinder “rear” crank, arranged in a U-shape. The intent is to reduce vibration and improve balance without relying on heavy counter-balancers. This should result in smoother revs, less stress on the frame, and better long-term durability, particularly useful for touring-focused models.
The engine also integrates an electric water pump and an electric oil pump. These reduce mechanical drag, respond more quickly to cooling and lubrication needs, and eliminate bulky belt or gear-driven systems. At high rpm, where heat and wasted energy become critical, these small efficiencies can make a big difference.
Compactness is a key design theme. The five-pot layout and U-crank allow the engine to sit tighter within the chassis, enabling shorter wheelbases or the fitment of larger airboxes and radiators when needed. For supersport models, this can translate to quicker steering and improved mass centralisation. For touring bikes, it creates space for bigger fuel tanks, better cooling systems, and practical mounting points for luggage, without making the bike feel excessively wide.
If the brand brings production models using this platform in the coming years, it could introduce an entirely new alternative to the common inline-four and V4 litre-class engines. The combination of lightness, smoothness, and high-rev performance could appeal to both spirited road riders and occasional track-day enthusiasts. And with modular displacement options, MV can tailor versions to suit different markets, including those with displacement-based taxation rules.
