EICMA 2019: Malaguti
Malaguti begins the next chapter in its brand history in celebration of its 90th birthday!
Rapid model development in the “Spirit of Bologna”
One year after the Austrian KSR Group announced the reinterpretation of the traditional brand at EICMA in Milan, the next chapter of the brand’s reputable history will begin at EICMA 2019 with new models and special editions – staying relevant under the hashtag #NextChapter.
It was one of the biggest surprises of EICMA 2018. At the world’s most important motorcycle show in Milan, the Austrian KSR Group announced the takeover of the time-honoured Malaguti brand name and presented a range of sporty vehicles using Italian-developed technology. At the same time, a rapid expansion of the range of models was announced.
KSR kept its word, introducing its first lightweight motorbikes, the XTM50 and the XSM50, in the spring of 2019. The DUNE125X, a variant of the DUNE125 with an off-road aesthetic, enjoyed its first appearance in the summer of 2019 as an affordable special “Black Edition” model.
The market has received Malaguti with enthusiasm. The brand is present throughout most of Europe and in other countries such as Korea. Over 100 dealers oversee sales in the “Motherland” of Italy alone.
At EICMA 2019, the DRAKON125 is the highlight of the show. The sporty naked bike has been redesigned from scratch and is one of the first models to come out of the design centre established in 2019 in the KSR headquarters in Austria.
Although the new model, which is set to to go into production in the second half of 2020, shares almost no parts with its sibling models, the DRAKON125 remains true to the “Spirit of Bologna” to which Malaguti is committed. After all, the resurrection of Malaguti is not about copying historical design elements, but about reviving the philosophy that made the brand big: affordable sportiness, modern technology and high product quality in entry-level classes, inspiring the young and the young at heart on a daily basis.
Electromobility will also play a major role in the #NextChapter of Malaguti, as KSR is also Europe’s largest distributor of electric scooters and has more than a decade of experience in this field. However, there isn’t anything like a new e-scooter at Malaguti’s stand. Instead, there is a concept vehicle, the RSTE, a fully faired racing bike driven by a central electric motor with a peak power output of 8 kW (3 kW continuous power rating). The power is transmitted to the rear wheel by means of a manual gearbox, thus retaining the original motorbike character. Two lithium battery packs, each with 1.68 kWh, provide a range fit for everyday use and more. Malaguti is aiming to bring the noiseless racer to the market by the end of 2020.
The #NextChapter also includes other engine variants of the existing models. The comfortable Commuter Scooter MADISON is also due to be launched in the 125 cc class, the models DUNE, XTM, XSM and RST will also have 250 cm³ engines in order to motorise the growing number of A2 licence holders in the spirit of the old Italian university city.
In additional to the promising prospects for the future, Malaguti is looking back to the glory days as it celebrates its 90th birthday in 2020! The MADISON300 and the MONTE PRO125 “Anniversary Editions” will be released as birthday presents for the fans.
With such an energetic start to the anniversary year of 2020, it is already clear that the #NextChapter will be a very successful one for Malaguti!
More information at https://www.malaguti.bike/