‘My father can only be defined as crazy’ — Giovanni Castiglioni

Two weeks ago Claudio Castiglioni passed away after a long battle with illness. The man responsible for launching Cagiva motorcycles, reviving Ducati and bringing MV Agusta back to life, Claudio had an unassailable impact on the modern two-wheeled landscape, but was nevertheless controversial; all the above companies appeared to ride a financial roller coaster while he was at the helm. Now, his son, MV CEO Giovanni Castiglioni, speaks about his dad in this open letter. — Ed. :continue:

Wes Siler. September 8th, 2011 - Permalink - Comments (12)

Claudio Castiglioni’s legacy: a counterpoint

News of the recent death of Claudio Castiglioni has made the rounds in the motorcycle community, which has been quick to offer sympathy and heap praise on a man seen by some as a visionary. Certainly many of the fruits that came from the companies controlled by Castiglioni (pictured, center) became some of the most desirable motorcycles of the modern era, indeed of all time. But calls in various online publications, including this one, that seem to hail the man at the helm of the Cagiva/MV empire as a kind of extraordinary genius are naive. I do not wish to demean the brilliance and passion that created the F4, Brutale, Monster or 916; in fact I love those motorcycles and personally aspire to own them all. I also don’t wish to speak ill of a deceased man who is undoubtedly worthy of praise. But to blindly heap accolades regarding his business acumen or boast of his accomplishments in industry without also including some of the significant failures of the companies he led is shallow and disrespectful not only to his legacy, but to the hard work and hard times of those who worked for him.

Photo: John Gulliver

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Michael Uhlarik. August 19th, 2011 - Permalink - Comments (21)

A visual tribute to Claudio Castiglioni

Last November, we reached out to our friends at MV Agusta to find out who the designer of the then just-unveiled F3 was and arrange an interview with him/her. In response, we were told, “The CRC Team, captained by Claudio Castiglioni, designed the new F3.” At the time, we just assumed that was a nice bit of stonewalling/grand standing from an ego too big to share a spotlight created by a stunning new bike. But, looking back on it now, how far is that from the truth? Without him, we wouldn’t have had a 916, a Monster, an F4 or a Brutale, much less that new 675cc triple. Without Claudio, Doug Polen wouldn’t have won the World Superbike Championship and John Kocinski wouldn’t have won a Grand Prix at Laguna Seca. Without him, motorcycles would be very different than they are today. Here’s why. :continue:

Wes Siler. August 17th, 2011 - Permalink - Comments (10)

Claudio Castiglioni 1947-2011

Founder of Cagiva, former owner of Ducati and the man who revived MV Agusta, Claudio Castiglioni passed away in Varese this morning after battling an unspecified illness. Responsible for bringing two of the most beautiful motorcycles ever — the Ducati 916 and MV Agusta F4 — to market, Castiglioni was viewed both as a savior and an incredibly cunning businessman. His most recent triumph came just last year, when Harley-Davidson paid him €20 million to take MV Agusta off their hands two years after he’d sold it to them for €70 million. The deal made possible the two greatest MVs ever, the current F4 and Brutale, as well as the new MV Agusta F3. When the lightest, most sophisticated supersport motorcycle ever goes on sale later this year, it’ll serve as a fitting remembrance for one of the most passionate men in motorcycling.

Grant Ray. August 17th, 2011 - Permalink - Comments (18)

Giovanni Castiglioni on the MV Agusta F3, Harley-Davidson and two secret new models

We’ve been trying to make it happen since the deal was announced in August. This morning, it finally did. A frank and open discussion about the future of MV Agusta with its new 30-year-old CEO, Giovanni Castiglioni. This is the first English-language interview a Castiglioni has given since Harley paid the family to take MV back, just two years after The Motor Company bought it from them. What’s he tell us? Well, that the three-cylinder, 675cc MV Agusta F3 should make 140bhp, for starters. :continue:

Wes Siler. October 2nd, 2010 - Permalink - Comments (21)

Claudio Castiglioni buys MV Agusta

Claudio Castiglioni has bought MV Agusta back from Harley just two years after The Motor Company purchased the exotic sportsbike brand. The move may seem odd, but remember that, thanks to Harley, MV is now free of debt and has millions of dollars in new manufacturing equipment as well as an all-new midsize model ready to go in the form of the MV Agusta F3. Official word below and more analysis on the way.

Update: MV’s official statement added. :continue:

Wes Siler. August 6th, 2010 - Permalink - Comments (41)

Claudio Castiglioni, Federico Minoli competing to purchase MV Agusta

MV Agusta has shortlisted five potential buyers, according to a report in Il Sol 24 Ore, an Italian newspaper. Included on that list are current MV Chairman Claudio Castiglioni and former Ducati CEO Federico Minoli, the other three inclusions are unnamed private equity firms. Castiglioni’s bid is being backed by Intessa Sanpaolo, a major Italian banking group, while Minoli is said to have the support of a private equity fund. > :continue:

Wes Siler. April 27th, 2010 - Permalink - Comments (18)

Harley completes acquisition of MV Agusta, appoints Matt Levatich managing director

Harley-Davidson completed its purchase of MV Agusta this morning, paying $108 million for the storied Italian motorcycle maker. That figure includes $69 million paid to erase MV’s debts and includes the Cagiva brand. Matt Levatich, formerly vice president and general manager of Harley parts and accessories and custom vehicle operations, has been appointed managing director of MV Agusta. > :continue:

Wes Siler. August 8th, 2008 - Permalink - Comments (4)

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