This year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) had special meaning for me because I had the privilege of touring KTM North America headquarters to meet famous motorcycle brands such as KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas and a New product joins the company, MV Agusta.
The evening before the IWD trip, Olivia Goheen (Marketing Director of MV Agusta) invited all the female media staff to dinner. When I arrived at Gourmet Italia in Temecula, I greeted both familiar faces and new acquaintances. The evening progressed with an enjoyable dinner, engaging conversations and a convivial atmosphere that fostered a sense of belonging.
Pierer Mobility North America Travel
The next morning began with a visit to Pierer Mobility North America headquarters, where a fleet of 13 MV Agustas was waiting for us. Before the trip, we toured the facility. Walking through the grand entrance, I was greeted by a spacious space decorated with a series of motorbikes and captivating visuals showcasing MV Agusta’s heritage.
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One of the highlights of our tour was the training room, where local dealership mechanics received comprehensive instruction on servicing the Austrian and Italian brands. This room is filled with meticulously dissected engines, providing insight into the inner workings of these engines. Notably, the transparent valve cover, exposed cam and cut-out stator cover provide tactile interpretation. One particularly fascinating example stood out to me: a cylinder cut lengthwise to reveal a piston located at the lowest point of its stroke. In addition, an electric motorbike engine is also dissected to reveal the data sheet inside, demonstrating the thoroughness in presentation.
After this fun experience, we headed to the e-bike and pedal bike service area, servicing a variety of brands including Husqvarna, GasGas, Felt and R Raymond. The staff showed remarkable enthusiasm when introducing the MV Agusta Rush 1000 that had just been delivered to the facility. Exquisite craftsmanship and aesthetic elegance have been highlighted on this meticulously designed motorcycle with a striking combination of red, black and carbon fiber accents.
Our itinerary then leads us to the motorsport building, which is reserved for the factory racing teams. As soon as you walk through the doors, the illustrious history of KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas will be celebrated through an impressive display of trophies on the walls. As we made our way through the bustling workshop, conversations with factory race mechanics provided invaluable insights into the meticulous preparation process that goes into road and off-road motorcycles for the competition. We pass through the suspension assembly area before arriving at the engine shop, where more than 100 engines are waiting to be deployed to various racing events. Among these engines is one meticulously tuned for optimal performance at the high altitudes of Pikes Peak, Colorado.
Before a sumptuous lunch, we were introduced to the dedicated women of KTM NA, whose integral roles in the organization emphasize its commitment to diversity and inclusion. After lunch we had the opportunity to ride a variety of MV Agustas.
Driving an MV Agusta motorbike
The motorcycle originally delivered to me was the Dragster RR SCS America, a limited production model with only 300 pieces handcrafted in Italy. Several features immediately caught my attention. The transparent clutch cover, the clear separation between the seat and subframe to reveal the base, and the carbon fiber wheel covers with red, white and blue accents all contribute to the unique look of the motorcycle. As a petite 5-foot-6 woman, I found the 33.3-inch seat height to be easily adjustable, allowing both of my feet to touch the ground firmly. The riding position appears extremely comfortable for a high-performance motorcycle, with the upright handlebars adding to the overall ergonomic appeal.
Related: MV Agusta Dragster RR SCS USA | First trip review
After ignition, the 5.5-inch TFT screen undergoes a brief but thorough 8-second diagnostic test, ensuring optimal function of battery voltage and other electronic components before engine starting permission. When riding, I feel the operation of the Smart Clutch System on the car is quite familiar, similar to the experience with the Rekluse clutch on my KTM 500EXC. The launch control function is particularly impressive, delivering quick and seamless acceleration while keeping the front wheels low enough to avoid oversteer.
As we navigated the twisty roads, I encountered a slight bump at a steep angle, causing the front wheel to lift momentarily. The motorcycle’s responsiveness was such that I barely noticed the move until the front wheel touched the ground, reflecting the seamless handling characteristics of the Dragster America special edition.
I then moved on to the Brutale 1000, which offers a similar riding experience to the Dragster, albeit without the SCS.
At the next stop, I switched to the F3, a visually striking red sportsbike characterized by its aggressive seating position and sharp fuel tank design. Equipped with a 675cc 3-cylinder engine and integrated lap timer, the F3 exudes powerful performance.
Once in a large, open area, I had the opportunity to fully experience the F3’s performance, which demonstrated strong acceleration tendencies. Despite its dynamic capabilities, driving the F3 for long periods proved tiring for my hands and wrists, underscoring the intensity of its performance-oriented design.
After riding several MV Agusta models, I’m impressed by the variety of experiences the motorcycles offer, each offering a unique combination of performance, craftsmanship and comfort. ergonomic side.
Unite female riders
The day ends with a visit to the esteemed Doffo winery, where a private dinner awaits us in the motor room. Against the backdrop of fine wines and exquisite cuisine prepared by a talented female chef, we reflected on the importance of IWD. It’s a fitting tribute to the countless contributions of women in motorcycling, a sentiment echoed by one of the owner’s daughters, who explained her love for motorbike and expressed his deep appreciation for this auspicious occasion.
When we left, the camaraderie forged during our time together remained, a testament to a bond forged through shared passions and experiences. Indeed, this celebration of IWD is a poignant reminder of the strides made by women in traditionally male-dominated fields, inspiring us all to continue pushing boundaries. and challenge stereotypes.
I thank MV Agusta and Olivia Goheen for providing the opportunity to connect, collaborate and ride together, fostering a more inclusive motorcycle community. Celebrate next year’s International Women’s Day with MV Agusta and its continued empowerment of female riders. Congratulations!
