MondialMoto unveils plans for new VR5 Superbike. FIRST road-going V5?

Italian motorcycle manufacturer MondialMoto has announced plans for a new five-cylinder, 200bhp, road-going superbike.

It’s worth noting that MondialMoto has nothing to do with iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturer Mondial, who clinched ten world titles way back in the ‘50s. Instead, it’s a new brand, based in Modena, Italy and Wolverhampton, UK – and is backed by ex-Ferrari and Mercedes engineer Antonio Matarollo.

The five-cylinder engine that MotoMondial are planning to use in the VR5, would be the first of its kind in a street motorcycle. So far only Honda has used a similar setup, but that was in MotoGP. In reference to Honda’s RC211V V5 race bike, Mondial Director Antonio Matarollo said: “It dominated MotoGP for five years but it never went into production. We will be the first to put a V5 on the road.” Essentially, it’s a V-engine with a bank angle of 75.5 degrees, with three cylinders forward and two backwards. The displacement is expected to be around 1,000cc – and it should be capable of pumping out 200bhp.

It’s expected to weigh around 179kg – and its seat height will be approximately 790mm. It will also have a carbon fibre chassis and a valve train made of titanium, which Mondial say will allow the bike to rev to over 13,000rpm for long periods of time.

MotoMondial claim it’ll be well equipped too, featuring a titanium exhaust, hi-tech electronic rider aids, LED lighting, electrically operated mirrors, electronic steering lock, keyless remote, satnav, Brembo brakes, Ohlins suspension and a comprehensive instrument panel.

There are a couple of versions in development. There’s the standard S variant, which will set you back 27,995 Euros (£25,176) – with the better-equipped R version (which comes equipped with a one-piece carbon frame, subframe, single-sided swingarm and wheels) should cost around 35,995 Euros (£32,370). Reservations are already available, for 10,000 Euros (£8,993) for the S and 15,000 (£13,490) Euros for the R.

Of course, there’s still a lot to do at this stage. MondialMoto claim to have secured a €2.5m loan from the Italian government to start production in Italy next year – with the bike being unveiled at EICMA in Milan at the end of 2019. But in the meantime, it’s launched a crowd-funding campaign to raise more capital.

The company has also announced it’ll be offering a “MondialMoto Experience” factory visit which includes a meal in the company restaurant and a photo opportunity with the first V5. 

For more information on all things MondialMoto, visit: http://mondialmoto.it/