Founded: 1978
Cagiva headquarters: Varese, Italy
Cagiva parent: MV Agusta Motor S.p.A
Website: cagiva.it
Cagiva is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer, widely known on the market since 1978. Castiglioni brothers, who bought the factory from the company Harley-Davidson, named their offspring in honor of their father, “Castiglioni Giovanni from Varese”, according to the first syllables – “Kajiva”.
The first motorcycles are called HD-Cagiva. Since 1980, the brand has undergone a restructuring, and motorcycles have been produced under the logo of Cagiva.
In the early years of its existence, the company produced motorcycles similar to American models, as well as sports motorcycles for motocross and enduro competitions.
The crisis of the Italian moto industry in the early 1980s allows Kajiva to become one of the market leaders.
In 1983, Kajiva expanded the model range of its motorcycles, including Cagiva Aletta Rossa W5XT 125, Ala Rossa.
The company is becoming a concern: in 1985, Ducati joins the “Kajiv”; a year later a license is acquired for the production of Swedish motorcycles Husqvarna with the right to use the brand name.
In 1987, Moto Morini becomes a part of the Cagiva offer.
In 1991, the company brings to the market scooters of the Taiwan company Sanyang under its own name.
The beginning of the 90s was marked by the entry of the Czech company “ZZet” into the Kajiv concern. A large-scale project to develop a super-motorcycle under the brand MV Agusta, which Kajiva bought back in the 80’s, begins in the early 90’s.
On the verge of bankruptcy in 1999, Kajiva launches a new motorcycle on the market and changes its name to MV Agusta Motor S.p.A.
Still, motorcycles are produced under the Cagiva logo.
In July 2001, Piaggio Concern signed an agreement with MV Agusta (formerly Kajiva). To Piaggio passes 20% of the shares of the conglomerate.
In 2007, the group of companies MV Agusta Group sells to BMW the right to use the Husqvarna brand.
In 2008, Harley-Davidson buys 100% of the shares of MV Agusta Group for 110 million dollars.