Italian Motorcycling Legend Claudio Castiglioni Passes At Age 64.

The man who personally elevated the Italian motorcycle industry to its current role as world leader and the businessman who excelled with MV Agusta, Cagiva, Ducati and Husqvarna brands has left us. Claudio Castiglioni, the charismatic president of MV Agusta, died this morning Auugust 17, 2011 in Varese, Italy, after fighting a long illness. He was 64 years old.

After his experience in the family business’s specializing in metalworking and manufacturing, in 1978 Castiglioni founded the company Cagiva which continually developed new and innovative motorcycles that have influenced the direction of the Italian and world motorcycle markets through the 1980’s and 1990’s. Intuitive, tenacious, and a true visionary, these qualities drove Claudio Castiglioni to purchase the historic brands like Ducati, Husqvarna and MV Agusta. Coupled with his vision, diligence, hard work and financial investment these brands have once again become the protagonist of the two wheeled market.

Castiglioni was the man behind such motorcycles as the Cagiva Elefant and Mito, the Ducati 916 and Monster and the MV Agusta F4 and Brutale; and more recently the MV Agusta F3 and Brutale 675. Racing was always an important part of Castiglioni’s passion. In addition to winning 500cc GPs with Cagiva, Ducati dominated World Superbike racing under Castiglioni’s watch and Husky also earned championships in Enduro, Motocross and Supermotard.

For the past year, the President has left the guidance of MV Agusta to his son Giovanni, who has been by his side during many of the battles that have formed the story of the manufacture in Varese, Italy.

13 Responses to “Italian Motorcycling Legend Claudio Castiglioni Passes At Age 64.”


  1. 1 Kirk Perry Aug 17th, 2011 at 12:50 pm

    The Monster legend passes. One guy who did a lot while he was here.

  2. 2 Brenda Fox Aug 17th, 2011 at 12:53 pm

    What a loss…

    Claudio’s personality outshines all he did in motorcycling. Such a joy to be around, always welcomed you as part of the family.

    Claudio ~ Wheelie with the Angels! I know you and Francisco are sliding bikes together in heaven.

  3. 3 Kustoms and Choppers Aug 17th, 2011 at 5:25 pm

    Rest in Peace Claudio

  4. 4 BadMonkeyMW Aug 17th, 2011 at 7:48 pm

    The Ducati 916 and the MV Agusta F4 will forever be two of the most beautiful production motorcycles ever designed. Definitely a big loss, but just glad such a talented man devoted his abilities to the motorcycle world. RIP.

  5. 5 fuji Aug 17th, 2011 at 9:44 pm

    Kudos to the man who one upped the Motor Co

    Well done.

    Rest in peace.

  6. 6 Michael Schacht/ Crocker Motorcycle Co. Aug 18th, 2011 at 8:25 am

    Sad day as Cancer takes another icon much too early! Rest in Peace Claudio.

  7. 7 Vince Aug 18th, 2011 at 9:09 am

    Truly a great leader in our industry

  8. 8 bigalyts Aug 18th, 2011 at 7:04 pm

    Didn’t know him just of him. He single handed “Laid” Harley Davidson away. He sold them a Company that Built 100 Bikes a Year for 70 mil and bought it back for 2 or 3 Mil. I called that being laid away. The Suits done Fu_ Ked up ! R.I.P. Claudio knowing that beside all the Wonderful achievements that you did for the Industry, you also left your Family in great shape, financially.

  9. 9 A 1 CYCLES Aug 19th, 2011 at 7:30 am

    AMAZING MAN..DONT FORGET CYRIL, HE SOLD MV AGUSTA TO HARLEY FOR 46 MILLION PLUS EURO’S AND BOUGHT IT BACK FOR 3 EUROS..HE DID THAT BEFORE TO PROTON…FOR 70 MILLION AND BOUGHT IT BACK FOR 7 EUROS…VERY SMART BUSINESSMAN.

  10. 10 izadore007 Aug 19th, 2011 at 10:01 am

    Sounds like A 1 Cycles, anouncing what izadore007 already said. Claudio had a Jewish Attorney helping to concieve those Deals.

  11. 11 Hamish Lamont Aug 19th, 2011 at 3:51 pm

    Very sad to hear of Claudio’s passing. He was truly the Godfather of the modern Italian motorcycle industry.

  12. 12 Randolph Loney Aug 26th, 2011 at 9:13 am

    produced the finest EVER!!,( in my eyes anyway) ultimate 125 screamer Cagiva wmx125….I had first 81(silver streak..bald fin head) in ireland and now 30yrs later bought last of breed 89 (white and blue chassis) still a ‘ripper’ of an Evo. Thanks Claudio for the future classics,and every blessing to Giovanni in running ‘all’ the companies.

  1. 1 Italian Motorcycling Legend Claudio Castiglioni Passes At Age 64. | ProRidersMarketing Pingback on Aug 18th, 2011 at 9:31 am
Comments are currently closed.
Cyril Huze