Fresh on the heels of MV Agusta regaining some of the capital held by Mercedes AMG, the Italian sport bike manufacturer confirms plans to introduce an all-new four-cylinder platform for the 2018. Though MV’s existing four-cylinder platform could be updated to meet strict Euro4 emissions regulations, there are several reasons why the introduction of an entirely new powerplant makes much more sense.

Its vintage appearance could hardly be more convincing. With its long, angular petrol tank, bicycle-style saddle, unsuspended “hard-tail” frame, and wide handlebar sweeping back from below a large, sticking-up headlight, the Black Douglas Sterling looks – to all but a fairly expert eye – like a roadster from motorcycling’s pioneering days of a century ago.