Difference between revisions of "MV Agusta"

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{| border=1 cellspacing=3 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:280px; background:#505050; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
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| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#505050; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" |[[File:2005 MV Agusta F4 1000 S 2 frontpage.jpg|280px]]
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|- style="color:#fff; background:darkred; font-size:larger;"
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! colspan=2 |'''MV Agusta Motor S.p.A.'''
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|-
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|Company type  ||  Private
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|-
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|Company slogan  ||  Motorcycle Art
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|-
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|Foundation  ||  1945
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|-
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|Location  ||  {{flagiconItaly}} [[Varese]], [[Italy]]
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|-
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|Key people  ||  Claudio Castiglioni, [[President]]
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|-
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|Num employees  || 
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|-
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|Industry  ||  [[Motorcycle]]
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|-
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|Products  ||   [[MV Agusta]]<br>[[Cagiva]]
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|-
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|Revenue  || 
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|-
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|Net income  || 
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|-
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|Homepage  ||  [http://www.mvagusta.it mvagusta.it]
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|}
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"Motorcycles make us dream. They have different colours, they have different sounds. They have shapes that sometimes show what inspired their designers.  Sometimes these creations are real works of art that turn the designer into an artist. This is the case with Massimo Tamburini, a design engineer who has revolutionised the concepts of sports motorcycles by raising them to new limits of performance and granting them unparalleled beauty."
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'''MV Agusta''' is a [[motorcycle]] manufacturer founded in 1945 near [[Milan]] in Cascina Costa, [[Italy]].  
  
[[image:MV Augusta WOI.jpg|thumb|350px|center|'''MV Augusta F4 at Wheels Of Italy''']]
 
  
'''Claudio Castiglion'''
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==History==
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[[Image:750 America.JPG|thumb|left|750 America]]
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[[Image:54-mv-175-cstl.jpg|thumb|right|1954 MV Agusta CSTL 175 Turismo Lusso]]
  
The name Agusta first rose to prominence in the early twentieth century, identifying a pioneer in the fledgling Italian aeronautics industry: count [[Giovanni Agusta]]. Originally from [[Sicily]] but living in Lombardy, Giovanni Agusta founded his company in 1907 at “Cascine Costa” in Samarate (VA). Production of Agusta aircraft soared during the First World War, when the Count signed up as a volunteer in the Malpensa Air Battalion.  
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The company began as an offshoot of the [[Agusta]] aviation company which was formed by Count Giovanni Agusta in 1923. The Count died in 1927, leaving the company in the hands of his wife and sons, Domenico, Vincenzo, Mario and Corrado. Count Vincenzo Agusta together with his brother Domenico formed MV Agusta (the MV stood for Meccanica Verghera) at the end of the [[World War II|Second World War]] as a means to save the jobs of employees of the Agusta firm and also to fill the post-war need for cheap, efficient transportation. They produced their first prototype, ironically called "Vespa 98", in 1945. After learning of that that the name had already been registered by [[Piaggio]] for its [[Vespa]] [[motorscooter]], it was referred to simply by the number “98”.
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When he died in 1927, the company passed into the hands of his widow Giuseppina and son Domenico, who quickly found themselves having to deal with a crisis in the aeronautics sector and were forced to diversify to avoid shutting down. They decided to convert from aircraft to motorcycles, in response to the Italians' growing demand for motorised individual mobility. The first thing they did was come up with an engine which was inexpensive to produce and run: a two-stroke engine with a capacity of 98 cc and a three port timing system, primary gear transmission, an oil-bathed clutch and two gears.
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The company successfully manufactured small-displacement, quintessential [[Café racer]] style motorcycles (mostly 125-150 cc) through the 1950s and 1960s. In the 60s small motorcycle sales declined, and MV started producing larger displacement cycles in more limited quantities. A 250 cc, and later a smart 350 cc twin were produced, and a 600 cc four-cylinder evolved into a 750 cc which is still extremely valuable today.
Unfortunately the development of the engine was interrupted by the second world war, and in 1943 Cascina Costa was occupied by German troops. The occupation lasted until the end of the war, when [[Domenico Agusta]] established [[Meccanica Verghera]] in order to complete his new [[motorcycle]] project: a new company fully prepared to meet the challenges of the [[motorcycle]] market.
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Following the death of Count Domenico Agusta in 1971 the company declined and by 1980, it stopped producing motorcycles altogether.
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[[File:1951 MV Agusta Model 51 Scooter.jpg|thumb|right|250px|'''1951 MV Agusta Model 51 Scooter''']]
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==Resurrected by Cagiva==
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[[Image:1998 Oro.JPG|thumb|left|F4 750 Oro]]
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[[Cagiva]] purchased the MV Agusta name trademarks in 1991 and in 1997 it introduced the first new MV Agusta motorcycle. The new bikes were four-cylinder 750 cc sports machines ([[MV Agusta F4 series|the F4 range]]), which included a series of limited production run models, such as the all black paint work SPR model ("Special Production Racing") which was featured in the movie "''[[I Robot]]''" and in 2004, they introduced their first 1000 cc bike. 2004 marked the end of production for the 750 sports machines, with a limited production of 300 SR ("Special Racing") model in the traditional red and silver livery.  
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MV Agusta also made a limited number of F4 750 cc and F4 1000 cc "[[Ayrton Senna]]" editions in memory of the late Formula One Champion of the same name (who was an avid Ducati and MV Agusta collector) in aid of the Instituto Ayrton Senna, his charity foundation in Brazil for children and young people. 300 models of each were made in the early 2000's.
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They also produce a range of 750 and 910 "naked" bikes called the [[MV Agusta Brutale series|Brutale]]. Production is somewhat limited, as it is the policy of the company to produce an elite machine similar to [[Ferrari]] in motor cars. They do not compete directly with Japanese manufacturers, whose motorcycles typically sell for considerably less than the cost of an MV Agusta. Rather they compete with other Italian models such as [[Ducati]] sports bikes the [[Ducati 996|996]], 998, 999, and the naked [[Ducati Monster|Monster]].  In 2005, MV Agusta introduced the Tamburini 1000, which is named after its creator, [[Massimo Tamburini]], who previously worked for [[Moto Guzzi]], and most recently Ducati.  [[Cycle World]] and Australian Motorcycle News magazine named it the best [[sportbike]] in the world. Tamburini designed the Ducati 916 sports bike (predecessor of the 748 and 996 series) which marked the return of Ducati as a successful motorcycle manufacturer over the last decade. The MV Agusta F4 refined the innovative design of the 916. In recent publications, the MV Agusta has been highly praised as one of the best handling motorcycles ever created and the 2008 F4 312R model is known to be the world's fastest production motorcycle. Claimed power of the new F4 312R model is 183HP, although [[dyno]] tests suggest it is more in the range of 172-175, in stock performance mode, a condition generally resolved by simple after market adjustments.
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In 1999 the Cagiva group was restructured for strategic purposes and MV Agusta become the main brand comprising Cagiva and Husqvarna.
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[[image:MV Augusta trick.jpg|thumb|200px|right|]]
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==Purchase and sale by Proton==
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Heavily indebted, the manufacturer was bought by [[Malaysia]]n carmaker [[Proton (company)|Proton]] in December 2004 for 70 million euro. In December 2005 however, Proton decided to cut its ties with MV Agusta and sold it to GEVI SpA, a [[Genoa]]-based financing company related to Carige, for a token euro excluding debt.
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In 2006 that financing company, GEVI SpA, with 65% of the share capital, had refinanced MV Agusta, and by so doing allowed the company to continue, and brought MV Agusta ownership back to Italy.
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==Husqvarna sale to BMW==
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In July 2007 MV Agusta Motor S.p.A, sold the [[Husqvarna Motorcycles|Husqvarna]] motorcycle brand to [[BMW Motorrad]] for an undisclosed amount. Accorting to MV Agusta president [[Claudio Castiglioni]], the sale was a strategic step to concentrate all of the company's resources in order to expand MV Agusta and [[Cagiva]] presence in the international markets having more financial resources for new models development.
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==Racing==
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===Grand Prix racing===
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[[Image:Agostini, Giacomo 1976-08-28.jpg|thumb|right|250px|'''Agostini "Ago" MV Agusta 350 Four Cylinder''']]
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Count Vincenzo and Domenico Agusta had a passion for mechanical workings and for motorcycle racing. They were determined to have the best [[Grand Prix motorcycle racing]] team in the world and spared no expense on their passion. They achieved this goal by hiring some of the best riders of the time, namely [[Carlo Ubbiali]], [[John Surtees]], [[Mike Hailwood]], [[Giacomo Agostini]], [[Phil Read]], and others, and having the best engineers, most notably Arturo Magni. The three and four cylinder race bikes were known for their excellent road handling. The fire-engine red racing machines became a hallmark of Grand Prix racing in the 1960s and early 1970s, winning 17 consecutive [[List of Grand Prix motorcycle racing World Champions|500&nbsp;cc World Championships]], and 63 World Championships overall. With the death of Count Domenico Agusta in 1971, the company lost its guiding force. The company won their last Grand Prix in [[1976 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season|1976]], and by the [[1980 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season]], they were out of racing.
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Between 1948 and 1976 MV Agusta motorcycles have won over 3000 races.
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In 1948 the company built a 125&nbsp;cc two stroke single and entered Franco Bertoni in the Italian Grand Prix. Bertoni won the event held in Monza and instantly put the new motorcycle manufacturer on the map.
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In 1949 the 125&nbsp;cc or Ultra light weight class gained new prestige. More motorcycle manufacturers were competing in the inaugural World Championships that were held in [[Switzerland]], [[Holland]] and [[Italy]]. The Mondial 125&nbsp;cc Dohc design dominated the [[1949 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season]]. The MV riders placed 9th and 10th in the final standings.
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1950 and 1951 were development years , as the company adopted the [[MV Agusta 125 Sohc|125 Dohc]] four stroke engine. Racing efforts only produced a fifth place finish at [[Assen]] [[Dutch TT]] in 1950. The 1951 results were only slightly better.
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[[Image:1951 125cc Racing engine.JPG|thumb|right|MV Racing engine 125cc]]
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In 1950 Arturo Magni and Piero Remor joined the company after working with Gilera. Magni was the chief mechanic and Remor was chief designer.
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1952 saw the introduction of telescopic forks , full width alloy brake hubs and a sleek fuel tank on the 125 race bike. Power was 15&nbsp;bhp @ 10,800 rpms. Britain's Cecil Stanford piloted the new MV 125 to a [[Isle of Man TT]] victory and went on to win the [[1952 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season]]
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In 1953 the race engineers adopted the Earl-type forks to help with handling problems on the works racers.  The 1953 season saw the introduction of the  350 Four.  MV’s racing efforts now included the 500cc, 350cc and 125cc class.
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With the success of the 52’ season , independent or “privateer” riders could now purchase a “catalog” version of the 125 Dohc , now available through the company.  The [[MV Agusta 125 Sohc|Sport Compitione]] racer had many of the same features as the factory bike.  These included a multi-plate clutch , gear-driven oil pump , Dell Orto 27mm SS1 carburetor and remote float chamber. The bike was nick-named “The Boy Racer”.
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The mid 1950’s saw the introduction of the 175cc class.  MV Agusta produced the 175 CSS for street use and also developed a 175cc production racer for privateer racing. The 175cc was very popular in Britain in the mid fifties.  Racers like , Micheal O’Rourke, Derek Minter and Bob Keeler raced the 175 and 125 Sport Competizione around Europe with a great deal of success.  The marketing strategy of “race it on Sunday , sell it on Monday” was employed .  1957 the young [[Mike Hailwood]] raced the MV 175cc .  Later , Hailwood would become the one of the most successful motorcycle racers of all time.
  
In the autumn of 1945 the first MV Agusta was presented to the public. It was initially to be called “Vespa 98”, but it was found that the name had already been registered. And so it was referred to simply by the number “98”, available in “Touring” and “Economical” versions. Deliveries began in 1946, the year MV Agusta officially began competing in the regular races. It didn’t have to wait long for its first victory: in the first season Vincenzo Nencioni won a regular race in La Spezia, then again in Monza on November 3, when all the steps on the podium were occupied by MV Agusta  drivers (Vincenzo Nencioni, Mario Cornalea and Mario Paleari).
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For racing , early MV racing engines  had the right side casting removed for instant access to the gear box.
 
  
It was in the wake of these early successes that the model 98 “Sport” was built. It differed from the earlier models with its telescopic fork, a new frame 5cm shorter and a more sporting drive. Changes to the engine increased its power almost to 5 HP: a record at that time for an engine of this capacity.
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The 1950’s had notable MV Agusta racers like Bill Lamos, Nello Pagani , Ray Amm , [[Fortunato Libanori]] , Luigi Taveri , Umberto Mosseti  and Remo Venturi that brought  many victories to MV Agusta racing.  In late 1955 , MV approached and signed [[John Surtees]].  Surtees , in his inaugural season with MV Agusta  won the [[List of Grand Prix motorcycle racing World Champions|1956 500c World Championship]] on the Quattro Cilindri. From 1958-1960 , John Surtees would go on to win an additional  six [[List of Grand Prix motorcycle racing World Champions|World Championships]] for MV in the 350cc and 500cc classes .
  
In 1947 MV Agusta went to the Salon in [[Milan]] with a number of new features.  In addition to a “Luxury” version of the 98, the two-cylinder, two-stroke 125cc bikes and the [[250cc]] single-cylinder 4T bikes appeared.  
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The 1960’s 500cc [[List of Grand Prix motorcycle racing World Champions|World Championships]] were dominated by MV Agusta , with riders [[Gary Hocking]] , [[Mike Hailwood]] and [[Giacomo Agostini]].  In 1968 , Agostini won the 350cc World Championship title , followed by five consecutive years of 350cc World Championships for MV.
  
The year after this the [[125cc]] category was introduced in the Italian speed championships, allowing MV Agusta to enter its “125 three gear” model. In 1949 the “98” and the “125” were replaced by the new “125 TEL”, flanked by the 125 type “B” scooter in the same year.
 
  
[[image:MV Agusta 175 CSS.jpg|thumb|300px|left|'''MV Agusta 175 CSS''']]
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===Return to racing===
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[[Image:2003 MV Agusta Daytona Podium.jpg|thumb|left|250px|'''Daytona International Podium, MV Agusta F4''']]
  
In the autumn of 1945 the first MV Agusta was presented to the public. It was initially to be called “Vespa 98”, but it was found that the name had already been registered. And so it was referred to simply by the number “98”, available in “Touring” and “Economical” versions. Deliveries began in 1946, the year MV Agusta officially began competing in the regular races. It didn’t have to wait long for its first victory: in the first season [[Vincenzo Nencioni]] won a regular race in La Spezia, then again in Monza on November 3, when all the steps on the podium were occupied by MV Agusta  drivers (Vincenzo Nencioni, Mario Cornalea and Mario Paleari).
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Although there were no factory racing efforts , independent or ”privateer” teams were racing the F4 750. In 2003 , Big Show Racing , [[Chicago]] Illinois; fielded an F4 750 in the Formula USA , [[Daytona International Speedway]] 200&nbsp;Mile Team Challenge. The team placed second overall with riders Larry Denning and Aaron Risinger piloting the bike.
 
  
It was in the wake of these early successes that the model 98 “Sport” was built. It differed from the earlier models with its telescopic fork, a new frame 5cm shorter and a more sporting drive. Changes to the engine increased its power almost to 5 HP: a record at that time for an engine of this capacity.
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In May 2007, the company confirmed its return to racing in the 2008 [[Superbike World Championship]].[[Carl Fogarty]]'s [[England|English]] based Team Foggy Racing was going to run the team. Fogarty however abandoned the plans to return to the Superbike World Championship because of lack of sponsorship.
  
In 1947 MV Agusta went to the Salon in Milan with a number of new features.  In addition to a “Luxury” version of the 98, the two-cylinder, two-stroke 125cc bikes and the 250cc single-cylinder 4T bikes appeared.  
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MV Agusta's racing program for 2008 will see MV Agusta compete in the Italian Superbike Championship and, depending on the level of competitiveness achieved, in select rounds in the Superbike World Championship. Luca Scassa will be the only factory backed rider. His bikes will be developed directly by the MV Agusta racing department in Schiranna, [[Varese]] [[Italy]].
  
The year after this the 125cc category was introduced in the Italian speed championships, allowing MV Agusta to enter its “125 three gear” model. In 1949 the “98” and the “125” were replaced by the new “125 TEL”, flanked by the 125 type “B” [[scooter]] in the same year.
 
  
Motorcycle racing resumed in the early 'fifties. MV Agusta became a racing legend thanks to decisive progress in performance and technology. The publicity generated by its success in racing brought [[Cascina]] Costa increased sales of its variety of versatile, economical models that perfectly responded to the demands of the market.  But there were also applications deriving from  racing bikes such as the sporty [[125 Motore Lungo]], named for the lengthened crankcases covering its ignition magnet, the most popular sports bike of its day. '53 was a very important year for industrial production, for MV Agusta reached the threshold of producing 20,000 bikes for the first time, thanks to its complete range and to the introduction of the original model 125 Pullman.  In addition, the first plant licensed to produce motorbikes for export was opened in Spain.
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MV Agusta motorcycles will also compete in the Australian Superbike Championship, the German Superbike Championship, the [[British Superbike Championship]], the French Superbike Championship and the [[Endurance World Championship]].
  
[[image:MV Augusta Vintage.jpg|thumb|300px|right|'''MV Augusta''']]
 
  
In the meanwhile, on the racing front, the Motorcycling Federation decided to reintroduce competitive racing for mass-produced motorcycles. For this new championship MV Agusta industrialised production of the MV Agusta 124 single-shaft, a bike derived from [[Cascina]] Costa’s legendary racing bikes. The following year, 1954, saw the debut of the 175 CSS, which was to rise to fame under the nickname the Flying saucer because of the disk-like shape of its fuel tank. This model offered more than just attractive appearance, allowing MV’s drivers to win in the Sport classes too. In the second half of the ’fifties the motorcycle market was still booming, though the first signals were beginning to appear of the crisis that would later force many manufacturers to cut investment in racing and applied research.
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==Production Models 1946-1980==
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*  98cc  1946-1949
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*  125 Twin  1947
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*  125 3-Speed 1948-1949
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*  125 TEL 1949-1954
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*  125 CSL Scooter 1949-1951
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[[Image:1956 Pullman 125cc.JPG|thumb|right|1956 Pullman 125cc]]
  
But MV went against the trend here, purchasing Bell helicopter manufacturing licences which put new technologies at its disposal for application to motorcycles. Among the many innovations dating from this time are the construction of a number of prototypes of [[progressive hydraulic gears]], 2T fuel injection engines and research bikes such as the six-cylinder 500 4T.
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*  250 1947-1951
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*  125 Motore Lungo 1950-1953
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*  125  CGT Scooter  1950-1952
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*  500 Turismo  1950
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*  Ovunque Scooter  1951-1954
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*  150 1952-1953
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*  [[MV Agusta 175 CSS|175 CS  1953-1959]] 
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[[MV Agusta Pullman]] 1953-1956
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*  125 Turismo Rapido 1954-1958
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*  48 Moped 1955-1959
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[[Image:1952 150 Turismo.JPG|thumb|right|1952 150cc Turismo]]
  
MV stood out from the other motorcycle manufacturers even inta 750S''']]
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*  Superpullman 1955-1957
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*  300 Twin 1955
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*  Raid 250cc-300cc 1956-1962
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*  Ottantatre  83cc 1958-1960
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*  175 A B 1958-1959
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*  125 TREL.  Centomila 1959-1963
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*  150 4T 1959-1970
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*  Chicco Scooter 1960-1964
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*  Tevere 235  1959-1960
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*  Checca ( 83cc-99cc-125cc ) 1960-1969
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*  Liberty 50cc  1962-1969
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[[Image:MV_350.jpg|thumb|right|1972 MV Agusta 350]]
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*  Germano 50cc 1964-1968
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*  Arno 166 GT  1964-1965
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*  125 GT-GTL  1964-1973
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*  125 Regolarita 1965-1970
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*  250 Twin 1966-1971
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*  Four Cylinder series 1965-1980
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* [[MV Agusta 350B Sport]] 1970-1974
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*  350 Ipotesi 1975-1980
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*  125 Sport 1975-1980
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*  600 tourer
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*  750 GT
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*  750SS
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*  750 Sport (drum brake) 1972–1974
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*  [[750 Sport (Disc brake) 1974]]
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*  750 Sport America 1975–1978
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*  850SS
  
The company’s precarious economic position forced MV Agusta management to seek out a new financial partner. They found the answer in the public financing giant EFIM  (Ente Partecipazioni e Finanziamento Industria Manifatturiera), which demanded that MV Agusta get out of the motorcycle sector as a condition for righting its finances.
 
  
The difficult decision to abandon motorcycles resulted in the abortion of a new generation of large two-shafted 16-valve engines (750 and 850 cc) which were to have been launched at the [[Salone del Motociclo]] in [[Milan]] in 1977. The company had already reserved its stand at the fair, but failed to show up, though it did continue selling bikes until 1980, when the last bike in the Cascina Costa warehouses was sold.  The name MV Agusta was back in the news in July 1986 when the trade press published an advertisement for the sale of racing bikes, prototypes, bodies and engines from the company’s legendary racing division.
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==Race Models 1946-1976==
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[[Image:Yta.jpg|thumb|right|MV Agusta]]
  
The news raised such clamour that the leading journalists of the day demanded government intervention to protect this part of the nation’s cultural heritage. But unfortunately the great historic�s 500 GP, gradually developed into the high performance 750 S America, capable of speeds of 220 Km/h.
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* 98/125 Two Stroke 1946-1949
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* 125 Twin-Cam 1950-1960
[[image:MV Augusta 2.jpg|thumb|300px|center|]]
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* 500cc Shaft Drive Four
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* [[MV Agusta 125 Sohc]] 1953-1956
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*  175 Twin-Cam 1955-1958
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*  250 Single 1955-1959
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*  350 Twin 1957
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*  250 Twin 1959-1966
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[[Image:500 4 yt.jpg|thumb|right|500cc Four]]
  
The same year saw the introduction of the [[125 Disco]], named for the rotating disk distribution of its 2T engine. The late ’sixties marked the start of the Agostini era, with the three and four cylinder 350 and 500 models remaining popular from 1967 to 1973. The two models were produced first with three-cylinder engines and then with four-cylinder engines to combat the advent of the Japanese two-stroke engines.
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*  500cc Six Cylinder  1957-1958
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*  125 Disc Valve 1965
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*  350cc Three Cylinder 1965-1973
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[[MV Agusta 500 Three]] 1966-1974
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* 350cc Six Cylinder 1969
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* 350cc Four Cylinder 1971-1976
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*  500cc Four Cylinder 1973-1976
  
After Count Domenico’s death in the early ’seventies, the company was faced with a number of economic difficulties. This period was characterised by a battle between two opposing trends in the company’s administration: one aimed at pursuing investment in racing, the other at cutting it in order to balance the books. The middle road prevailed, resulting in limited development of the racing team and impoverishment of the number of models offered, down to only two: the 350 and the 750.
 
  
The former was offered in three set-ups: “Scrambler”, “GTEL” and “SEL”, while the 750 was available in Sport and Gran Turismo versions. In competition MV managed yet again to stave off the pressure from the Yamaha 2Ts and the Suzukis of Saarinen and Barry Sheene.  The artifices of this resistance to the Japanese invasion were the tough Phil Read, with two wins in the 1975  season, and of course Giacomo Agostini. Agostini returned from a spell with Yamaha to ride Cascina Costa machines and win the last MV Agusta victory on the Nurburgring track on August 29, 1976. 
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==Models , 1998 to 2009 - ==
  
[[image:MV Augusta 750.jpg|thumb|300px|left|'''MV Augusta 750S''']]
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'''[[MV Agusta Brutale series|Brutale]]'''
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* [http://www.mvagusta.co.uk/_motorcycles/brutale1078/index.php/ Brutale 1078 RR]
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* [http://www.mvagusta.co.uk/_motorcycles/brutale989/index.php/ Brutale 989 R]
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* [http://www.mvagusta.co.uk/_motorcycles/brutale910r/index.php/ Brutale 910 R]
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* [http://www.mvagusta.co.uk/_motorcycles/brutale910s/index.php/ Brutale 910 S]
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* Brutale 750S
  
The company’s precarious economic position forced MV Agusta management to seek out a new financial partner. They found the answer in the public financing giant EFIM  (Ente Partecipazioni e Finanziamento Industria Manifatturiera), which demanded that MV Agusta get out of the motorcycle sector as a condition for righting its finances.
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'''[[MV Agusta F4 series|F4]]'''
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*[http://www.mvagusta.co.uk/_motorcycles/f41078/index.php/ F4 1078 RR 312]
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* [[MV Agusta F4 series#F4_1000_R|F4 1000 R / R 1+1]]
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* [http://www.mvagusta.co.uk/_motorcycles/f41000/index.php/ F4 1000 R 312]
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* [[MV Agusta F4 series#F4 750 S|F4 750 S / 1+1]]
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* [[MV Agusta F4 series#F4 1000 S|F4 1000 S / 1+1]]
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'''Limited Editions'''
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* [http://www.mvagusta.co.uk/_motorcycles/f4cc/index.php/ F4CC - Claudio Castiglioni]
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* [[MV Agusta F4 series#F4 Tamburini|F4 Tamburini]]
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* [[MV Agusta F4 series#F4 1000 Senna|F4 1000 Senna]]
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* Brutale ORO
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* [[MV Agusta F4 series#F4 750 SPR and SR|F4 SPR]]
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* Brutale America
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* [[MV Agusta F4 series#F4 AGO|F4 AGO]]
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* Brutale Gladio
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* F4 Mamba
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* F4 Corse
  
The difficult decision to abandon motorcycles resulted in the abortion of a new generation of large two-shafted 16-valve engines (750 and 850 cc) which were to have been launched at the [[Salone del Motociclo]] in [[Milan]] in 1977. The company had already reserved its stand at the fair, but failed to show up, though it did continue selling bikes until 1980, when the last bike in the Cascina Costa warehouses was sold.  The name MV Agusta was back in the news in July 1986 when the trade press published an advertisement for the sale of racing bikes, prototypes, bodies and engines from the company’s legendary racing division.
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A limited production edition of the F41000R known as the F4 CC, named after Claudio Castiglioni (the managing director of MV Agusta), is the most expensive production motorcycle with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $120,000 USD.
  
The news raised such clamour that the leading journalists of the day demanded government intervention to protect this part of the nation’s cultural heritage. But unfortunately the great historic]''']]
 
  
The engine was created using exclusive solutions such as the radial valve arrangement and removable transmission, the first solution inherited from the broken up Ferrari and the second from the Cagiva [[GP]]. Industrial production of the new engine began at the same time as the design of the riding and aesthetic aspects, entrusted to the great master [[Massimo Tamburini]], director of the CRC (Cagiva Research Centre). Tamburini already had many years' experience dressing this type of propulsor unit, accumulated during his years with [[Bimota]] (which stands for [[Bianchi]], [[Morri]] and [[Tamburini]]). The first prototype was completed on the eve of the 1997 salon in Milan and exhibited to the press for the first time on September 16 of that year. The reporters were amazed by the marvel before their eyes, the [[MV Agusta F4]]. Red and silver just like its ancestors, with that organ pipe exhaust pipe that brings to mind lost symphonies, the MV Agusta F4 was an immediate success, the ideal object of a motorcycle lover's desire. The subsequent process of industrialisation was divided into two distinct stages: the first with production of a limited run of [[300 Fcycle fans. The purchase of the legendary trademark by the most dynamic and determined entrepreneurs in the motorcycle industry was sure to guarantee the rebirth of MV Agusta. After all, the Castiglioni family were the only entrepreneurs on the scene capable of resuscitating companies in difficulty and transforming them into successful enterprises. The Castiglioni family had demonstrated their managerial skill by creating Cagiva out of the ashes of the glorious Aermacchi AMF; only a few years later [[Cagiva]] saved [[Ducati]], in desperate straits, a victim of public financing strategies. And finally, they moved the production of [[Husqvarna]] of Sweden to Schiranna, so that the group offered (and still offers) the widest range of motorcycles in Europe. But while the other trademarks involved a technical or industrial inheritance, when it came to MV Agusta the only certainty was the fame and expressive force of a glorious trademark.
+
==See also==
 +
*[[Agusta]]
 +
*[[Cagiva]]
 +
*[[Husqvarna Motorcycles|Husqvarna]]
  
[[image:MV Augusta trick.jpg|thumb|300px|left|]]
 
  
Cagiva Motor engineers faced with a blank sheet of paper strove to do their best, starting out on the basis of the technical assumption that an MV Agusta bike, to be true to its heritage, had to have a 3 or 4 cylinder in-line engine. This configuration was totally absent in European motorcycles, so Claudio Castiglioni found himself faced with the choice of either buying a Japanese engine or creating a totally new one. He chose the second option, and started out with a project developed by Ferrari, referred to as F4,  and then developed up until the present day by MV Agusta technicians and engineers.
+
==External links==
 +
* [http://www.mvagusta.it/ MV Agusta Motor SpA]
  
[[image:timmv.jpg|thumb|300px|right| '''Tim Boydle's MV owner of [http://www.Casoli.com.au www.Casoli.com.au]''']]
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[[image:timmv.jpg|thumb|200px|right| '''Tim Boydle's MV''']]
  
The engine was created using exclusive solutions such as the radial valve arrangement and removable transmission, the first solution inherited from the broken up Ferrari and the second from the Cagiva [[GP]]. Industrial production of the new engine began at the same time as the design of the riding and aesthetic aspects, entrusted to the great master [[Massimo Tamburini]], director of the CRC (Cagiva Research Centre). Tamburini already had many years' experience dressing this type of propulsor unit, accumulated during his years with [[Bimota]] (which stands for [[Bianchi]], [[Morri]] and [[Tamburini]]). The first prototype was completed on the eve of the 1997 salon in Milan and exhibited to the press for the first time on September 16 of that year. The reporters were amazed by the marvel before their eyes, the [[MV Agusta F4]]. Red and silver just like its ancestors, with that organ pipe exhaust pipe that brings to mind lost symphonies, the MV Agusta F4 was an immediate success, the ideal object of a motorcycle lover's desire. The subsequent process of industrialisation was divided into two distinct stages: the first with production of a limited run of [[300 Fform-data; name="wpEdittime"
 
  
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{{A-Z multipage list|Motorcycle Information and Photos by Marque|Motorcycle Information and Photos by Marque|}}
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{{A-Z multipage list|Car Information and Photos by Marque|Information and Photos by Marque|}}
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{{Motorcycle Information and Photos by Marque}}
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{{Car Information and Photos by Marque}}

Latest revision as of 21:45, 14 July 2013

MV Logo.png
2005 MV Agusta F4 1000 S 2 frontpage.jpg
MV Agusta Motor S.p.A.
Company type Private
Company slogan Motorcycle Art
Foundation 1945
Location 3dflagsdotcom italy2bs.gif Varese, Italy
Key people Claudio Castiglioni, President
Num employees
Industry Motorcycle
Products MV Agusta
Cagiva
Revenue
Net income
Homepage mvagusta.it


MV Agusta is a motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1945 near Milan in Cascina Costa, Italy.


History

750 America
1954 MV Agusta CSTL 175 Turismo Lusso

The company began as an offshoot of the Agusta aviation company which was formed by Count Giovanni Agusta in 1923. The Count died in 1927, leaving the company in the hands of his wife and sons, Domenico, Vincenzo, Mario and Corrado. Count Vincenzo Agusta together with his brother Domenico formed MV Agusta (the MV stood for Meccanica Verghera) at the end of the Second World War as a means to save the jobs of employees of the Agusta firm and also to fill the post-war need for cheap, efficient transportation. They produced their first prototype, ironically called "Vespa 98", in 1945. After learning of that that the name had already been registered by Piaggio for its Vespa motorscooter, it was referred to simply by the number “98”.

The company successfully manufactured small-displacement, quintessential Café racer style motorcycles (mostly 125-150 cc) through the 1950s and 1960s. In the 60s small motorcycle sales declined, and MV started producing larger displacement cycles in more limited quantities. A 250 cc, and later a smart 350 cc twin were produced, and a 600 cc four-cylinder evolved into a 750 cc which is still extremely valuable today.

Following the death of Count Domenico Agusta in 1971 the company declined and by 1980, it stopped producing motorcycles altogether.

1951 MV Agusta Model 51 Scooter


Resurrected by Cagiva

F4 750 Oro

Cagiva purchased the MV Agusta name trademarks in 1991 and in 1997 it introduced the first new MV Agusta motorcycle. The new bikes were four-cylinder 750 cc sports machines (the F4 range), which included a series of limited production run models, such as the all black paint work SPR model ("Special Production Racing") which was featured in the movie "I Robot" and in 2004, they introduced their first 1000 cc bike. 2004 marked the end of production for the 750 sports machines, with a limited production of 300 SR ("Special Racing") model in the traditional red and silver livery.

MV Agusta also made a limited number of F4 750 cc and F4 1000 cc "Ayrton Senna" editions in memory of the late Formula One Champion of the same name (who was an avid Ducati and MV Agusta collector) in aid of the Instituto Ayrton Senna, his charity foundation in Brazil for children and young people. 300 models of each were made in the early 2000's.

They also produce a range of 750 and 910 "naked" bikes called the Brutale. Production is somewhat limited, as it is the policy of the company to produce an elite machine similar to Ferrari in motor cars. They do not compete directly with Japanese manufacturers, whose motorcycles typically sell for considerably less than the cost of an MV Agusta. Rather they compete with other Italian models such as Ducati sports bikes the 996, 998, 999, and the naked Monster. In 2005, MV Agusta introduced the Tamburini 1000, which is named after its creator, Massimo Tamburini, who previously worked for Moto Guzzi, and most recently Ducati. Cycle World and Australian Motorcycle News magazine named it the best sportbike in the world. Tamburini designed the Ducati 916 sports bike (predecessor of the 748 and 996 series) which marked the return of Ducati as a successful motorcycle manufacturer over the last decade. The MV Agusta F4 refined the innovative design of the 916. In recent publications, the MV Agusta has been highly praised as one of the best handling motorcycles ever created and the 2008 F4 312R model is known to be the world's fastest production motorcycle. Claimed power of the new F4 312R model is 183HP, although dyno tests suggest it is more in the range of 172-175, in stock performance mode, a condition generally resolved by simple after market adjustments.

In 1999 the Cagiva group was restructured for strategic purposes and MV Agusta become the main brand comprising Cagiva and Husqvarna.


Purchase and sale by Proton

Heavily indebted, the manufacturer was bought by Malaysian carmaker Proton in December 2004 for 70 million euro. In December 2005 however, Proton decided to cut its ties with MV Agusta and sold it to GEVI SpA, a Genoa-based financing company related to Carige, for a token euro excluding debt.

In 2006 that financing company, GEVI SpA, with 65% of the share capital, had refinanced MV Agusta, and by so doing allowed the company to continue, and brought MV Agusta ownership back to Italy.


Husqvarna sale to BMW

In July 2007 MV Agusta Motor S.p.A, sold the Husqvarna motorcycle brand to BMW Motorrad for an undisclosed amount. Accorting to MV Agusta president Claudio Castiglioni, the sale was a strategic step to concentrate all of the company's resources in order to expand MV Agusta and Cagiva presence in the international markets having more financial resources for new models development.


Racing

Grand Prix racing

Agostini "Ago" MV Agusta 350 Four Cylinder

Count Vincenzo and Domenico Agusta had a passion for mechanical workings and for motorcycle racing. They were determined to have the best Grand Prix motorcycle racing team in the world and spared no expense on their passion. They achieved this goal by hiring some of the best riders of the time, namely Carlo Ubbiali, John Surtees, Mike Hailwood, Giacomo Agostini, Phil Read, and others, and having the best engineers, most notably Arturo Magni. The three and four cylinder race bikes were known for their excellent road handling. The fire-engine red racing machines became a hallmark of Grand Prix racing in the 1960s and early 1970s, winning 17 consecutive 500 cc World Championships, and 63 World Championships overall. With the death of Count Domenico Agusta in 1971, the company lost its guiding force. The company won their last Grand Prix in 1976, and by the 1980 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season, they were out of racing.

Between 1948 and 1976 MV Agusta motorcycles have won over 3000 races.

In 1948 the company built a 125 cc two stroke single and entered Franco Bertoni in the Italian Grand Prix. Bertoni won the event held in Monza and instantly put the new motorcycle manufacturer on the map.

In 1949 the 125 cc or Ultra light weight class gained new prestige. More motorcycle manufacturers were competing in the inaugural World Championships that were held in Switzerland, Holland and Italy. The Mondial 125 cc Dohc design dominated the 1949 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season. The MV riders placed 9th and 10th in the final standings.

1950 and 1951 were development years , as the company adopted the 125 Dohc four stroke engine. Racing efforts only produced a fifth place finish at Assen Dutch TT in 1950. The 1951 results were only slightly better.

MV Racing engine 125cc


In 1950 Arturo Magni and Piero Remor joined the company after working with Gilera. Magni was the chief mechanic and Remor was chief designer.

1952 saw the introduction of telescopic forks , full width alloy brake hubs and a sleek fuel tank on the 125 race bike. Power was 15 bhp @ 10,800 rpms. Britain's Cecil Stanford piloted the new MV 125 to a Isle of Man TT victory and went on to win the 1952 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season

In 1953 the race engineers adopted the Earl-type forks to help with handling problems on the works racers. The 1953 season saw the introduction of the 350 Four. MV’s racing efforts now included the 500cc, 350cc and 125cc class.

With the success of the 52’ season , independent or “privateer” riders could now purchase a “catalog” version of the 125 Dohc , now available through the company. The Sport Compitione racer had many of the same features as the factory bike. These included a multi-plate clutch , gear-driven oil pump , Dell Orto 27mm SS1 carburetor and remote float chamber. The bike was nick-named “The Boy Racer”.

The mid 1950’s saw the introduction of the 175cc class. MV Agusta produced the 175 CSS for street use and also developed a 175cc production racer for privateer racing. The 175cc was very popular in Britain in the mid fifties. Racers like , Micheal O’Rourke, Derek Minter and Bob Keeler raced the 175 and 125 Sport Competizione around Europe with a great deal of success. The marketing strategy of “race it on Sunday , sell it on Monday” was employed . 1957 the young Mike Hailwood raced the MV 175cc . Later , Hailwood would become the one of the most successful motorcycle racers of all time.

For racing , early MV racing engines had the right side casting removed for instant access to the gear box.

The 1950’s had notable MV Agusta racers like Bill Lamos, Nello Pagani , Ray Amm , Fortunato Libanori , Luigi Taveri , Umberto Mosseti and Remo Venturi that brought many victories to MV Agusta racing. In late 1955 , MV approached and signed John Surtees. Surtees , in his inaugural season with MV Agusta won the 1956 500c World Championship on the Quattro Cilindri. From 1958-1960 , John Surtees would go on to win an additional six World Championships for MV in the 350cc and 500cc classes .

The 1960’s 500cc World Championships were dominated by MV Agusta , with riders Gary Hocking , Mike Hailwood and Giacomo Agostini. In 1968 , Agostini won the 350cc World Championship title , followed by five consecutive years of 350cc World Championships for MV.


Return to racing

Daytona International Podium, MV Agusta F4

Although there were no factory racing efforts , independent or ”privateer” teams were racing the F4 750. In 2003 , Big Show Racing , Chicago Illinois; fielded an F4 750 in the Formula USA , Daytona International Speedway 200 Mile Team Challenge. The team placed second overall with riders Larry Denning and Aaron Risinger piloting the bike.

In May 2007, the company confirmed its return to racing in the 2008 Superbike World Championship.Carl Fogarty's English based Team Foggy Racing was going to run the team. Fogarty however abandoned the plans to return to the Superbike World Championship because of lack of sponsorship.

MV Agusta's racing program for 2008 will see MV Agusta compete in the Italian Superbike Championship and, depending on the level of competitiveness achieved, in select rounds in the Superbike World Championship. Luca Scassa will be the only factory backed rider. His bikes will be developed directly by the MV Agusta racing department in Schiranna, Varese Italy.


MV Agusta motorcycles will also compete in the Australian Superbike Championship, the German Superbike Championship, the British Superbike Championship, the French Superbike Championship and the Endurance World Championship.


Production Models 1946-1980

  • 98cc 1946-1949
  • 125 Twin 1947
  • 125 3-Speed 1948-1949
  • 125 TEL 1949-1954
  • 125 CSL Scooter 1949-1951
1956 Pullman 125cc
  • 250 1947-1951
  • 125 Motore Lungo 1950-1953
  • 125 CGT Scooter 1950-1952
  • 500 Turismo 1950
  • Ovunque Scooter 1951-1954
  • 150 1952-1953
  • 175 CS 1953-1959
  • MV Agusta Pullman 1953-1956
  • 125 Turismo Rapido 1954-1958
  • 48 Moped 1955-1959
1952 150cc Turismo
  • Superpullman 1955-1957
  • 300 Twin 1955
  • Raid 250cc-300cc 1956-1962
  • Ottantatre 83cc 1958-1960
  • 175 A B 1958-1959
  • 125 TREL. Centomila 1959-1963
  • 150 4T 1959-1970
  • Chicco Scooter 1960-1964
  • Tevere 235 1959-1960
  • Checca ( 83cc-99cc-125cc ) 1960-1969
  • Liberty 50cc 1962-1969
1972 MV Agusta 350
  • Germano 50cc 1964-1968
  • Arno 166 GT 1964-1965
  • 125 GT-GTL 1964-1973
  • 125 Regolarita 1965-1970
  • 250 Twin 1966-1971
  • Four Cylinder series 1965-1980
  • MV Agusta 350B Sport 1970-1974
  • 350 Ipotesi 1975-1980
  • 125 Sport 1975-1980
  • 600 tourer
  • 750 GT
  • 750SS
  • 750 Sport (drum brake) 1972–1974
  • 750 Sport (Disc brake) 1974
  • 750 Sport America 1975–1978
  • 850SS


Race Models 1946-1976

MV Agusta
  • 98/125 Two Stroke 1946-1949
  • 125 Twin-Cam 1950-1960
  • 500cc Shaft Drive Four
  • MV Agusta 125 Sohc 1953-1956
  • 175 Twin-Cam 1955-1958
  • 250 Single 1955-1959
  • 350 Twin 1957
  • 250 Twin 1959-1966
500cc Four
  • 500cc Six Cylinder 1957-1958
  • 125 Disc Valve 1965
  • 350cc Three Cylinder 1965-1973
  • MV Agusta 500 Three 1966-1974
  • 350cc Six Cylinder 1969
  • 350cc Four Cylinder 1971-1976
  • 500cc Four Cylinder 1973-1976


Models , 1998 to 2009 -

Brutale

F4

Limited Editions

A limited production edition of the F41000R known as the F4 CC, named after Claudio Castiglioni (the managing director of MV Agusta), is the most expensive production motorcycle with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $120,000 USD.


See also


External links

File:Timmv.jpg
Tim Boydle's MV



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