MV Agusta is the Italian make that turned racing success into an aura. The name stands for Meccanica Verghera Agusta, and for a period it was almost unbeatable in Grand Prix racing.
The milestones
- 1945. MV Agusta Motor S.p.A. was established on 19 January 1945 by Count Domenico Agusta.
- Racing. By its retirement from racing in 1976, MV had won 270 Grand Prix races, 38 World Riders' Championships and 37 World Constructors' Championships. Champions included Giacomo Agostini, Mike Hailwood and John Surtees.
- The 750S. The 1970 MV Agusta 750S is the best known of its four-cylinder roadsters.
- The end of the first era. The last MV motorcycle made in the old factory was the 125 Sport in 1977.
- The revival. The Castiglioni family acquired the name in the spring of 1992, and the F4 750 Serie Oro made its debut at the Milan trade fair in 1997.
What to know when buying
- Old or new. Only the machines of the original company are classics in the usual sense. The F4 and later bikes are modern. Check the year. See what counts as a classic motorcycle.
- Value and fakes. Roadsters of the original era are rare and costly, and replicas exist. Provenance, factory records and an expert inspection are essential. See papers and proof of ownership and the pre-purchase inspection.
- Complexity. The engines are complex and specialist work is expensive. Ask for the service history and for who did the work.
Parts and community
There are specialists and clubs for the original MV Agustas, mostly in Italy. See clubs and federations and buying a classic motorcycle abroad.
