MV Agusta 125 Pullman

MV Agusta

Industry	Motorcycle manufacturing
Founded	1945
Headquarters	Varese , Italy
Products	Motorcycles

MV Agusta 125 Pullman

The MV Agusta 125 Pullman was manufactured by the Italian company MV Agusta between 1953 and 1956. This model became one of the brand’s most commercially successful motorcycles, boasting the highest production numbers in MV Agusta’s lineup. It was frequently purchased as a primary family vehicle or for work-related transportation. Although its design was often considered unattractive, the Pullman was praised for its comfortable ride, which resulted from an ergonomic riding posture, soft suspension, and wide tires. These features gained such popularity that rival manufacturers eventually adopted similar design elements. Approximately 27,000 units of this series were produced. Furthermore, the motorcycle was also built under license in Spain by Avello, where it was sold as the MV Avello 125 Pullman Turismo.

Background

In the early 1950s, motorcycle manufacturers sought to challenge the tremendous popularity of scooters from Piaggio and Innocenti by developing practical utility motorcycles that combined versatility with improved stability, addressing the significant balance issues caused by the small wheel diameter typical of scooters.

Inspired by Moto Guzzi, which had launched the Galletto in 1950, several other producers began creating hybrid models, including the Sterzi Confort and Motom Delfino, blending characteristics of both motorcycles and scooters.

Series 1

Presented at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1953, the "Pullman" attracted attention due to its distinctive design. The frame appeared elongated because of the engine's placement far back, with the rear suspension mounted directly onto it.

The powerplant was a unit construction air-cooled single-cylinder two-stroke engine, featuring a bore and stroke of 53 × 56 mm, resulting in a displacement of 123.5 cc. These measurements matched those of the earlier Motore Lungo model. It had a compression ratio of 6:1 and utilized a Dell'Orto MA17 carburetor for fuel delivery. Ignition was managed by a flywheel magneto. Power transmission involved a wet multi-plate clutch driven by gears from the crankshaft, along with a three-speed gearbox operated via a twist grip. The final drive to the rear wheel was through a chain.

The MV Agusta featured an open cradle steel tube frame, resembling that of MV's "125 Ovunque" scooter, which itself took inspiration from the successful 1950 "Lambretta 125 C". The swinging arm was attached to the gearbox and equipped with undamped shock absorbers on each side, supplemented by a central hydraulic shock absorber. The front suspension consisted of telescopic forks, while braking was handled by 130 mm drum brakes.

To enhance rider comfort, foot plates replaced traditional footrests, complemented by a single wide saddle for its category and tires sized at 3.50 x 15. A luggage rack was installed above the rear mudguard. The engine's positioning created an unusual space between the front wheel and the frame's downtube, which could accommodate an optional sheet metal fairing serving as additional storage.

With prices ranging from 155,000 to 163,000 Lira depending on selected options, this model enjoyed strong sales that contributed to MV Agusta reaching an annual production figure exceeding 20,000 units.

Series 2

The Pullman’s second generation was launched in 1954. Alongside aesthetic updates, the original twist grip gearshift was replaced by a traditional foot-operated shifter. The rear suspension was upgraded with hydraulically damped shock absorbers, leading to the removal of the previously included third shock absorber.

Manufacturing of this variant concluded in 1956.

Super Pullman

In 1955, the lineup expanded with the introduction of the "Super Pullman." This version aimed to resemble a more conventional motorcycle. It featured a sheet metal backbone frame constructed from two pressed halves that were joined using electric resistance welding. The bike was equipped with Earles forks and standard-sized 18-inch wheels. Engine output was enhanced to deliver 6 bhp at 5,200 rpm.

The final units produced in 1957 served as testbeds for a prototype 125 cm³ two-stroke engine with fuel injection. However, this innovation never reached mass production due to the downturn in the motorcycle market triggered by the launch of the Fiat 500. Production of the Super Pullman ended in 1958 after approximately 3,000 units had been assembled.