MV Agusta 150 Sport RS
| Industry | Motorcycle manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1945 |
| Headquarters | Samarate , Italy |
| Products | Motorcycles |
The MV Agusta 150 Sport RS, also known as the Rapido Sport, was manufactured by the Italian company MV Agusta at their Cascina Costa facility in Samarate, with production spanning from 1959 until 1969.[1]
Overview
In response to the 1959 amendment of the Codice della Strada (Italian Highway Code), which barred motorcycles under 150 cc from accessing the autostrada motorways, MV Agusta developed a motorcycle with a displacement of 150.1 cc derived from the 125 Centomila model.[2][3]
Launched at a price of 230,000 lire, the RS remained available for a decade, during which time a total of 6,515 units were sold. The Centomila engine earned a reputation for durability, reputedly capable of covering 100,000 km due to enhancements in its lubrication system,[1] including an enlarged wet sump and a centrifugal filtering mechanism.[4]
The motorcycle featured a classic Rosso and Ivory paint scheme and was equipped with dual exhaust pipes, a low-profile fuel tank partially enveloping the cylinder head, and adopted an aggressive riding stance.[2][5]
Throughout its production run, the model experienced several updates. Before February 1963, it was fitted with rear shock absorbers that had covers and a fuel tank cap that opened sideways via a pin mechanism. Afterward, these were replaced by exposed spring shock absorbers and a vertically opening tank cap. In 1966, the gearbox was upgraded to a five-speed unit, accompanied by a new color scheme featuring a silver frame paired with a red fuel tank.[1]
Additionally, in 1960, MV Agusta introduced the Turismo GT variant of this model.[4]
Technical details
The powerplant originated from the air-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke 125 Centomila engine. To achieve the increased displacement, the bore dimension was enlarged from 54 mm to 59.5 mm, while the original 125's 54 mm stroke remained unchanged. The cylinder was constructed from cast iron, paired with a light alloy cylinder head. Fuel delivery was managed by a 20 mm Dell'Orto MB20B carburetor, producing an output of 10 bhp (7.5 kW) at 6,400 rpm.
Power transmission began with a geared primary drive leading to a wet, multi-plate clutch. The unit construction gearbox initially offered four speeds; however, a five-speed option was introduced in 1966. Final drive to the rear wheel was accomplished via chain.
The chassis employed MV's standard steel tube and sheet metal frame design. Front suspension utilized telescopic forks, while the rear featured a swinging arm with twin shock absorbers. Drum brakes were fitted both front and rear, complemented by spoked wheels.
150 Turismo GT
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Launched in 1960, the Turismo GT variant featured a single exhaust system, elevated handlebars, and a petrol tank positioned higher than previous models. Its engine was equipped with a smaller 18 mm carburetor and delivered 8 bhp at 5,700 rpm. Production numbers reached 3,132 units.
150 Sport RS-S
Also introduced in 1960, the 150 Sport RS-S came with a redesigned petrol tank that included knee recesses for improved rider comfort and was outfitted with a single silencer. The color scheme combined red and black finishes. Enhancements included an increased compression ratio of 9.7:1 and installation of a 22 mm Dell'Orto MB22B carburetor, boosting power to 12.5 bhp. A total of 215 units were manufactured before production ceased in 1973.
References
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External links
