Jump to content

MV Agusta 175 series

From Alfawiki
Adapted from the English Wikipedia article MV Agusta 175 series, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 29 November 2025
MV Agusta 175 series
Company typeMotorcycle series
IndustryMotorcycle manufacturing
Founded1953
Defunct1960
Headquarters
Italy
ProductsMotorcycles (touring, GT, sports, supersport, racing)


Template:Infobox motorcycle

The MV Agusta 175 series consisted of motorcycles manufactured in Italy by MV Agusta between 1953 and 1960. This lineup encompassed touring, GT (Gran Turismo), sports, and supersport variants. Additionally, two models were developed specifically for racing purposes. The distinctive form of the fuel tank earned the sports and supersport versions the nickname Disco Volante (Flying Saucer). This collection became the top-selling range for MV Agusta.

Development and Technology

Introduced at the EICMA Milan Motorcycle Exhibition in 1952, the MV Agusta 175 entered production the following year. This model marked a significant advancement for MV Agusta as their inaugural production motorcycle powered by a four-stroke engine. The powerplant featured unit construction with a single cylinder and an overhead camshaft engineered for enhanced performance. The camshaft, driven by a chain, actuated the valves through rocker arms, which were returned by hairpin valve springs. Positioned with a forward tilt of 10°, the engine was cast from alloy and had dimensions of 59.5 mm bore by 62 mm stroke.

The chassis incorporated a sophisticated duplex frame that utilized the engine as a stressed member. Suspension included telescopic front forks and a swinging arm at the rear, complemented by full-width alloy hubs.

Initially, the model was offered as a touring variant named the 175 CST/CSTL, delivering 8 bhp (6.0 kW) at 5600 rpm. Soon after, a sports version designated as the 175 CS became available. This iteration was equipped with a larger carburetor and generated 11 bhp (8.2 kW) at 6700 rpm, outperforming comparable models from competitors. The high-performance supersport model, the MV Agusta 175 CSS producing 15 bhp, debuted at the 1954 Milan Show and featured Earles forks in contrast to the touring and sports versions; it carried a price tag of 280,000 Italian lira.

In 1957, an engine variant utilizing pushrods was introduced with the intention of offering a more affordable and simpler alternative to attract broader customer interest. These pushrod-equipped models were identified by an AB suffix in their designation.

175 CST

Among the initial models released was the 175 CST. This touring motorcycle featured a double loop frame design, constructed with tubular components at the front and pressed steel elements at the rear. Its suspension system comprised telescopic forks upfront and a swinging arm at the back, with wheels measuring 17 inches in diameter. The seating arrangement included separate saddles for both rider and passenger. Powered by a 175 cc OHC engine, it delivered 8 bhp (6.0 kW) at 5600 rpm, enabling a maximum speed of 60 mph (100 km/h).

175 CSTL

The 175 CSTL, also referred to as the Turismo Lusso, represented another touring variant distinguished by larger 19-inch wheels compared to the CST. Instead of individual saddles, it was equipped with a "long seat" designed to accommodate two riders comfortably.

175 CS

Introduced in 1953, the 175 CS was designed as a sports model. It featured lowered handlebars and promoted a more aggressive riding posture. The engine was enhanced with a larger 22 mm carburettor, producing 11 bhp (8.2 kW) at 6700 rpm, which allowed for a top speed of approximately 70 mph (110 km/h). Production numbers for this model reached around 4,500 units.

Italian motorcycle enthusiasts nicknamed this model Disco Volante (Flying Saucer) due to the distinctive shape of its fuel tank, which resembled a craft from outer space—a moniker that has since become part of MV Agusta’s historical narrative.

Additionally, the CS was manufactured under license in Spain by Avello.

175 CS 57

An upgraded version of the 175 CS appeared in 1957 as the 175 CS 57. This iteration incorporated dynamo ignition and featured an updated exhaust system.

175 CSS

The supersport variant 175 CSS was launched in July 1954. Building upon the CS model, its engine was further refined with an increased compression ratio and a larger carburettor, delivering 15 bhp (11 kW) at 8,800 rpm. While most cycle components remained consistent with the CS, this version was equipped with Earles forks. Retaining the same petrol tank as the CS, it also carried the nickname Disco Volante. This particular model is notably rare, with only about 500 units produced.

175 CSGT

The 175 CSGT, commonly referred to as the Turismo Monoalbero, was produced exclusively in 1957. It represented a premium Gran Turismo (GT) variant of the CS model. While it retained the CS engine, the cylinder head was sourced from the CSTL model, which resulted in a decrease in power output.

AB models

Launched in 1957, these more affordable and straightforward models aimed to attract a broader customer base. Multiple trims were available, including Economica, Turismo, America, and America Lusso. Each featured a pushrod engine generating 8 bhp (6 kW) at 5,200 rpm, enabling a maximum speed of 60 mph (100 km/h).

235 Tevere

In 1959, an enlarged iteration of the 175 AB was introduced. The pushrod engine's bore was expanded to 69 mm, yielding a displacement of 232 cc. Apart from the petrol tank's color, there were few visual distinctions between the 175 and 235 variants. However, sales were sluggish since most customers seeking more power than the 175 preferred the complete 250 cc offered by the MV Agusta 250 Raid. Production ceased in 1961.

Additionally, a licensed version was produced in Spain by Avello and marketed under the name 235 Deva.

175 CSS-5V

Italy's popular 175 cc Formula Sport Derivata racing category inspired MV Agusta to develop the 175 CSS-5V using its production engine. Nicknamed the Squalo (shark), this model featured a lightweight frame derived from factory racers, enhanced brakes, a magneto ignition system, Earles forks, and a five-speed transmission. Available as an off-the-shelf racing machine, it was piloted by notable riders such as Bob Keeler, Derek Minter, and Mike Hailwood in national events. Hailwood secured his first race victory aboard a version bored out to 196 cc in the 200 cc class at Oulton Park in 1957. Approximately 200 units were built between 1954 and 1957.

A street-legal variant of the Squalo was also offered, equipped with headlights and mufflers for road use.

175 Bialbero

The 175 Bialbero represented a larger iteration of the acclaimed DOHC 125 Bialbero racing motorcycle. Its bore was expanded to 64 mm, resulting in an engine displacement of 174 cc and delivering a peak power of 25 bhp at 11,500 rpm. This model was developed as a competitive response to the entry of Moto Morini and Mondial into the 175 cc racing category.

Throughout its racing career, the 175 Bialbero secured twelve victories. The inaugural win was achieved by Carlo Ubbiali at the Circuit of Perugia on August 22, 1954. In 1955, Umberto Masetti clinched the 175 cc Italian Championship riding this machine. Additionally, it claimed both first and second places in the 1957 Motogiro (Motorcycle Tour of Italy).

Technical data

MV Agusta 175 Variants CST CSTL CS CS 57 CSS CSGT AB CSS-5V Bialbero 235 Tevere
Production Years 1953-1957 1954-1958 1955-1958 1957 1957-1959 1954-1960 1954–1958 1959-1961
Valvetrain OHC OHV OHC DOHC OHV
Engine configuration Four-stroke single-cylinder engine
Engine cooling Air cooling
Bore 59.5 mm 63 mm 69 mm
Stroke 62 mm 56 mm 62 mm
Engine displacement 172 cc 174 cc 232 cc
Lubrication system Wet sump
Carburetor Dell'Orto 18 mm Dell'Orto 22 mm Dell'Orto 25 mm Dell'Orto 20 mm Dell'Orto 18 mm Dell'Orto 25 mm Dell'Orto 25 mm
Compression ratio 6.5:1 7:1 9:1 6.5:1 9:1 9.5:1 7.2:1
Maximum power output 8 bhp ( kW)
@ 5,200 rpm 		11 bhp (8.2 kW)
@ 6,700 rpm 		15 bhp (11 kW)
@ 6,700 rpm 		8 bhp ( kW)
@ 5,200 rpm 		16 bhp (12 kW)
@ 8,800 rpm 		25 bhp (19 kW)
@ 11,500 rpm 		13 bhp (9.7 kW)
@ 5,500 rpm

-

'Top speed 60 mph (100 km/h) 70 mph (115 km/h) 85 mph (135 km/h) 60 mph (100 km/h) 95 mph (150 km/h) 110 mph (180 km/h) 65 mph (105 km/h)

-

'Primary drive Gears

-

'Clutch Wet multi-plate

-

'Gear count 4 5 4

-

'Final drive Chain drive

-

'Frame type Double cradle

-

'Front suspension Telescopic forks Earles forks Telescopic forks Earles forks Telescopic forks

-

'Rear suspension Swingarm

-

'Rear suspension type Coil springs with hydraulic shock absorbers

-

'Braking system Drum brakes

-

'Units produced 6,500 9,500 5,000 500 500 6,000 Unknown 1,000


Gallery

References

Bibliography

Template:MV Agusta

Related profiles

MMV Agusta 125 PullmanMMV Agusta 125 Motore LungoMMV Agusta 125 BialberoMMV Agusta 150 Sport RS
Retrieved from "https://www.alfawiki.org/index.php?title=MV_Agusta_175_series&oldid=76279"