MV Agusta 250B
| Industry | Motorcycle manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1945 |
| Headquarters | Varese , Italy |
| Products | Motorcycles |
Template:Infobox motorcycle The MV Agusta 250B (also known as Bicilindrica) was a motorcycle model manufactured by the Italian company MV Agusta between the years of 1968 and 1971.[1] Initially unveiled at the Milan EICMA motorcycle exhibition in 1965, its design was derived from the never-released MV 166 Arno GT.[2] Production ceased in 1971 following the release of a larger displacement variant, the 350B.[3]
History
Throughout the 1960s, the Italian motorcycle sector experienced a downturn, with declining sales figures. At the 1964 Milan EICMA exhibition, Italian manufacturers unveiled new models. MV Agusta introduced the twin-cylinder 166 Arno GT, which received positive feedback. Motociclismo magazine highlighted it as one of only three truly innovative motorcycles presented at the event, alongside the Laverda 200 Sport and the Ducati 250 Mach.
Although the 166 Arno GT was well-received, MV Agusta recognized the market shift toward lightweight motorcycles with engine capacities of 200 to 250 cc. Consequently, the 166 Arno GT was evolved into a 250 cc version and showcased at the 1965 exhibition. While the original Arno was designed as a sport model, the 250 cc variant was positioned more as a practical everyday motorcycle.
Despite its initial presentation in 1965, production did not commence until 1968, during which period the engine underwent further refinement. Initially named the 250 Bicilindrica, the model's designation was shortened to 250B in 1969.
The design of this motorcycle drew inspiration from contemporary Japanese models. The fuel tank featured chrome panels on the sides combined with black rubber knee pads, closely resembling those on the Suzuki T20 Super Six. This aesthetic was shared with the MV 600 four, which debuted in the same year. The available color options included light blue, black with a red tank, or an all-black finish.
Overall sales were modest, totaling just 1,452 units. In response to market demands, an overbored version named the 350B was launched in 1970. Production of the 250B ceased in the following year.
Arno 166 GT
The Arno 166 GT featured a newly engineered power unit. The only carryover parts from previous models were the internal oil pump and gearbox sourced from the then-current 125 cc engine. This wet-sump, overhead valve (OHV), parallel twin engine had a bore and stroke measuring 46.5 x 49 mm. Both cylinder barrels and heads were constructed from alloy materials. Equipped with two Dell'Orto MA 15B carburetors for fuel delivery, this powerplant generated an output of 12 bhp (9 kW).
The frame design adhered to MV Agusta’s typical approach: tubular construction at the front combined with pressed steel at the rear. Unlike their usual cradle frame style, this model employed an open loop frame without structural members beneath the engine. Styled as a sportbike, it featured clip-on handlebars and a distinctive Radaelli hump seat. Suspension duties were handled by Ceriani forks up front, while braking was managed by Grimeca drum brakes.
A total of five engines were produced—two for bench testing and three installed in motorcycles for road evaluation. The claimed top speed for this model was approximately 122 km/h (76 mph).
Technical details
The four-stroke parallel twin OHV engine originated from the abandoned Arno 166 GT project, with the bore expanded to 53 mm and the stroke extended to 56 mm, resulting in a total displacement of 247 cc. The cylinders, constructed with alloy barrels and heads, were tilted forward at an angle of 20 degrees. Fuel delivery was managed by two 22 mm Dell'Orto carburettors, and the engine operated at a compression ratio of 9:1. Lubrication utilized a wet sump system. The engine produced a maximum power of 23 bhp (17 kW) at 7,500 rpm.
Power transmission began with a geared primary drive connected to a wet, multi-plate clutch. The unit construction transmission featured five speeds, while power was ultimately transferred to the rear wheel via a chain.
Regarding the frame, MV Agusta employed its standard single-beam steel tube and sheet metal construction but adopted an open loop design for this model. The front suspension consisted of Telescopic forks, and the rear was supported by a swinging arm paired with twin shock absorbers. Drum brakes were installed on both front and rear wheels, which were spoked for this motorcycle.
250 B Scrambler
In 1969, a scrambler variant designed for both on- and off-road use was launched. This edition featured elevated exhaust pipes and higher handlebars for improved clearance and control. Its paint scheme consisted of a silver finish accented by a red stripe along the fuel tank. Despite these characteristics, the model failed to gain popularity within Italy, resulting in a limited production run of only 52 units before manufacturing ceased in 1970.
References
- ↑ "250 Bicilindrico "B"" (PDF). www.glaagusta.org. Retrieved 2 October 2019.
- ↑ Pasi, Aberto (16 December 2018). "MV Agusta 166 Arno GT: cilindrata letale". www.motociclismo.it (in italiano). Retrieved 2 October 2019.
- ↑ "c.1969 MV Agusta 250B Frame no. MV250B*2110381* Engine no. *2110365*". www.bonhams.com. Bonhams. Retrieved 2 October 2019.