MV Agusta 750 S
| Industry | Motorcycle manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1945 |
| Products | Motorcycles |
| Website | www |
The MV Agusta 750 S, also referred to as the MV Agusta 750 Sport, was a motorcycle produced by the MV Agusta brand from 1970 through 1975.[1] A total of 583 units of this model were manufactured during its production run.[2]
Development
Following the less successful MV Agusta 600, which was primarily designed for touring purposes, the company introduced the 750 S as a sport-oriented motorcycle that embodied its racing legacy. This successor featured an enlarged four-cylinder engine, increased to a displacement of 750cc by enlarging the bore diameter. Additionally, enhancements included a revised exhaust system along with sportier modifications to the seat, fuel tank, and handlebars.[3]
Technical data
At the heart of the engine was a crankcase rack housing the crankshaft as well as the cylinder and head assembly. The nine-piece crankshaft was supported by six bearing blocks within this rack, which also contained the spur gears in the control tower responsible for driving the dual camshafts. By loosening twelve nuts, the entire assembly mounted on this rack could be removed as a unit.[4] Noteworthy features included finely ribbed cooling fins on the wet sump and an oversized cylinder head accommodating the double camshaft drive. Power was transmitted from the engine to a transversely mounted cassette gearbox via helical gears. This gearbox was linked to a shaft drive transmitting torque to the rear wheel through a spiral bevel gear angle drive mechanism.[5] The gear selector was positioned on the right side, with first gear engaged by lifting the lever upwards and subsequent gears selected by pressing downwards.[6] Differing from its predecessor, the MV Agusta 600, this model employed a front double-sided twin leading shoe drum brake and a single leading shoe drum brake at the rear. In 1974, front braking was upgraded to hydraulic dual disc brakes.
Model Variants
The MV Agusta 750 S was offered in two distinct versions:[7]
- MV Agusta GT (1972–74): This model featured a detuned engine producing 69 bhp (51 kW) at 8450 rpm,[8] and was presented in a white bronze finish complemented by touring-style handlebars. Production was limited to just 33 units.[9]
- MV Agusta SS (1971–75), also recognized in Germany as the MV Agusta SS Daytona:[10] This enhanced version delivered 76 bhp (57 kW) at 9,900 rpm and featured a full fairing for improved aerodynamics.
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MV Agusta 750 GT
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MV Agusta 750 SS
F750 S Imola
For the 1972 Imola 200, two motorcycles were adapted to meet Formula 750 racing standards for riders Giacomo Agostini and Nello Pagani. Arturo Magni, who led the racing division, upgraded the engines to deliver 85 bhp at 9000 rpm. The chassis employed was a Magni-designed frame initially intended for a potential new 750 road model. Components from the MV Agusta 500 racers were extensively used, including Ceriani suspension and braking systems as well as Borrani wheels, resulting in a lightweight machine weighing approximately 190 kg.[11]
Unfortunately, Pagani was unable to start the race due to technical issues. Agostini had a strong launch and built an early lead but was passed on lap five by Paul Smart riding the factory Ducati.[12] Agostini’s race ended prematurely on lap forty because of mechanical failure.[11]
Exclusivity
As Japanese manufacturers began dominating the global motorcycle market from around 1970, European producers, especially those from Britain and Italy, faced increasing financial challenges. Their products were relatively expensive and produced in limited quantities, which led to many European motorcycle brands disappearing. The contemporary MV Agusta 750 S and its successor models have become highly exclusive due to their scarce production numbers combined with MV Agusta’s racing heritage. Most surviving examples have undergone costly restorations and are predominantly held by collectors. When these rare motorcycles appear on the secondary market, they command exceptionally high prices.[13]
References
- ↑ Lichter & d'Orleans 2014, p. 76.
- ↑ Colombo, Grizzi & Patrignani 2016.
- ↑ Falloon 2011, p. 95.
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Colombo, Grizzi & Patrignani 2016, p. 87.
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Schwab 1987, p. 47.
- ↑ Schwab 1987, p. 34.
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Schwab 1987, p. 39.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
Bibliography
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