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MV Agusta 750 Sport America

From Alfawiki
MV Agusta
IndustryMotorcycle manufacturing
Founded1945
Headquarters
Varese
,
Italy
ProductsMotorcycles
Websitewww.mvagusta.com


Template:Infobox motorcycle The MV Agusta 750 Sport America—known as the MV Agusta 750 S America in Germany and also referred to as the MV Agusta 800 S America—was produced by MV Agusta from 1975 through 1977. Limited edition variants continued to be manufactured until 1982, while Magni still offers special-order models based on this design.

Development

Facing financial challenges in 1974, MV Agusta entered state administration. In response, Chris Garville and Jim Cotherman from Commerce Overseas Corporation, the official US importers of MV, spearheaded a revamped version of the MV Agusta 750 S in 1975. Their objective was to enhance the motorcycle’s styling to more closely resemble MV’s racing machines, aiming to boost appeal and sales within the American market. The Gallarate factory successfully incorporated these design modifications within a rapid timeline of just fifty days.

Technical data

The engine's foundation was the crankcase frame, which housed the nine-piece crankshaft supported by six bearing blocks equipped with roller bearings. Within the control tower, spur gears were installed to drive the two camshafts. By loosening twelve nuts, the components attached to the frame could be removed as a single assembly. The bore was enlarged by 2 mm compared to the 750 S models, resulting in a displacement of 789cc. Each cylinder was crafted from lightweight alloy with cast liners, unlike the 1100 Grand Prix model that used a block design, and fitted with Borgo pistons. Two valves per cylinder were operated via bucket tappets actuated by dual overhead gear-driven camshafts. Notable features included finely ribbed cooling fins on the sump and an oversized cylinder head driven by the dual camshafts.[1] The gearbox was mounted transversely in a cassette format and linked to the rear wheel through a spiral bevel gear angle drive for the shaft transmission.[2] Consistent with all MV four-cylinder engines, this powerplant was assembled manually.[3]

Upgrades included an increase in Ceriani telescopic fork diameter from 35 to 38 mm and the implementation of dual disc brakes across all variants. The gear lever was relocated to the left side of the engine. The motorcycle's sporty yet refined character was accentuated by its red paintwork, a seat covered in suede, and round instruments produced by Smiths.[4]

Model variants

800 SS
Super America[5]
800 SS
Super Daytona
America[6]
850 SS
Monza[7]
Production 1975–1978 1976–1978 1977–1978
Capacity 789 cc 789 cc 837 cc
Bore/Stroke 67 × 56 mm 67 × 56 mm 69 × 56 mm
Power 82 bhp (61 kW)
@ 9,000 rpm
90 bhp (67 kW)
@ 10,000 rpm
90 bhp (67 kW)
@ 9,000 rpm
Secondary
drive
Shaft Shaft Shaft
Wheelbase 1420 mm 1420 mm 1420 mm
Maximum
speed
210 km/h (130 mph) 235 km/h (146 mph)
Production
quantity
27
  • MV Agusta 750 Sport America (1975–1977): This model represented the fundamental 789 cc variant derived from the MV Agusta 750 S.
  • MV Agusta 800 SS Super America (1976–1978): An enhanced version delivering 82 bhp (61 kW) at 9,000 rpm based on the 789 cc engine, targeted at the US market, with optional upgrades such as a 4-in-1 Magni exhaust system and magnesium wheels.[8]
  • MV Agusta 800 SS Super Daytona America (1976–78): Performance was further boosted using a Magni kit, and this variant also offered an optional full fairing.
  • MV Agusta 850 SS Monza or MV Agusta 850 SS Boxer (1977–78):[9] Featuring an increased bore of 69 mm for an overall capacity of 837 cc, this model was equipped with a Magni Motorkit producing 90 bhp (67 kW) at 9,000 rpm.[10] A fully faired version was not available in Germany. Only 27 units of this variant were manufactured.[11]

Hansen & Schneider limited editions

900 S
Arturo Magni
Cento Valli
1000 S
Corona
1100
Grand Prix
1000
Agostini
Production Period 1977–1978 1978–1982 1978–1982 1979–1980
Engine Capacity 892 cc 954 cc 1066 cc 954 cc
Bore and Stroke 70 × 58 mm 70 × 62 mm 74 × 62 mm 70 × 62 mm
Output 104 bhp (78 kW)
@ 10,000 rpm
106 bhp (79 kW)
@ 10,000 rpm
118 bhp (88 kW)
@ 10,200 rpm
99 bhp (74 kW)
@ 10,200 rpm
Final Drive Shaft Shaft Shaft Chain
Wheelbase Length 1420 mm 1390 mm 1450 mm 1450 mm
Top Speed 235 km/h (146 mph) 230 km/h (140 mph) 237 km/h (147 mph) 230 km/h (140 mph)
Units Produced 10 12 6 4

The German importer Hansen GmbH, based in Baden-Baden, initiated the manufacture of exclusive models in 1976 with official approval from the manufacturer. These motorcycles were designed as "premium sports machines," reflecting more of a passion project than a purely commercial venture.[12] Engine displacement was increased beyond the factory standard of 837 cc. Modifications included a redesigned crankshaft, installation of Mahle GmbH pistons, and sportier camshafts.

The original suspension setup remained unchanged, featuring a steering head angle of 63 degrees and a caster of 110 mm. The front employed a Ceriani fork with 125 mm of travel, while the rear used Sebac gas shocks allowing 70 mm travel. The exception was the 1000 Agostini model, which utilized the Magni frame, reducing weight by nearly 20 kg compared to similar production versions. Although these special editions were officially marketed only within Germany, they were accessible internationally through Hansen. The lineup included:

  • 900 S Arturo Magni Cento Valli – The engine was modified by increasing bore and stroke from the original 750 Sport America to achieve an 892 cc displacement.
  • 1000 S Corona – Further stroke extension resulted in a capacity of 954 cc.
  • 1100 Grand Prix – Bore enlargement by 4 mm produced a displacement of 1066 cc, necessitating a new cylinder block design.
  • 1000 Agostini – Featuring a 954 cc engine with chain-driven rear wheel.

Magni special editions

Magni 832[13] Magni 861[14]
Production period From 1978 From 1978
Engine displacement 837 cc 861 cc
Bore and stroke 69 x 56 mm 70 x 56 mm
Output power 88.5 bhp (66.0 kW) 95 bhp (71 kW)
at 10,000 rpm
Final drive type Chain Chain
Top speed
(km/h)
225 km/h (140 mph) 230 km/h (140 mph)

After leaving MV Agusta, former racing team manager Arturo Magni created motorcycles independently, utilizing MV's engine designs.[15] His Magni kits featured an 11 kg lightweight chassis inspired by the frame of the F750 S Imola racing model,[16] electronic ignition systems, and either 30 or 32 mm PHF carburetors. Unlike the standard shaft drive used by MV Agusta, these models employed chain final drives.[15] Two initial Magni variants debuted in 1978:[11]

  • Magni 832 (also called Magni 850) - powered by the engine from the MV Agusta 850 SS Monza.[13]
  • Magni 861 - featured a bore increase to 70 mm, raising capacity to 861 cc.[14]

Magni continues to manufacture these motorcycles upon individual request.[17]

End of production

Following MV Agusta's withdrawal from competitive racing in 1976, the output of their street motorcycles diminished. Although prototype developments persisted until 1977, they never reached production due to the company's financial difficulties—motorcycle manufacturing yielded minimal profits for MV Agusta.[18] Production of the MV Agusta 750 S America model continued through to 1978. Official sales of the final batch of 540 units concluded in 1980. Overall, from 1966 to 1980, a total of 1,276 four-cylinder motorcycles were produced.[19]

Gallery

References

  1. ↑ American Motorcyclist 2001, p. 87.
  2. ↑ Colombo, Grizzi & Patrignani 2016, p. 87.
  3. ↑ Colombo, Grizzi & Patrignani 2016, p. 36.
  4. ↑ Motorrad 5/2003 p.17
  5. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named 1977 MV Agusta 800 S Super America
  6. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named 1977 MV Agusta 800 SS Super America
  7. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named 1977 MV Agusta 850SS Monza Boxer
  8. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Motorrad 14-1997
  9. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named MV Agusta 850SS Monza Boxer
  10. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Boxer Tricks
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named MV Augusta Club
  12. ↑ Tragatsch 2000, p. 123.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named 1984 MV Magni 832 or 850
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Magni 861 S Arturo Magni
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named thebikemuseum
  16. ↑ Falloon 2011, p. 207.
  17. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Magni
  18. ↑ Colombo, Grizzi & Patrignani 2016, pp. 39–41.
  19. ↑ Motorrad 5/2003 p.21

Bibliography

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