MV Agusta Liberty
| Industry | Motorcycle manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1945 |
| Headquarters | Samarate , Italy |
| Products | Motorcycles |
Template:Infobox motorcycle
The MV Agusta 50 Liberty was a lightweight motorcycle manufactured at the MV Agusta plant located in Samarate#Cascina Costa di Samarate, Italy, spanning the years from 1962 through 1969.[1]
Background
Following the implementation of the Nuovo codice della strada (traffic code), vehicles with engines under 50 cc and a maximum speed capped at 40 km/h were uniquely permitted for operation without a driving license.[2]
In response to declining sales caused by the rise of affordable compact cars, certain Italian motorcycle producers shifted focus toward the lightweight motorcycle segment, developing cost-effective machines powered by sophisticated and durable four-stroke engines.
Overview
Designed specifically for young riders who had not yet obtained a licence, MV's engineers aimed to equip the motorcycle with authentic motorcycle aesthetics. The frame and body panels were relatively large compared to the engine capacity. The "Liberty" was available in two trims: the "Turismo" and the "Sport Speciale," priced at 112,000 and 114,000 Lire respectively. These prices were considered quite affordable given the advanced engineering of both the engine and chassis.
For models intended for the domestic market, the "Code" limited top speed to 40 km/h, whereas export versions could reach speeds up to 60 km/h. Initially, fuel efficiency was claimed at 1 litre of petrol per 100 km; however, later figures presented a more realistic consumption rate of 1.5 litres per 100 km.
In 1966, a second generation was launched featuring larger 18" wheels instead of the original 16" ones, and the "Sport" variant was upgraded with a four-speed transmission. Additionally, a higher-end "America" edition was introduced.
Despite these developments, the "Liberty" did not achieve significant commercial success; total production amounted to 5,292 units, including 2,000 "America" models and 3,292 "Sport" variants.
Technical details
The Liberty was powered by an air-cooled, pushrod-operated single-cylinder four-stroke engine with a bore and stroke measuring 39 x 42 mm, resulting in a displacement of 47.7 cc. It featured a compression ratio of 7.5:1 and utilized a magneto ignition system. The engine produced 1.5 bhp at 4,500 rpm.
Power transmission involved a wet multi-plate clutch engaged through gears connected to the crankshaft. Initially equipped with a three-speed gearbox, from 1966 onwards sports models received an upgrade to four speeds. Gear selection was managed via a handlebar-mounted twist grip. The rear wheel was powered by a chain drive.
The motorcycle employed a double cradle frame design complemented by telescopic front forks. At the rear, it featured a swinging arm suspension system with hydraulic shock absorbers.
References
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedwww.mv-agusta-club.de sport - ↑ Sparrow, Andrea (2017). Vespa Colour Family Album. Veloce Publishing Ltd. ISBN 9781787112339.