MV Agusta 750S (1971) — The Inaccessible Dream
The MV Agusta 750S was one of the rarest and most beautiful motorcycles of its era. Produced in limited numbers, it represented the absolute pinnacle of Italian engineering and design.
Historical Significance
MV Agusta had dominated Grand Prix racing throughout the 1950s and 60s with multi-cylinder engines. The 750S brought that racing technology to the street in a machine that cost more than a Ferrari.
Only about 1,500 examples were produced, making it one of the most collectible motorcycles today.
Technical Highlights
Racing-Derived Engine
The 749cc DOHC inline-four featured:
- Four valves per cylinder (16 total)
- Dome-top pistons for high compression
- Twin sparking plug per cylinder (later)
- Close-ratio 5-speed with straight-cut gears
Hand-Built Quality
Every component was finished to racing standards:
- Polished alloy cases
- Chrome-molybdenum frame
- Borrani wire-spoke wheels
- Full instrumentation with Smiths gauges
Limited Production
The 750S was essentially hand-built, with each machine requiring weeks of assembly. This exclusivity contributed to its mythic status.
Visual Character
The 750S features:
- Bodied-in colors of MV's racing heritage
- Teardrop fuel tank with gold coach lines
- Long sweep exhaust headers from each cylinder
- Café racer handlebars with drilled aluminum clamps
Classic colors: Red with silver stripes or Blue with white stripes.
Source: Wikipedia - MV Agusta 750S