IAN FALLOON
Chapter 1 Racing history How the four-cylinder MV racer evolved from 1950 until 1966.
Chapter 2 The 600 Full description of this rare and unusual model.
Chapter 3 The 750 S 1970-73 Early 750 S with drum brakes.
Chapter 4 The 750 GT Another rare model described in detail.
Chapter 5 The 750 S 1974 The final version of the earlier 750.
Chapter 6 The 750 America An attempt by MV Agusta to resurrect the four and tap into the US market.
Chapter 7 The 850 SS Monza The final factory four.
Chapter 8 Magni, Kay and Bold specials Some of the most beautiful and desirable MV Fours are specials.
Chapter 9 Living with an MV Four
Chapter 1 Racing history How the four-cylinder MV racer evolved from 1950 until 1966.
Chapter 2 The 600 Full description of this rare and unusual model.
Chapter 3 The 750 S 1970-73 Early 750 S with drum brakes.
Chapter 4 The 750 GT Another rare model described in detail.
Chapter 5 The 750 S 1974 The final version of the earlier 750.
Chapter 6 The 750 America An attempt by MV Agusta to resurrect the four and tap into the US market.
Chapter 7 The 850 SS Monza The final factory four.
Chapter 8 Magni, Kay and Bold specials Some of the most beautiful and desirable MV Fours are specials.
Chapter 9 Living with an MV Four
Features
Full description of the model development
A look at the 600, 750 and America prototypes
Examines the racing history that led to the creation of the myth
Tips on riding and maintaining an MV four
Researched with the cooperation of Arturo Magni, Dave and Mark Kay, and Albert Bold
Guide to authenticity
Analysis of the four-cylinder engine
Production numbers of the early fours
Description
Always produced in small numbers, the MV Agusta Fours are now considered among the classic motorcycles of the 1960s and 1970s. These were the first motorcycles that made Grand Prix technology available to the public, albeit at an almost prohibitive cost.
Synopsis
MV Agustas classic four-cylinder dominated Grand Prix racing for a decade from 1956. When it was replaced by the new triple in 1966, Count Agusta decided to make the Four available in limited numbers as a production bike. To prevent privateers converting it into a Grand Prix racer that may embarrass the factory, he stipulated it should be 600cc and have shaft final drive. The touring 600 eventually evolved into the 750 Sport and GT, and finally the America, but MV Fours were always built in extremely small numbers. As befit an engine that handed multiple World Championships to John Surtees, Gary Hocking, and Mike Hailwood, the technical specification was staggering, and remains so to this day. This magnificent engine was always at the heart of the MV Agusta, and it was this engine that created and sustained the legend.