Posts by Category: MV Agusta

MV Agusta May 25, 2019 posted by Mike

Beautiful Boy: 2000 MV Agusta F4 750

There are fast motorcycles, there are unique motorcycles, there are iconic motorcycles and there are truly beautiful motorcycles. The re-introduction of the fabled MV Agusta brand in 1999 seemingly achieved all those goals thanks to the vision of Massimo Tamburini and the might and wealth of the Cagiva Research Center.

2000 MV Agusta F4 750 for sale on eBay

Following the well-trodden path to sport bike glory, the MV Agusta F4 utilizes an in-line four cylinder engine with four-valve heads, fuel injection, and novel variable length intake runners to help control engine power across the rev range. Dubbed Torque Shift System (or TSS for short), that intake wizardry is one of two Formula 1 technologies utilized by the F4. The second is the oft-hyped hemispherical head chamber with 4-valves per cylinder. And while the hemi head and radially splayed four valves definitely maximize the airflow and flame front during combustion, neither are particularly new in terms of technology. All told the 750cc power plant was good for a stout 126 HP.

From the seller:
This motorcycle looks like is brand new…..it’s a model year 2000. 750 cc engine. sounds fantastic… bought it from the original owner who use to keep it in his own room…..always garaged and covered. it only has 3,900 original miles on it, it has good tires and all the fluids have been exchange recently. runs beautifully. it has quite a few carbon fiber pieces and the previous owner did some polishing on the engine cover, chain cover and foot pegs along with the rims… . too many things to list here. Look at the pictures and give me your thoughts about it. This one of a kind has to go to a good home. If you are looking for a unique, head-turner, clean bike, blast to ride, this is it….check what is available in the market!

In addition to the F1 technology, the F4 borrowed heavily from the fertile past of designer Tamburini. Both the single sided swing arm and the under seat exhaust are derivations of the Ducati 916 (which Tamburini also designed). The exhaust pokes out of the underside of the seat in a not-so-subtle fan out of four separate pipes, and sounds glorious. The rest of the bike relies upon yards of aluminum for the frame, beefy front forks (Showa), and a fair bit of carbon fiber flair.

The introduction of the F4 was a massive investment into technology, and the resultant bikes were as beautiful as they were fast. Limited production and high prices kept them to the exclusive territory of well-heeled riders or even better heeled collectors. Today they are available on the used bike market at more realistic prices – but still not cheap. This particular example is an early model with few miles (<4,000) and what appears to be a great deal of care bestowed upon it. With a Buy It Now price of $7,500, this bike is asking strong, but not outrageous money. The seller is open to offers, so there may be an opportunity to pull this down somewhat. With bikes of this caliber, prospective buyers would do well to find the cleanest, best example possible. I could do with less of the polished bits, but this 2000 MV Agusta F4 750 looks to be better than most we have seen in some time and is worth checking out. The full details are here. Good luck!!

MV Agusta May 24, 2019 posted by Donn

Et Tu, Bruté – 2006 MV Agusta Brutale 910

Displayed in a corner with no view to the tarmac, this 2007 Brutale 910 is nicely farkled and has just 1,211 miles. A smashing MV roadster for a fan without the need for a fairing, or maybe with that base already covered.

2006 MV Agusta Brutale 910 for sale on eBay

Agusta joined the naked party in 2001, starting with their 3-cylinder supersport models, and presented the naked superbike in 2005. The 908cc engine is derived from the F4 1000cc mill, sharing the radially arrayed valves and Weber-Marelli fuel injection. Power is superbike level at 139hp, with good torque numbers at 71 ft.-lbs. The frame is courtesy of the original Brutale, with whopping 50mm Marzocchi forks which are multi-adjustable along with the monoshock. The package is surprisingly nimble, and accommodating to larger and smaller riders.

Too busy, the only explanation for a nice one owner bike, some sweet mods, and then hardly even break-in miles over the 12 years. A few moments with the dealer’s option book, but not many for riding afterward. Presumably the rear sprocket has two less teeth, with the effect of a higher gear ratio. From the eBay auction:

It has only 1211 miles. Yes, it’s no mistake, only 1211. I bought it new in 2007 and have title in hand. It has $3000 in accessories including a Arrow slip on and catalyzer tube replacement, front and rear fender, Matris steering damper, handlebar end mirrors, fairings from Germany, specially made windshield which is removable, rear pinion with two less teeth, better front brake pads and a special handlebar mounted on rubber to damp vibration. All this was installed at buying, and I have all the original parts. Not one scratch.

The Brutale is still on MV’s card, though it has ridden the displacement spectrum up and back down to an 800, of which there are several Special Editions. More of statement than a practical ride – it’s spendy, just not the thing for a longer ride, a little finicky, but a real looker.

-donn

Et Tu, Bruté – 2006 MV Agusta Brutale 910

MV Agusta April 20, 2019 posted by Mike

Hypothesis: 1976 MV Agusta 350 Ipotesi

In the way cool archives of rare bikes there are undoubtedly some weird and wonderful ones. There are always surprises and bikes not many people have heard of, and there are always some real gems hiding behind the uber popular homologation crowd. Today’s find, a 1976 MV Agusta 350 is the perfect of example of the weird and wonderful. Looking a bit like a single (it’s a twin), a bit like a two stroke (it’s a 4-cycle) and a bit like a much larger bike, it is clear that this MV Agusta is all Italian by the “nothing extra is needed here” style.

1976 MV Agusta 350 Ipotesi for sale on eBay

The Ipotesi is a small scale parallel twin. It has an overhead cam (only one) to operate the two valves per cylinder. A pair of small Dellortos handle the intake side of things, while a pair of chrome pipes take care of the exhaust. At 350cc this is hardly a powerhouse. but with air cooling and appropriately sized components, it is hardly a heavyweight. With 30-ish HP on tap (comparing reasonably to the current crop of small-bore bikes), the little 350cc engine is pushing only 350 pounds of bike. Brakes look tiny (those are 220mm rotors all around), but with less weight and speed comes less need for larger, heavier hardware. Clip ons are low and tight; perfect to practice that aerodynamic tuck!

From the seller:
This 1976 MV Agusta 350 Ipotesi was purchased by me from the original owner in the U.K. in the late 1990’s. It has about 6,500 km on it but not long ago I had the speedometer repaired and it was reset to zero km. The current speedometer reading of 394 km is from my riding of the bike after the repaired speedometer was returned to me. This motorcycle has a California title and current California registration. The bike is an easy kick starter and I ride it frequently around San Francisco and the Bay Area. The bike is fully sorted and needs nothing: you can get on it and ride it and enjoy it! The motorcycle is entirely correct and original and unrestored. There are some minor paint touch up areas on the tail section behind the seat. The most noticeable paint flaw is the touched-up area on the rear edge of the front fender, shown in one of the photos. I wanted to keep all of the paint on this motorcycle original, so I did not repaint the entire front fender. Some of the paint on the instrument panel is worn, but I wanted to keep that paint original and have not touched it up. There is a photo attached of the instruments and the surrounding panel. Other than these paint issues, the bike is in extremely good original condition. The Heidenau tires are nearly new, but they are the correct size per original. You won’t find a better Ipotesi for sale in the US or another Ipotesi for sale in the US: MV Agusta 350 Ipotesi motorcycles were never officially imported to the U.S. so any here now would have been privately imported. Therefore, there are very few here. Of the few MV Agusta 350 Ipotesi motorcycles in the US, I doubt too many are fully sorted and have current registration and are being ridden such as this one is.

We don’t see many pre-F4 MV Agustas in the States, much less anything that displaces less than 500cc. This Ipotesi is a fantastic looking motorcycle. It seems impossibly narrow, yet retains the classic proportions of a much larger bike. The paintwork shines in the sun, and the odd elements of what make up this little 350 blend together to make something special. It’s far from museum perfect, but it still looks great anyway. Value? Too rare in the US to really put a number on it; we simply have no historical data on which to base an assumption. The seller is asking for $11k OBO – that might seem high for a 350 scoot, but not a lot of dosh for a very unique MV Agusta. Check it out here, and then jump to the Comments section and share your thoughts on this cool little bike. Good Luck!!

MV Agusta April 3, 2019 posted by Mike

Meccanica Verghera: 2009 MV Agusta F4 1078 312RR

Originally conceived as an aviation company, famed motorcycle marque MV Augusta turned to the two-wheeled world after World War II in a move to survive European post war economics. With transportation being a key element and need, the firm began at the small end of the spectrum and only grew from there. From transportation to bikes with more sporting intent to reaching the very pinnacle of the racing scene, MV Agusta has long been a powerhouse in the motorcycling community. And it is a community; many of the early employees of MV Agusta were from the family aviation business. And let’s not forget Claudio Castiglioni’s involvement in the firm, having been at the helm during more than one of the corporate turnarounds. It is the latter incarnations of the company that produced the F4 (the world’s most beautiful motorcycle according to some) and from that F4 spawned many special models. One such rarity was the hyper 312RR.

2009 MV Agusta F4 1078 312RR for sale on eBay

If speed is king, the MV Agusta F4 312RR set out to become the ruler of the land. The name of the bike – 312 – refers to the top speed in kilometers per hour. That equates to about 194 MPH in Americanese. The 312RR started life out as a F4 1000 R model, and MV-A engineers played with internals to pile on the horsepower. The original 312R (2007 – only a single R) offered a stout 9 HP increase over the already-over-the-top standard R bike. The second generation model (2009 – two Rs in the name) offered the 1078cc engine and 190 horses – another 7+ over the previous gen. By 2010 the top speed party was all over, the final version of the bike being mechanically the same Gen II machine, but with “312 RR Edizione Finale” graphics and exclusivity generated by only 30 units total.

From the seller:
Very Rare 2009 Mv Agusta F4 1078 312RR in perfect condition, Priced to sell fast as im moving, only 1799 miles, bike is from North Carolina Dealership and has a North Carolina title and the bill of sale, bike is hand made in Italy engine was made by Ferrari 190 hp fast is a understatement best handling bike ever. I didn’t like the original seat so a changed it to red black and silver suede and leather , looks great and feels better. Too much to say I’m selling my baby and a few others in my collection New tires on it and just serviced needs nothing and in Brand new condition never in rain.. Serious buyers please, questions please ask. bike will sell. The bike comes with the stand all keys books, alarm, gps, charger and cover. Can arrange shipping for a extra fee. Bike is located in Miami Florida. North Carolina Clear Title.

The 312RR is undoubtedly rare-ish out in the real world. Part of this is due to the low volume production of MV Agusta, and the limited number of units bestowed upon the various editions. The other part if it is that these were simply horrendously expensive motorcycles to begin with. Often branded as the Ferrari or Lamborghini of motorcycles, F4 Limited Edition models had sticker prices 4x or more when compared to the more readily available (and serviceable) Japanese cutting-edge sport bikes. That kept ownership numbers low, and exclusivity high. The downside is that several MV Agusta models have not really translated that exclusivity into resale dollars. While stronger than contemporary Japanese peers on the resale side, the ratio has certainly dropped. This is true for the base F4 models as well as some of the lesser special editions – although the Senna, CC, and Claudio continue to hold value (or appreciate).

This particular 312RR looks very, very good. Mileage is low, and at least from the pictures there are no major red flags. The opening bid is a very fair (low?) $8k, which means that you could be riding away on an iconic Italian machine for a song. Sure, the 312RR will be eclipsed by more modern machinery (time has a way of putting everything in its place), but this is still a damn fine motorcycle that will exceed the limits of most riders – and looks 200 MPH even when sitting still. We will ignore the controversy regarding the actual top speed of the bike given the majority of our readers are in the US where limits are much, much lower. Check it out here, and then jump back to the comments and share your thoughts on the F4. Any 312R or RR owners out there? Share your stories. Good Luck!!

MV Agusta February 25, 2019 posted by Aaron

Legendary: 2002 MV Agusta F4 Senna 750

An MV Agusta F4 Senna 750 is enough by itself to justify a modifier like “legendary,” but this one carries around a couple extra big names to back it up. Not only does it bear the name of The Man Himself, the bike wears 10-time GP World Champion Giacomo Agostini’s signature and was first owned by NHL legend Sergei Fedorov.

2002 MV Agusta F4 Senna for sale on eBay

If you’re not a fan of the Detroit Red Wings, or you don’t remember the early 1990s, Fedorov’s name likely doesn’t mean much to you. But the dude won three Stanley Cups with the ‘Wings, after a gutsy defection to the United States after an international game. Look him up.

Setting aside the signatures and ownership of famous men, the 2002 MV Agusta Senna 750 is a force to be reckoned with. The 750cc inline four was designed with the help of Ferrari, and in the Senna managed about 140 horsepower. They’re serious machines, but there are a raft of cheaper bikes that went faster. The Senna is one you buy, because, well, look at it.

This is number 192 of a worldwide production run of 300, and it looks to be in very good shape, commensurate with its scant 3,500 miles. The pictures don’t tell us much, and the description doesn’t go into huge detail either.

From the eBay listing:

Extremely rare and beautiful. Part of a small collection of bikes purchased new by NHL Hall of Famer Sergei Fedorov. Bike has been personally signed by legendary MV Agusta rider/ champion Giacomo Agostini! This bike is number 192 of 300 built for worldwide production. MV reported that only 50 of these bikes were imported to North America. Inline 4 cylinder engine designed with cooperation from Ferrari produces 136hp at 13900 rpms. 0 – 60mph in 2.9 seconds. Quarter mile in 10.7 at 136mph. Lightweight and extremely fast. These bikes are legendary not only for performance and handling but for design and collectability!

This bike is in excellent cosmetic, running and riding condition at 3500 miles. The sale includes original owner’s manual, spare key, spark plug tool, and factory red rear wheel bike stand.

This bike is currently for sale locally as well.

With a starting bid of ten grand, and no word on the reserve, we’ll be interested to see where this one will go. Will the whiff of fame and provenance drive the value above similar bikes? Let us know what you think in the comments!

MV Agusta February 4, 2019 posted by Donn

Distinguished – 2008 MV Agusta F4 312R

MV’s 312R was introduced midway through the F4’s lifespan when top speed, rather than 0-60 or a 1/4-mile was the goal. In its alternative (not red and silver) livery, this Scottsdale example looks cared for with just 4,500 miles.

2008 MV Agusta F4 312R for sale on eBay

The F4 were built around the powerplant, and the 312R had revised heads with 30mm titanium intake valves, 48mm throttle bodies and longer intake horns to help make 183 hp at a lofty 12,400 rpm. In the shiney-side-up department, 50mm Marzocchi forks are nitrided with carbon to reduce stiction, and the Sachs rear monoshock has low and high-speed adjustments. 312 kmh eventually has to end, and the Brembo P4/34 brakes are some of their finest. The bodywork is at once trim, complex, and aggressive, and the stuff dreams are made of.

Not much to tell about a minty example with low miles, but there has been a sprocket change, maybe an additional tooth out back to trade a little top speed for sub-sonic convenience. Pearlescent white over carbon looks so classy a tux might be good riding gear. The owner relates recent maintenance in the eBay auction:

If you know sport bikes, you know MV Augusta is Motorcycle Art! This 200 mph F4 is in mint condition; stored for years as part of an MV collection. Beautiful paint, 2 tone pearl white and pearl black. This bike is completely stock, except for sprockets upgrade. New Metzler M5 tires. Recent oil service and coolant service…

The 312R was MV’s pinnacle for a bit, superceded by the RR and then very special Castiglioni tributes. The air slips over this veritable work of art, with premium appointments adding up to a $30K MSRP, making the current ask seem almost reasonable. The same folks who said you’d be just as quick and a lot more sensible on any of the Pacific flagships are still on duty, but now saving you just a few thousand instead of the huge when-new dollars. In this case the big step to a real exotic isn’t such a leap !

-donn

MV Agusta December 1, 2018 posted by Aaron

Understated bruiser: 2002 MV Agusta F4 750S

When Massimo Tamburini was done laying waste to the sportbike world with the sinewy beauty and kneecap shattering performance of the Ducati 916, he wasted no time in returning to the Cagiva Research Center to one-up himself. The resulting MV Agusta F4 series plucked heart strings and squeezed adrenal glands in a totally different way, but its 20-year run as a pinup, racer and peerless track toy are evidence that Tamburini was a man whose talents knew no ceiling.

2002 MV Agusta F4S for sale on eBay

This 2002 MV Agusta F4S has the ’02 evolution engine, which pushed out nearly 140 horsepower at the crank, up from just shy of 130 in the earlier bikes. This one is as bog-standard as MV Agusta F4s get, with no special packages or limited-edition packages. It is just a simple, classy Italian rocketship in its purest form. Down to the fantastic, classy and stone-simple livery, everything about these turn of the century MVs is classy.

The seller says this example is basically in showroom condition, and the digital dash shows fewer than 3,000 miles. From the photos, the bike looks very clean and well kept, with one or two little exceptions. The lovely stock exhaust has been replaced with a set of carbon fiber jobs that have been relieved of their emblems. The seller spends the description gushing about F4s in general and doesn’t mention who made the pipes or what happened to the stock ones.

From the eBay listing:

One of the most beautiful motorcycles ever produced and a testament to Tamburini’s engineering skills. Buy an MV and you really do get your own personal slice of the legend. An F4 to look at, to polish…and to admire.
An incredible slice of Italian exotica.
Mechanically reliable with a build quality that rivals any manufacturer, the MV Augusta F4 750 S is as stunning to ride as it is to look at.

With an engine derived from a Ferrari F1 engine, the 750S rides as good as it looks.

As an objet d’art, an icon, a talisman, F4S is peerless. As a modern high-end sportbike its performance is legendary.

Through fast, sweeping corners, the F4’s slot-car stability, grippy Pirellis and effectively limitless cornering clearance permit as much speed and lean
angle as your skill and personal sphincter calibration can tolerate. If cornering speed is the name of the game, you’re looking at a major player. Still, this is a
motorcycle that goes fast on its own rules, not yours. Carve your way through corners. No flicking. The F4 responds best to firm input, and not just through the bars. Weight that inside peg. Push the fuel tank with your outside knee. Relative to the average Japanese sportbike, it’s like learning a new instrument. The tighter the road, the more effort it takes to make beautiful music together.

This 2002 750S is as clean as you’ll ever find. Virtually flawless in near-showroom condition with only 2817 miles.

Marin Speed Shop is the San Francisco Bay Area’s premier Ducati, Triumph and Vespa dealer. We also specialize in rare and vintage and custom motorbikes.

All of our pre-owned inventory had been through a thorough multi-point inspection and comes with a 30 day warranty.

Extended warranties are available on most models

We can provide financing from one of our many lenders and can also arrange shipping.

Email us for more details

The $8,400 asking price is probably on the optimistic side even for such a low-mile F4S, but I won’t be shocked if it grabs every bit of it.

Understated bruiser: 2002 MV Agusta F4 750S

MV Agusta October 28, 2018 posted by Tad Diemer

Rare Colors: 2005 MV Agusta F4 1000 for Sale

Prices for the Massimo Tamburini-styled MV Agusta F4 are currently at a low point, so if you can put up with the bike’s limitations and sometimes frustrating quirks, you can have what is arguably the best-looking sportbike of all time in your garage for the price of a used Suzuki. Most early F4 1000s you’ll find are the classic MV Agusta red-and-silver, but occasionally, you’ll see one of these silver-and-blue ones for sale.

It is a factory color combination, although you only rarely see them. I have a soft spot for this particular design, since the very first MV Agusta I had the opportunity to ride was in these colors. And, although everything you’ve heard about them is true, I was still smitten.

Issues with the first-generation F4 are well known: they’re hideously uncomfortable and they run hot, especially in traffic, the rear hub is very sensitive to overtightening and can fail catastrophically if not properly adjusted. Or even if it is. The fuel injection is crude, and obviously parts can be a problem for a bike that’s long been discontinued and was never produced in great numbers.

But if you’re willing to take the plunge on an older MV, you can update the radiator and fans, a more robust hub kit is available, and when the injection is properly sorted with a Power Commander or stand-alone system, the 998cc inline four pulls like a freight train and the F4 handles like you’d expect of a thoroughbred Italian superbike. There’s not a whole lot you can do to sort the cruel ergonomics, but adjustable rearsets and clipons might make it bearable, depending on your particular physique…

From the original eBay listing: 2005 MV Agusta F4 1000 for Sale

2005 Mv Agusta F4 1+1 well maintained super bike (recipients available)

Unique and rare motorcycle for enthusiasts with great power and beautiful design.

Always garaged and adult owned, please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you

*update please note a small dent on the tank (see last picture)

If you want an icon in your garage and have limited cash, or just want to convince strangers you’ve got more money and taste than you actually do, here’s your ride. The seller is asking just $6,900 for this one. Honestly, that’s a sharp price, assuming it’s been well maintained and doesn’t have any history of mechanical problems: the F4 is generally pretty robust, aside from the aforementioned issues, but the electrics can be fickle and a neglected MV will be a nightmare to put right. The seller doesn’t include much information in the listing, but claims it’s been well cared-for, and the photos suggest it’s a clean bike. The fact that he points out the small dent in the tank suggest that he’s probably pretty meticulous…

-tad