MV Agusta Mini Bike

MV Agusta Mini Bike
Miles: no odometer, so unknown
No title or registration.
Sold with Bill of Sale only
Limited production in the mid-1970’s
Located in Modena, Italy
Auction ends: Friday, Jan 23
No Reserve

Straight from BaT
This MV Agusta Mini Bike Racing is modeled on the Grand Prix racing bikes that MV factory rider Phil Read rode to 500cc World Championships in 1973 and 1974. Finished in red with a full fairing, a racing-style seat, and a rear cowl, the bike is powered by a 47.6cc Moto Morini two-stroke single linked to a single-speed transmission with an automatic clutch and is equipped with clip-on handlebars, a telescopic fork, dual shocks, drum brakes, 10″ wire-spoke wheels, a Dell’Orto carburetor, and a one-into-two-into-four exhaust system. This MV Agusta mini-bike was purchased by the seller circa 2021, reportedly from its original owner, and is now offered at no reserve in Modena, Italy, with a custom stand and a bill of sale.

• 47.6cc Moto Morini Two-Stroke Single
• Dell’Orto Carburetor
• Single-Speed Transmission
• Automatic Clutch
• Red Paint w/Silver Accents
• Full Fairing
• Racing-Style Seat w/Rear Cowl
• Clip-On Handlebars
• Telescopic Fork
• Dual Shocks
• 10″ Wire-Spoke Wheels
• Drum Brakes
• 1-Into-2-Into-4 Exhaust System
• Custom Stand

More from BaT
The Mini Bike Racing is said to have sprung from a one-off gift built by MV and presented to Phil Read’s son in celebration of his father’s 1973 and 1974 500cc Grand Prix World Championships. Read himself is said to have utilized it as a paddock bike, and published images captured the public’s imagination in such a way that MV began limited production during the mid-1970s of three versions differentiated by 8″, 10″, and 12″ wheel sizes. One image in particular, of Read sitting astride the bike while “pleading his case” to a pair of parking enforcement officers, is said to have catalyzed the surge of public interest.

RSBFS
Talk about rare. At this point, BaT buyers are still sorting through the details and asking the right questions. Even the exact production year isn’t entirely clear. Three versions were produced in the mid-1970’s, and this example is the 10″ wheel variant.

Part of the appeal is the mystery itself. And of course the blatant fact that it is so cool. Add in the backstory—these mini-bikes went into production after public demand sparked by images of Phil Read famously “pleading his case” with two parking enforcement officers—and the attitude fits perfectly. It’s hard not to want this.

Anti-establishment has always gone hand in hand with sportbikes.

Good luck to the buyer and seller.