When RSBFS senior staffer Ian used Google to translate “Ipotesi” 3 years ago when he wrote up the only other example we have ever seen in these pages (his post is here), he determined that the best translation of the name was “hypothesis.” I think that name is correct, because I hypothesize that most readers that see this bike will begin drooling involuntarily. Just look at the damn thing! It’s gorgeous in a way that makes that second kidney I have feel redundant and unnecessary.
This is no retro bike. This is timeless artwork that makes noise, generates modest speed, and by modern standards offers passable handling. It has the patina of time without looking like a dog. Sure it might develop a few squeaks and leaks over time, but that would only add more soul to the character of this bike. It may be in the displacement range of 250 & 300 Ninjas, it will offer less performance than said Ninjas, and will definitely cost you more to acquire and keep up – but honestly, which one would you rather be seen on? The more I think about it, the more that second kidney is just useless weight, dragging me down…..
From the seller:
This bike was originally sold in Italy and has just over 10,000 original km (just under 6,300 miles). Gary Kohs (former owner of the MV Agusta Collection) purchased this bike on my behalf in Italy in early 2011. The bike comes equipped with the rare, factory fairing. The bike was repainted at some point in its history (tank and body work), but is otherwise completely original and unrestored cosmetically. When the bike arrived, all of the mechanicals were gone through by Stan Lipert of Northern Ohio Ducati (Stan appeared on episodes 10, 11 and 12 of Café Racer on Velocity Channel). Below is a list of what has been done to the bike in the past two years:• New front and rear Pirelli tires
• Rebuilt all 3 original Scareb calipers and both master cylinders
(with $$$ seal kit from Road and Race in Australia).
• All new brake lines
• Rebuilt both carbs, replaced needles
• New fuel lines and petcock
• New wheel bearings front and rear
• Inside of gas tank professionally acid etched, epoxy coated
• New chain
• New throttle cable
• Serviced clutch
• New battery
• Replaced stator wires
• Rebuilt ignition switch
• Repaired/replaced various other wiring
• New hand grips
• Replaced brake fluid, fork fluid, engine oilThe bike runs and rides beautifully and everything on the bike operates as it should. The bike is currently registered in Ohio with a clear Ohio title.
The seller has provided quite a few pictures and a couple of videos. Here is a great walkaround view of this particular bike, including a start up and ride off.
Count Agustsa knew what he wanted, and the MV Agusta bikes that bore his name were a testament to equal parts science and art. This legacy to the man and the brand is available in the US right now. The seller is asking a bin of $10,500, and is open to offers. If you have been following the prices of original MV-A hardware, this Ipotesi might just be your best way into ownership. Click here to jump over to the auction where there are more pictures and videos. So what’s a kidney worth these days anyway?
MI
What an interesting and unusal sportbike- you’ll never see another one in your state! Classic 1970’s Italian. Very well presented by seller. But, to me this is an $8K motorcycle, not $10.5K.
Hard to say what it’s worth as these rare bikes trade hands so infrequently. But this one hammered sold for $9k (not including buyer’s premium of 8%) just a few months ago and it lacks the ultra-rare sport fairing: http://www.midamericaauctions.com/motorcycle/mv/1975-mv-agusta-sport-ipotesi/