1957 MV AGUSTA 175

1957 MV AGUSTA 175

Frame no.: *923068*
Engine no.: *923080*

DUTCH REGISTRATION PAPERS

Engine: Single cylinder 4-stroke OHV
Starter: Kick-starter
Bore & stroke: 59.5 x 62 mm
Compression ratio: 6.7:1
Engine Capacity: 172cc
Maximum power: 8 bhp [HP] (6 kW) @ 5,200 rpm
Cooling system: Air cooled
Ignition: 6V-40W
Distribution: Two overhead valves controlled by a camshaft operated by a chain (OHV)
Ignition: Flywheel-magneto, 6V-40W
Carburettor: Dell'Orto 18 mm
Lubrication: Wet sump forced circulation with mechanical gear pump
Transmission: Gear primary, chain final
Clutch: Cable operated with multiple wet disk in oil bath
Gearbox: 4-Speed foot-change
Throttle: Cable operated
Frame type: Open cradle tubular and pressed steel
Front Suspension: Telescopic fork and shock absorbers
Rear Suspension: Swingarm with hydraulic shock absorbers
Front Brake: Drum Ø 180 mm
Rear Brake: Drum Ø 150 mm
Wheelbase: 1,280 mm
Front Tyre: 2.75 x 19 Inches
Rear Tyre: 2.75 x 19 Inches
Seat: Dual seat
Fuel tank capacity: 14 liters (3.69 gallons)
Fuel consumption: 3 liter per 100km
Top speed: 115 km/h (70 mph)
Weight: 114 Kg (251 lb)
Number of production: 9,500 ex.

One of the most famous names in Italian motorcycling history, the Meccanica Verghera concern can trace its history back to 1945 when the first two-wheeled machine to bear the MV moniker appeared. MV Agusta started with the production of the 98, this was a modest scooter designed to meet the need for cheap transportation, with the MV Company looking to diversify away from its principal base in the aeronautical industry.

MV quickly expanded the model range to include more sporting machines and established a reputation for building winning race bikes. MV officially began racing in 1946 but it was the new 4-stroke 125cc single and 500cc four-cylinder machines of 1950 that put the brand on the map, the latter giving Les Graham and John Surtees world titles. Meanwhile the range of road bikes continued to expand through the 1960s, with MV one of the few Italian manufacturers rising to meet the challenge of the Japanese through diversification.

The 4-stroke 175, launched with little fanfare in 1957, was a conventional but attractively styled machine available in Turismo, Sport and Lusso models and remained in production until 1960. Sold in both pushrod and more expensive single-cam versions, the former offering mechanical simplicity and reliability, the latter a more sporting edge. Both used an open duplex cradle frame with swing-arm rear suspension and a teledraulic fork, along with a unit construction four-speed gearbox.