MV Agusta · 1945–1949
MV Agusta 98: history and buying advice
The first little motorcycle from the aircraft maker of Cascina Costa.
History
The Agusta family had built aircraft at Cascina Costa, near Milan, since 1907. During the war Count Domenico Agusta already saw that Italy would afterwards need cheap transport. When the Germans seized the factory in 1943, the drawings were hidden. In January 1945 Meccanica Verghera was founded, the MV in the name, and production started in October 1945.
The little machine was first to be called Vespa, but Piaggio had already registered that name. So it simply became the MV 98: a 98 cc two-stroke. There was a basic version without rear suspension and with two gears, a Turismo with rear suspension and three gears, a Lusso and a sports version for competition. About 1,700 were made.
Key data
| Engine | 1 cylinder, two-stroke |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 98 cc (48 × 54 mm) |
| Gearbox | 2 (Economica) or 3 (Turismo) |
| Top speed | Turismo approx. 70 km/h |
| Production | approx. 1,700 (1945–1948) |
What to check when buying
- This is a rare piece of history. Have authenticity and numbers checked by an MV expert.
- Many parts are no longer available. A complete bike is worth much more than a project.
- Check whether it is the Economica (without rear suspension) or the Turismo.
- Fill up with premix and start carefully after a long lay-up.
- Compare the frame and engine numbers with the papers.
SourcesOld Bike Australasia: MV 98 (English)Cybermotorcycle: MV Agusta models (English)