MV Agusta · 1953–1958
MV Agusta 125 Pullman: history and buying advice
MV’s answer to the Vespa and the Lambretta, and the make’s best-selling model.
History
In the early fifties everyone in Italy wanted a scooter. MV Agusta came up with something in between: the Pullman, shown in Brussels in January 1953. A 125 cc two-stroke with footboards and a wide seat like a scooter, but with bigger wheels. That made it more stable on the road.
The Pullman became MV Agusta’s best-selling model: about 27,000 made. From 1955 came the Super Pullman, which looked more like an ordinary motorcycle, with a pressed-steel frame, an Earles front fork and four gears. About 3,000 of those were made. In Spain Avello built it under licence.
Key data
| Engine | 1 cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 123.5 cc (53 × 56 mm) |
| Power | Pullman 5 hp; Super Pullman 6 hp |
| Top speed | approx. 75 km/h |
| Production | approx. 27,000 Pullman, approx. 3,000 Super Pullman |
What to check when buying
- Check whether it is a Pullman or a Super Pullman; many parts differ.
- Watch for rust under the footboards and in the frame.
- Fill up with premix and check the compression.
- Plastic and rubber parts have often perished; ask what is still original.
- Spanish Avello examples sometimes have different parts.
SourcesWikipedia: MV Agusta 125 Pullman (English)Cybermotorcycle: MV Agusta models (English)