MV-Agusta

Today in Motorcycle History

MV Agusta 175 CS Sport 'Disco Volante' 1959

Specifications

Engine: Single cylinder 4-stroke OHV

Bore & stroke: 59.5 x 62 mm

Compression ratio: 6.7:1

Engine Capacity: 172,3cc

Maximum power: 11 h.p. @ 7,000 rpm

Torque / rpm: NA

Distribution: Two overhead valves controlled by a camshaft operated by a chain (OHV)

Ignition: Flywheel-magneto, 6V-40W

Spark plug: 1

Carburettor: Dell'Orto 25 SS fork Earles

Cooling system: Air cooled

Lubrication: Wet sump forced circulation with mechanical gear pump

Transmission: Gear primary, chain final

Clutch: Cable operated with multiple wet disc in oil bath

Gearbox: 4-Speed foot-change

Starter: Kick-starter

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 in.

Rear Tyre: 2.75 x 19 in.

Seat: Dual seat

Fuel tank capacity: 14 litres

Fuel consumption: 3 litres per 100 km

Weight: 110 Kg

Top speed: 115 km/h (71.5 mph)

Number of production: 5,000 ex

Having commenced motorcycle production late in 1945 with a 98cc two-stroke, Meccanica Verghera (MV) introduced its first production 4-strokes, the single-cylinder 175CST and CSTL, at the Milan Show in 1952, the newcomers' advanced overhead-cam, unitary construction engine setting them apart from most of the opposition. Their cycle parts too were state-of-the-art, consisting of a duplex loop frame incorporating the engine as a stressed member, oil-damped telescopic front fork, swinging-arm rear suspension, and full-width alloy hubs.

A year later the 175 CS Sport arrived featuring an engine in a higher state of tune that increased maximum power to 15bhp at 8,800rpm and pushed top speed to 135km/h (84mph). Alternative versions with either a race-developed Earles-type leading-link fork or conventional telescopics were offered. It was not just the Sport's cutting-edge technical specification that set the public's pulse racing but also its styling, for the model featured a sculpted fuel tank, almost circular when viewed from above, that soon gained it the popular sobriquet 'Disco Volante' (Flying Saucer). Not surprisingly, the 175 Supersport CSS Disco Volante was soon MV's bestseller.

Source: Hessink's NL