Vol. 2 No. 6
December 13, 2022
The sole Factory variant of the MV AGUSTA 750S
"This is the only 750S that left the factory in non-standard colors... In my opinion, this particular example would be one of the most desirable of an already rare species"
- contributing editor and motorcycle historian/authenticator Ian Falloon
Presented for the first time publically by Moto Borgotaro
THE BIKE
Presented for the first time by Moto Borgotaro -
This MV Agusta was the first-ever 750S imported into Australia. Aside from the pedigree and acclaim of the MV Agusta 750S, which was undoubtedly the most expensive Italian sporting motorcycle of the early 1970s, this bike’s story only begins here.
After being used as a show, racing, and test bike (ridden by Giacomo Agostini himself), this MV was sent back to the factory by Australian MV distributor Bob Jane for an overhaul and refresh.
At this time, Jane’s request was for a completely black example, and the factory obliged by painting the fuel tank, side covers, and frame in addition to re-upholstering the seat in black vinyl, without the Emmevi logo. After renovations and paint were completed, the 750S returned to Australia where it was exhibited in the Bob Jane dealership in Melbourne and used as Jane’s personal bike.
As such, this is the only 750S to leave the factory in non-standard colors and remains the most unique MV Agusta 750S in existence.
THE DETAILS
This bike’s details reveal its story.
If one looks closely, it is possible to see some history peeking through. Pictured here is an area below the seat where time and patina have stripped the factory black paint in one area, revealing the original red frame.
In many ways, this bike is a transformation story - the sole variant of the MV Agusta 750S production in unique livery.
RACING
After being presented to Brian Clarkson for racing, this MV Agusta 750S received a later-style steel fuel tank to maintain the association with the later models then available. Clarkson rode the bike in the 1972 Castrol Six-Hour production race in October and also at Bathurst in April 1973. He retired in the Six-Hour but finished sixth at Bathurst.
Fresh off the Six-Hour race, the 750S was used in a dyno Superbike comparison for the “Two Wheels” magazine - the MV was awarded the most powerful bike.
AGOSTINI
Agostini came to Melbourne in 1972 but without any racing bikes because the series was now F750. Bob Jane instead provided Agostini this MV Agusta 750S for some demonstration laps at the Australian car Grand Prix at Melbourne’s Sandown Park.
click to view full magazine clipping
Riding Video
In Italy…
Bruno (L) and Vincenzo (R)
WHAT IS IT LIKE RIDING A VINTAGE MV AGUSTA THROUGH ITALY?
Nothing short of spectacular. Over the years as a mechanic, MV Agustas always felt like the brand that truly embodies the most exotic Italian feel. From the high cost to its sound, to its rarity. It makes the same impression that a Ferrari does. Going through small towns, stopping for coffee, men and women would stop and marvel at their home country’s unique ability to design and manufacture objects of desire. During the month and a half that I was privileged to ride my MV Agusta, first through Liguria, and then down to Rome, I was filmed on the highway, only to make friends at the next rest stop with the head of an underground Roman vintage motorcycle club.
I had a clutch cable failure which led me to a chance encounter with Vincenzo (a former 750S owner in 1973) and his best friend Bruno — a master typographer a mechanic — who were nice enough to take me to Bruno’s workshop where they fixed my clutch cable, all while we drank espresso and spoke about the beauty of this era of machines, and the connections they engender.
Unfortunately, I also had a charging system issue, which led to more fun misadventures, but more importantly a meeting with the legendary builder and mechanic Giovanni Magni, who is still operating one of the most impressive workshops I’ve ever seen. He kindly fit me in so I could return for a few more adventures on the MV.
The unspoken camaraderie that exists between people who own vintage machines is hard to explain to people who have never been afflicted with the desire and passion to own them, repair them, and maintain their historical importance. But for the people that do — especially in Italy — the amount of goodwill and understanding is everything I have aspired to as a mechanic and owner of these fine machines.
The Spares Secretary of the MV Agusta Owners Club of Great Britain wrote, “This particular machine was manufactured as a special order for Bob Jane Motor Cycles of Melbourne, Australia, the MV Agusta Concessionaire for Australia, and is the only black Agusta 750cc 4 cylinder 'S' Model ever produced by the factory, further to this it is the only 750 'S' Model that was manufactured in any other colour than the standard factory colours of red, white and blue. Although the 750 'S' is a rare motorcycle in itself, only approximately 800 having been delivered world-wide, this particular machine is unique and of considerable importance…”
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