MV Agusta 500 Three

MV Agusta 500 Three
Manufacturer MV Agusta
Production 1966-1974
Predecessor 350 Three
Successor 500 Four
Class 500cc
Engine Four stroke Inline three cylinder
Top speed 162 mph (261 km/h)
Power 78 hp (58 kW) @ 12000 rpm
Transmission Unit Construction 7-speed
Suspension Front: teledraulic fork
Rear: Swingarm with hydraulic dampers
Brakes Front: Central Drum quad-cam 240 mm
Rear: Twin-cam 230 mm
Tires Front: 3.00 x 18
Rear: 3.25 x 18
Wheelbase 1310 mm
Weight 118 kg (260 lb) (dry)
Fuel capacity 18 Litres

MV Agusta 500cc Three is a road racing motorcycle made by MV Agusta to compete in the 500 cc Grand Prix motorcycle racing World Championship. The motorcycle was introduced in 1966 to compete with the ever competitive Honda Racing. The bike was a bored out version of MV Agusta's highly successful 350 cc three cylinder. Its production lasted until 1974.

Specifications

500cc Three Cylinder at Barber Museum

Both the 500cc and the 350cc Factory race bikes specifications, bore and stroke were veiled in secrecy. When information was leaked, MV Agusta was known to leak disinformation.

Over the passing of years, MV race engineers provided information on 500cc Three cylinder.[1]


Race history

Agostini's 1973 500 Three

Giacomo Agostini rode the 500 Three to seven consecutive 500cc World Championships Grand Prix motorcycle racing from 1966 to 1972.[2]


References

  1. Moto MV Agusta Mario Colombo, Roberto Patrignani
  2. List of Grand Prix motorcycle racing World Champions