MV Agusta Forum banner

MV Agusta 750S America

21K views 78 replies 14 participants last post by  mitchy 
#1 ·
I am being drawn like a moth to a candle by these wonderful machines. One is being offered by H and H auctions shortly but at present I have been unable to obtain much detail about it.

I have no specialist knowledge of the marque and would welcome some advice. The engine and frame nos are the same - 221 0497. Is this normal? The previous ones I have seen for sale haven't had matching nos. Also the frame and top yoke are painted red. The photographs of similar bikes I have seen have been silver.

Is there a book that you would recomend to obtain a working knoweldge of the model range and specifications?

I would be grateful for any help you could give

Dave
 
#2 ·
there are a few resources readily available that will provide information regarding the 750 S America:

MV Agusta Owners Club of Great Britain

www.thebikemuseum.com a website devoted to classic MVs

MV Agusta fours performance portfolio 1967-1980 a book comprising road tests and reviews of the four cylinder MVs, including the America. It is readily available on e-bay and probably in book stores.

good luck with the bike
 
#3 ·
There are many books that will help you, just have a search around the web.

Although it can happen it is VERY unusual to have matching frame and engine #'s on a 'four'. Some research would be required i think.

Bonhams also has a very nice and well known Monza coming up in it's next sale at Stafford on Oct17th.

All i can say is, if you can then get one..........you will not regret it.

Dorian.
MV Club UK Spares.
 
#5 ·
I am grateful to you all for your replies
I have looked at the bike Museum site but was after more detailed information regarding specs engine and frame nos etc hence the question re which book may be best for detailed information
In addition this bike seems to have a rear passenger footrest on the right hand side is that normal on what appears to be a single seater
Having no detailed knowledge I don’t want to be caught with a repo
Thanks Again
Dave
 
#6 ·
Hi Dave

The America would originally have been supplied with a silver frame and top yoke, not red. Maybe it's been rebuilt at some time?

Matching numbers are rare, but it does at least appear to have the correct 221 **** suffix of the larger capacity engine. (..0491 would indicate a fairly late model, I believe). Beware the 600cc GT > Sport/America 'conversions', there are quite a number out there.

The seat tail on America models is designed to slide back to make room for a passenger, so pillion foot-pegs were sometimes fitted.

Steve
 
#7 ·
Thanks Steve

That's very helpful. I have just discovered that the same bike was offered by the same auction house in 05 and was unsold. At that time it had a valid MOT but currently it does not have one. I suspect it may have lain idle since so I need to be careful
If I decide to pursue it is there anyone on the forum who has the knowledge to look at it with me when it is available to view. I would obviously pay for their time and travelling etc

Dave
 
#8 ·
You may have more luck asking the question on the UK Owners' Club web site Dave. The MV community in the UK is a small one, and most machines in the country are likely to be known. I had the same concerns as yourself when buying, but found that the club had known my particular bike for over thirty years! It's worth joining anyway, even if just for the access you'd then have to the spares supply. lol!

Moreover, I'll bet there's a member or two living within spitting distance of the auction house. It's worth a try.


Steve

ps. Did you check out the 'numbers' and 'registry' links on the Bike Museum site? Chassis/engine numbers are listed for many of the machines. Best of luck.
 
#9 ·
Thanks Steve

I am having problems accessing the Museum web site at the moment it seems to be down and I am still waiting for the moderator at the Yahoo site to let me join

Do I take it from the above that parts are hard to find?

I saw your post re the well polished Norton. I think I may know the guy He told me at Popham last year if I spent a week with wet and dry and various polishes I could get some marks out of the Primary chain case on my Interceptor. I rode there and needless to say his went on a trailer

Dave
 
#10 ·
Thanks Steve

I am having problems accessing the Museum web site at the moment it seems to be down and I am still waiting for the moderator at the Yahoo site to let me join

Do I take it from the above that parts are hard to find?

I saw your post re the well polished Norton. I think I may know the guy He told me at Popham last year if I spent a week with wet and dry and various polishes I could get some marks out of the Primary chain case on my Interceptor. I rode there and needless to say his went on a trailer

Dave
Try this link Dave; it's just worked for me http://thebikemuseum.com/


When the original Agusta factory closed in late 1979, the UK Owners' Club bought all the remaining stock. So far as I'm aware, they still have around four tons of spares stashed away (..for members' purchase only, of course!) Dorian is involved with the spares scheme, so he'll probably be able to tell you better what they have.

As to finding spares anywhere else: With the advent of eBay, it's become possible if you're prepared to do some on-line searching. I've bought one or two items from eBay Italy. Prices can, er.. fluctuate!

With regard to the show scene.. The one I mention is the first I've entered, and to be honest I did so only to allow those around my neighbourhood to see an old MV up close. In all the years I've ridden around the North East of England, I've never before seen one on the road. Neither have I seen one in any dealership within a 200ml radius. Most of the people I talk to think MV Agusta was founded fairly recently :jsm:. This being the case, I've started my own personal crusade to enlighten the masses. Lol! So, bring on the next show and I'll be content to spread the word. As they say, it's not the winning but the taking part which counts!

Steve


ps. Here's a snap of the old girl 'posing' mid show. It was taken by one of the spectators. Right click for the original.. http://www.flickr.com/photos/dieseldeltic/4827684124/
 
#11 ·
Dave.

You mention Popham so i assume your local to the south of the UK.

If you make the Megameet this year pop in and have a chat (i'm organising the stand again this year).

I can fill you in on all the juicy gossip re MV 'fours' in the UK.

Cheers.

Dorian.
 
#12 ·
Thanks Dorian

I will certainly be there - on the bike as long as its not lashing down I'm getting a bit soft these days and hate all the cleaning

I look forward to meeting you then

Are you going to Bill Little's open day on Saturday? Another great day out

Dave
 
#14 · (Edited)
I was the original owner of the bike that is the subject of this thread. The registration number was PTF273R, the frame number was 2210497. The engine number was 2210400.

I took delivery of the bike early in 1977, having won it in a competition organised by the weekly paper "MotorCycle". It gave me a great deal of pleasure, and was my pride and joy for four years.
 
#15 · (Edited)
750S America-PTF273R

Since finding this thread I have had a look at the bikemuseum site (above), and in the "Library" section there are links two two magazine articles featuring photos of PTF273R. Under "Various - British Rally & Concours" is a feature from Motor Cycle Mechanics January 1980, and "Collection - Wellings" is about my late friend Mark Wellings, from Superbike Sept 1980.

The former article has, on the centre spread, a photo of the concours line up at the first get-together of the MV Owners' Club of Great Britain. There in the foreground is PTF273R.

In the second magazine (on page 34) there is a photo of four big MVs. Mark is on the right, sitting on his half-faired Special; Kevin Talbot is on the left, on the cast-wheeled America. Next to Kevin is PTF273R. This is the only photo I've seen of "my" bike with the red frame.

The number plate is not visible in either photo, so you'll just have to take my word for it. I remember both occasions quite clearly, and bought both magazines when they first appeared.

The red frame came about because that man Wellings dropped my bike and bent the frame. We bought a brand new frame from Dave Kay, and rebuilt it. We had the new frame stamped with the original frame number. The original frame was, indeed, silver. The replacement frame was red. We did all the work ourselves, and used only brand new parts, so there was nothing wrong with the bike's condition, or its provenance.

Kevin's MV was stolen while he was touring somewhere on the Continent. Its engine number was 221-0459. I'm not sure of its frame number, but it was in the 300 range. I wonder where that one is now?

It is so interesting to take a trip down memory lane.

John Colter.
 
#16 · (Edited)
Since finding this thread I have had a look at the bikemuseum site (above), and in the "Library" section there are links two two magazine articles featuring photos of PTF273R. Under "Various - British Rally & Concours" is a feature from Motor Cycle Mechanics January 1980, and "Collection - Wellings" is about my late friend Mark Wellings, from Superbike Sept 1980.

The former article has, on the centre spread, a photo of the concours line up at the first get-together of the MV Owners' Club of Great Britain. There in the foreground is PTF273R.

In the second magazine (on page 34) there is a photo of four big MVs. Mark is on the right, sitting on his half-faired Special; Kevin Talbot is on the left, on his cast-wheeled America. Next to Kevin is PTF273R. This is the only photo I've seen of "my" bike with the red frame.

The number plate is not visible in either photo, so you'll just have to take my word for it. I remember both occasions quite clearly, and bought both magazines when they first appeared.

The red frame came about because that man Wellings dropped my bike and bent the frame. We bought a brand new frame from Dave Kay, and rebuilt it. We had the new frame stamped with the original frame number. The original frame was, indeed, silver. The replacement frame was red. We did all the work ourselves, and used only brand new parts, so there was nothing wrong with the bike's condition, or its provenance.

Kevin's MV was stolen while he was touring somewhere on the Continent. Its engine number was 221-0459. I'm not sure of its frame number, but it was in the 300 range. I wonder where that one is now?

It is so interesting to take a trip down memory lane.

John Colter.[/QUO
Fascinating story John and thanks for posting; brings back memories of my search for the history on MV America frame number 002 :jsm::jsm::jsm: as it turns out (after numerous "global phone calls:jsm::jsm:) we now have the complete History of ownership from "day 1:):):):):) :jsm::jsm::jsm:
First picture is the day it arrived some years ago, second pic, present day!
 

Attachments

#17 ·
MV 750S America PTF273R

Hi, JSM - I thought I should tell what I know about the story of PTF273R. The originator of this thread, or topic, was clearly worried that the red frame could indicate something irregular or undesirable. I am now 73 years of age, and could have kicked the bucket without leaving a record of what is an interesting episode in the life of this bike.

I have some photos of the bike when it was in my ownership (notably the occasion when it was presented to me) and other memorabilia. Unfortunately my IT skills are very poor, and I haven't a clue how to post photos.

Thirty years ago, I was lucky enough to ride at least nine examples of the big MV fours. They must surely be one of the most charismatic motorcycles ever produced.

The late Mark Wellings bought one that had been converted by a dealer. They had taken a standard America and added the Magni chain drive conversion, big bore barrels, larger carbs, cast wheels, and various other "goodies". He paid a small fortune for it, but the work had been done so badly that they ruined a perfectly good bike. He kept it for only a few weeks, then sent it back and demanded a refund. That was why he decided to build his own "Special". He made a superb job of it, too.
 
#19 · (Edited)
Hi, JSM - I thought I should tell what I know about the story of PTF273R. The originator of this thread, or topic, was clearly worried that the red frame could indicate something irregular or undesirable. I am now 73 years of age, and could have kicked the bucket without leaving a record of what is an interesting episode in the life of this bike.

I have some photos of the bike when it was in my ownership (notably the occasion when it was presented to me) and other memorabilia. Unfortunately my IT skills are very poor, and I haven't a clue how to post photos.

Thirty years ago, I was lucky enough to ride at least nine examples of the big MV fours. They must surely be one of the most charismatic motorcycles ever produced.

The late Mark Wellings bought one that had been converted by a dealer. They had taken a standard America and added the Magni chain drive conversion, big bore barrels, larger carbs, cast wheels, and various other "goodies". He paid a small fortune for it, but the work had been done so badly that they ruined a perfectly good bike. He kept it for only a few weeks, then sent it back and demanded a refund. That was why he decided to build his own "Special". He made a superb job of it, too.
Hi J, If you follow Johns suggestions you should be able to post up some pics; regards Mark, attached is an image of his "special":jsm::jsm::jsm::jsm::jsm: I will also post up a detailed history of 002:):):):):):jsm::jsm::jsm::jsm::jsm: PS........................problem with upload, not sure what is happening here (first time issue!!!!)
 
#18 · (Edited)
This a most interesting thread. :) John (Colter), if you scroll down below the text box when writing a thread, you can add photos by pressing the manage attachments button which will allow you to browse the files on your computer and add files (photos). I'm sure we would all be very eager to see your photos of the bike when you first owned it. I'm not sure how to get hard copy photo's 'computerised' but some of the more technically minded on here might be able to help with that if your photos aren't in digital form which I suspect if we are talking 1970's they aren't. It would be great to see them though.
 
#32 ·
I'll try to attach a photo of the old girl, taken on 3rd June 1977 when I collected the bike from SGT, who were then MV Concessionaires:- Crickey! It worked! That's Geoff Aspel of MotorCycle shaking my hand, and Brian Snowden of SGT. Dig those flares - what a cool dude.
That is such a fantastic pic John!!!!!!!!

Added to the story behind it, this is fast becoming one of my favourite threads :)

Hopefully one day I will get myself a 750 America - I'll just keep waiting until the prices hit $150K & then I'll jump in :laughing:

Thank you so much for coming on here and sharing the whole story with us - truly remarkable.
 
#22 · (Edited)
Left to right:- Me, Brian Snowden (SGT), Peter Bate (SGT), Geoff Aspel (MotorCycle). Sadly Geoff was to lose his life in a bike accident. I think it happened at some event at Brands Hatch. He was a brother of Michael Aspel, the TV presenter. I've just discovered that if you click on the photo, it gives a larger and clearer version. Ain't technology wonderful?
 

Attachments

#23 ·
in my old age I find pics such as posted by John priceless. It is great to have the history of an old bike, especially if you are the owner of the bike. Fortunately, I've managed to collect similar pics for my America showing the various guises the bike had and know of a Kiwi Sport owner with a pictorial history of his bike (which looked akin to an America when he acquired it)
 
#24 ·
Here's another old photo from my files. Mark Wellings bought an MV 350 twin, and converted it for racing. They tend to vibrate badly when revved hard. The crankshaft was bolted up, so he simply assembled it with the crank throws at 180 deg, instead of 360 - had a special camshaft made, and fitted an ignition set-up from a TZ Yamaha. A reworked head, bigger carbs, and Bob's your Uncle.

I rode it for the first time at a Classic Club meeting at Snetterton, sometime in the early 1980s. Got fifth in the first race, and third in the second. The next meeting was at Brands Hatch, and I dropped it at Clearways. After that, I decided I could not afford the cost of racing, and packed it in. Mark sold the bike to some bloke in the Liverpool area, I think.

It was a very pretty little racer, with great potential.
 

Attachments

#28 ·
I don't have any MVs, unfortunately, but I'll tell you a tale about Mark Wellings. Back in the early 1980s, he owned several MVs, but had a hankering for a 750GT. We'd only ever seen photos of this model, and only a very small number had been sold in the UK. One day, we were sitting in his kitchen, drinking tea, and he was telling me about how he'd love to get his hands on a 750GT. His telephone rang, and then as he spoke to the caller, he looked amazed. When he hung up, he said to me, "You're not going to believe this - that was someone who wants to sell a 750GT!" This person had bought the bike some years before, it had overheated badly and seized a piston, and he had parked at the back of his garage and left it. He'd seen Mark's name in a magazine article, and tracked him down to see if he'd be interested in buying the bike.

I went with Mark to see it, and it was in a sorry state. It had been left in a damp place for several years, with the plugs taken out. The engine was seized solid, and the whole bike was rusting merrily. Mark pretended he was not really interested, made a derisory offer, parted with a few hundred pounds, and we drove off with the bike in the van.

He rebuilt the bike from the ground up, I did the paintwork, and its first outing was to a Classic Motorcycle event at Donnington Park. Mark rode it there, and I accompanied him on PTF273R. When we arrived, someone said, "Oh, if you're looking for the Concours, it's taking place over there." We didn't know about the Concours event, but Mark entered the bike - and won! He got a huge trophy, one of the biggest I've seen.

The bike looked like the one in the picture below, but where the standard bikes were brown, we had painted it red (of course!).
 

Attachments

#30 ·
Quiz Time.

In the first photo that I posted in this topic (#20), there are two MVs in the background. One is peeking out from behind the back of Geoff Aspel's jacket, the other is just poking into the photo, under the large "K" of the Kawasaki sign.

The first person correctly to identify both will win - my unstinting admiration.
 
#31 ·
Minibike Racing 50 under the 'K' of Kawasaki.

Either 125 Sport or 350 Ipotesi behind Geoff's jacket. My best guess would be 350 as it has indicators although it could be a 125 as these where available with them as well and the bike looks very slim.

Cheers.

Dorian.
 
#33 ·
I have strong evidence that this America was once owned by Nick Mason (Pink Floyd) before he sold it to Dave Enthoven, road manager for ELP amongst others. The first registration is in the name of Begonne Music which was Dave's company. Apparently, Dave and/or Nick painted the bike in some psychodelic colours with some evidence shown in the 'MV' on the cam cover ends (one yellow and the other blue). They also preferred the Sport tank.

Frank bought said his purchase of the bike was done from 'the boot of a car' and that the bike was in need of some tlc (it had been 'butchered' at some stage to fit the sport tank). The pics are from Frank, who owned the bike in England for about 15 years before selling it to Graham (he owned it for about a week) before onselling to me.

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Motorcycle Motor vehicle

with the Sport tank & Magni seat

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Motorcycle Motor vehicle

and the full fairing

Vehicle Auto part Motor vehicle Engine Fuel line

remnants of the pshycodelica can be seen on the MV cam cover ends (one yellow & one blue)

Land vehicle Vehicle Motorcycle Car Motorcycling

Frank about to go for a fang on the A591

Land vehicle Vehicle Motorcycle Car Motor vehicle

Frank

Land vehicle Vehicle Motorcycle Car Motor vehicle

the bike for the first time on Australian soil
 

Attachments

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top