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MV Agusta 500 Four 1960

MV Agusta 500 Story

MV Agusta first went into 500-class racing in 1950. The 500 model that the company introduced was a four-cylinder, transverse motorcycle designed by Remor, the same man who had earlier designed the Gilera four-cylinder racer.
The MV Agusta 500 prototype had two-shaft overhead distribution and final shaft transmission with universal joints. Its power was about 50 h.p., with a maximum speed of about 125 m.p.h.

This motorcycle underwent rapid development. Like all advanced models, the MV 500 four-cylinder went through an evolution that showed what had to be retained from classic
MV Agusta 500 Four-cylinder, 1957 model models and what had to be made better. The transmission shaft was eliminated, leaving the traditional chain. The fine chassis was tested with a variety of new suspension systems before the classic front telescopic fork was revived with a swinging rear fork and shock absorber.

The British champion Leslie Graham rode this motorcycle to win the 1952 Italian Grand Prix and the Spanish Grand Prix. Graham was a true champion, and with the considerable power of the MV 500, he should have dominated his class. But fate was cruel to Graham. He lost the 1952 title and had a fatal accident at the 1953 Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man. MV Agusta lost its best racer, but the high-spirited Carlo Bandirola rode the four-cylinder motorcycle to a host of wins.
In 1954 the MV 500 was the main challenger to the Gilera.

The MV Agusta team included Carlo Bandirola, Nello Pagani, Dickie Dale, and Bill Lomas, with a 500 four-cylinder that could generate 65 h.p. at 11,000 r.p.m.
Despite this impressive horsepower, which could propel the motorcycle at top speeds over 140 m.p.h., the MV Agusta 500 failed to win the 1954 championship. The main problems that led to this defeat were some stiffness in the chassis and the lack of riders on a par with the Gilera stars. In 1955 Umberto Masetti switched from Gilera to MV Agusta. He was joined by Ray Amm, who had formerly driven for the Norton team. Amm's career with MV Agusta came to a tragic end during the Shell Conchiglia d'Oro (Golden Shell) at Imola. Masetti never managed to outrace the Gilera motorcycles. John Surtees, who had made a name for himself racing for Norton and NSU, came out from England. For Continental Circus racers Italy was Mecca, and MV Agusta, on the lookout for outstanding drivers, offered a safe port.

Surtees joined the MV team in 1956 and set out after the Gilera competition with a 67-h.p. motorcycle. At the end of the season Surtees and the MV Agusta four-cylinder were again world champions in the 500 class.
In 1957 the old four-cylinder engine was completely overhauled. The cylinder dimensions were changed, and its power was increased to 70 h.p. at 11,000 r.p.m. But this was not enough to meet the competition. Gilera had also upgraded its engine. Surtees won only the Dutch Grand Prix. At the end of the season Gilera withdrew from racing, leaving the field wide open for MV Agusta. From 1958 to 1960 John Surtees was the reigning champion. Next Gary Hocking won and then Mike Hailwood won four consecutive world championships, before passing on the MV scepter to Giacomo Agostini. The superiority of the old MV 500 four-cylinder became legendary.

Motorcycle: MV Agusta 500 Four-cylinder Manufacturer: MV Agusta, Cascina Costa,
Gallarate Type: Racing Year: 1960
Engine: MV four-cylinder, four-stroke, with two-shaft overhead geared distribution
Cooling: Air
Transmission: Five-speed block
Power: About 75 h.p.
Maximum speed: Over 160 m.p.h.
Chassis: Double cradle, continuous, tubular. Front and rear, telescopic suspension
Brakes: Front, central drum, four shoes; rear, central drum