1978 MV Agusta 350 Sport
Registration no. ARW 604S
Frame no. 21601898
Engine no. 21601898

Although better known for their multi-cylinder models, MV Agusta also built stylish single- and twin-cylinder sports bikes throughout the 1950s, '60s and '70s. Intermittently available in Britain throughout this period, they were expensive and never top sellers. Introduced at the Milan Show in 1971, MV's first production 350 roadster was basically an over-bored version of the 250B model that had been around since 1967. Of unitary construction, the engine was a compact, twin-cylinder, overhead-valve unit featuring twin Dell'Orto carburettors, geared primary drive and a five-speed gearbox. Claimed maximum power was 28bhp and top speed in excess of 90mph. Two versions were made: the 350GT tourer and 350B sports, both of which were updated with 12-volt electrics and electronic ignition in October 1972. They were replaced by restyled, 'square case' 350 Sport/GT equivalents for 1975, the makeover being the work of the celebrated car designer, Giorghetto Giugiaro. The basic engine architecture remained unchanged, but power went up to 34bhp with a commensurate increase in performance.

One of the last motorcycles manufactured by the original MV Agusta company before its closure, this 350 Sport was imported and first registered here in 1985. 'ARW 604S' had had two owners in this country (and been restored) prior to its acquisition by the current vendor in July 1987. Re-commissioning is advised before returning this machine to the road. Accompanying paperwork consists of an old-style V5 document and an MoT certificate issued in 1986 at 20,408 kilometres (the current odometer reading is 21,242 kilometres).