Company overview
MV Agusta was founded in 1945 by Count Domenico Agusta, initially as a branch of the Agusta aircraft company near Milan. The company began with the production of motorcycles, initially named ‘Vespa 98’ and later ‘MV 98’, using parts sourced from the black market to overcome wartime shortages. Initially focused on racing, MV Agusta quickly established a factory racing program and produced motorcycles for its family’s racing efforts. Early models included the 125cc and 250cc, with significant advancements made for racing homologation. The company expanded its product line to include scooters and helicopters, leveraging aviation technology in motorcycle design. Later models like the 175cc line, including the ‘Disco Volante,’ achieved success in racing and road use. However, early 175cc engines were known for their fragility and required frequent maintenance. In 1954, MV Agusta introduced the 250 Raid, a larger displacement model intended for long-distance travel.
