MV Agusta celebrates 80 years of existence

Over eight decades, the Varese brand has set new standards for quality and performance, both on the track, with its unrivaled record of 75 world titles (38 riders and 37 manufacturers), and on the road, where it has become an icon of Italian style and craftsmanship. has become.

Since its inception, MV Agusta says it has embodied the values ​​of innovation, precision and dedication, creating models that have entered the mythology of motorcycling. Each motorcycle designed is the result of an enduring passion for performance, technical perfection and aesthetic exploration – basic tenets of a philosophy that continues to inspire generations of motorcyclists and enthusiasts around the world.

The Agusta family, a major player in the aerospace industry, who could not immediately produce aircraft after World War II, decided to turn their passion for speed and technology to building motorcycles. On January 19, 1945, the Società Anonima Meccanica Verghera was officially founded in Cascina Costa di Samarate, near today’s Malpensa International Airport, in northern Italy.

The first motorcycle of the MV Agusta brand was officially launched in the autumn of 1945 and went down in history as the MV 98. The Agusta family’s love for aviation was clearly reflected in their motorcycles, giving them a true racing soul. The MV 98 began an extraordinary series of victories and successes, dominating the circuits worldwide for decades.

The legacy of aviation is clearly visible in the 80-year history of MV Agusta. A good example is the iconic red and silver livery: while the red symbolizes Italy’s motorsport heritage, the silver pays tribute to aviation, where wartime aircraft often left their aluminum fuselages unpainted to save weight.

The mass production of automobiles in the 1950s and 1960s significantly reduced the demand for motorcycles as a simple means of transportation. MV Agusta’s response was the development of more and more innovative, high-performance models distinguished by constant aesthetic research. These motorcycles aroused desire as inspirational objects, overcoming the diminishing need for two-wheeled transportation. This strategy proved successful, thanks in part to the brand’s continued sporting triumphs.

Count Domenico Agusta had a talent for selecting the best riders, many of whom became motorcycle legends: Franco Bertoni, MV Agusta’s first rider, followed by Arcisio Artesiani, Carlo Ubbiali (“The Flying Chinaman”), Leslie Graham, Cecil Sandford, Fortunato Libanori, John Surtees, Mike Hailwood, Gianfranco Bonera, Giacomo Agostini and Phil Read.

Throughout the 30 years of the Agusta era, their victories were woven into the legacy of legendary MV Agusta production models. The partnership between MV Agusta and Giacomo Agostini remains the most famous in motorcycle history: during his career on Cascina Costa’s motorcycles, “Ago” won 13 World Titles, 18 Italian Championships and 10 Tourist Trophies, becoming the most successful rider in motorcycle history.

The 80 years of MV Agusta are not only marked by countless sporting successes, but also by the creation of real collector’s items, which are highly sought after by enthusiasts all over the world. Examples include the 175 CSS from 1954, nicknamed “Disco Volante”, the 750 S “America” from 1973, the legendary F4 launched in 1997, whose variants have fascinated generations of motorcyclists, and the iconic Brutale, which is still considered the epitome of naked bikes. In 2010, MV Agusta opted for a technical solution with the F3 – the world’s first motorcycle with a counter-rotating crankshaft – that revolutionized the handling and stability of mid-sized sports motorcycles.

Its recent history is marked by models such as the Rush, Dragster, Turismo Veloce and Superveloce, each embodying the brand’s DNA of innovation, performance and beauty. In 2024, MV Agusta took another bold step forward with the Enduro Veloce, redefining the adventure bike segment with a project that combines performance, advanced technology and refined design.

MV Agusta’s creations are not only milestones in motorcycling, but are also recognized as true works of art. Some have found a place in the world’s most renowned design and art museums.

“Motorcycle Art”, the slogan that accompanies MV Agusta, embodies the artistic and artisanal dimension of the brand, making it go beyond the production of motorcycles and become a true factory of dreams on two wheels, with Authentic Made in Italy as its core value .

Today, MV Agusta looks to the future with the same pioneering spirit that defined its legacy. With a focus on technological innovation, connectivity and strengthening relationships with dealers and customers, the brand continues to create unique motorcycles that seamlessly blend tradition and modernity.

In tribute to this glorious history, MV Agusta has designed the 2025 Collezione Ottantesimo, which was unveiled at EICMA last November. The Centro Stile MV Agusta has redesigned the historic logo for this occasion, replacing the traditional emblem on all motorcycles in the collection.

The six festive models (800 Series 3-cylinder series: Brutale RR Ottantesimo, Dragster RR Ottantesimo, F3 RR Ottantesimo and Superveloce S Ottantesimo – 1000 Series 4-cylinders: Brutale 1000 Ottantesimo and Brutale 1000 RR Ottantesimo), all produced in a limited series of only 500 pieces, are recognizable to a laser engraving “1 of 500” on the steering plate or on the tank protection plate, depending on the model. Each motorcycle dedicated to the 80th anniversary comes with the corresponding certificate of authenticity.

The 80th Anniversary Collection celebrates a glorious history of passion, success and achievement that, over 80 years, has brought the true Made in Italy to the top of the world more than anyone else. It has given works of art in the form of motorcycles and made generations of enthusiasts and lovers of design, mechanics and beauty dream and fall in love, always remaining true to its vision.