Post Sale Update: This Ipotesi sold for $6,501 after 4 bids on eBay.
MV Agusta is an Italian manufacturer that used to produce airplanes for the Italian Army during WWII. At the end of the War, MV was out of business, so the two owners, and brother, Vincenzo and Domenico decided to produce motorcycles and put their staff back to work. The 50’s and beginning of the 60’s was a golden era for them where they managed to win 37 World Championships. These victories permitted the production of highly attractive street bikes to riders looking for Italian style and a good engine.
By the end of the 60’s, the average Italian could afford small cars and started losing interest in motorcycles, so MV saw a great decrease in their sales. Add to this the death of Domenico in 1971, and their motorcycle production was dying. To receive some help from the government, MV now had to stop motorcycle racing and build helicopters instead.
This small help allowed MV to produce another model as a last stand, and they asked the famous designer Giorgetto Giugiaro (known for the BMW M1 and the DeLorean) to design it. Giugaro took MV DNA and just made some small cosmetic adjustments to the existing MV 350cc engine, notably to the clutch, the covers, cylinder heads, and of course the bodywork with more angular shapes. At the Milan show in 1973, the Ipotesi was finally presented.
The bike produced 34 hp to move just 352 lbs, leading to a top speed of about 103mph. The bike was acclaimed for its handling but criticized for its price and disappointing finishes as the fairings were thin and would vibrate at high speed – as would the whole bike. After its release in 1973, Ipotesi production stopped only to start again in 1975. The model definitely died in 1977, and MV was closed 3 years after. Find more information about the Ipotesi here on Motorcycle Classics.
The Ipotesi (VIN: 601228) presented in this article is in good condition for its age, showing about 3k miles. The bike is completely original and has never been restored which gives it a nice patina. The bike is sold with Italian papers. Find this Ipotesi in Bassano del Grappa, Italy (close to Venice) with bidding up to $5,790