In 1959, Italy introduced a rule that made it illegal to ride on the highway with a bike that displaced less than 150cc. MV Agusta responded by taking their 125 and creating a family of models around a 150 motor including the Gran Turismo, Rapido Sport America, and Rapido Sport. The latter is what we have in front of us today.
6,515 examples were built between 1959 and 1969. In 1963, the bike was revised with new rear shocks and a different gas cap. 1966 brought about an additional gear in the transmission, making a total of 5. The 4-stroke motor was good for 10 horsepower and it was fueld by a Dell’Orto MB20B carb. MV claimed a top speed of 71 miles per hour.
This example is claimed to have been fully restored with a rebuilt carb, trued wheels, almost new tires, fresh fluids, new fork seals, redone seat cover, new coil/rectifier, and more. It’s been shown at the Quail and is said to ride as nice as it looks.
Find this Rapido Sport for sale here on Craigslist for $9,995 in San Carlos, California.
This bike-uriousity brought to you by Dan D!