The synopsis is simple - build a streetable Classic 1970's MV AGUSTA, MAGNI Style Race REPLICA using a modern MV 750 F4 engine, the rest is old school - wire wheels, Borani rims, 4LS Grimeca front brake, 750 America Gas Tank. a MV full fairing and those magnificant MAGNI swan-neck megaphones. Photo below is the inspiration, I have always been enthralled with the iconic image of MV Racers, the Magni versions are top.

I started thinking about the concept of this project Summer 2010 by sketching & working out a basic design, researching frame design techniques, sourcing and collecting the required parts to make a start on this exciting project. There are so many special parts required to be manutactured, including the frame. Work started in July 2011 with the frame building. I will blog the progress on each major area separately - frame, engine, body, wheels, electrics.

What started this endeavour was simply finding a 2006 MV 910R Engine on ebay for $1000 - who could resist - plan was to upgrade my F4 750 to 910R spec, simple plug and play. Now what to do with the left over 750S F4 engine - 125HP of intoxicating power. Builders in our area have fabricated working examples of the AJS Vee4, a 1904 Harley Board Track racer and a Vincent series A - I am not up to fabricating an engine from an oil stain - so using the MV F4 engine is a perfect place to start. The engine swap took place in May 2011 over a weekend, result turned out much better as the 910R engine is a nicer engine to ride than the 750, less fussy, more torque and power.....

Arturo Magni thrrough is son Giovanni are still supplying replica parts for MV's out of Italy. After a month of emails, I finally was able to have shipped a full fairing set, seat, tail unit and a set of their magnificant curvy meagphones. A promise of a tank never eventuatated and I have now sourced a 750s America tank on ebay for close to what I recently sold a Norton Interstate gas tank for.

As far as the modern components go - I have been collecting MV F4 parts from various sources including eBay and from Carl Giuffre "CAG" on the MV Lists (http://www.mvagustaparts.us/). Carl supplied the 910 engine that started all this. I now have in hand all the required parts to make the 750 F4 engine run. ECU, wiring harness, all the relays, fuse box, throttle, radiator, fuel pump, instrument unit, handlebar switchgear etc.. I plan to keep as much of the modern componentry intact, unmolested to keep things simple. The task will be to disguise and hide as much of these items as possible.

Beleive it or not, sourcing the gas tank has turned out to be the pivotal peice in being able to start on the project. Since I am building a frame from scratch, shoe horning the 4 cylinder engine in and around a frame and tank has proved to be very challenging. Having the actual tank means the frame can be fitted to suit see BODY WORK blog for transofrmation of the gas tank.. One major modification required to the engine was to change the throttle bodies from near vertical to horizontal. This involves fabricating new intake manifolds with elbows. Fabrication is well under way - see ENGINE Blog

I sourced wheels and brakes from Wolfgang Haearta, Laverda Specialst in Nakusp. He supplied the full set up including a new 230mm Grimeca 4LS front brake, a Grimeca rear hub, alloy flanged rims and heavy duty SS spokes along with a set of Tomselli levers and Tarozzi rear-sets. Front forks, triple tree are from a 2000 Triumph 955 Daytona 45mm Showa's with full adjustment. I have had these under my bench for seven years, finally found a use. They will require machining of the lower legs to remove the disk capliper mounting bracket and make them look a little more like Marzochocci's or Cerianis used on the Classic's.

The frame fixture (jig) was built using a 12" structural chanel and HSS post, following concepts from Michael Moore of Euro Spares in California. On his website he shares his vast wealth of experience and knowledge with motorcycle frame design and making specials (Thanks Mike if you ever read this) Here is the link to his page http://www.eurospares.com/frame.htm. Tony Foale's book "Motorcycle Handling and Chassis Design - the Art & Science" has also been a useful resource.

This is where the construction started - DAY 1: Locating the engine in relation to the steering head. Check out the detailed frame construction process. CHECK FRAME BLOG Here

I have chosen 1" DOM (drawn on mandrel) .063" as the frame material. In researching 4130 (Chrome Moly), I came to the conclusion there is no advantage for use in my project - weight saving is not a major issue, plus the issues with heat affected zones and brittle joints is quite serious. I will be TIG welding the frame, the strongest joint with less affect on the surrounding areas.