1977 MV Agusta 350 Sports 'Ipotesi'

Only produced between 1975 and 1977, the Ipotesi boasted 34bhp

An advanced motorcycle for its time including triple disc brakes, cast magnesium wheels, and a 10,000rpm redline

Could be fitted with a fairing and a shortened single seat and tail

Offered from a small private collection and now showing just 13,783 km on the odometer

Although better known for their racing and road-going multi-cylinder machines, MV Agusta also built a range of stylish single and twin-cylinder sports bikes throughout the 1950s, '60s and '70s. Intermittently available in Britain throughout this period, their high price meant that they were never top sellers.

Introduced at the Milan Show in 1971, MV's first production 350 roadster was basically an over-bored version of the existing 250B model that had been around since 1967. Of unitary construction, the engine was a compact, twin-cylinder, overhead-valve unit featuring twin Dell'Orto carburettors, geared primary drive and a five-speed gearbox. Claimed maximum power was 28bhp at 7,600rpm and top speed in excess of 90mph. Two versions were made: the 350GT tourer and 350B sports, both of which were updated with 12-volt electrics and electronic ignition in October 1972.

They were replaced by restyled, 'square case' 350 Sports/GT equivalents for 1975 - also known as the “Ipotesi” (hypothesis in Italian) - the makeover being the work of celebrated designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. The basic engine architecture remained unchanged but the power went up to 34bhp at 8,500 revs with a commensurate increase in performance. It was quite an advanced motorcycle for the time with triple disc brakes, cast magnesium wheels, and a 10,000 rpm redline making this 350cc bike a very capable performer. The 350cc unit was an air-cooled, two-cylinder unit fed by dual Dell"Orto carburettors. It was only produced between 1975 and 1977 and was an instant hit after being revealed at the Milan Motorcycle Show. The 350 Sports could be fitted with a fairing and had a shortened seat and tail that was angled slightly upwards.

The motorcycle offered there is a 1977 MV Agusta 350 Sports “Ipotesi”, which was previously purchased in Germany around 1999. It's in very good condition and currently displays a total of 13,783 kilometres on the odometer. Now being sold from a small private collection of motorcycles, this "Uber-cool" machine has 70"s style to spare.