MV Agusta Raid

Last updated
MV Agusta Raid
Mv Agusta 250 RAID.jpg
MV Agusta 250 Raid
Manufacturer MV Agusta
Production1957-1961
AssemblyCascina Costa, Italy
Engine air-cooled, single-cylinder OHV
Bore / stroke 247 cc: 69 x 66 mm
301 cc: 74 x 70 mm
Compression ratio 7.2:1
Power 247 cc: 14 bhp (10.4 kW) @ 5,600 rpm
301 cc: 16 bhp (12 kW) @ 5,000 rpm
Transmission Wet, multi-plate clutch, unit construction 4-speed gearbox, chain drive
Suspension Front: telescopic forks
Rear: swinging arm with hydraulic dampers
Brakes 200 mm drum brakes front & rear
Tires Front 3.00 x 19
Rear: 3.25 x 19
Wheelbase 1,340 mm
DimensionsL: 2,040 mm
W: 590 mm
Weight145 kg (dry)
Footnotes /references
[1] [2] [3] [4]

The MV Agusta Raid was a series of 250 and 300 cc motorcycles manufactured by the MV Agusta company in Cascina Costa, Italy from 1957 [5] to 1961. [3] At the time of introduction, the 250 cc class was considered a large capacity motorcycle. [5]

Contents

Overview

When the 250 cc Raid was introduced at the 1956 Milan EICMA Motorcycle Show, [6] it received considerable interest as a machine that "could cross a continent". [5] The name, which in Italian means a long, fast and adventurous trip, was chosen following a survey of MV dealers. [1] Production started in 1957, but sales of the 250 were not as good as expected. [5]

In an attempt to increase sales, a 300 cc version was introduced in 1959. MV attempted to sell a police version to the Guardia di Finanza with little success, and the Italian Armed Forces, who purchased the military version in limited numbers. [7]

Priced initially at 286,000 lira [1] for the 250 cc and 290,000 lire for the 300 cc, [3] the success hoped for was not realised with only 544 250 cc machines [1] and about 500 300 cc machines [3] being produced.

Models

250 Raid

The initial 250 model was propelled by a 247 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder OHV engine. Bore and stroke was 69 x 66 mm and compression ratio was 7.2:1. Breathing through a 24 mm Dell'Orto carburettor, the engine produced 14 bhp (10.4 kW) at 5,600 rpm. A geared primary drive fed the power to a 4 speed gearbox. [2]

The frame was MV's usual arrangement of a double cradle made of tubular and pressed steel. Telescopic front forks were fitted and a swinging arm with hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear. 200 mm drum brakes were fitted front and rear. The machine was finished in black with red detailing. Top speed was 115 km/h (72 mph). [1]

250 Raid Extra

The Raid Extra version was equipped with the same mechanical components as the Raid but had a higher specification finish. [1] It was finished in red with white highlighting. [8]

300 Raid

In 1959, in an attempt to recover the poor sales of the 250, a 300 cc version was introduced. The bore was increased to 74 mm and the stroke to 70 mm, which gave a 301 cc displacement and an output of 16 bhp (12 kW) at 5,000 rpm. To give a similar fuel consumption to the 250, the carburettor was reduced to 22 mm. [4]

A new petrol tank, mudguards and exhaust were fitted, otherwise the cycle parts were the same as the 250. [3]

300 Raid Militaire

A special version, the 300 Raid Militaire, [9] was produced in limited quantities for Italian Armed Forces in 1961. The model was fitted with two individual saddles and finished in a drab green. [7]

300 Raid Polizia

Modified for police use, the 300 Raid Polizia [10] was introduced, but this variant was not taken up by the police. [7]

Spanish production

The 300 Raid was made under licence in Spain by MV Avello in the city of Gijón in the autonomous community of Asturias. The model was marketed in Spain as the 300 Nalón, [11] the name of a local river. [12] The Spanish model was the largest MV produced in Spain and used a different frame and differed in appearance from the Italian model. Production was from 1961 - 1966 (the 1966 models being supplied from old stock). [13]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MV Agusta</span> Italian motorcycle manufacturer and racing team

MV Agusta is a high end motorcycle manufacturer founded by Count Domenico Agusta on 19 January 1945 as one of the branches of the Agusta aircraft company near Milan in Cascina Costa, Italy. The abbreviation MV stands for Meccanica (mechanics) Verghera, the hamlet where the first MVs were made. The modern headquarters and main production facilities are located in Varese, Italy on the shore of Lake Varese.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MV Agusta Brutale series</span> Series of Italian naked motorcycles

The MV Agusta Brutale series of motorcycles are manufactured by MV Agusta of Italy, starting in 2001. Its style is classified as a naked bike and the series consists of several models powered by either inline-four or inline-three, DOHC-engines in various capacities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MV Agusta 350B</span> Type of motorcycle

The MV Agusta 350B (Bicilindrica) was a series of motorcycles produced by the Italian manufacturer MV Agusta from 1970 to 1974. The motorcycle was first introduced at the Milan motorcycle show in 1969. The introduction of the "350" model was intended to bridge the production gap of MV Agusta in the medium-displacement sector and to take advantage of the prestige gained by the dominant GP racers. It was produced in "Sport", "Gran Turismo" and "Scrambler" versions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MV Agusta 250 Monocilindrica Bialbero</span> Type of motorcycle

The MV Agusta 250 Monocilindrica Bialbero was a 250 cc factory racer manufactured by the Italian brand MV Agusta from 1956 to 1959. With this machine 15 GPs, 2 Driver Championships and 2 manufacturers World Championships were won.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MV Agusta 250 Bicilindrica</span> 250 cc factory racer manufactured by the Italian brand MV Agusta

The MV Agusta 250 Bicilindrica was a 250 cc factory racing motorcycle manufactured by the Italian brand MV Agusta from 1957 to 1961. With this machine 11 GPs, 2 Driver Championships and 2 manufacturers World Championships were won.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MV Agusta 175 series</span> Series of Italian motorcycles

The MV Agusta 175 were a series of motorcycles produced by the Italian manufacturer MV Agusta from 1953 to 1960. The series included touring, GT, sports and supersports models. There were also two racing variants. Because of the shape of the petrol tank, the sports and supersport models became known as the Disco Volante. The series was MV's best seller.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MV Agusta 125 Bialbero</span> Italian motorcycle

The MV Agusta 125 Bialbero was a 125 cc factory racer from the Italian brand MV Agusta, which was used between 1950 and 1960. The machine won 34 GPs, 6 rider's championships and one manufacturer's championship. The machine also won 4 Italian Championships and 10 National Championships in other countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MV Agusta 125 Motore Lungo</span> Italian motorcycle

The MV Agusta 125 Motore Lungo, more commonly known as the "carter lungo", was a 125 cc, lightweight two-stroke motorcycle manufactured between 1950 and 1953 by Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta. The machine was often used in racing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MV Agusta Liberty</span> Light motorcycle built in Italy from 1962 to 1969

The MV Agusta 50 Liberty was a light motorcycle built in the MV Agusta factory in Cascina Costa di Samarate, Italy from 1962 to 1969.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MV Agusta 125 Pullman</span> Type of motorcycle

The MV Agusta 125 Pullman was a motorcycle produced by the Italian manufacturer MV Agusta from 1953 to 1956. The model achieved a good sales success, and had the highest production of any machine from MV Agusta. Many brought the bike as the only means of family transport or as a work vehicle. Despite the questionable aesthetics, the Pullman offered a comfortable ride, derived by the driving position, soft suspension and large section tires. This was particularly appreciated by users, so much so that they were imitated by some competitors. 27,000 machines of this model series were produced. The model was also produced under licence in Spain by Avello, where it was marketed as the MV Avello 125 Pullman Turismo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MV Agusta Superveloce</span> Italian retro racer styled motorcycle

The MV Agusta Superveloce is a retro racer styled motorcycle produced by the Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta in 2020. It is described by MV Agusta as "a modern interpretation of the iconic stylistic concept of the MV Agusta. A fusion of vintage and contemporary ensures that the future incorporates the memories of good times gone by".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MV Agusta Dragster series</span> Series of Italian streetfighter motorcycles

The MV Agusta Dragster is a series of motorcycles produced by the Italian manufacturer MV Agusta. The bike is considered a streetfighter, or muscle bike, and is powered by an 800cc three-cylinder engine. Originally introduced in 2014 as the Brutale Dragster 800, part of the Brutale model lineup, the Dragster range was expanded and offered as its own series.

The MV Agusta RVS#1 is a limited-edition motorcycle produced by the Italian manufacturer MV Agusta. This machine is the first product of MV Agusta's “Reparto Veicoli Speciali” (RVS) department, and a reinterpretation of the MV Agusta Dragster. It is powered by a 150 bhp version of the company's 800 cc three-cylinder engine. The machines are all hand assembled and went on sale in 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MV Agusta 350 Ipotesi</span> Type of motorcycle

The MV Agusta 350 Ipotesi (Hypothesis) was a motorcycle produced by the Italian manufacturer MV Agusta from 1975 to 1977. The machine was conceived by Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro and based on the previous 350 B Sport Elettronica model. 1,991 "Sports" and 350 “Turismo” machines were produced.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MV Agusta 125 Regolarità</span> Motorcycle model

The MV Agusta 125 Regolarità was a dual-sport motorcycle built from 1965 to 1970 by the Italian manufacturer MV Agusta at their Cascina Costa plant. Production was 63 machines, built in 2 batches; 46 in 1965 and 17 in 1969.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MV Agusta 125 Sport SE</span> Type of motorcycle

The MV Agusta 125 Sport SE was a sport motorcycle built from 1975 to 1977 by the Italian manufacturer MV Agusta. It was one of the last models to be produced by Meccanica Verghera at their Cascina Costa plant.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Avello (motorcycle)</span>

Avello was a Spanish manufacturer of machine tools, motorcycles and scooters, famous for its MV Agusta and Puch brand machines. It was founded by Alfredo Avello in 1940 and closed in March 2013. The factory was in the city of Gijón in Asturias, northern Spain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MV Agusta 150 Sport RS</span> Type of motorcycle

The MV Agusta 150 Sport RS was a motorcycle produced by the Italian motorcycle MV Agusta in their Cascina Costa plant from 1959 to 1969.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hansen & Schneider (motorcycle)</span>

Hansen & Schneider were a range of limited production motorcycles produced by the German MV Agusta importers Michael Hansen and engineer Roland Schneider based on the MV Agusta 750 Sport America and the 350 Ipotesi models. The machines were manufactured from 1975 to 1982.

The MV Agusta 250B (Bicilindrica) was a motorcycle produced by the Italian manufacturer MV Agusta from 1968 to 1971. The motorcycle was first introduced at the 1965 Milan EICMA motorcycle show and was based on the stillborn MV 166 Arno GT. The model was discontinued in 1971 following the introduction of an overbored version, the 350B.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "250 "Raid"" (PDF). www.glaagusta.org. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
  2. 1 2 "MV Agusta 250 Raid / Raid Extra". www.mv-agusta-club.de. MV Agusta Club Deutschland. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "300 "Raid"" (PDF). www.glaagusta.org. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
  4. 1 2 "MV Agusta 300 Raid". www.mv-agusta-club.de. MV Agusta Club Deutschland. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "250 Raid". www.mvagustaoldtimers.nl. MVagusta-Oldtimers. Archived from the original on 24 April 2020. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
  6. "MV Agusta 1959 Raid 250". www.yesterdays.nl. V.O.F. Yesterdays. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
  7. 1 2 3 "300 Raid Militare". www.mvagustaoldtimers.nl. MVagusta-Oldtimers. Archived from the original on 24 April 2020. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
  8. "Classic MV Agusta - 250 Raid". thebikemuseum.com. The Bike Museum. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
  9. "MV Agusta 300 Raid Militaire". www.mv-agusta-club.de. MV Agusta Club Deutschland. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
  10. "MV Agusta 300 Raid Polizia". www.mv-agusta-club.de. MV Agusta Club Deutschland. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
  11. "MV Avello 300 Nalon". www.mv-agusta-club.de. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
  12. Torre, Juan Pedro de La (21 June 2013). "Réquiem por las viejas fábricas". Solomoto.es (in Spanish). Retrieved 30 September 2019.
  13. "Spanish Motorcycles - MV Avello/MV Agusta (ES)". cybermotorcycle.com. Classic Motorcycles. Retrieved 30 September 2019.