Magni Italia 01/01: A Modern Ode to 2 Classic MV Agusta Motorcycle Icons
Earlier this year, Italian motorcycle company MV Agusta honored living racing legend Giacomo ‘Ago’ Agostini with a special Superveloce trim. However, while MV Agusta released several limited-edition bikes this year, it wasn’t the only company with a special-edition MV Agusta. At this year’s EICMA show, Magni Moto debuted the Italia 01/01 to pay homage to two of its fellow Italian brand’s icons. One was the MV Agusta 750 motorcycle, and the other was Arturo Magni.
After helping MV Agusta motorcycles win Grand Prix races, Arturo Magni started making his own reproductions
Born in 1925, Arturo Magni wasn’t at MV Agusta from the beginning, MCN reports. But after joining the company in 1947, he became one of the most important figures in its history.
Initially an engine assembler, he became MV Agusta’s chief mechanic in 1950, and Grand Prix racing manager shortly thereafter. And under his guidance, MV Agusta dominated these early MotoGP days. With riders like Agostini, Mike ‘the Bike’ Hailwood, and John Surtees in the hot seats, the company won every 500cc World Championship in the 1958-1974 period. In total, MV Agusta won 75 Grand Prix Championships, making it the most successful non-Japanese GP team, Motorcycle Classics says.
Magni left MV Agusta in 1976 after winning one last championship; the company quit GP racing the following year. However, Magni wasn’t done with motorcycles quite yet.
Together with his sons, Giovanni and Carlo, he established Magni Atelier to support MV Agusta road bikes. The shop made things like big-bore engine kits, brake upgrades, and shaft-to-chain conversion kits. But after MV Agusta closed its doors in 1980, Arturo Magni decided to keep the company’s spirit alive in another way. Namely, by making reproductions of classic MV Agusta motorcycles with other OEMs’ engines. Think Bimota, but with more engine variety.
Arturo Magni couldn’t make his own take on the MV Agusta 750, but his sons are continuing that motorcycle dream
Since 1980, Magni Moto has released a steady stream of bespoke MV Agusta motorcycle reproductions. They’re not replicas like GTO Engineering’s 250 GT Revival because Magni doesn’t use the original frame. Instead, while the shop’s motorcycles are the next best things to brand-new classic MV Agustas, they feature modern improvements. Magni bikes are a bit like Italian Janus Halcyons, therefore, but with significantly more performance.
Sadly, Arturo Magni passed away in 2015 shortly after the shop revealed the FiloRosso, Cycle World says. So, he never got to see that motorcycle’s chassis become the basis for several later builds. One of those builds was the 750S Tributo, a tribute to the MV Agusta 750 S, “one of the most stunning motorcycles of the early ‘70s,” Hagerty notes.
But now, his sons are paying tribute to him and the 750 S with a special motorcycle: the Magni Italia 01/01.
The Magni Italia 01/01 honors Arturo in vintage MV Agusta 750 motorcycle style
| Magni Italia 01/01 | 1975-1977 MV Agusta 750 S America | |
| Engine | 798cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected inline-three | 789cc air-cooled inline-four with four Bell’Orto carburetors |
| Horsepower | 110 hp (MV Agusta specs) | 75 hp |
| Torque | 63 lb-ft (MV Agusta specs) | N/A |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual | Five-speed manual |
| Final drive type | Chain | Shaft |
| Front suspension | 43mm fully-adjustable ORAM telescopic forks | Ceriani telescopic forks |
| Rear suspension | Fully-adjustable ORAM mono-shock | Twin Ceriani shocks |
| Seat height | 31.5″ | 30″ |
| Curb weight | 342 lbs | 562 lbs |
Fun fact: MV Agusta was the first company with a production inline-four engine, beating the Honda CB750 by several years. However, the CB750 was also one-third the price of the 750 S America. MV Agusta’s motorcycle was also heavier than shaft-drive rivals like the BMW R90S, MC notes. But it’s still admired today because of its looks, handling, and overall build quality.
The Magni Italia 01/01, though, improves on the 750 S America in every way. Firstly, it has a modern MV Agusta Brutale engine with fuel injection. Note, there’s some confusion over its output: MCN says 125 hp, Cycle World says 110 hp. Also, keep in mind, the 2022 Brutale 800 makes up to 140 hp. Regardless, the noise from the exhaust pipes “is simply terrific,” Cycle World reports.
Secondly, although its double-cradle frame looks vintage, it’s a modern TIG-welded, Chromoly-steel design. As a result, it’s stiffer and lighter than the original with a sportier geometry. It’s a similar story with its suspension: the aluminum ORAM units have classic looks but modern internals. Add in some clip-on bars, and you’re left with a “beautifully light and agile,” as well as communicative motorcycle, Cycle World says.
In addition, while the MV Agusta 750 S America has rear drums, the neo-classic Magni motorcycle has front and rear Brembo discs. Also, its custom spoked aluminum wheels are lighter and stronger than conventional two-piece ones, MCN notes. Finally, its tank is hand-hammered from the metal, as is the fairing and leather-covered seat.
How much does one of these modern classic bikes cost?
Getting your hands on a Magni Italia 01/01 won’t be easy. Each bike is customized to its rider and the build process takes about four months, MCN reports. And it’s not exactly cheap: prices start at the equivalent of $42,650. Though if you provide a donor Brutale 800, Magni knocks the price down to about $33,300.
Even at its full price, though, the Magni Italia 01/01 is kind of a bargain. A good-condition original MV Agusta 750 S America motorcycle typically costs $65,000 these days, Hagerty says. And the earlier 750S race bike often sells for over $100,000.
In short, the Magni Italia 01/01 isn’t just the closest thing to a brand-new classic MV Agusta motorcycle. It’s a better version of one for less money. Arturo Magni would be proud.
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