1975 MV Agusta 750 America. August 2008

These bikes are rare enough as it is, but what makes Julian's example even more distinctive is that its frame number - '002' - identifies it as the first production model. ('001' was the prototype).

Purchased new in the USA in 1976, the America was regularly raced before being sold to noted US racer and MV tuner, Albert Bold, who made a number of engine mods to improve performance before selling it on to Jay Geils (of Jay Geils Band fame - remember "Freeze Frame" & "Centerfold"?) in 1980. Geils had a collection of bikes, and recalls the MV Agusta 750 America as one of his favourites. Geils kept the bike for many years before selling it on to another US enthusiast. From there, it found its way down under and ultimately into Julian's possession in 2006.While Julian has kept the bike in largely 'as-purchased' condition, the front Scarab brakes have been replaced with a set of better, beefier Brembos. Julian describes the bike as a real joy to ride. Power doesn't kick in until 4,500/5,000RPM, but from there it has "enormous grunt" all the way to 9,000RPM. As you can see from the image below, Julian's other ride is a very neat late model F4 312R. Not a bad pair of MV's to have in the garage, Julian! Thanks very much for sharing them with us.