In the middle of the 1950’s 2-stroke motorcycle engines were falling from favor, and 4-strokes were gaining followers. MV capitalized on this by releasing the 125cc Rapido Sport in 1954. It was derived from the Turismo model. This model stayed in production until 1958. It was fitted with a single cilinder 9:1 compression ratio, air cooled engine that was rated at 7,5 HP, sufficient to propel the motorcycle up to 100 km/h The engine was mounted in a open tubular duplex cradle, essentally turning the casing into a frame structual member. It was painted entirely red and had a 150mm drum front brake. A strong, durable machine, it injected excitement into bread and butter motorcycle.
Engine: Technical Specification (1954)
Cylinders / Cycle: single / 4-stroke
Displacement: 123,6 cc
Bore x stroke: 54 x 54 mm
Compression ratio: 8,5:1
Power / rpm: 8 HP / 6,000
Torque / rpm: NA
Cooling: air
Distribution: pushrod
Carburettor: 18 mm carburettor
Ignition: flywheel-magneto
Lubrication: wet sump
Starting: kickstart
Primary drive: gear
Clutch: wet multiple plate clutch
Gearbox: 4 speeds
Final drive: chain
Chassis:
Frame: double cradle tubular and pressed steel frame
Front suspension: telescopic hydraulic fork
Rear suspension: swingarm with hydraulic shocks
Front brake: lateral150 mm drum
Rear brake: lateral 123,5 mm drum
Front tire: 2.75 x18”
Rear tire: 2.75 x18”
Wheels: spokes
Tank: 12 litres
Length: 1860 mm
Width: 620 mm
Wheelbase: 1285 mm
Weight: 102 Kg
Performance: 95 kph