Raced: 1949 – 1952
Concurrent with the road bike, and based on it, this Race Bike used a race-specific single-cylinder engine and head to generate 9 HP. With cross-flow cylinder exhaust and flat piston, the engine breathed better than its predecessor. Light motorcycle racing had become very popular following WWII, and MV was at the forefront.
Wins:
The company won its first Grand Prix on September 12 1949, at Faenza, with a 125 ridden by Franco Bertoni. In 1950, MV accumulated more than 50 victories with the 125, with riders such as Attolini, Ubbiali, Galante, and Alquati. Total production of the 125 was 2.000 units. This race version is one of the only two in existence.
Engine: Specification (1948)
Cylinders / Cycle: single / 2 stroke
Displacement: 123 cc
Bore x stroke: 53 x 56 mm
Compression ratio: 8,5:1
Power / rpm: 9 HP / 6,900
Torque / rpm: NA
Cooling: air
Distribution: flat piston
Carburettor: 25 mm carburettor
Ignition: flywheel-magneto
Lubrication: 12% mixture
Starting: pushstart
Primary drive: gear
Clutch: wet multiple plate clutch
Gearbox: 3 speeds
Final drive: chain
Performance: Speed: 120 kph
Chassis:
Frame: double cradle tubular and pressed steel frame
Front suspension: parallelogram steel tubes
Rear suspension: guided telescopic wheel
Front brake: 160 mm side drum
Rear brake: 160 mm side drum
Front tire: 2.50×21”
Rear tire: 2.50×21”
Wheels: spokes
Tank: 14 litres
Length: 2000 mm
Width: 610 mm
Wheelbase: 1260 mm
Weight: 70 Kg