MV built three versions of the 175 with the pushrod engine in the late 1950’s. Rolling into showrooms in 1957, the 175’s were the first 4-stroke MV’s to go into mass production. Sporty in appearance, but lacking the sparkle on the road of more thoroughbred MV’s, the Turismo Economic model used a simplified telescopic front fork, and a simple swingarm rear suspension. MV felt that the enthusiasts of lightweight motorcycles wouldn’t mind if the bikes performance was a bit tepid due to the engines pushrod design. Overhead cam engines, while raising the output of an engine, could be fragile and temperamental. By using the puhsrod design, it was hoped that the 175 would appeal to a wider audiance. Prices ranged from 200,00 to 225,000 Lira, depending the model.
Engine: Technical Specification (1957)
Cylinders / Cycle: single / 4-stroke
Displacement: 172,3 cc
Bore x stroke: 59,5 x 62 mm
Compression ratio: 6,5:1
Power / rpm: 8 HP / 5,200
Torque / rpm: NA
Cooling: air
Distribution: single overhead cam
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: 158 mm drum
Rear brake: 136 mm drum
Front tire: 2.75 x19”
Rear tire: 2.75 x19”
Wheels: spokes
Tank: 14 litres
Length: 1895 mm
Width: 620 mm
Wheelbase: 1280 mm
Weight: 110 Kg
Performance: 105 kph