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 MV Agusta - 350 Ipotesi Elettronica type 216
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MV Agusta Ipotesi Elettronica type 216 motocyclette motorrad motorcycle vintage classic classique scooter roller moto scooter
Photo ou archives : F-M. Dumas
3018

Capacity : 350
Model : Ipotesi Elettronica type 216
Production : 1975 - 1980
Category : (R) Street Bike

MV AGUSTA

350 S Ipotesi - 1978

Product of an auto stylist

At the start of the 1970s, the motorcycle market regained its old vigor. MV Agusta, crowned with more than ten years' success in Grand Prix racing, was anxious to capitalize on its image. Its 750 was too costly to build and only attracted a tiny minority of rich amateurs. MV attempted to attack the middleweight market but the works had to be content with a great styling exercise.

New Wine in an Old Bottle

The "Bicilindrica" was born in 1966 with 250cc engine and transformed later into a 350 with rounded contours. It was poorly positioned to attract the youth market, except for Italy, where the borders were still closed to Japanese bikes. Redesigning the Bicilindrica was entrusted to one of Italy's foremost automobile stylists, Giorgio Giugiaro. Sadly, the innovative shape of his "Ipotesi" ("Hypothesis") didn't win over a public shocked by its modern look.

Angular and Modernistic

Giugiaro retained only the bottom end of the engine, and the end covers and cylinders were given an angular treatment. The new frame, still a simple open cradle, had a horizontal upper tube forming a belt line for the motorcycle from the steering head to behind the saddle. This horizontal strip was underlined by triangular side-grille panels composed of parallel strakes. Light and elegant fittings completed the picture. The Ipotesi was endowed with three disc brakes and electronic ignition. Its engine had also been rejuvenated and developed 34 hp at 500 rpm compared with the 28 hp of its previous incarnation.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 340cc (63x56mm) air-cooled 360-degree parallel-twin four-stroke

Power Rating: 34 hp @ 8500 rpm

Valves: overhead

Fuel System: two 24mm carburetors

Transmission: 5-speed, chain final drive

Suspension: telescopic forks (front); swing arm with twin spring/dampers (rear)

Brakes: twin discs (front); disc (rear)

Wheels: 18 inch light-alloy (front & rear)

Weight: 331 lb

Maximum Speed: 106 mph

The Giugiaro-Ipotesi was one of the few motorcycles created by a major automotive designer.




Le fichier Moto Passion réalisé par François-Marie Dumas réunit près de deux mille photos accompagnées d'un historique très complet des machines présentées.
Il sera progressivement mis à jour ici et toute information complémentaire est la bienvenue sur info@moto-collection.org.

Cette documentation unique, qui constitue sans doute l'encyclopédie la plus exhaustive jamais écrite sur l'histoire de la moto, a été réalisée avec l'assistance de nombreux spécialistes dont principalement Didier Ganneau, Christophe Gaime, Mick Woollett, Jean Goyard, Bernard Salvat, Christian Rey, Yves Campion, Helmut Krackowizer, Michael Dregni, Michel Montange, etc. que je remercie ici.

Disponible sur demande :
- Les fiches originales sur papier
- Les photos et archives signées de mon nom en haute définition ou les documents originaux.
Me contacter sur info@moto-collection.org pour les conditions et droits d'utilisation.