Description
14th Sep, 2024 10:00
The September 2024 Auction
1957 MV Agusta 125 TRL
A fantastic and very well documented example
Estimate
£2, 500 - £3, 000
Buyer's premium: 15. 00%
Lot details
Registration: 710 UXK
Frame: 626530
Odometer: N/ A
MOT: Exempt
125cc single, 4-speed transmission
No clocks
Starts and runs
MOT exempt
V5 present
Dating letter
Very well documented
Most Italian manufacturers of the day built bikes for the Motogiro, and one of the more popular was the MV Agusta 125 TRL. TRL stood for Turismo Rapido Lusso (luxury fast tourer).
The first MV Agusta production four-stroke was the 175cc CSTL unveiled at the end of 1952, and during 1954 a 125cc version was added to the range. Compared to the racing MVs the 125 single’s specifications were unremarkable. The two valves were operated by pushrods and rockers, and with a mild compression ratio of 6. 4:1 and breathing through a tiny Dell ‘Orto 18mm carburettor, 7hp (5. 1kW) was produced at 5200rpm. Only a four-speed gearbox was included, this integral with the engine unit as was typical with Italian motorcycles of the day. Ignition was by a 6V/ 30W flywheel magneto.
Although the 125 was obviously built to a budget, the running gear was closely related to the more expensive and exotic 175. The duplex frame incorporated the engine as a stressed member and the 125 was fitted with an oil-damped telescopic front fork and rear shock absorbers. The rear frame section was a distinctive ‘Boomerang’ shape that would characterise MV singles for nearly two decades. Rolling on a pair of 18-inch wheels, the 94kg 125 TRL handled as well as anything else available, even if the power was modest.
This is a fantastic example of this bike. Offered with lots of paperwork including V5, receipts, owner’s manual printouts and a dating letter confirming the year of manufacturing, frame and engine numbers all match. The owner has ridden the bike and we have seen it start and run.
