MV Agusta 1954 175 CS / Disco Volante CSS 175 cc 1 cyl OHC 3601

MV Agusta 1954 175 CS / “Disco Volante” CSS 175 cc OHC frame # NR400500 engine # 471401

Having commenced motorcycle production late in 1945 with a 98cc two-stroke, Meccanica Verghera (MV) introduced its first production four-strokes, the single-cylinder 175 CST and CSTL, at the Milan Show in 1952. The newcomers’ advanced overhead-cam, unitary construction engine set them apart from most of the opposition. Their cycle parts too were state-of-the-art, consisting of a duplex loop frame incorporating the engine as a stressed member, oil-damped telescopic front fork, swinging-arm rear suspension, and full-width alloy hubs. A year later a race-developed Earles-type leading-link fork became available as an alternative to the telescopic fork. Successively models with tuned engines were brought out which resulted in the 175 CS Super Sport that squeezed no less than 18 hp from its 175 cc engine. This Super Sport featured a sculped fuel tank that, viewed from above , looked almost circular. This tank shape gave the model its denomination Disco Volante or Flying Saucer. The Disco Volante became the company’s top seller and the model stayed in production till 1958.
Information acquired at the MV Museum by the former owner concludes that the machine we present is basically a 1954 175 CS that has been refined with Disco Volante features. The frame number fits in with the CS/CSS numbers for 1954, and the CSS could be had with a leading-link fork. The petrol tank is of the sculped Disco Volante type, but the engine number refers to a four-speed CS type. The magneto is a typical Disco Volante feature and the cylinder is fitted with a special type of camshaft chain tensioner. The MV museum’s specialist mentioned that the double front brake cable layout could point at offroad specifications. This excellently restored sports machine has bore x stroke dimensions of 59.5 x 62 mm and the engine delivers around 11 hp @7000 rpm.