Stars of the Century, MV and Harley-Davidson

A restored 1913 Harley Davidson V-Twin and a 1999 MV Agusta F4 750 Oro side by side,

both sporting machines for road use from companies with a racing heritage.  

The four-wheeled equivalent might be a Ford Model T and a Ferrari F40, but don't be fooled into thinking it was just affluent Country Gentlemen riding Harley's in the pre WWI era, the Harleys used for Boardtrack racing and Hill climbs were as aggressively campaigned as any of their contemporaries. 

The big V-Twin Harley is the epitome of refinement, from its rear stand for easier pedal starts to the chain drive which replaced the leather belt now offering more positive drive. That deluxe leather saddle has springs discreetly tucked underneath and the front forks end now offered minimal springing for a more plush ride too.  

The V-Twin offered more than twice the horsepower than the earlier single cylinder model that allowed Harley Davidson to become the dominant force in American motorcycling.  

From Carbide lights to Carbon Fiber bodywork, the evolution of  motorcycles and the materials they're made from continues to move forward.

MV Oro #289 /300 worldwide production, it's a rare sight on the roads ten years after it's introduction, but pointed the way forward for the new MV Agusta company and all it's current models.

Those lovely four pipes tucked under the seat of the MV F4 sound fantastic even in stock form

Full carbon fiber bodywork, magnesium wheels and engine plates, sand cast engine cases, alloy sub-frame, Ferrari designed 750cc  four cylinder inline short stroke engine. This bike was hailed as both an engineering and asthetic tour de force. It still holds up well with the passage of time.

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