MV Agusta is celebrating its 80th anniversary, marking a remarkable milestone in a legacy of innovation, passion, and success in the world of motorcycling. Since its founding in 1945, the Varese-based brand has become synonymous with exceptional design, cutting-edge engineering, and a legendary motorsport heritage. With 75 world titles, including 38 riders’ and 37 manufacturers’ championships, MV Agusta’s dominance on the racetrack and its iconic status on the road have solidified its place in motorcycle history.
The company’s origins trace back to the Agusta family, who, unable to produce aircraft post-World War II, turned their attention to motorcycles. The first MV Agusta motorcycle, the MV 98, was launched in 1945 and quickly established the brand’s racing pedigree. The iconic red and silver livery reflects its aviation roots, with the silver honoring the lightweight aluminum fuselages of wartime planes.
As motorcycle demand shifted in the 1950s and 1960s, MV Agusta’s response was to create high-performance bikes that became symbols of aspiration. Renowned riders like Giacomo Agostini, with whom the brand enjoyed a legendary partnership, helped cement its success in both racing and production.
Over the years, MV Agusta has introduced collector’s models that have captivated enthusiasts worldwide, including the 750 S “America” (1973), the F4 (1997), and the Brutale, which remains the benchmark in naked bikes. The brand’s technical innovations continued with the 2010 F3, the first motorcycle with a counter-rotating crankshaft, revolutionizing handling in mid-sized sports bikes.
Recent models such as the Rush, Dragster, Turismo Veloce, and Superveloce have further demonstrated MV Agusta’s commitment to combining innovation, performance, and beauty. In 2024, the brand introduced the Enduro Veloce, a groundbreaking adventure bike blending technology and design.
MV Agusta’s motorcycles are celebrated as works of art, with the Superveloce’s neo-retro design chosen by artist Daniel Arsham for his “modern relics” series. In 2024, the Superveloce Arsham debuted at the Venice Biennale, cementing its place in contemporary art history. The Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro, produced in just 500 units, was hailed as the world’s most beautiful bike and inspired a short film by Hollywood director Nicolas Winding Refn.
MV Agusta’s slogan, “Motorcycle Art,” reflects the brand’s artisanal approach, transforming motorcycle manufacturing into a creative process that blends tradition with modernity. As the company looks to the future, it continues to focus on technological innovation and strengthening relationships with its global community.
To commemorate its 80th anniversary, MV Agusta has launched the 2025 Collezione Ottantesimo, a limited-edition series of six models, each produced in just 500 units. These celebratory motorcycles, featuring redesigned logos and certificates of authenticity, honor MV Agusta’s incredible journey and enduring legacy of excellence in design, performance, and passion.
MV Agusta’s 80 years have brought “Made in Italy” to the top of the world more times than any other brand, and its motorcycles continue to inspire generations of enthusiasts and dreamers, staying true to the vision that began in 1945.
Luca Martin, CEO of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A., stated: “Being part of MV Agusta during such a significant year in its history is a unique emotion and a great responsibility. This milestone is not only a tribute to our legacy but also a commitment to the future: to continue innovating while maintaining the values that have made MV Agusta a global icon. We are proud to represent Italian excellence, recognized last December at Montecitorio with the ‘100 Italian Excellences’ award, a testament to our craftsmanship, exclusivity, and passion. Every MV Agusta motorcycle in the world comes entirely, and solely, from our beautiful factory on the shores of Lake Varese. The knowledge of working in the only place where these dreams take shape is a source of immense pride for all of us.”