Description
To generations of fans, Magni was the genius behind the perennial success of the MV Augusta works racing team, and a guiding influence to generations of MV riders including Surtees, Hailwood, Hocking and Agostini.
Magni had sole control of the race team which included the development of the three, four and six cylinder machines. With MV's withdrawal from racing, Magni decided to strike out on his own, joined by his two sons. The new operation was called Elaborazioni Preparazione Magni ( EPM) and initially concentrated on making after market performance parts and producing its own cast alloy wheels. In 1977 Magni produced a new frame housing 750cc MV engines but when in 1980 MV engine supply ceased Magni was forced to look elsewhere for engines initially builing a run of 300 Honda 900 models, followed by 150 BMW flat twins. The BMW powered Magni's came in 2 forms the naked MB1 and the fully faired MB2. It is thought around half were MB 1 models.
This bike was built by well known BMW marque specialist Andrew Sexton from Hook Norton.
The Magni frame is made from Chrome- moly tubing, argon arc welded. Teflon coated ball bearings house the swinging arm pivot. The result is a much stiffer frame than the original BMW, with a weight saving of 2 kilograms and gives significant improvement in handling.
The engine is a modified BMW R80/ 7 crank case bored out to 900cc, with twin plugged heads and fed by twin Dellorto carburettors.
The gearbox is a standard BMW 4 speed.
The wheels are Akront flanged aluminium rims.
The tank is a Magni manufactured steel tank.
Originally the machine was fitted with the standard MB1 bodywork which featured a "duck tail" dual seat designed by Claude Bonin (French designer). The bodywork, tank, and mudguards were painted BMW black with white BMW lining.
In 2010, the bodywork, seat and cockpit were changed to give a more sporty appearance. A single racing seat, sourced from the Magni Club in Bavaria, was fitted along with a new cockpit fairing. The paintwork was changed to MV red. The original bodywork and seat comes with the bike.
The exhaust is an Armour stainless steel system.
An opportunity to buy a very unusual recognised BMW special in concours condition having been built and owned by the current custodian for over 30 years.
