The Robert Lusk Motorcycle Collection, 1976 MV Agusta 750S America

• Purchased by Robert from The Professor Fritz Ehn Motorcycle Museum Collection
• Bike rated the 750S as 'one of the most dramatic-looking bikes made, the real stuff of legend
• Fitted with desirable Magni exhaust system

Developed from its long line of highly successful multi-cylinder racers, MV Agusta's first road-going four - a twin-carburettor, 600cc tourer - appeared in 1965. But the public demanded something more exciting from many-times World Champions MV, and the Gallarate manufacturer duly obliged in 1969, upping capacity to 743cc and further boosting maximum power (to 69bhp) by fitting a quartet of Dell'Orto carburettors to the revised 750GT. Equipped with shaft rather than chain final drive, the 750 four arguably was more of a tourer than an out-and-out sports bike. Not that many people got to find out for themselves, for the MV was handmade in limited numbers and priced accordingly.

Also in the line-up was the more sporting 750S, a high-speed symphony in red, white and blue. Although no lightweight - it weighed nearly as much as a Kawasaki Z1 - the 750S gave little away in outright performance terms to such larger machinery, thanks, no doubt, to its engine's Grand Prix heritage. Testing a 750S in 1975, Bike magazine found the motor very powerful. 'Surprisingly it also has great reserves of torque, and pulls happily from four thousand. It's probably the most powerful 750cc motor made; in a straight drag with a Z1 it lost only a few yards up to 100mph.'

The 750S continued in production after the GT's demise in 1973. Its replacement - the 750S America - was introduced for 1976. Bored out to 789cc, the America produced a claimed 75bhp, an output sufficient to propel the Italian sportster to 100mph in around 13 seconds and on to a top speed of 135mph. Production of the 750S America ceased in February 1979. Bike rated the 750S as 'one of the most dramatic-looking bikes made, the real stuff of legend.' Few would disagree.

Purchased by Robert from The Professor Fritz Ehn Motorcycle Museum Collection auction at Bonhams, RAF Museum, Hendon, June 2008, the America had originally been acquired in Switzerland by Professor Ehn from its first owner, Mr Eric Ruppe, in 1985, having covered just 5,000 kilometres. Only 266 kilometres had been added by the time of the 2008 sale.

Offered with German logbook (Fahrzeugbrief) recording Mr Ruppe as first keeper in May 1976, 1978 roadworthiness certificate receipt, 1984 Swiss customs documentation, a dating letter from the MV Agusta Owners Club of Great Britain, and a quantity of V55/5 DVLA registration documents. Its handmade Magni exhaust system adds further desirability. UK buyers should note that a NOVA 1 declaration will be required, followed by an application for UK registration.

A rare and evocative Italian thoroughbred, this 750S America offers discerning collectors the opportunity to acquire one of MV Agusta's most iconic and desirable four-cylinder roadsters in seemingly exceptional original condition.

Prospective buyers should please note that whilst Robert actively started and maintained his collection, all machines are offered as requiring recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent.
Offered with key