Quick Ride

Quick Ride

MAGNI SPORT Italian Bandit

Bruno de Prato

FOLLOWING THE GLOWING debut of reborn MV Agusta’s F4 superbike comes a modern-day replica of Count Agusta’s early-1970s 750 Sport. Designed and built by former MV race team manager Arturo Magni, and sons Carlo and Giovanni, the tube-framed Magni Sport is powered by an air/oil-cooled inline-Four sourced from-hold on to your Agostini-replica helmets, MV purists-Suzuki’s Bandit 1200.

A big-bore replacement for the unsuccessful 600 GT, the old 750 Sport was designed as a streetgoing repli-racer. When it debuted at the 1969 Milan Show, replete with tri-color paint scheme, bulbous gas tank reminiscent of the Disco Volante 175’s, and the promise of unsurpassed performance, the Sport was perceived as a dream come true. Sadly, it was merely another production MV that didn’t compare with its Grand Prix-winning counterparts. Thirty years later, though, most enthusiasts only remember the flashy paint and sexy shape, forgetting that the bike would barely top 110 mph.

Not so the new Magni Sport, which is good for 145 mph. Better yet, Magni has managed to reproduce the graphics and shapes that made the original so unique, from its stunning paint and double-cradle frame to its humped seat. And whereas MV claimed 76 horsepower at the crank for the 750 Sport, the Bandit powerplant makes 95 bhp at the rear wheel-with much more

available via the aftermarket. Plus, it’s as reliable as an anvil.

Magni’s earliest customer bikes were MVs, modified with GP-style frames and chain-drive conversion kits. Like those of its predecessors, the Sport’s chromoly upper and lower frame tubes intertwine at the steering head for greater rigidity. Longitudinal bracing is also employed, and the lower loops are removable for easy engine access. Steering geometry is contemporary-25 degrees of rake and 3.5 inches of trail. Wheelbase measures 57.2 inches.

A traditional, bare-knuckles sportbike with clip-on handlebars and a tiny flyscreen mounted atop the solitary headlight, the Sport tips the scales at a claimed 432 pounds-Suzuki GSX-R750 territory. The test mule was fitted with a 41mm Ceriani fork that performed flawlessly, but it may be replaced with a beefier 43mm unit. Also on the not-quite-finalized list are the Showa shocks, aluminum swingarm and stock, tri-spoke wheels. Regardless, the bike is a joy to ride. Light and responsive, the Magni makes excellent use of the proven Suzuki engine. Admittedly, vibration can be a bit excessive, but acceleration is outstanding. What’s more, the torque curve is so broad that shifting is superfluous.

Ten Magni Sports will be produced this year, all of which are headed for Japan. Full-scale assembly begins in 2000, with a suggested retail price of $17,700. Worth every penny, I say.