MV-AGUSTA 350 3 CYLINDERS - 1965 - 1971

Since 1962, the 350 category was dominated by Jim Redman and his Honda 4 cylinders. For Mike Hailwood, there was nothing to do against this binomial, particularly with an outdated MV 4 cylinders. The order to design a new bike was given by the Count Domenico Agusta to Arturo Magni who directed the "reparto corse". It shall be a smaller bike, lighter and equipped with a 3 cylinders engine. The base was the 250 twin-cylinder on which an additional cylinder was added. A new cylinder head with 4 valves per cylinder was also developed. Within 2 months the first prototype was built and presented to the Count. But the dream of the Count Agusta was to entrust this bike to an Italian pilot, because MV, in spite of 20 world titles, was never been able to gain it in the higher categories than 250 with a transalpine rider. However, there was, at the time, a young promising rider from Benelli : Giacomo Agostini. Contact was made and Agostini hired for the 350 and 500 categories nearby the prestigious Mike Hailwood.
1965, first GP at Nürburgring, first race for Agostini and the 3 cylinders and... first victory! In spite of 2 other victories in Finland and Italy, he lets the title slip. Jim Redman and his Honda will be titled. We have been waiting 1968 and Honda's fabulous 6 cylinders withdrawal to see Ago winning its first title in this category with this bike.
The 1969, 1970, 1971 titles followed and in 1972, the 3 cylinders, in end of development, took progressively place to the new 4 cylinders.

TECHNICAL DATAS 1971 MODEL

 Engine type : Four stroke, in line three cylinder, inclined forward 10°, double overhead camshaft, air cooled.
 Capacity :  348.7 cm3
 Bore x Stroke :  56 x 47.2 mm
 Max power/rpm :  68 HP at 13500 rpm
 Max torque :  (?) m.kg at (?) rpm
 Compression ratio :  11.2 : 1
 Fuel system :  3 Dell'Orto Ø 28 or 30 carburettors.
 Ignition :  Battery - 6 V
 Gear box :  6 or 7 speed
 Tyres :  Front : 3.00 x 18 – Rear : 3.25 x 18
 Weight (empty) :  110 kg
 Max speed :  255 km/h

Source : "AGOSTINI et les MV-3" from Jacques Busillet