Tag Archives: giacomo agostini

Giacomo Agostini: The Man, The Myth, The Legend

Today we celebrate the belated birthday of seven-time 350cc and 500cc world title champion Giacomo Agostini, or “Ago”  – an Italian rider with an unmatched gift for racing. 

According to an article posted on TopGear, young Agostini was born June 16, 1942, in Brescia, Lombardy, where he started his passion for riding in secret. 

His first title was won in 1963 when he snatched the Italian Hillclimb Championship riding a 175cc Moto Morini. 

The successes continued into 1965, where Agostini became a member of the MV Agusta works team. The season saw Giacomo’s first ride for MV, finishing second only to his teammate and mentor, Mike Hailwood. 

With Hailwood scooped up by Honda the following year, Ago became lead rider of MV Agusta – setting the young prodigy up beautifully for what was to be a whirlwind of wins.

Giacomo Agostini riding for MV Agusta

By 1968, Giacomo was hitting uncontested streaks in both the 350cc and 500cc class titles. 

Hit Ctrl + Paste for 1969.

And again for 1970.

It soon became obvious that the man breaking statistical averages across the world was honed in on his game – and perhaps a little crazy, as all riders should be.

Giacomo Agostini, profile picture, 1970.

MoreBikes has a snippet of Agostini recalling the state of the tracks back in his day: 

“We ran because we had a lot of passion, a lot of desire to run. You could not choose, the tracks were what they had, the straw balls were something palliative.”

Agostini’s winning streak was broken only by the crumpling of his bike in the first lap of 1971’s Isle of Man TT. At this point, he had completely cleared the table, winning 26 titles in the 350cc class and 32 in the 500cc class – a mind-boggling 58 titles acquired, in a row, nonstop. 

Ago had two short retirement periods in 1971 and 1972, with his official retirement from the motorcycle scene in 1977, leaving behind a burning hot legacy that still inspires riders today – and Top Gear was right when they said that Agostini’s statistics are insane. 

a close-up photo of the new GSX-s950, in Triton Blue.

Ago took the title of every race he finished, stamping five years’ worth of wins in the record books. 

1966-1972 was when he won seven world titles in a row in the 500cc class, and that’s not counting the seven world titles for the 350cc class garnered 1968-1974.

If we were counting Ago’s win for Yamaha in 1975, that brings the number of world title wins to FIFTEEN.

All told, Giacomo Agostini’s 14-year career saw 223 races; he took the gold home 122 of the 159 times that he made the podium, with 117 inofficial ‘fastest lap’ records tucked under one capable arm, 6 of which are considered official pole positions.

Perhaps Agostini’s quote, translated in 1967 from the Vault, would best describe the Italian’s career and his drive to ride:
“I want to do everything I can – while I can.”

Giacomo Agostini, standing next to the bike that saw many of his successes in the mid to late '90s

For more information on Italians and motorcycles, head over to MotorBikeWriter.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Giacomo Agostini opens his own museum in Bergamo

15 World Championships titles, 123 Grand Prix victories, 18 Italian Championships titles, 10 Tourist Trophies’ wins for a total of 311 victorious races: these are the impressive numbers of Giacomo Agostini’s racing career, which extended from the early 60’s to the late 70’s, and most of which was spent under the MV Agusta colours.

This unprecedented heritage now has a museum to preserve it and share it with enthusiasts and motorcycling fans from all over the world. It is located in medieval Bergamo, Giacomo Agostini’s hometown, nested between the Po plain and the Alps, a stone’s throw from Milan.

Giacomo Agostini

“The history of my life is all there in this one room, and being able to spend some time there alone with my thoughts, going back to those extraordinary memories, fills me with joy.”

Giacomo Agostini Museum
Giacomo Agostini Museum

The museum was designed as a private trophy room by architect Michele Giavarini for the champion to keep his more than 350 trophies, with the idea of also opening it to the public.

The museum hosts some of the historic bikes used by Agostini, as well as helmets, race suits and personal objects, displayed in a chronological order.

Giacomo Agostini Museum
Giacomo Agostini Museum

On the inox-concrete floor, a giant no.1, black on yellow, the number Agostini raced with, and the word “Ago” painted in bright red, his nom de guerre, remind everyone that Giacomo Agostini’s record number of victories and championships titles is as yet unequalled.

The museum is private and can be visited by groups (8 people minimum) upon reservation through Villa Vittoria Charme and Relax luxury bed & breakfast. The resort is managed by Agostini’s daughter Vittoria, and offers a complete package including one-night accommodation, visit to the museum and dinner with the champion. Contacts: +39.035.239209 [email protected]

Giacomo Agostini Leathers
Giacomo Agostini Museum

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorbike Racing Legends Past and Present

Who are the greatest rider legends of all time, and do you agree?

Motorcycle Hall of Fame: Top Riders of All Time

What criteria can be used to judge the greatest motorcycle racers of all time? The number of titles won is a start, but there are many more aspects to what makes a truly great rider. Style, skill, attitude and charisma are all part of what contributes to a riding legend. Motorcycle racing is one of the most exciting and high-octane sports to bet on, and luckily these days there are plenty of online odds offered on races.

Any list is subjective and open to debate, but here’s our breakdown of three of the most legendary and memorable riders, all of whom have more than earned their place in the motorcycle hall of fame.

1. Giacomo AgostiniGiacomo Agostini Ago AGV tribute helmet

Agostini – known as Ago – is a legend of motorcycle racing, having had a career ranging from rider firebrand to Formula 1, and a successful stint as a team manager. The Italian legend won his first title at the age of 21, and his career accelerated from there. Agostini was noted for winning no less than seven successive Isle of Man TT titles, and the same number of Ulster Grand Prix races, during a time that non-British riders were a huge rarity in these competitions. Ago remains unbeaten to this day.

Agostini went on to win prestigious races such as the Daytona 200 and 350cc World Championship, winning his final world championship in 1975. He later had a short career in Formula 1 and then a longer stretch as a team manager. His dominance on the circuit, coupled with his good looks and charm, have cemented his place as one of the greatest of all time.

2. Mike Hailwood

Mike Hailwood
Mike Hailwood

A contemporary and competitor of Ago, Mike the Bike will be remembered not only as one of the greatest riders of all time, but as a selfless hero. Hailwood won countless trophies, including no less than twelve Isle of Man TTs, but it is an event during his subsequent Formula 1 career that won him the George Medal for bravery. In 1973, after colliding with Clay Regazzoni, Hailwood ran back to pull his fellow driver from his burning car. Hailwood was tragically killed in a road traffic accident, along with one of his children, in 1981.

3. Valentino RossiValentino Rossi and Ducati get video games fans

Ago and Hailwood may be heroes of the past, but Rossi is still startlingly relevant, even at the age of forty. Loved just as much for his quirky and outgoing character as his stunning racing record, ‘The Doctor’ continues to entertain and enthral motorcycle racing fans across the globe.

As sports betting increases in popularity, many of us who play mobile casino games are branching out into placing wagers on our favourite sporting events. Online odds on Rossi and other bikers are available from some of the biggest and most reputable sportsbooks in the business. Rossi has a history of adversarial showdowns, most recently with Marc Marquez. Resources like https://mobile-casino.ca/odds can keep it interesting when sizing up the online odds.

Of course, there are (and have been) plenty more riding greats in the world of motorcycle racing. Kenny Roberts, representing the USA, and the great Australian Mick Doohan could easily have made it on to this list, amongst many others.

Ago and Mike the Bike both went into Formula 1 in their later years, and that seems to be a popular transition for many riders. Until fairly recently, fans who want to put money on racing outcomes would have to wait for their motorcycle heroes to make the jump. These days, anyone who is up to date with the best casino games odds can also find online odds for motorcycle races.

Rossi’s next season begins this month in Qatar, as the start of the 2019 MotoGP season. His Yamaha team mate is Maverick Viñales, who won best rookie award in the MotoGP class in 2015.

(Sponsored post)

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MV Agusta 750 Imola | As raced by Agostini and Pagani

With Phil Aynsley


The name ‘750 Imola’ normally brings a silver Ducati to mind, however Ducati wasn’t the only Italian manufacturer to field a 750 Imola in the famous 1972 race.

PA MV Agusta Imola
Alberto Pagani’s MV 750 Imola

MV Agusta was there with factory riders Giacomo Agostini and Alberto Pagani on very special versions of their 750 Sport.

PA MV Agusta Imola
Alberto Pagani’s MV 750 Imola

These were very much race bikes, with many substantial changes from the road bike.

PA MV Agusta Imola
Alberto Pagani’s MV 750 Imola

The cylinders were cast in one block, instead of separately, while the heads were different castings with fewer fins and revised valve angles.

PA MV Agusta Imola
Alberto Pagani’s MV 750 Imola

The 29 mm SS1 Dell’Orto carbs were bored out to 30 mm. All these modifications resulted in an output of 85 hp at 9000 rpm.

PA MV Agusta Imola
Alberto Pagani’s MV 750 Imola
PA MV Agusta Imola
Alberto Pagani’s MV 750 Imola

Interestingly the two bikes used different frames and tanks. The bike I photographed here is Pagani’s machine, that Ago used as backup after Pagani injured his arm in practice. The visual frame differences can be seen under the rear of the tank.

PA MV Agusta Imola
Alberto Pagani’s MV 750 Imola

The Pagani bike is as per 1972, whereas Ago’s bike was modified greatly after the ’72 race (in which he led for the first few laps before being passed by Ducati riders Spaggiari and Smart, then retiring).

PA MV Agusta Imola
Alberto Pagani’s MV 750 Imola

A chain final drive, box section swing arm and dual Scarab front discs were the main external changes.

PA MV Agusta Imola
Alberto Pagani’s MV 750 Imola
PA MV Agusta Imola
Alberto Pagani’s MV 750 Imola
PA MV Agusta Imola
Alberto Pagani’s MV 750 Imola

This bike now resides in the Barber Museum in the US, where these shots were taken in 2014. The Pagani bike was in the Elly collection when I photographed it in 2013.

PA Barber
Ago’s 750 at the Barber Museum
PA Barber
Ago’s 750 at the Barber Museum

Source: MCNews.com.au

AGV adds retro X3000 and X70 helmets

Retro-designed AGV X3000 full-face and X70 open-face helmets are now available in Australia with two race legend tribute helmets.

The X3000 range is led by a $999 limited-edition tribute to the legendary 15-time world motorcycle champion, Giacomo Agostini (pictured above).

Top of the open-face X70 range is the $499 Pasolini which is a tribute to GP legend Renzo Pasolini who died in the Monza GP in 1973.

AGV X70AGV X70 x3000

The X70 range has six colours ranging from plain black or white at $299, to silver and matte black at $329, a three-shade maroon at $399 and the Pasolini.

The profile of the X70 jet helmet is compact, owing to the three fibreglass shell sizes.

It is also light, has a fully removable and washable interior, double shell fastening and a double D-Ring retention system.

There is a range of peaks and visors available, that attach via the three classic press studs.

AGV X3000AGV X3000 helmets

There are 10 colour choices in the X3000 range ranging in price from $599 in solid colours to $699 for multi-colours and $799 for the Gloria.

AGV X3000 Gloria
AGV X3000 Gloria

AGV founder Gino Amisano worked closely with Ago to develop the full-face helmet for racing.

The X3000 series replicates the profile of the original helmet with a low chin guard and tapered bottom.

It also includes the contoured chin piece that Ago requested so he could lean his head on against the tank.Giacomo Agostini Ago AGV tribute helmet

In true classic design, the visor mechanism has a dual-button snap shut that can be opened with the left hand alone.

But unlike some of the other retro helmets around, it appears to have a better wind seal for lower noise. 

The interior features leather and fabric with breathable, replaceable and washable padding.Giacomo Agostini Ago AGV tribute helmet

There are only 3000 of the ASGO tribute helmets available worldwide. It comes in a luxury leather bag in sizes 56-59.

The Ago is made of carbon fibre and weighs just 1290 grams in the smallest size.

The rest of the X3000 range is made of fibreglass.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com