MV Agusta 175 Disco Volante
The Flying Saucer
With Phil Aynsley
Say what you like about Italian motorcycles, but they are almost always stylish!
![](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-022-1024x645.jpg)
An excellent example being the two versions of MV Agusta’s 175 cc Disco Volante (Flying Saucer) seen here.
![MV Agusta 175 Disco Volante CS](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-013-1024x684.jpg)
![](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-019-724x1024.jpg)
The 1954 CS used a conventional fork while the following year’s CSS employed an Earles fork. 700 of each type were built in two batches.
![](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-010-1024x637.jpg)
![MV Agusta 175 Disco Volante CS](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-016-1024x683.jpg)
![MV Agusta 175 Disco Volante CS](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-015-1024x684.jpg)
![MV Agusta 175 Disco Volante CS](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-014-683x1024.jpg)
![MV Agusta 175 Disco Volante CS](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-012-674x1024.jpg)
![MV Agusta 175 Disco Volante CS](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-011-1024x683.jpg)
![MV Agusta 175 cc Disco Volante CS](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-018-1024x816.jpg)
![](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-029-683x1024.jpg)
![](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-028-683x1024.jpg)
![](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-027-683x1024.jpg)
![](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-026-1024x688.jpg)
![](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-025-1024x683.jpg)
![](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-024-683x1024.jpg)
![](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-023-1024x672.jpg)
![](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-021-1024x642.jpg)
![](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-020-683x1024.jpg)
Both were derivatives of the 175 CS that was MV’s first production four-stroke and debuted at the end of 1952.
![1955 MV Agusta 175 Disco Volante CSS](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-CSS-003-1024x700.jpg)
While fast it earned a reputation of being a somewhat fragile design and was sold from 1954 to 1958.
![](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-CSS-008-731x1024.jpg)
Dedicated racing models used a different narrow tank and megaphone exhaust while the road bikes had a fishtail muffler.
![](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-CSS-002-1024x694.jpg)
![](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-CSS-005-688x1024.jpg)
![](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-CSS-001-1024x619.jpg)
Depending on the state of tune, the SOHC 59.6 x 62 mm motor made from 8 to 14 hp at 8800 rpm. A four-speed gearbox is used together with a 25 mm Dell’Orto carburettor.
![](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-CSS-004-1024x683.jpg)
![](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-CSS-007-1024x639.jpg)
Dry weight was around 110 kg, with a wheelbase a compact 1300 mm.
![](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/MV-Agusta-175cc-Disco-Volante-Flying-Saucer-PA-CSS-006-1024x730.jpg)
MV Agusta 175 Sport CS Specifications | |
Engine | Air-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder, SOHC, two-valve, 172.3 cc |
Bore x stroke | 59.5 x 62 mm |
Power | 8.2 kW (11 hp) @ 5400 rpm |
Induction | 22 mm Dell’Orto MA22 carbs |
Ignition | Flywheel-magneto |
Gearbox | Four-speed |
Final Drive | Chain |
Frame | Double cradle tubular/pressed steel |
Suspension | Telescopic forks, dual shocks |
Tyres | 2.75 x 19, 2.75 x 19 inch |
Brakes | 160 mm front drum, 140 mm rear drum |
Wheelbase | 1280 mm |
Length | 1895 mm |
Width | 620 mm |
Weight | 110 kg dry |