First seen at the Milan Motorsalone, the 175cc CST was the first 175cc MV with a 4-speed gearbox and a chain-driven single overhead camshaft valvetrain system. It also used helical valve springs. It’s 17-inch wheels gave the bike a powerful and reliable appearance. The engine was rated at 8 HP, and was the first 4-stroke powerplant to go into volume production. Also released the same year was a version equipped with 19-inch wheels and a long seat. In 1956, the 175 CSTL was released, and it wore some of the same aesthetic features. Approximately 6,000 examples were built over the motorcycle’s three-year production run.
Engine: Technical Specification (1956)
Cylinders / Cycle: single / 4-stroke
Displacement: 172,3 cc
Bore x stroke: 59,5 x 62 mm
Compression ratio: 7:1
Power / rpm: 8 HP / 5,200
Torque / rpm: NA
Cooling: air
Distribution: sing;e overhead cam
Carburettor: 18 mm carburettor
Ignition: flywheel-magneto
Lubrication: wet sump
Starting: kickstart
Primary drive: gear
Clutch: wet multiple plate clutch
Gearbox: 4 speeds
Final drive: chain
Chassis:
Frame: double tubular and pressed steel frame
Front suspension: telescopic mechanical fork
Rear suspension: swingarm with hydraulic shocks
Front brake: 180 mm drum
Rear brake: 150 mm drum
Front tire: 3.50 x17”
Rear tire: 3.50 x17”
Wheels: spokes
Tank: 14 litres
Length: 1920 mm
Width: 620 mm
Wheelbase: 1300 mm
Weight: 103 Kg
Performance: 100 kph