1949 MV Agusta 125 Turismo Specifications

Name: 1949 MV Agusta 125 Turismo
Brand: MV Agusta

Sport • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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1949 MV Agusta 125 Turismo Overview

The 1949 MV Agusta 125 Turismo is a sport motorcycle built around 125 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Two stroke, single cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 6.2:1. 1949 MV Agusta 125 Turismo delivers 3.5 kW 4.8 hp @ 4500 rpm of peak power. From a practical standpoint, the 1949 125 Turismo tips the scales at 75 Kg, carries a 12-litre fuel tank and spans a 1270 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 119.6 kg lighter than the average sport motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 1949 MV Agusta 125 Turismo spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

1949 MV Agusta 125 Turismo compared with other bikes in the Sport category

Here is how the 1949 MV Agusta 125 Turismo stacks up against other bikes in the Sport category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 1341 models.

Wet weight of 75 kg is lighter than that of 1209 of the other 1212 bikes in the Sport category.
Only 5 of the other 1340 bikes in the Sport category have a lower power output than the 3.5 kW of the 125 Turismo.
With 47 W/kg, the 125 Turismo has the 8th lowest power-to-weight ratio of 727 bikes in the Sport category, 88% below the category average of 384 W/kg.

1949 125 Turismo - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Capable power output: At 3.5 kW 4.8 hp @ 4500 rpm, the 125 Turismo holds its own against class rivals.

Considerations

Carburetor fuelling: Carbureted engines need occasional jetting attention and can be reluctant in cold weather or at altitude compared to modern fuel-injected alternatives.
Drum rear brake: The drum rear brake is adequate but lacks the modulation and fade resistance of a disc setup found on more modern equivalents.
Modest fuel capacity: The 12-litre tank means more frequent fuel stops on longer rides, which is worth planning around on touring routes.
Chain final drive upkeep: Chain final drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get full life out of the sprockets.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Heat management in traffic

125 Turismo's air-cooled design means engine-bay temperatures build up more in stop-start traffic than on a liquid-cooled equivalent - a function of the cooling method itself, not a defect. Mesh riding gear and avoiding prolonged idling help in hot climates.

Carburetor maintenance

The 125 Turismo uses carburetion rather than fuel injection, which means jetting is altitude- and temperature-sensitive and benefits from a clean-and-rejet after extended storage or an exhaust change.

Suspension condition on used examples

Up front, the 125 Turismo runs Girder forks and Swingarm with mechanical shocks at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by chain - expect to clean and lube it every few hundred kilometres and check tension regularly; a neglected chain wears the sprockets faster than the chain itself.

Frame & chassis check

The frame is Closed tubular steel cradle - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.

Low-speed handling

At just 75 Kg, the 125 Turismo is light enough to manhandle easily at a standstill - one of the practical advantages of its class.

125 Turismo - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 1949 MV Agusta 125 Turismo with its 125 cc sport, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. This model runs chain final drive, so check chain slack and sprocket tooth profile specifically - a worn sprocket is a cheaper fix now than after it's chewed up the next chain. Now 77 years old, this sport is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained 125 Turismo should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task for the 125 Turismo's 125 cc two stroke, single cylinder. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. With a 6.2:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Carburetor upkeep

Keep the carburetors clean and free of deposits. If the 125 Turismo has been stored, strip and clean the carb float bowls before attempting to start it. Pilot jets are the first to block and the last to be checked - always include them in any carb rebuild.

1949 MV Agusta 125 Turismo - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1949 MV Agusta 125 Turismo have?

The 1949 MV Agusta 125 Turismo uses a Two stroke, single cylinder engine with 125 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.

How much does the 1949 MV Agusta 125 Turismo weigh?

The 1949 MV Agusta 125 Turismo weighs 75 Kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 1949 MV Agusta 125 Turismo make?

The 1949 MV Agusta 125 Turismo produces 3.5 kW 4.8 hp @ 4500 rpm of power.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1949 MV Agusta 125 Turismo?

The 1949 MV Agusta 125 Turismo has a 12-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 200-240 km between stops.

What brakes does the 1949 MV Agusta 125 Turismo have?

The 1949 MV Agusta 125 Turismo uses 125mm Drum at the front and 125mm Drum at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 1949 MV Agusta 125 Turismo use?

The 1949 MV Agusta 125 Turismo runs 2.75-19 front and 3.00-19 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 1949 MV Agusta 125 Turismo have?

The 1949 MV Agusta 125 Turismo is fitted with a 3 Speed transmission.

Key Specifications

Engine

Two stroke, single cylinder

Power

3.5 kW 4.8 hp @ 4500 rpm

Torque

Not recorded

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

75 Kg / 165.3 lbs

Fuel Capacity

12 Litres / 3.1 US gal

Full 1949 MV Agusta 125 Turismo Specifications

Year 1948 - 49

Make Model MV Agusta 125 Turismo

Units Produced approx. 2000

Wheelbase 1270 mm / 50.0 in

Length 1930 mm / 75.9 in

Width 610 mm / 24.0 in

Fuel Capacity 12 Litres / 3.1 US gal

Wet Weight 75 Kg / 165.3 lbs

Max Power 3.5 kW 4.8 hp @ 4500 rpm

Displacement 125 cc / 7.6 cu-in

Engine Detail Two stroke, single cylinder

Bore x Stroke 53 x 56 mm

Compression Ratio 6.2:1

Cooling System Air cooled

Fuel Induction 16 mm Carburettor

Ignition Flywheel magneto

Lubrication 8% mixture

Starter Kick

Clutch Wet multiple plate clutch

Final Drive Chain

Transmission / Drive 3 Speed

Frame Type Closed tubular steel cradle

Suspension - Front Girder forks (telescopic fork on Lusso)

Suspension - Rear Swingarm with mechanical shocks

Brakes - Front 125mm Drum

Brakes - Rear 125mm Drum

Tyres - Front 2.75-19

Tyres - Rear 3.00-19

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.