While branding is a big part of a bike’s livery in today’s MotoGP arena, that has not always been the case. During the early days of the motorcycle racing circuit, sponsorships didn’t really exist the way they do today, and that means a bike’s livery was more often inspired by the signature colors of the company that manufactured it.
If you’re even casually familiar with MotoGP racing in the days before it was called that, you should know the circuit was pretty much dominated by MV Agusta and their souped-up stable of high-octane 500cc racing machines. For the bulk of MV Agusta’s dominant run from the 1950s to mid-1970s, their bikes were adorned in the company’s distinctive red and silver livery, and they could be seen blazing down the track with motorcycle racing legends like Giacomo Agostini, Mike Hailwood, John Surtees, Phil Read, and Gary Hocking in the saddle.
With names like those on the throttle, MV Agusta racked up numerous world champion titles during its heyday. It should go without saying that, in turn, their red and silver livery became one of the sport’s most instantly identifiable. It remains just as singular today, even as the Italian motorcycle manufacturer has continued to develop some of the most beautiful two-wheeled speed machines on the market.
