Motorcycle specifications Magni (Italie - Samarate)Sfida 1000 1989 Another challenge

The name Magni is well known in the world of motorcycle racing for his close links with the MV-AGUSTA brand.

Arturo MAGNI began his career as a mechanical engineer with GILERA after the Second World War. In 1950, he joined MV-AGUSTA and subsequently took charge of MV's Corsica department. He remained there until the brand retired from competition, after 75 world titles (38 drivers and 37 manufacturers).

With MV retired, Arturo MAGNI created his own brand in 1977. This began with the production of high-performance competition parts and frames for MV engines.

At the start of the 80s, he began building complete motorcycles, powered first by 4-cylinder Honda 900 Bol d'Or (MH1 & MH2) then 1000 BMW boxers (MB1 & MB2).

In 1985, he signed a partnership with Moto-Guzzi, Arturo MAGNI's aim being to produce 100% Italian motorcycles. The first model, called "Le Mans", featured a clever parallelogram rear suspension system that reduced the wheelbase (for better handling) and compensated for the negative effects of the cardan drive of the Guzzi Le Mans IV engine.

Then came a 1000 "Classico", a 1000 "Arturo" and finally, in 1989, the 1000 Sfida (Italian for "challenge"), whose lines are typical of Italian motorcycles of the 60s. Arturo MAGNI made a point of combining classic Italian style with a modern, high-performance chassis.

The engine, which gains 3 horsepower by modifying the exhaust system, retains the characteristics of the Guzzi 1000 Le Mans: powerful, torquey, gruff and long-lasting. However, it is installed in a chassis that is much livelier than the Guzzi frame, which is an old-fashioned sports bike; very stable at high speed, but you really have to force it when changing corners (which has often earned it the nickname of "real rail" or "man's bike").

The Sfida range was subsequently divided into different models, depending on the development of the Guzzi V2. The Sfida 400 followed in 1992, the Sfida 1000 8-valve in 1994, the Sfida 1100 carburettor in 1995, and the Sfida 1100 IE in 1997. The latest model is the Sfida 1000 4V equipped with the upgraded 1000cc 8-valve in 1997.

Tanthallas - photo: www.magni.it