The 500GP twin was developed from early 1971, with its race debut at Modena in March. Originally campaigned with a factory designed frame, the Colin Seeley commissioned design was used from August. The original drum brakes were replaced by discs at about this time as well.
The bikes were raced by Spaggiari, Giuliano, Phil Read & Parlotti - who took the only victory for the 500 at a non-championship race in Yugoslavia in May. At the San Remo GP in October the bikes finished behind Agostini on the MV in 2nd, 3rd & 4th places. Towards the end of '71 the bikes received a new look (as seen here) and one bike was tested successfully with fuel injection in early in '72. Both 2 & 4 valve heads were used with the 2-valve design proving the most race-worthy.
However the 500 project, while scoring several top ten GP finishes during '72, took a lower priority than the Formula 750 racers. Five 500cc GP twins were built.
Bore & stroke: 74x57.8mm. 69hp at 11,000rpm. Dry weight 127kg.
Image and text courtesy Phil Aynsley
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