Mv Agusta F4 1000 R
MV Agusta F4 1000 R
ROUNDUP
While the company sits in limbo, an awesome new F4 emerges
BRUNO DEPRATO
THE MV AGUSTA F4 PROJECT, WHICH started life in 1999 as a 750, has now reached full maturity. Massimo Tamburini has honed the F4 1000 R to its full potential in this model, the distillate of all previous versions, including both regular production and limited editions.
"This is the ultimate F4," said Tamburini, "the bike with which we dared to challenge the big guns from the Far East in what is traditionally their specialty—750 to 1000cc sportbikes. We have proven that MV Agusta is still a name that imposes respect in the motorcycling world."
As in all of Tamburini's creations, styling and graphics are as elegant and refined as the engineering project itse1t~ The Maestro hates ugly bikes. The products of his motorcycle geneal ogy must handle impeccably and look superb. Or is it the other way around? Never mind, the F4 1000 R does both and more so than the previous-genera tion F4 1000 S ever did. Engine dimensions remain the same,
with bore and stroke unchanged at 76 x 55mm resulting in 998cc. Meaningiul modifications were made to other fundamental engine components. Unique to the F4 are the radial-angled valves. The intake valves are now set at a slightly increased included angle, which in turn altered the shape of the c~amber~~~cessi German~made Mahie pistons, more domed to achieve a ratio. Nikasil
plated cylinders are manufactured by Mahie, too. New intake runners and cams with less overlap are the final al terations to the cylinder head.
A brand-new Magneti Marelli 5SM fuel-injection system features a very powerful FlashEprom-type ECU. MV claims that changes to the engine are good for an additional 10 horsepower (174 at 11,900rpm) as well as 81 foot-pounds of torque at 10,000 rpm.
This highly refined engine is har nessed in a frame structure that Tamburini has progressively develoned from the origi nal F4 750 design. A beautifully triangulated chrome-moly steel unit wraps around the engine and uses it as a stressed member. Wheelbase spans 55.4 inches with 53 percent of the static weight residing over the front wheel. Rake measures 24.5 degrees with 1.2 inches of triple-clamp offset resulting in 4 inches of trail.
A brand-new, fully adjustable, 50mm Marzocchi inverted fork with black carbon-nitride-plated stanchions looks positively massive. The Sachs shock has the full menu of adjustability, as well, and features a hydraulic preload adjuster. Brakes are an odd mix of Italian and Japanese components, with 320mm Brembo discs and radial-mount calipers fed by a Nissin master cylinder (for the hydraulic clutch, as well).
Our first ride aboard the F4 R came on a damp morning at the Misano race track just south of Rimini, Italy. After hopping on the bike, I was pleasantly surprised by the racy-yet roomy cockpit. Seat height measures a reasonable 31.9 inches with good footpeg and handlebar
placement. The bike feels lighter not only sitting in the pitlane but while in motion. MV claims that 11 pounds have been shaved off the F4, now weighing 423 pounds ready to ride.
With the assistance of Pirelli's Dragon Supercorsa Pro tires, the F4 R inspired total confidence on the race track. Front-end feel is excellent-so! idly planted, responsive and neutral. Despite being fitted with an Ohlins steering damper, the bike doesn't really need it, so I always made sure it was turned to the lightest setting.
Engine performance complements the chassis quite well. Good torque is available from as low as 3500 rpm, with power building in a breathtaking and progressive run up to 12,000 rpm, where it starts to drop off. Fuel deliv ery is clean and crisp, contributing to power that is impressive with out being intimidating. iviore evoiution tnan revolution describes Tamburini's approach to the F4 1000 R, and it was the right choice. The result is a totally stable, neutral, agile bike with an amazing engine.
V MV's current owner, Harley-Davidson, is ac tively seeking a buyer for the Italian company, the goal being to focus on its core brand following substantial losses in 2009. According to MV's U.S. Brand Manager, Matt Stutzman, it's business as usual for the time being. r American versions of the F4 1000 R (price to be an nounced) were scheduled to go into production in April and will start shipping, along with the two new Brutale (990 R and 1090 RR) naked bikes, to U.S. deal erships in May.
