With a suggested retail price of $33,000 (based on current currency rates), the new MV Agusta F4 RR proclaims to be “the most advanced and powerful superbike in the world.” Although it may look like the existing F4, the new RR boasts a new ultra short-stroke engine capable of 201 cv (equivalent to 198 hp). Sharing little with the previous engine, which was already relatively exotic by production standards, MV quite clearly indicates the RR will produce more power than even BMW’s extraordinary production superbike (the S 1000 RR). Top shelf Öhlins suspension and Brembo brakes, as well as forged aluminum wheels, are also featured. Full details and technical specs can be found by clicking the following link: MV Agusta F4 RR Tech-Specs. What follows is the press release from MV Agusta.
RR, the magical acronym that immediately brings to mind the world of competition. The bike for special individuals who demand the most exhilarating riding experience. Created using the most exotic materials, ultra-sophisticated suspension and the new 1000cc short-stroke engine make the MV Agusta F4 RR the most advanced and powerful superbike in the world.
When the most sophisticated chassis design is joined with the new MV short stroke engine, the result can only be an extraordinary machine. The MV Agusta F4 RR is the perfect tool for riders who demand the utmost performance. Evolved, exotic, and even further refined, the F4 RR is currently the best that technology can offer to the motorcycling world. To already refined MV Agusta F4, you add even more exotic materials, reduced weight, and, above all, a 201 hp four-cylinder engine which makes the F4 RR the most powerful superbike ever built. All “packaged” with the advanced design that makes the MV Agusta F4 RR unique and unmistakable.
A project for those who demand the ultimate riding experience.
In detail, the highlights of the new MV Agusta F4 RR:
- New short-stroke radial valve engine 201 hp at 13,400 rpm
- New increased bore diameter
- New primary drive
- New cylinder head
- New large-diameter titanium intake and exhaust valves
- New lightweight forged pistons in “aerospace RR alloy”
- New exhaust 4-2-1-4
- Close ratio gearbox
- Variable length intake runners
- Öhlins multi-adjustable 43 mm fork
- Öhlins TTX 36 rear shock
- Öhlins steering damper
- Forged aluminum wheels
ENGINE: 201 Hp, PURE POWER
The new 4-cylinder short stroke engine with radial valve is the soul of the MV Agusta F4 RR. The engine is completely new and is inspired by MV Agusta’s experience in competition. Apart from the engine case castings, the arrangement of cylinders and a few other elements the 4 cylinder RR engine shares little with that of the previous F4. It has been completely redesigned with a single goal in mind: maximum performance. All new thermodynamics, a new crankshaft that has a reduced value of inertia and new bore and stroke dimensions with an extremely over-square relationship that can reach rpm’s worthy of a true racing motorcycle. The piston diameter has been increased from 76 to 79 mm while the stroke is reduced from 55 mm to 50.9 mm. With these dimensions the rpm limit has been raised to a stratospheric 13,700 rpm while at the same time reducing the linear velocity of the piston (from 24.7 m/s to 22.9 m/s) and thus also improving reliability.
To reach the stratospheric level of 201 hp at 13,400 rpm with a completely homologated engine including an exhaust system complete with the catalytic converter, extreme attention has been given to every detail. The thermodynamic efficiency has been optimized to guarantee a record level of performance. For this reason, the head of the F4 RR is completely new including new intake and exhaust tracts as well as large diameter intake and exhaust valves. For the first time on an MV mass production engine, all the valves are made of titanium and this has made it possible to reduce the mass while at the same time significantly increasing the diameter (30 to 31.8 mm for the inlet and from 25 to 26 mm for the exhaust). The tuning of the engine has been optimized thanks to the use of a completely new 4-2-1-4 exhaust system with large diameter tapered headers. In addition to ensuring the optimized performance of the engine, this new exhaust system has a unique sound and is even more intoxicating. The intake is controlled by four 49 mm throttle bodies with the unique TSS system of variable length intake tracts.
The new engine of the F4 RR has been designed according to the criterion of low friction. A new primary drive gear has drastically reduced the speed of the generator and water pump in effect limiting the parasitic power consumption of these components. As with previous F4’s, this new engine features a rapidly removable cassette gearbox and the clutch employs a mechanical slipper system to assure proper control even under the most extreme braking conditions. The electronic engine management has been further refined compared to that of the previous F4. The traction control follows new operating modes as well as two maps for the engine, and everything is now easily managed through the new controls that have been placed on the left handlebar.
CHASSIS: LIGHT AND PRECISE
The frame and swingarm are common with those of the already excellent F4, but the desire on the part of MV Agusta to offer a four-cylinder superbike has also led to the employment of some unique solutions. To optimize performance and adapt the F4 RR to all race tracks and conditions, the MV Agusta F4 RR allows a virtually infinite combination of adjustments. Multi-adjustable suspension, essential for a racing motorcycle, has been combined with the adjustable steering head angle (with interchangeable eccentrics) and the height of the swing arm pivot and rear axle by means of calibrated inserts.
SUSPENSION: THE BEST OF THE BEST
The Öhlins NIX upside-down front fork has 43 mm diameter inner tube and a titanium nitride coating to improve the smoothness and precision. This particular fork dimension has been designed to achieve the perfect balance of agility without sacrificing the legendary stability of an MV.
As the most sophisticated motorcycles, the front wheel axle carriers are machined from billet aluminum and the front forks offer precise external adjustment of spring preload as well as compression and rebound damping. Also, the fork of the MV Agusta F4 RR provides separate adjustments for the hydraulic damping (left leg compression, right leg extension), a solution that enables the accuracy of the hydraulic independence as varying the compression does not have an influence on the rebound.
The Öhlins Racing TTX 36 rear shock is simply the best in the world. Born from experience in competition, it is externally adjustable in spring preload, compression, rebound and length allowing you to vary the ride height of the rear of the bike to match the different driving styles and different circuits. In addition, the MV Agusta F4 RR also offers the possibility of adjusting the height of the swing arm pivot point by means of calibrated inserts.
RIMS
The quest for lighter weight and the best possible handling led to the creation of lightweight forged aluminum wheels that minimize un-sprung weight and reduced inertia with the advantage in the increased reactivity of the bike. The new wheels on the MV Agusta F4 RR allow a weight saving of 1 kg compared to the standard F4 cast versions.
BRAKES
The F4, the current reference in high performance braking, has only been exceeded by the new F4 RR. The Brembo monobloc calipers are the state of the art high performance brake calipers for motorcycles, and now, paired with Brembo radial master cylinders, the braking performance is on par with that of the top superbikes. The clutch master cylinder is the mirror image of the radial brake caliper which offers increased feel and modulation. Numerous other exclusive details, such as the levers and handlebars which are dedicated specifically to the MV F4 RR and subject to countless hours of testing and development all lead to the best possible ergonomics available on a production motorcycle.
COMPONENTS
A true superbike is not only defined by its potential performance, but also by the attention to detail with which it is made. F4 RR, the details speak for themselves. Never before has a race-ready superbike been built with such a high level of attention to detail. The design features are not only created to be visually pleasing, but, as form follows function and the F4RR has been designed to perform. For this reason, every detail has been considered to increase performance and functionality, reduce weight and increase the product quality fit and finish. The F4 RR debuts new adjustable light weight rear sets to match the ergonomics of the bike to the needs of the pilot. The remote control of the dashboard functions (including traction control) is just one of the details that the MV engineers have put into this new superbike. In addition, a new aerodynamic flap has been added under the lower triple clap to convey additional air to the radiator optimizing the aerodynamics and cooling of the engine’s record power.
MV SPECIAL PARTS TO PERSONALIZE YOUR MASTERPIECE
Exclusive technology and design has been imprinted into the DNA of the new F4 RR. It is the world’s most powerful superbike. But, the evolution never ends. You can make your F4 RR even more unique with the original MV special parts that have been developed to provide you with additional performance using the very latest technical advancements in materials and design.
MV special parts are an absolute guarantee of quality for the customer as they have been subject to the same high standards of quality that have been applied to the original masterpiece using the most advanced materials such as aerospace alloy, titanium and carbon fiber. Special exhausts systems and racing engine ECU’s have also been developed that can increase even further the record power level of the 4 cylinder engine.
Accessories, such as MV Agusta clothing, can be viewed at www.mvagusta.it and a number of items may be purchased directly online.
COLORS
The two new colors, pastel red/white and matt pearl white, together with the new graphics make the F4 RR even more unique.
Digg
Practically every comment on the MV somehow finds a way to bad mouth HD. This is small minded. Let’s ridicule the motor company for the entire global economic crisis..really not applicable to MV building a halo machine for a very small segment of RICH enthusiasts. If the new management can make this business model work, that’s good for the hobby. If not, then blame Harley again for selling their company too cheap to a company that builds bikes that the haters can not afford.
this is me actively pressing the “like” button for john a… 🙂
2nd that Norm G.
OK. I have an idea. The first one to mention the MotorCompany in a non-MotorCompany related tread gets banned.
Fair enough ? (o_O ) ?
All too often the lowest common denominator in the human equation rises to the top, if only because the cream of the crop avoids that particular equation. Thus it shall be that BMW and the Japanese makes will outsell this bike and their respective owners will whine and moan about how much better and faster their chosen mounts are and all for less money.
To that I would proffer this suppostion. If you had the money, you would own the bike. For now, it merely owns you.
A bike such as this is not only about “bragging rights” but also about a passion for quality, a touch of originality and of course style.
To those mental eunuchs that belittle Harley-Davidson, keep this in mind, oh you of little mind. Sans HD’s money, it is likely that MV would have assumed room temperature. For those of you in Rio Linda, California, that means they would have gone out of business. Coupled with that fact is yet another that I would share with those of you so obviously amongst the extra-chromosome set.
What imagine to be your rapier-like wit, is nothing more than an emotional spasm. The flatulence of a pre-pubescent mind. In a word, you are idiots. Doubtless boy-racers that deem the public roads their personal racetrack.
I suspect that the majority of you ride like you type. Note that I did not say “write”. What you foist upon the world is nothing at all like writing. You are the oft mocked simians banging away at keyboards in an attempt not to write the “Great American Novel”, but rather a simple, witty observation.
I dub thee, “Humanzees”.
Smaller displacements are often more responsive in normal driving simply because they require less air to get moving. But when it comes to insecure men trying to impress other insecure men, you cannot beat a 201 hp motorcycle.
Gasp! My awesome Plot has been xposed.
It looks like your insecurity is shining through here Steve. It is an insecure person that would try and build themself up by knocking others down.
Just fantastic
Would love a few laps at a track day on that. Hell would be happy to sit and stare at it for a few hours.
This is so wonderful! First Harley Davidson share holders, employees, and riders give millions of their dollars to the Castiglioni family for Augusta Motorcycle brand and company. Then Harley Davidson share holders give the Augusta bike company back to the Castigloni family for something like $1. Then the happy Castiglioni family makes this beautiful bike courtesy of the millions that Harley Davidson share holders, employees, and riders gave to them. Some how that’s poetic justice.
Never could understand why Harley bought MV Agusta in the first place??? What goes around comes around.
Well said Tom…
re: “Never could understand why Harley bought MV Agusta in the first place???”
it was a “sound” purchase however it happened on the back of false economy that wasn’t (ie. sound). 🙁 if the bubble hadn’t burst, HD would be looking like geniuses right now for having diversified. did i mention the bubble burst…???
Thanks Harley! Now where did I put that winning lottery ticket… I’ll take one in white, please!
Beautiful.
How is it that a basic design this old, is still the best looking sport bike made? I know they’ve made minor cosmetic changes the last few years, but it is still the same basic design, and everyone else is still playing catch up.
I would rather have the BMW.
Most would, and will. That’s why the sales numbers for these will never approach those of the super-ugly S1000. However, MV is not targeting ‘most’ buyers.
An alleged 7 or 8 more hp for twice the price of the BMW…not sure I see the value here other than snob appeal. It IS pretty darned gorgeous.
in filthy rich america…? underestimate “snob factor” at your own peril. LOL
Gorgeous bike!!! The dry weight is a little high compared to other litre bikes though. Heck, even my ’04 zx10r was factory dry weighted at 375 lbs, and at the scale it is just 422 lbs full of fuel and fluids! Obviously not as sweet as this exotic ride, but still, with a devil high mount exhaust, one tooth down on the front sprocket, and 150 ponies to the ground, it still scares the $#!+ out of me!!!
Too often we hear the call to privatize government services on the theory that private corporations are intrinsically more efficient than government. Harley Davidson’s financial misadventure with MV Agusta is yet another in a long line of data points proving that because both are run by humans, public and private enterprises are on average equally likely to blunder. Let’s hope the Castiglionis are smarter than the average human and are able to keep producing these magnificent machines for years to come.
I know what I want under the tree this Christmas. Damn, that thing would make the tree look fast. Still not sure if it’s quick enough for me, but I’d like to find out (note, technically my CT90 that I use as a pit bike is fast enough for me).
In my opinion, this beautiful bike just brings home the reality of what BMW accomplished with the S1000RR….if that indeed this was just an effort to win the “horsepower” debate. The very idea that you could have two S1000RR’s for the price of one MV? TurningJapeneseIthinkI’mturningJapeneseIreallythinkso!!!!!!!!
Technically you’re turning German, not Japanese.
Not in the procession, for sure, I get your meaning…my thought was just how their effort was anticipated to cost as much as MV’s but in reality was competitive with the “Big Four”….That to me was what was ironic about the price difference between the MV and the BMW.
Another Italian beauty. They sure know how to put sex appeal on two wheels.
I agree it would be nice to see it on the grid. Glad the Castiglionis have ownership again…Well done.
OMG….in pure WHITE! I think I may have to change my shorts now….
eh, kinda looks like an older vfr with the probable reliability C4 on a bumpy ride….
Wow, beauty.
The power peak is just too high on the rpm range to be of practical use (just 300 rpm short of limit). Unless an unlikely flat power curve shows the bulk of that power available starting in the mid-range, the approach is wrong. Overall weight is also not at par with the assumed class level. In my opinion, this is an evident attempt to win the hp race at all costs. A 35K bike ought to have better engine solutions than those.
“…this is an evident attempt to win the hp race at all costs.”
Agreed. Just adding more raw power is not the answer.
Non Sense…there’s not such a thing as “too much HP”, specially on a motorcycle…(sarcastic rolling eyes)…LMAO.
faser6…I believe Norm knows that and is being facetious in that HArley sold it back for basically $1 and gave them $38 million for new bike development, undoubtedly some of which went into the development of this great bike..
I say imagine this in US dealerships badged as a HArley …bwahahahaha
Won’t be US$33k, MV (or anyone) never uses straight currency conversion for prices in different markets. In fact, typically MV price their bikes in US$ about the same number as the mainland price in euros.
The only thing more enjoyable than watching a state-of-the-art bike like this ridden by an expert on a racetrack is watching it get blown off by some kid on a lightly modified SV 650 in the canyons.
The specs are all well and good–but will they race this? SBK needs this bike in the grid!
btw guys, next time you see a “longbeard” on a wide glide or heritage classic… you be sure to stop and thank them ya hear. for the commercial message above has been brought to you (underwritten) by none other than the hard working men and women (and consumers) of “The Motor Company”. remember our numbers are few, so if you need concrete proof that the phrase “united we stand, divided we fall” applies to motorcycling…? may i suggest you right click and save either of the 2 pictures above, then set it as your background.
Umm, HD sold MV back to the Castiglionis last year, where you been?
I think he may be referring to the fact that if the MoCo didn’t pay off MV’s $70million debt, this bike doesn’t get built.
re: “I think he may be referring to the fact that if the MoCo didn’t pay off MV’s $70million debt, this bike doesn’t get built.”
exactly, the sale back to “la familia” only came AFTER willie g. infused it with capitol to begin the revamping process (which yielded the F5 you see above and the forthcoming F3 triple). other than some tweaks here and there, remember the F4 sat “embarrasingly” stagnant for over a decade since it’s introduction in ’99 (by-product of no money). they saw a like property with growth potential that could easily be rectified with a serious infusion of capital (standard business practice). MV was certainly bought for the longterm, but the economic downturn forced them to focus back on their core business (it happens). a reoccuring theme even in industries 10x more robust than the niche business of motorcycling, so naturally hd was not immune.
HOLY CRAP !
Let me see that naked
ok, i just squirted.
33k…? if that’s Dollars and not Euros, not a bad price for a race homologation given that were now more than a decade into the 21st century.
Pure sex on wheels. I want it.