MV Agusta F4s are the ultimate poster bikes. The iconic Massimo Tamburini-designed lines haven’t really changed over the years, just tweaked, refined and polished, but even today, 14 years after the original F4 750 was released, this latest evolution is unutterably beautiful.
It wears the finest biking jewellery: Ohlins, Marchesini and Brembo, but the MV now has a ride-by-wire throttle system, which has allowed MV to equip the F4RR with variable riding modes, traction control, anti-wheelie, launch control and an auto-blipper – a world first. And like the Panigale the MV has electronically-adjustable suspension, linked to the riding modes.
On the track
In 11 years of road testing for MCN, I’ve been lucky enough to ride just about every modern-day MV. I’ve clocked up thousands of miles on MVs and like Spandau Ballet, I know this much to be true: you couldn’t wish to meet a nicer bunch of people who work at the factory.
MVs sound great, they’re achingly-beautiful, packed with the latest technology, thoughtfully designed and are built to a knee-trembling high standard. But they’re buggers to ride.
Early F4s had snatchy fuel injection, which gradually got better, but now, with the arrival of ride-by-wire, the throttle response is worse. The F4 RR’s throttle feels snatchy and disconnected, like last year’s F3.
This problem seems to be the -elephant in MV’s room. Sure, the bikes are so beautiful and they win countless design and desirability awards, but they don’t work properly. I have ridden nicely set up bikes, like from dealers Forza Italia, but out of the box, they can be frustrating.
The F4 RR’s power delivery is littered with peaks and troughs. At low rpm the short-stroke, 998cc inline four-cylinder ‘Corsacorta’ engine has little power, but once you’re past 6000rpm the F4RR gathers huge speed and momentum.
But this wondrous torrent of power is interrupted by a big flat spot around 10,000rpm, then all hell breaks loose, as it surges towards the redline and its claimed 195bhp.
You wouldn’t notice the inconsistent power delivery most of the time on the road, where you’re riding at lower revs, but on a track, mid-corner, not knowing what you’re going to get when you twist the throttle is unnerving and takes all your attention, when you should be thinking about where you’re going.
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