MV Agusta F4R Corsa Corta

By Kevin Ash - 25/09/2012

MV Agusta has introduced a lower spec version of its flagship F4 RR superbike fitted with the same ‘Corsa Corta‘ (short stroke) engine.

This latest engine is fitted with a lighter crankshaft giving it a shorter stroke, and it now has very oversquare dimensions of 79 x 50.9mm allowing the 998cc motor to rev to a 13,700rpm maximum, but with reduced piston speeds for improved reliability.

The power output is 192.5bhp, around 6bhp less than the £18,000 F4 RR which benefits from hand finishing to the cylinder head ports. Otherwise the head is the same, completely reworked compared with the old one with new port shapes and larger valves. These are all titanium, and lighter than the older engine‘s valves despite being larger. The 4-2-1-4 exhaust system is new, while the intake system continues to employ MV‘s Torque Shift System, which changes the intake funnel length to boost low rev torque.

The engine redesign has focussed on reducing internal friction, down to details such as reducing the revs at which the alternator and water pump operate, while the traction control system has been refined to be smoother and more dependable. There are also two engine maps to choose from.

The chassis has been updated with a lighter swingarm weighing just 11lb (5kg), and the F4 R is continuing to use 50mm Marzocchi forks and a Sachs rear shock, along with Brembo Monobloc front brakes (the RR is fitted with Öhlins, and also has an adjustable head angle which the R doesn‘t). There are other details differences helping to reduce the price, which is £14,500 in the UK.

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