MV Agusta F4 RR

By Kevin Ash - 15/01/2012

MV Agusta has announced a new version of its F4 superbike, the F4 RR, and says it will produce a colossal 198bhp (201PS, 147.7kW).

With Kawasaki‘s ZX-10R making 197bhp and BMW claiming a mere 190bhp for the S1000RR, this makes the F4 RR on paper at least the most powerful superbike to date. BMW‘s claim is much more conservative than its rivals‘ though, it‘s 180+ rear wheel bhp suggesting an MV-beating figure of 210bhp is a more realistic comparison.

Even so, the F4 has a history of beating rivals on the track as well as the dyno, and changes made to the engine suggest a substantial performance gain is perfectly feasible. The stroke has been reduced from 55mm to 50.9mm, combined with a 3mm bore increase to 79mm, very oversquare dimensions which will encourage higher revs and more power - the peak occurs at 13,400rpm with the rev limiter cutting in just 300rpm higher.

The changes also mean peak piston speed has decreased from a very high 24.7m/s to 22.9m/s which will aid longevity and reliability, although this is still a high number for a road bike.

The cylinder head is new and comes with larger valves (all titanium: inlet up 1.8mm to 31.8mm, exhaust up 1mm to 26mm) for a higher gas flow capability and larger, reshaped ports. The exhaust system is all new and MV‘s variable length intake tract system, dubbed TSS, is used to help produce a wider spread of torque.

Other changes include a new primary drive and lower gearing for the alternator and water pump to reduce their friction and load on the engine, while the traction control system has been revised, although the details have yet to be announced.

The chassis is the same as current F4 models, but the suspension is the best available from Öhlins, with NIX titanium nitride-coated inverted forks at the front and a TTX shock at the rear, with ride height adjustability as well as the usual. The swingarm pivot position can also be adjusted. The wheels are new forged aluminium items which save a claimed 1kg (it‘s not clear if this is each or in total) compared to the standard F4 cast wheels. The brakes are the inevitable Brembo Monoblocs.

A lot of detailing is specific to the F4 RR, including the levers, handlebars and button on the left side switchgear for performing functions on the dash.

The F4 was thoroughly revised for 2010, including a restyle by British designer Adrian Morton, improved ergonomics and significant engine and chassis upgrades.

Production of the first 100 bikes is scheduled for completion by the middle of June, with 10 earmarked for the UK at a price of £17,999.

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