MV Agusta have released pics and details of the ‘new’ F4 RC, although quite how ‘new’ it is could be up for debate, given that it is still a Euro 3 machine – but when it looks this good, who cares?!
Still, the RC was and is an epic weapon – even though the basis of design for the F4 harks back to the 1990s, it’s an incredible thing to ride and so super special, very few of us wouldn’t want one! Updates appear to be mainly colour, brakes and wheels, a different race exhaust and a few other trinkets.
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The bike makes 205bhp at the crank, but that can be upped to 212bhp using the kit that comes in the wonderful wooden box provided with each of the 250 machines on offer – namely, a full SC-Project exhaust system and dedicated ECU, plus a whole bunch of sweet track extras you’ll find inside.
The electronics have been revised and optimised, which includes 8-stage traction-control, torque settings, engine braking and engine response settings, among other electronic twiddlery. As usual it’s top spec’ Ohlins suspension front and back, plus GP spec’ Brembo calipers and whopping 320mm discs.
Here’s the spec sheet for the bike:
And here’s words from the official press release:
Varese, 9th October 2017 – The allure and excitement of the World Superbike Champion- ship are incorporated into the elegant yet extreme lines of the MV Agusta F4 RC. Assembled piece by piece, with the same meticulous attention to detail that is seen in Leon Camier’s F4 Reparto Corse race bike. Produced in a limited series, as is becoming of such a truly exclusive bike. The F4 RC symbolises the razor-sharp racing spirit the Italian manufacturer brings to the world’s racetracks with Leon Camier. For the legendary MV Agusta F4 model, the RC represents the peak of technical evolution and dynamic performance.
Colours and graphics match those of the factory team, ensuring at-a-glance racing excitement. The number 37 on the fairing recalls the number of manufacturers’ titles won by MV Agusta over the course of its long history.
Engine
The technical base of the F4 RC comes from that of the F4 Reparto Corse, starting with the Corsa Corta four-cylinder in-line engine (bore 79 mm, stroke 50.9 mm) with central distribution chain and radial valves. This version puts out a maximum power of 205 hp (151 kW); a dedicated kit adds a further 7 HP, giving a total of 212 hp (158 kW).
Electronics
As with the F4 Reparto Corse, the electronic platform is optimised to obtain the best possible performance on both track and road. Parameters such as throttle sensitivity, maximum torque, engine braking, engine response and rev limiter can all be customised, ensuring riders get the most out of the bike whatever the riding conditions. The F4 RC inertial platform has a lean angle sensor and three gyroscopes, as well as three accelero- meters: a package designed to ensure absolute dynamic efficiency, thanks also to EAS 2.0 electronically assisted shift (as standard).
Frame and suspension
Progressive tradition applied to racing: this concept has provided the developmental foundation for the CrMo steel tube trellis frame with TIG welding. The central part of the frame is closed with lightweight aluminium alloy plates which provide an adjustable swingarm pivot point of height. The suspension offers unparalleled quality and efficiency: the NIX 30 type USD Öhlins fork with TiN coating allows separate hydraulic compression adjustment (left leg) and rebound damping (right leg), as well as spring pre-load adjustment. The Öhlins TTX 36 shock with piggyback tank is also fully adjustable thanks to mechanical regulators. The steering damper is adjustable.
Brakes
The system that Brembo has designed for the F4 RC ensures cutting-edge braking power and excellent user-friendliness. The front end features two 320 mm discs with steel braking rotor and aluminium flange; the handlebar control activates a radial pump; callipers are Brembo 30 mm 4-piston GP monobloc. The rear brake features a 4-piston calliper and a 210 mm steel disc. The latest version of the Bosch 9 Plus Race Mode ABS features the RLM (Rear Wheel Lift-Up Mitigation) system.
The exclusive F4 RC formula makes ample use of high quality materials, characterised by excellent performance and low weight. Carbon fibre, for example, has been selected for the main parts of the fairing. As a tie-in with the 250 F4 RC, MV Agusta has prepared a sophisticated kit, housed in an elegant wooden box. Designed to increase on-track efficiency, it includes dozens of components, starting with the SC-Project full titanium single exit exhaust, designed to maximise performance when used with the specific ECU (also included in the kit). Among the many exclusive components are a rapid release fuel cap, carbon fibre heat shields, F4 RC single seat tail cover and lightweight screws and small parts. A customised bike cover and certificate of origin, which confirms the authenticity and number of the product, complete the kit.
We await the new superbike, by all accounts called the F7, next year with a little luck. In the meantime, there’s nothing like a sweet F4 RC to keep us all going, nay?
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