Just as it did with its four-cylinder Brutale 1090 lineup, MV Agusta announced it is adding an ABS version of its F4 models to its 2013 offerings.

Available for an extra 1000 euros (US$1,311), the Bosch ABS will be available for the baseline MV Agusta F4, the more upscale F4 R and the top-of-the-line F4 RR. That’ s quite a premium, but with base prices starting at 16,990 euros for the F4 R, 19,920 euros for the F4 R and 24,290 euros for the F4 RR, MV Agusta customers might not mind paying a bit more for ABS.

The ABS offers two modes selectable from a handlebar control: Normal for regular use and Race, which reduces the system’s intervention for track use. The system can also be entirely disengaged by the rider. Continue Reading »

The International Motorcycling Federation has updated its homologated model list for the 2013 World Superbike, Supersport, Superstock and Endurance racing seasons. The list is largely unchanged from the list released in February with the exception of a couple of additions.

The Superstock 1000 and Formula Endurance World Championship list now includes the 2013 Ducati 1199 Panigale R and the MV Agusta F4 RR. On the previous list, the F4 RR’s status was listed as being “in progress” while only the S version of the Panigale was initially homologated for Superstock 1000 and Formula Endurance.

Also worth emphasizing is the 599cc Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R remains homologated for the FIM’s Supersport and Superstock 600 championships but the 636cc version is not eligible for those classes. The homologation list distinctly includes the Ninja as the “ZX 600 R F” but not “ZX 636″. AMA Pro Racing differs in this regard, including the 636cc version on its list of eligible racebikes for 2013. Continue Reading »

Our Euro correspondent Tor Sagen is one of the first in the world to ride MV Agusta’s brand-new F4 and F4 RR, both equipped with lean-angle sensors, electronically assisted shifting and more. The up-spec RR flagship features an electronic Ohlins suspension and steering damper controlled by a dedicated Ohlins ECU unit, enabling full suspension adjustment (excluding preload) via the press of a button.

Also new is the F4’s engine, with the RR claiming 201 crankshaft horsepower at 13,600 rpm, just shy of its new 14K redline. The standard model has to settle for “only” 195 horsepower made at 13,400 rpm. Sagen sends us his early impressions after ripping around the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia, Spain. –Ed.

Both F4s are ferocious above 9000 rpm, but the F4 RR is in a different league all together. Whilst there’s plenty of electronic brain within the fairings, it takes its toll from the rider to keep up with the sheer speed. Things happen so quickly above 10K rpm and acceleration is immense!

The F4s are not the most comfortable motorcycles in the world, and it’s a real struggle to escape the wind as I can’t push myself far enough backwards to get any protection from the windscreen. On the Valencia circuit, this didn’t really matter as the 201 ponies pushed big holes in the air like a hot knife through butter. Continue Reading »

We’ve exhaustedly tested and compared the 2012 MV Agusta F4 and its more expensive counterpart, the F4 RR, to expose their strengths and weaknesses. For 2013 it looks as though MV Agusta is heeding ours, and others, critiques by upgrading its flagship model with the latest and greatest technologies money can buy.

The new motorcycle comes in three guises for 2013, the F4, F4 R and F4 RR, each boasting various performance upgrades and unique graphics. All three bikes are powered by the same short-stroke inline four-cylinder engine that features an electronics package with Ride-by-Wire control and adjustability for engine power management, throttle sensitivity, torque, engine response, engine braking and rev limitation. The F4′s 8-level traction control now features a lean angle sensor and anti-wheeling control. The Electronically Assisted Shift (EAS) is also a stock component for 2013. The structure and geometry characteristics of the new F4′s frame are unchanged

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MV Agusta has announced the 2012 edition of its F4 sportbike featuring the new “Corsa Corta” engine from the F4 RR.

The 2012 MV Agusta F4 R Corsa Corta engine has a 79mm bore and a stroke of 50.9mm, compared to the 76mmx55mm engine found on the previous F4, last updated in 2010. The engine uses titanium valves, a first for production engines, and is paired to a new 4-2-1-4 exhaust with the F4′s signature underseat pipes.  According to MV Agusta, the new Corsa Corta engine produces 195 hp at 13,000 rpm and 82.6 ft-lb. at 9000 rpm. Those figures aren’t as high as the F4 RR’s claimed 200 hp but a boost from the F4′s 186 hp claims.

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