MV Agusta F4 (2013-current)

The base-model F4 now has the short-stroke motor from the old F4R and F4RR and produces 195bhp at 13,600rpm. It now has a lighter crankshaft, forged titanium conrods, revised cylinder head porting and the valves use a single spring instead of two. All this ensures that the MV is seriously rapid, but it’s hard to meter out precise amounts of throttle when you’re riding fast. Weak power at the bottom end is followed by a muscular midrange, then a flat spot around 10,000rpm where the inlet trumpets lift clear of the throttle bodies. After that it’s a turbocharged surge to the redline. On the road, at lower revs, this slightly unpredictable power delivery shouldn’t be as much of a problem, plus the fantastic engine note always makes up for any of the F4’s quirks. New electronics include a ride-by-wire system and new 50mm Mikuni throttle bodies, anti-wheelie, eight stage traction control, four riding modes, electronic engine braking control, a quickshifter and auto-blipper.

The F4 steers and grips like a racer - it’s a piece of cake to place wherever you want on a track, regardless of your speed. Ride quality is superb (and even plusher on the Ohlins-suspended RR version), Brembos powerful and full of feel and the bars are nicely spaced out (but too narrow on the RR). But the riding position is very cramped and you can really feel the MV’s slightly porky 191kg dry weight when you’re braking for tight corners from high speed. If the power delivery was as good as the handling, the F4 would be a class-leader.
With its bigger ride-by-wire throttle bodies, the steel trellis frame had to be made wider and the new cast aluminium wheels (forged ali on the F4R and F4RR) are shod with Pirelli’s latest 200-section Diablo Super Corsa SP.

As you’d expect, you get lots of toys for your money. They include a full electronic rider aid package (see above), as well as fully-adjustable Marzocchi and Sachs suspension, Brembo monobloc brakes, a multi-function dash and steering damper. The F4 R and F4 RR (see below) has even more goodies fitted as standard.