MV-AGUSTA F4 1000 (2010 - 2013) Review

MV’s new-generation F4 is still an unashamed racing bike with lights, but the Italian firm have smoothed out all the old rough edges and created a thoroughly usable superbike for the road. It’s 10kg lighter too. It’s still not as soft or cuddly as a Japanese 1000, but it has considerably sharper teeth and is a thousand times more exclusive and handsome. It also has a two-stage power map and eight-stage traction control.  Small riders will struggle with the very tall 860mm seat and tall ones with the very high pegs, especially on track, so the F4 should suit everyone in between.

In September 2010

MV Agusta produced 11 special edition F4s to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Italy’s national aerobatic display team.

The “Frecce Tricolori” (tricolour arrows) edition, named after the Italian Airforce group, boasted red, white and green livery as well as custom-made carbon fibre and titanium components.

Each of the 11 bikes will be paired with one of the 11 demonstration jets, details of which will be printed on a silver plate attached to the steering head.

The F4 still has a very firm ride, but it’s not too obtrusive on the road. A more spacious riding position means taller riders won’t be as cramped as before, but the non-adjustable pegs are set very high, so it’s hard to move around the bike on the track. Thanks to the grippy Pirelli Super Corsa SP tyres fitted as standard, the lighter weight, stiff frame and excellent suspension, handling is faultless once set up for the individual rider.

The 998cc radial valve inline-four-cylinder F4 motor produces a claimed 186.3bhp@12,900rpm. It has lighter crankcases and a redesigned crankshaft which is 2kg heavier and has 47% more inertia (developed during the 2008 Italian superbike championship). The heavier crank, which has lighter conrods, allows MV to do away with a separate balance shaft. Detail changes include shorter inlet tracts, new titanium inlet valves, a new oil pump, deeper sump, cooling system and generator. There’s also a mechanical slipper clutch, new cassette-type gearbox and exhaust with square, instead of circular-section quad end cans.

Electronics include variable length inlet trumpets, a new Magnetti Marelli 7BM ECU, traction control and two power maps. New 49mm Mikuni throttle bodies with eight injectors are fed by a bigger airbox.

Rideabiltiy is much improved thanks to the new crank, smoother throttle response and increased low and mid-range power. As you’d expect from the F4, high rpm power is still savage.

With the exception of the exposed welded seam on the exhaust collector box, the build and finish on the F4 is perfect. We had a minor downshift problem on our test bike at the launch, but we’re told this was an isolated problem with our bike.

No longer is the F4 the most expensive piece of exotica out there, you can spend more on a top-spec Aprilia RSV4 or Ducati 1198. With the Japanese superbikes climbing in price, the MV looks even better value when you consider the style, speed and toys you get for your money. Find an MV Agusta F4 1000 for sale.

FullY-adjustable front and rear suspension, adjustable rear ride height, quick release front spindle, single-sided swingarm, slimline dash, traction control, dual power maps, Brembo monobloc brakes, Pirelli Super Corsa SP tyres, xenon headlight, variable-length inlet trumpets all come as standard on the F4. Compare and buy parts for the MV F4 in the MCN Shop.