Japanese Used Cars: 2012 MV Agusta F4 RR First Look

Monday, June 6, 2011

2012 MV Agusta F4 RR First Look

Italian brand MV Augusta has introduced a new sportbike for 2012. Dubbed the MV Agusta F4 RR this Italian-made Superbike offers motorcyclists an exotic (and expensive) way to experience the thrill and excitement of liter-class sportbike riding with a price starting at around $33,000 (based off exchange rate of Euro MSRP).

If you think the pictures of the MV Agusta F4RR look good then check out our 2012 MV Agusta F4RR First Look Video.

Based off the standard F4, the RR-designation denotes the use of a higher-spec liquid-cooled 998cc Inline-Four engine. The bore/stroke dimensions have been modified. Cylinder bore has increased 3mm to 79.0mm, while piston stroke has reduced 3.1mm to 50.9mm. The more oversquare configuration allows the engine to spin to 13,700 rpm (300 rpm less than the class-leading BMW S1000RR). MV claims that the new engine puts out 201 horsepower as measured from the countershaft sprocket.

The valvetrain was also updated with each of the 16-valves now manufactured from titanium. The diameter of the intake valves has increased 1.8mm to 31.8mm total while the exhaust valves are now 1.0mm larger at 26mm. Furthermore, the intake now employs a variable length intake trumpets on each of the four 49mm throttles bodies similar to the Yamaha YZF-R6 and Aprilia RSV4 Factory.

As always the F4 employs an easily serviceable cassette-style close-ratio gearbox in case you need to make trackside transmission gear changes paired to a hydraulically-actuated slipper clutch. In terms of electronics the RR offers a traction control system that can be manipulated via buttons on the handlebar.

The new and improved engine is harnessed in a similar chassis that adds full adjustability. The angle of the steering head and swingarm pivot point can now be modified. The wheelbase can also be increased or decreased via a shim system. Suspension is comprised of an NIX-series Ohlins fork and TTX-series gas charged shock absorber. The F4 RR rolls on lighter forged wheels. Braking components are sourced exclusively from Brembo with the use of radial monoblocs calipers and a radial-mount master cylinder.

The F4 RR is available in Pastel Red/White and Matte Pearl White colorways. The bike will be in European dealerships by the end of May but no word when it will make it stateside.

Select the model you like and you can make a purchase online here: