Mv Agusta F4 1000 R 312

MV AGUSTA F4 1000 R 312

A number for a name

In a lot of respects, you are buying more than a motorcycle when you buy an MV Agusta. There is the history, the beauty and, of course, the exclusivity.

But it does remain a motorcycle. In the case of the F4 1000 R 312, a very good one on the track. But how does this Superbike homologation special (racing in AMA this year as preparation for World Superbike in 2008) work on the street?

As it turns out, not as well as on the track at MasterBike. The fully adjustable, 50mm Marzocchi fork and Sachs shock provide firm progressiveness and compliance with a hard edge, even with adjusters backed way out.

Changes to the four-cylinder engine’s head yielded a nearly 4 horsepower increase over our ’06 F4 1000 and were aimed at helping the bike earn its “312” name, representing the claimed top speed in kilometers per hour, equivalent to 194 mph. Unfortunately, we got “only” 176 mph, or 284 clicks, on the top end. Due to our unique top-speed-testing venue this year, we didn’t run in both directions and there was a slight headwind, but the horsepower

increase, even under the best conditions, would have a hard time pushing this bike 18 mph faster. Increased engine break-in may help—our bike had only 350 miles on the clock.

Okay, so it didn’t go 194 mph. How is the engine at legal road speeds? Throttle response, for one, is nearly instantaneous. But as they say, the throttle works both ways. And in the MV’s case, too well, because when you shut the butterflies, the engine slows fast.

If the Marelli engine-management system is controlling the antiengine-braking air-bleed system, I couldn’t feel it. On a street ride,

I revved the 312 close to redline in first gear riding down a tight section of road and then let off the gas, which caused the back end to skid and start to come around. This hard-edged abruptness, coupled with the bike’s dry weight of 446 pounds and a far-fromneutral steering character (particularly while trail-braking) make the 312 a bull to ride on the street. The bike is also uncomfortable, with a very aggressive riding position, a hard seat and a lot of engine heat reaching the rider’s legs.

So, on the track perhaps nothing less will do, but for MV street riders, we suggest you go with a Brutale 91 OR and save yourself a pain in the neck. -Mark Cernicky

MV AGUSTA

F4 1000 R 312

$24,999

4p5 A Incredible legacy A Striking looks A Wail from exhaust quartet still sounds amazing Downs v Hard work to ride, street or track v Can buy nearly three 600s for the price! v Heaviest Four in the test