2012 Mv Agusta F4 Rr
2012 MV AGUSTA F4 RR
MV AGUSTA HAS TAKEN A GIANT STEP forward by developing what may prove to be the most fascinating MV ever, the 2012 F4 RR.
According to MV, the fuel-injected, dohc, 16-valve, 998cc inline-Four produces 200 horsepower at 13,400 rpm, up from the 183 hp at 12,900 rpm of the F4 1000 (figures certainly measured at the crankshaft). Torque remains unchanged at 84 foot-pounds but now peaks at 9200 rpm vs. 9500 on the current model.
This uprated engine now sports the most extreme bore/stroke ratio in a current production 1 OOOcc Four. Bore is up from 76.0mm to 79.0, and stroke is down from 55.0mm to 50.9. This allowed use of larger titanium valves— 31.8mm intake (previously 30) and 26mm exhaust (previously 25). Valves are still set at a mild radial angle, but the combustion chambers have been given larger squish areas, permitting safe use of a torque-boosting higher compression ratio (13.4:1, up from 13.1:1).
The shorter-stroke crankshaft is lighter and much stiffer—both flexionally and torsionally—thanks to an innovative balancing solution that allows the engine to run more smoothly at all revs. This engine’s higher rod ratio (conrod eye-to-eye length divided by stroke) reduces secondary vibration. Variablelength intake throttle bodies are still 49mm. Electronics include advanced traction control.
MV Agusta’s newest gem will be expensive: Price for the F4 RR in Italy is 22,900 Euros, or about $32,600 at current exchange rates. —Bruno dePrato
