MV Agusta F4 CC

So it is that the managing director of MV Agusta - Claudio Castiglioni - liked the F4 so much that the "CC" insignia is actually his initials!
"I decided to put my name to this bike as I originally dreamed of it for myself", he said.

The boss of MV did what any of us might well have done and gave in to his inner instincts, gave in to the temptation to create a motor bike, not just to meet strategic market needs, but to create something really special, something truly magnificent - just for the sake of it.
Indulgence is one thing, but customers are also being asked to dig deep if they want to own one of these exclusive MVs. With a local price tag of $185,000, it is one of the most expensive bikes ever offered.
The big question is, if you could afford one, would you buy one? Let's take a look at this limited edition MV and you be the judge.
The F4 (the "F" stands for Ferarri) gives some idea of its potential. It has a top speed of 315 kph (195 mph) auto limited by tyre specification. The design of the bike is also unique, having been sculptured by Castiglioni's friend Massimo Tamburini, and developed by the MV Agusta racing department. This model however will never see a race track in earnest due to the size of its engine. What is important is the uniqueness of the F4 CC project and the name that it carries. It is powered by a 1078cc engine that produces 147kW of power and an impressive 125Nm of torque at 9000 rpm.

The deliberate contrast between painted areas and bare carbon-fibre, between the fairing, the tank and the tail create a piece of modern architecture. Only in the prestige sector of the automotive field can such exclusive design be found. Red lines emphasise the "CC" on the fairing as does the F4 signature. There is how-ever much more. The instrument panel has customised graphics and the all black saddle uses different fabrics on the top and side areas.

Ninety percent of the components used on the F4 CC are made as one off items including the fork feet, upper steering plate, steering damper, the brake and clutch fluid reservoir, the gear change and brake levers, footpegs and the side stand. The MV F4 CC uses special materials built by CRC (Centro Ricerce Cagiva) just about everywhere. The fairing is 100% carbon fibre and the tailor made filler cap comes from the aero industry. All the protective meshes at the intake ducts and outlets at the tail are made from titanium. The same applies to the lower radiator and the four racing exhausts that form the classic organ pipe arrangement.

The exclusiveness of the F4 CC is further reinforced with just 100 models being made. This was part of Claudio Castiglioni's dream. A specially boxed certificate of origin will make the delivery of each machine something very special. Each machine will have a platinum plate at the top of the steering column bearing the model number from 1 - 100. The F4 CC titanium exhausts and engine management unit together have the task of taming the power of the 1078 cc engine yet making it "sing" even sweeter when unleashing all of its 200 CV. The F4 CC doesn't just want to entice with its looks - it wants to out perform everything else. It wants to leave everyone stunned - for once and for all.

Engine
All 1000cc engines like that in the F4R have been tuned more and more not just to provide better performance, but also to better use the dynamics of four cylinders working in unison. This is why in the F4 CC MV Agusta increased the bore from 76 mm to 79 and left the stroke unchanged at 55 mm. Cubic capacity thus became 1078cc - the maximum obtainable from this engine.

Rather than this being the end of the story, they then set out to make a host of improvements developed by the racing department. Their aim being to improve internal fluid dynamics by polishing ducts and working their magic on "chamfering the innards" to gain a few CV. The new combustion chamber geometry was part of an overall reworking of the heads where computer controlled equipment guaranteed work of the very highest order.

The pistons were made lighter than those in the 1000 and con-rod geometry was changed. The real difference however lies in the timing system that was made from different sized exotic materials for each and every element. The intake and exhaust valves are still radial, but are now titanium and the intake valves are now bigger measuring 31 instead of 29mm. With the wider bore, changes were also needed to the camshaft profile. On the other hand, the valve bowls (still steel) were decreased in size to lose a few grams weight. They were decreased from 28 to 26mm but still have double springs. These bowls, along with the keepers, valve guides and valve seats were all made by Del West, the American market leader in this sector, and despite the exorbitant price of these components, they were perfect for a machine as exclusive as the F4 CC. The weight saved by these higher working speed components led to improved engine "usability" not to mention the fact that they shaved 4 kilos off the weight of the F4 CC engine as against the F4R. Other components that contributed to weight savings were the magnesium timing, gearbox, clutch, blow-by and alternator covers. The alternator cover in particular made a significant difference to the scales given that it alone made a difference of about 2 kilos in comparison to the one fitted to the F4R.

Size, obviously makes a difference so the new smaller version meant modifications had to be made to the upper block due to the shape of the new alternator and new hose connections. The fuel feed system included bigger throttle bodies that went to 48 mm as against the 46 mm ones fitted to the F4R. Like the F4 1000 Tamburini, the key to the F4 CC engine performance lies with the revolutionary, patented Torque Shift System (TSS). The end result is an engine without parallel. Like its 2007 "R" sister, the F4 CC fully complies with Euro 3 standards with the following components: lambda probe, catalyser and one piece exhaust system. The Engine Brake System (EBS) must also be mentioned. This acts as a torque limiter under deceleration. This system was first launched with the F4 1000 series. The F4 CC also features a mechanical type slipper clutch with ramps and roller bearings. It is a one off item of equipment.

Tailor made frame
Not one item is made using traditional industrial methods and this has an obvious effect on the price of the F4 CC. All the frame peripheral components were tailor made. This includes the fork feet, the footpegs (shim adjustable and "filed down" to reduce weight), the upper steering column plate and levers. Every item has been carefully designed then hand built using techniques that the racing department had applied over the years. The F4 frame is made from chrome molybdenum that, while being very light, offers the rigidity that any Superbike putting out more than 200 CV must have. This frame is used widely in the F4 range and remains unchanged on the F4 CC. The swing arm and frame plates are super light magnesium and the choice of a mono arm demonstrates not only how solid this unit is, but the sight of one side of the rear wheel being completely "exposed" further underlines the fact that this is a $185,000 MV Agusta.

Suspension
All the components at the front are Marzocchi, like the enormous 50mm forks. These items provide solidity and strength under braking and cornering. The forks are carbon nitride treated to decrease friction but this effect also adds to the bike's overall aggressive image. The one off steering damper and racing mono shock absorber are both made by Sachs. The mono unit can be adjusted for rebound at high and low speeds. In effect, the F4 CC is fitted with racing suspension.

Brakes
The F4CC is fitted with 100% Brembo Racing brakes. This system is an exact copy of the one used on racing bikes that have two 310 X 6 mm discs up front with monoblock calipers housing 4 pistons and 2 pads. A single 220 mm disc looks after braking at the rear. The only difference between the "official" Brembo race brakes lies in the second dust cover fitted to the road going F4 CC version.
The forged aluminium Brembo Super Light "Y" spoked wheels come in a new colour and measure 3.50 x 17" and 6.00 x 17". They are fitted with Pirelli Dragon Supercorsa Pro tyres measuring 120/70 and 190/55.

Why the F4 CC is unique.
The F4 CC is at the absolute top of the F4 hierarchy. The main differences between it and the more "commercial" F4R are as follows:
1. Over 90% of the components are individually tailor made;
2. Brake and clutch levers that "fold" at the tip in the event of a fall;
3. 1078 cc engine;
4. 200 CV maximum power with titanium racing exhaust system;
5. New timing system;
6. Smaller alternator;
7. One off mechanical type slipper clutch;
8. New forks interior set-up and mono shock absorber
9. Brembo Racing monoblock brakes;
10. Kerb weight 187 kilos without fuel.

MV Agusta F4 CC specifications

ENGINE
Engine type: Four cylinder, 4 stroke, 16 valve, DOHC radial valve
Displacement: 1078cc
Bore x stroke: 79 x 55mm
Compression ratio: 13:1
Engine management system: Weber Marelli 5SM ignition - injection integrated system, induction discharge electronic ignition, multi-point electronic injection; variable height intake ducts with torque shift system.
Max. Power: 147kW @ 12,200 rpm (200HP) with titanium exhaust system - limited to 13,000 rpm
Max. Torque: 125Nm @ 9,000 rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
1st - 130 km/h at 13000 rpm
2nd - 179 km/h at 13000 rpm
3rd - 213 km/h at 113000 rpm
4th - 253 km/h at 13000 rpm
5th - 288 km/h at 13000 rpm
6th - 315 km/h at 13000 rpm
Primary drive: 50/79
Clutch: Wet, multi-disc
Gear box: Cassette gearbox, six speed constant mesh

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: CrMo steel tubular trellis
Rear swingarm: Magnesium alloy
Wheelbase: 1408mm
Suspension Front: "Upside down' telescopic hydraulic fork with rebound compression damping and spring preload adjustment. 129mm travel
Rear: Progressive, F1 derived single shock absorber with rebound and compression damping and spring preload,
wheel travel 120mm
Wheels: Front: Alloy 3.50" x 17", Rear: Alloy 6.00" x 17"
Tyres: Front: 120/70 -ZR 17.
Rear: 190/55 - ZR 17
Brakes Front: Brembo Racing double floating disc, 4-piston caliper;
Rear: Single steel disc, 4-piston caliper
Fairing: Carbon Fibre

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
LxW: 2007 x 685mm
Ground clearance: 130mm
Seat height: 810mm
Dry weight: 187kg
Trail: 103.8mm
Fuel capacity: 21 litres, Reserve 4 litre

RRP: $185,000

www.mvagusta.com.au