MV Agusta has just taken the wraps off the new F4 RC, its track weapon of choice for this year’s World Superbike Championship. The result of a ‘thorough overhaul’ to the original F4’s 1000cc four-cylinder mill, the RC now pumps out a whooping 212 bhp of peak power and 111Nm of torque, certainly enough for any track shenanigans.
This newfound power is the result of extensive reworking, which includes a lightened crankshaft, redesigned cylinder heads, larger fuel injectors, lighter pistons, and titanium conrods, etc. The gearbox has been lightened, engine covers are now magnesium, and there is even more liberal use of carbon-fibre, from the fairings to the air-ducts. Suspensions at both ends are top-notch Ohlins, both holding forged magnesium Marchesini alloys. Unlike previous F4s, the RC is pretty light too, tipping the scales at a mere 175 kg.
For a racebike, the F4 RC is also pretty conservatively dressed in its signature red and white trim. The only noteworthy aspect here is the AMG logos on the fairing and windscreen, and we are glad to see Mercedes letting MV Agusta keep its identity.
Thanks to the new FIM homologation requirements, MV Agusta now needs to produce 250 examples of the F4-RC in 2015 followed by another 750 units in 2016, to be eligible for the races. This means that enough money – £30,999, to be exact – will net you what is basically a WSBK machine with some bits and bobs for the road. You do get a lot for your money though. And since it is basically a WSB homologation special, MV will also throw in a branded case replete with a full titanium race exhaust and cans, a racing ECU, carbon fibre seat cover and aluminium mirror caps. It even comes with its own branded bike cover, you can have whatever number you want on it and we’ve heard a rumour that the brochure that comes with each RC is made from, believe it or not, carbon-fibre!
Britain’s Leon Camier – yes, the same guy who taught us some valuable lessons at the California Superbike School in 2012 – will be fielding the F4 RC this year. We wish him luck.