2018 MV Agusta F4 RC Revealed

Kevin Duke
by Kevin Duke

Perhaps no group of motorbike aficionados appreciates special-edition models like fans of Italian sportbikes, and MV Agusta is back at it again with its limited-edition 2018 F4 RC superbike. The RC stands for Reparto Corse, which translates to Racing Department, a nod to MV’s efforts in the World Superbike championship with rider Leon Camier.

The F4 RC is hand-built by the Italian manufacturer and is said to represent “the peak of technical evolution and dynamic performance.” It uses a hot-rodded version of the Corsa Corta inline four-cylinder engine purported to produce 205 horsepower (151 kW) when measured at its crankshaft. Included with the bike is a race-spec ECU and titanium exhaust system that boosts the total output to 212 hp (158 kW).

To ensure your riding buddies will take notice of your new sportbike, the F4 RC is dressed in colors and graphics like those of the factory superbike. The number 37 graphic represents the amount of world titles MV has amounted over its history. The bike includes special components like a rapid-release fuel cap, carbon heat shields, and a single-seat tail cover. A customized bike cover and certificate of origin adds a touch of class.

The F4 RC is fitted with a high-end electronics package consisting of three gyroscopes and three accelerometers to inform the ECU of the bike’s dynamic attitudes. Among many customization options, a rider can adjust throttle sensitivity, engine braking and engine response. Electronically assisted shifting up and down is made possible by MV’s EAS 2.0. Braking is handled by Brembo monoblock calipers and 320mm discs aided by Bosch 9 Plus Race Mode ABS and a rear-wheel-lift mitigation system.

The chassis is MV’s familiar steel-trellis and aluminum combination, with an adjustable swingarm pivot placed in the aluminum side plates. An Öhlins NIX 30 type fork with TiN coating offers separate compression- and rebound-damping adjustments, as does the Öhlins TTX 36 piggyback shock.

Just 250 of the F4 RCs will be built, so gather up your $46,000 (MSRP) and get yours reserved before they’re all gone!

Begin Press Release

Varese, 9th October 2017 – The allure and excitement of the World Superbike Champion- ship are incorporated into the elegant yet extreme lines of the MV Agusta F4 RC. Assembled piece by piece, with the same meticulous attention to detail that is seen in Leon Camier’s F4 Reparto Corse race bike.

Produced in a limited series, as is becoming of such a truly exclusive bike, the F4 RC symbolises the razor-sharp racing spirit the Italian manufacturer brings to the world’s racetracks with Leon Camier. For the legendary MV Agusta F4 model, the RC represents the peak of technical evolution and dynamic performance. Colours and graphics match those of the factory team, ensuring at-a-glance racing excitement. The number 37 on the fairing recalls the number of manufacturers’ titles won by MV Agusta over the course of its long history.

Engine

The technical base of the F4 RC comes from that of the F4 Reparto Corse, starting with the Corsa Corta four-cylinder in-line engine (bore 79mm, stroke 50.9mm) with central distribution chain and radial valves. This version puts out a maximum power of 205 hp (151 kW); a dedicated kit adds a further 7 HP, giving a total of 212 hp (158 kW).

Electronics

As with the F4 Reparto Corse, the electronic platform is optimised to obtain the best possible performance on both track and road. Parameters such as throttle sensitivity, maximum torque, engine braking, engine response and rev limiter can all be customised, ensuring riders get the most out of the bike whatever the riding conditions. The F4 RC inertial platform has a lean angle sensor and three gyroscopes, as well as three accelero- meters: a package designed to ensure absolute dynamic efficiency, thanks also to EAS 2.0 electronically assisted shift (as standard).

Frame and Suspension

Progressive tradition applied to racing: this concept has provided the developmental foundation for the CrMo steel tube trellis frame with TIG welding. The central part of the frame is closed with lightweight aluminium alloy plates which provide an adjustable swingarm pivot point of height. The suspension offers unparalleled quality and efficiency: the NIX 30 type USD Öhlins fork with TiN coating allows separate hydraulic compression adjustment (left leg) and rebound damping (right leg), as well as spring pre-load adjustment. The Öhlins TTX 36 shock with piggyback tank is also fully adjustable thanks to mechanical regulators. The steering damper is adjustable.

Brakes

The system that Brembo has designed for the F4 RC ensures cutting-edge braking power and excellent user-friendliness. The front end features two 320mm discs with steel braking rotor and aluminium flange; the handlebar control activates a radial pump; callipers are Brembo 30mm 4-piston GP monoblock. The rear brake features a 4-piston calliper and a 210mm steel disc. The latest version of the Bosch 9 Plus Race Mode ABS features the RLM (Rear Wheel Lift-Up Mitigation) system.

The exclusive F4 RC formula makes ample use of high quality materials, characterised by excellent performance and low weight. Carbon fibre, for example, has been selected for the main parts of the fairing. As a tie-in with the 250 F4 RC, MV Agusta has prepared a sophisticated kit, housed in an elegant wooden box. Designed to increase on-track efficiency, it includes dozens of components, starting with the SC-Project full titanium single exit exhaust, designed to maximise performance when used with the specific ECU (also included in the kit).

Among the many exclusive components are a rapid release fuel cap, carbon fibre heat shields, F4 RC single seat tail cover and lightweight screws and small parts. A customised bike cover and certificate of origin, which confirms the authenticity and number of the product, complete the kit.

Kevin Duke
Kevin Duke

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  • Mad4TheCrest Mad4TheCrest on Oct 18, 2017

    MV makes astoundingly beautiful (if slightly heavy and functionally raw) superbikes that really need a dedicated pit crew and/or deep pockets to maintain. If you have either and love Italian exotica this is the bike for you.

  • Jerry J. Morris Jerry J. Morris on Oct 21, 2017

    Wow, the history of financial dismay, many different owners, blah blah...But, Any of you ride an "RC" yet? Last years? From owning many MV's, I have 2 that would blow anyones mind away against any Ducati, Island bikes(Japan), Buel(thats easy one), etc. It drops ongodly usable power above 10500rpms. R1 has this, ZX has that, some benchmark way above it. The formula that makes that bike work is the emotion that comes thru the bike while leaned out at 50degrees exiting a corner blistering past 130mph and keeps pulling. I have the best of the best bikes, My F4RR is my favorite and she gets me around the track a few seconds faster too, literally. This isnt a, hey your wrong, I encourage anyone to ride one. They will impact your belief in a big way. tTey would sell so many if anyone that was buying an Island Bike just rode even the base model, stats of the most popular mean nothing.. Whats wrong with 212 hp if you put the Termi Kit on a stock $19k one? Affordable and sexy as hell. The bike even got faster when slated it with BST Carbon wheels on , Termis, Rapid Bike Evo, MWR Filter,STM SLipper. Its a thoroughbred. I track it and its my primary track back with a fully decked 1299s, same crap on, all the stuff. I know what the best ride like and none give me more pleasure to ride than the F4RR/F4RC

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