MV Agusta Details Changes In F3 Line And Dragster For Euro 4 Compliance
Less emissions, noise, and horsepower
Today MV Agusta announced its 2018 model updates with changes to meet the more stringent Euro 4 environmental certification. The Italian manufacturer has clearly invested a ton of time, effort, and capital into the changes since it claims a 50% reduction in exhaust gas emissions and a 48% reduction in noise compared to the Euro 3 regulations. MV claims that it maintains the performance-oriented character of the models despite the previously mentioned mandated reductions.
F3 675 & F3 800
The F3 engines both received a new balance shaft that features 30% more tooth engagement to reduce noise, while modified profiles contribute to reduced wear and noise. The same techniques were applied to the oil and water pumps. Finally, the primary gearing also received the improved tooth engagement to optimise contact plus reduce friction and noise. A harmonic damper introduced to the F3 engines absorbs vibration and continues the noise-reduction efforts. The transmission also received updates in the form of redesigned gear dogs for more fluid gear changes and a reduced shifter recess angle. Beefier engine side covers protect the 3-cylinder engine and also play a role in reducing overall noise emissions while allowing favorable frequencies which create the distinctive sound of MV Agusta Triples.
In the areas of power production, the top end received larger diameter intake valves that are 4% stronger yet maintain the same weight. The valve guides are constructed of a new material that is sintered and impregnated with lubricant to reduce wear and increase durability. The 800 engine gains new intake and exhaust valve springs which reduce lateral load on the valve stem. The exhaust manifolds now feature a new 83x90mm diameter catalytic converter while larger silencers reduce the exhaust noise while amplifying the distinctive MV Agusta sound.
The MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System) has been updated to take the mechanical changes into account while improving the ride-by-wire throttle response, which MV claims is now more directly tied with the throttle movement.
The end result of all these changes are a pair of engines that make a claimed 128 hp (for the F3 675) and 144 hp (for the F3 800) – both at the crankshaft. Back in 2014, MV claimed the F3 800 produced 148 hp, so this does represent almost a 3% drop in horsepower in the switch to the Euro 4 compliance.
In addition to the engine performance updates, a new engine mount point on the frame also results in increased torsional and longitudinal rigidity. The EAS 2.0, the electronic up and down assisted gear shifter, has been updated to make the changes smoother and more precise.
Dragster 800RR
The Dragster 800RR received the same mechanical and electronic updates as the F3 line plus an exhaust valve incorporated into the exit of the collector, presumably to augment bottom-end torque. The end result is a Euro 4 homologated engine that puts out 140 hp at the crank.
Like most of the best happenings in his life, Evans stumbled into his motojournalism career. While on his way to a planned life in academia, he applied for a job at a motorcycle magazine, thinking he’d get the opportunity to write some freelance articles. Instead, he was offered a full-time job in which he discovered he could actually get paid to ride other people’s motorcycles – and he’s never looked back. Over the 25 years he’s been in the motorcycle industry, Evans has written two books, 101 Sportbike Performance Projects and How to Modify Your Metric Cruiser, and has ridden just about every production motorcycle manufactured. Evans has a deep love of motorcycles and believes they are a force for good in the world.
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No one has any comments on that heinous header picture? And it's "motorcycle sound" not "motorcycle noise" - at least in a publication like this, right?
The Stradale and the Turismo Veloce have original designs and distinguish themselves from the other so called adventure bikes. However, the F3 have an air of deja vu.. They look like the Panigale from the sides... The dragster is just nonsense.