MV Agusta Releases 2018 F3 RC Models
The Italian manufacturer continues to crank out limited edition motorcycle art
MV Agusta has unveiled many limited edition collaborative models recently of all kinds. It has produced the LH44 edition F4 designed in collaboration with F1 Champion, Lewis Hamilton as well as the Brutale 800RR Pirelli, a tip of the hat to the tire manufacturer following MV’s decision to use Pirelli as its sole tire supplier. MV Agusta has now released its 2018 F3 RC editions.
The RC, or Reparto Corse, edition motorcycles remain MV Agusta’s street-going semblance to its Reparto Corse race teams in the World Superbike and Supersport championships. For 2018, we now have the F3 675 RC and F3 800 RC models. In terms of styling, they boast new colors and graphics that mirror those seen on the MV’s race motorcycles. Shod with the number of championships the Italian manufacturer has won: 37.
While it has been some time since the 37th championship win, there is no denying the passion that exudes from the factory on the shores of Lake Varese. The RC edition motorcycles from MV Agusta are a brilliant display of the passion the company possesses for racing.
We are told the new F3 RC models will hit U.S. dealers January 2018 and will be priced at $19,998 for the F3 675 RC and $21,998 for the F3 800 RC. Both models will include MV Agusta’s three-year warranty and two-year roadside assistance.
Additional Information from MV Agusta:
Engine
Despite the switch to Euro 4, the most striking parameter remains maximum power. The F3 675 RC touches 128 hp (94kW) at 14,500 rpm with 71 Nm (55.5 lb-ft) of torque at 10,900 rpm; the F3 800 reaches 148 hp (108kW) at 13,000 rpm with 88 Nm (64.9 lb-ft) of torque at 10,600 rpm. Some of the most significant technical redesigns on the 2018 models concern the balance shaft, the primary gearing, the intake cam profiles and the valves.
The gearbox has undergone a complete overhaul to make shifting easier and reduce clutch lever effort. Exhaust manifolds have also been redesigned, while the F3 RC silencer – supplied by the SC Project in the Race Kit – derives directly from the unit used by the Racing Department that significantly increases the power. (See KIT.)
As on the F3 675 and F3 800, the RC models introduce new engine covers. These enhance engine protection in the event of a collision or fall and reduce mechanical noise emissions. All without compromising that distinctive MV Agusta sound.
Electronics
The F3 675 RC and 800 RC control platform, developed extensively through racing, is based on the MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System). Key developments on the 2018 models include improved Ride By Wire performance, now with personalised mappings. Parameters on the 8-level traction control have also been fully revised to enhance effectiveness and fluidity. Moreover, the EAS 2.0 electronic shifter (up and down) has been optimised for smoother shifting.
Chassis
A new frame mount point for the three-cylinder engine ensures increased overall rigidity, improving the already exceptional dynamic characteristics of the motorcycle. The tubular steel trellis frame, closed off with aluminum alloy plates, is designed to offer maximum handling performance, as is evident from the wheelbase of just 1,380 mm, despite the long 576.5 mm single-sided swingarm.
Special Kit (for race use)
The limited edition F3 RC motorcycles comes with a top-drawer kit that boosts motorcycle performance even further, effectively making it identical to the race version in terms of equipment and appearance. In just a few simple steps, the kit can be used to transform the F3 RC road motorcycle into a perfect track day machine. The titanium exhaust system (for race use), with carbon fiber silencer, is supplied by SC Project and comes complete with carbon fibre heel guard and aluminum silencer support brackets. Also included in the kit is the electronic control unit (for race use only) with a dedicated mapping to maximise the increase in performance (133 hp at 14,570 rpm on the F3 675 RC and 153 Hp at 13,250 rpm on the F3 800 RC). The rear seat cowl (for single- seat use) adds a touch of eye-catching style, as do the machined from billet brake and clutch levers. The included rear sprocket is for race track gearing, while the rear stand and motorcycle cover are for maintenance purposes. As proof of its uniqueness, each RC comes with its own certificate of origin.
Ryan’s time in the motorcycle industry has revolved around sales and marketing prior to landing a gig at Motorcycle.com. An avid motorcyclist, interested in all shapes, sizes, and colors of motorized two-wheeled vehicles, Ryan brings a young, passionate enthusiasm to the digital pages of MO.
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"As proof of its uniqueness, each RC comes with its own certificate of origin." -- so, if it has no certificate it's not unique? That's the proof, the piece of paper? Papers usually attest to provenance, not uniqueness.
It's not looking good for MV, with this avalanche of "unique" models.Strategy seems aimed squarely at cash flush Russian "nouveau riche" buyers. Those same buyers that spend $500K for a watch. Is that a sustainable approach?
Why do I still like MV's, after all the lackluster or downright bad reviews where often the only positive is that they are gorgeous? Why do I still consider getting one even though MV has undergone a mindset change (along with all the ownership changes) that takes me squarely out of the intended demographic?
Damned if I know, but there's a gaudy but beautiful Brutale 800 America and a hot rod Dragster both sitting forlorn and unloved at my local shop, flanked by equally unsold F3s and even a high-zoot F4RC that no one gives a damn about, all with laughably high price tags. I want to rescue them all. C'mon Lotto, c'mon, Daddy's got some expensive orphans to feed!