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Nothing
gets our Robin hot and bothered more than testing a sexy new
Italian sportbike.
MV
Agusta 2005 F4 1000, Mamba and Ago page 3
CHASSIS:
The chassis of the new F4 1000 S traces the existing lines of
the 750cc version and is still the only production four-cylinder
to be made with a precision TIG welded chromium molybdenum steel
tube girder structure. An advantageous solution in terms of cross
compactness, mechanical accessibility and torsional rigidity,
it is entirely built in the MV Agusta factory in Morazzone.
The
main structure is joined to the swingarm pivot plates where both
the rear suspension rocker arm and subframe are connected. A great
style sensation, the sculpture that is the single-sided swingarm
has become a demonstration of the creativity and skill of CRC
technicians for conceptual rationality and beauty.
SUSPENSION
The chassis section communes with high level suspensions. The
rear Sachs Racing shock absorber equipped with both dual compression
calibration (high- and low- speed) and hydraulic control of the
pre-load spring is new. The forecarrige is distinguished from
the 750S version by the Marzocchi fork with 50 mm shafts, the
largest ever in standard production. The F4 1000S and 1+1, like
its smaller displacement sister, is equipped with an Ohlins steering
damper positioned crosswise to the driving direction. This unit
is anchored to the chassis on both ends in order to be able to
work symmetrically. Especially seductive are the triple clamps;
the upper one has a prismatic diamond form while the lower one
has a bridge-like frontal appearance that improves the air flow
to the radiator.
BRAKING
SYSTEM
The front braking system is made up of two exclusive "Nissin
F4" 6 piston calipers (with differentiated diameters) that
work on 310mm diameter disks. On the F4 1000S and 1+1, these units
are made with aluminium instead of steel carriers. The rear brake
is also a Nissin F4 unit, equipped with a 4 piston caliper that
works on a 210mm diameter disk. The front Nissin clutch and brake
controls boast patented lowered position reservoir tanks in order
to obtain a complete view of the instrument panel, the latter
also equipped with a watch function. The splendid star design
that characterises the 17 inch wheels of the F4 1000S and 1+1
are shod with the new Michelin Pilot Power or Dunlop D208 and
Metzeller Sportec M1 are the same. The front tyre size is 120/65
and rear 190/50 or 180/55.
ENGINE
The new 998cc engine, initially baptized with the name F5, was
born in 2001. While still tracing what was conceptually proposed
in the 750 EV configuration, the new engine was subject to a series
of important innovations derived directly from World Endurance
races with Steven Casaer’s Maxim team. In two years of work
the Belgian rider put in countless miles obtaining encouraging
results in racing terms but especially providing precious data
for the evolution of the new engine.
The
Belgian rider’s indications were then compared with Andrea
Mazzali’s, Italian rider who is currently racing in the
SBK Italian national championships with a F4 equipped with a 1000cc
engine. Technically the engine owes its cylinder capacity growth
to bore increase, taken from 73,8 mm to 76mm and to the increase
in stroke, moving from 43,8 mm to 55 mm. Despite the increase
in cylinder capacity the 1000 engine is lighter than the 750EV
engine by 5.8lbs.
The
weight savings was obtained by integrally redesigning the main
mechanical parts, with special attention to the reciprocating
mass. From the pure performance standpoint, the new MV Agusta
engine is destined to become a new reference point for power and
torque. The new four cylinder motor from Schiranna is able to
produce a maximum power output of 166hp measured at the crankshaft
@ 11,700 rpm, with a rev limit of 12,700rpm. Torque output reaches
80.32ft-lbs @ 10,200 rpm.
The
increase in cylinder capacity enhanced the efficiency of the exclusive
distribution system with radial positioned valves, or non-parallel
but effective for a 4 degree overall angle (2° per valve).
The 1000 engine is also equipped with refined removable cassette
gearbox derived from the glorious GP Cagiva racing machines. The
new engine differs from the 750EV unit by the introduction of
the EBS (Engine Brake System) an innovative system that does not
work on the clutch but directly on the intake system in order
to reduce the engine braking. The system takes advantage of a
valve positioned on the cylinder #2 exhaust pipe found downstream
of the intake.This
device permits the #2 cylinder to distribute torque in the detached
phase (or when the throttle bodies are closed) through a totally
electronic control system.
The
F4 1000 engine, in addition to being high-performance, is also
in line with the most recent pollution standards thanks to a catalyser
housed in a new exhaust commutator that flows in the celebrated
"pipe organ" mufflers.
Wrapping
it Up
The F4-1000 base model ("S" -solo seat, "1+1"
dual seat) bike is priced at $21,495
It is or was available in 3 different upgraded / limited edition
versions:
• F4 Ago with special paint, carbon fibre and billet bits,
forged Marchessini Aluminum wheels, $25,995
• F4 Mamba Kit (new carbon fibre bodywork, forged Marchessini
Aluminum wheels, $12,000 Stage II Kit.
• F4 Tamburini, carbon bodywork, mag wheels, 412 lbs., 172hp
engine w/ variable intake, $48,000.
Our
test bike was the base F4-1000 which was upgraded with the $12,000
Mamba Full Option Kit (limited to just 300 editions) and included
all new Red & Black carbon fibre bodywork and forged Aluminum
Marchesini wheels. Bolted onto a base price F4-100 you are looking
at a finished cost of $33,495. It's a very expensive
upgrade to shed off about 20 pounds with no engine performance
gain. And in turn, you're left over with $10,000 in stock bodywork
and wheels which will be almost impossible to resell.
In
comparrison, the F4 Ago, a limited edition tribute to Giacomo
Agostini gets special limited edition painted carbon fibre bodywork
in tribute to his old GP bike colors, with the forged aluminum
Marchessini wheels which save 5 lbs over the base cast wheels,all
for a reasonable $4,500 over Base Retail. This
Ago price is less because the factory excludes the stock bodywork
and wheels, rather than having them left over at the dealer or
inside your garage.
Unless
you have the extra money and want the status of a special edition
F4, we'd suggest buying a base F4 and spend that $4,500 on the
Marchessini forged maganesium wheels and a racing exhaust system
(maybe a little more for MV's Titanium Race System). Toss the
stock catalytic converter mufflers and the cast wheels and you'll
get Mamba and Tamburini limited edition weight savings and performance
with a savings of $8,000 - $22,000. I think I can live with the
stock bodywork for that kind of savings.
Cio Mia Bambino! XOXOX, -"Rockin' Robin" Cunningham
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