MV Agusta F4 review

ITALIAN automakers have long been the bitterest rivals. Lambo versus Ferrari, Ducati versus MV Agusta. Who is fastest? Who is prettiest?

In the motorcycle world it's tit for tat: The 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale arrives in April with more power than the current MV Agusta 998cc F4, but there is an F4 R coming later in the year with a 998cc Corsa Corta engine that has exactly the same power as the Panigale.

Value

This is where the MV wins the war, outright. Since the new Australian importers have taken over, MV prices have come tumbling down. Great for newcomers to the marque, but not good for loyal owners' resale values. 

The F4 used to cost $29,990 before on-road costs, but you can now ride away on one for just $24,990. That's not bad for Varese exotica with all the trimmings. The new 1199 Panigale will arrive at $26,990 for the base model, rising up to $39,990 for the Panigale S Tricolore.

Technology

The heart of the F4 is a smooth four-cylinder engine producing 137kW at 12,900rpm with a stratospheric rev limit of 13,500rpm. Ducati's new over-square L-twin has grown only 1cc to 1199cc but power is up almost 20kW to 145kW with torque of 133Nm. MV has substantially redesigned their engine with more crankshaft inertia and lighter internals for quicker throttle responses, and shorter intakes for greater efficiency at all revs.

The rider can dial in their level of traction control on the comprehensive LCD screen which features lap timer, vehicle speed, engine rpm, gear map, everything but a fuel gauge. However, when fuel is low it tells you how many kilometres you have travelled since the light came on; just in case you were too busy watching the road ahead to notice. The digital dashboard uses CAN line technology which reduces the wiring harness and therefore weight.

Design

Both Ducati and MV have been lauded by critics for their beautiful sportsbikes. Ducati was voted the most beautiful at the recent Milan bike show, while many consider the F4 the most beautiful bike of all time. The most striking feature of the F4 has always been the four underseat exhaust pipes that look like round organ pipes. Now they have been squared off and are not near as pretty.

Ducati has moved away from underseat pipes to a stubby side pipe. The F4 retains the sharp, angular bodywork that makes it look like it's going a million kays an hour while standing still. The new Ducati has moved toward slightly more rounded shapes that make it look a little bloated.

Safety

Panigale has selectable traction control plus incredibly strong Brembo front brakes and ABS. The CD display shows the speed in large digits, but the screen blanks out if you wear polarised sunglasses. Rear vision is good for a sportsbike with your elbows only slightly obscuring the view in the mirrors and no vibration from the super-smooth engine.

Riding

This is one radical riding position for a road bike. In an effort to reduce weight and improve handling, MV has made a very compact motorcycle. Consequently, the distance to the pegs is short, the seat hard and the riding position cramped. 

Most of the rider's upper-body weight rests on their wrists and there is no relief until travelling more than 120km/h when the air resistance lifts the body slightly. The bike geometry makes it nimble yet incredibly stable at high speeds. Although the suspension is rock hard, it absorbs high-frequency hits well and will not get bumped out of line by big impacts. 

Tight u-turns are difficult because your thumbs will be jammed against the tank, yet most roundabouts are easily and quickly negotiated thanks to quick turn-in. The F4 engine provides smooth delivery of power throughout the rev band with an accompanying symphony that sounds like an F1 at full cry.

Verdict

Buy one and put it on a mirror in your lounge room so you can admire it every day. Opportunities to ride it - really ride it - will be limited to track days.