Friday, May 22, 2009

F4-1000R: INCREDIBLE BIKE


Over the past seven years, our production has undergone a “style revolution” and the technological progress we have made has further strengthened the MV Agusta image.

In the public eye,our motorcycle company has transformed from being a tale of Italian motorcycling legends to become synonymous with beauty, sophistication and technical exclusivity.

The thirty-five “Motorcycle of the Year” awards we have received since 1999 say it all. The specialist judges have also taken into consideration the progress in terms of performance that is in the DNA of all our machines. One simple example explains everything: since 1999 we have increased the power of our four-cylinder engine by 50HP while at the same time constantly improved reliability and reduced emissions.

The same applies to our frame department that, while retaining the basic concept of a tubular frame and single rear swinging arm, has continuously worked closely alongside firms like Marzocchi, Sachs and Brembo to create the highest possible specification components exclusively for our use. The results of this technological evolution are all brought together in the newest creation from MV Agusta: F4-1000R.

Driven by a pulsating heart with torque and power (+10HP) that the previous F4's could only have dreamed about, the new model is the synthesis of all the experience and technologies developed from the F4 project.

Adorned in new livery with brand new graphics and color schemes the F4-1000R cannot fail to arouse those who truly appreciate elite motorcycles. The complete engine, suspension and brake package has undergone a radical performance-oriented evolution leading to the introduction of a radial braking system, forged Brembo wheels and new Marzocchi forks.

THE DESIGN

The design efforts put into the F4-1000R took three fundamental elements into consideration: character, sporting spirit, and quality. The distinctive character of the new MV Agusta shines through the black “Bodoni” livery that is accented by a double red graphic tapering from the tail to the front mudguard and creating a soft curve that suggests speed and agility. The F4-1000R will also be available with an updated version of the traditional “Corse” racing livery. The perception of quality is highlighted by a combination of the finish applied to technically evolved components and the brilliance of the paintwork that enhances the overall look.


The features that distinguish the F41000R are as follows:

“R” Graphics

  • Silver eco-leather hammer-finish saddle (Bodoni).
  • Black eco-leather hammer-finish saddle (Corsa).
  • “R” logo on back of air box
  • F4-1000R logo on tail
  • F4-1000R logo on mirror housings

Titanium finish applied to:

  • Silencers
  • Fairing air vents

EQUIPMENT

The F4-1000R is the evolution of the F4-1000S. In relation to the “S”, it features more specialized technical components not to mention innovations to the engine.

The main new items of equipment are:

  • Brembo P4/34 radial brake calipers
  • Aluminum Ø320 mm Brembo discs
  • Radial caliper struts
  • Marzocchi USD Ø50 mm R.A.C. forks (Road Advanced Component.)
  • Brembo forged aluminum wheels with Y spokes
  • New integrated Magneti Marelli 5SM ignition-injection system
  • New raised Perspex screen
  • Rear mudguard
  • Battery charger

THE ENGINE

After three seasons of more than honorable service, the 998cc block introduced on the F4-1000S has been given a serious re-working. MV engineers focused on creating a new combustion chamber that differs from previous arrangements as follows:

    • Longitudinal distance between valves increased by 2mm
    • Intake valve angle now 10.15° as opposed to 9.5°
    • New bimetallic valves
    • New distribution layout with less crossover between intake and exhaust
    • New Mahle block with bores moved 1.5mm towards the rear of the engine
    • New forged pistons with renewed graphite coated skirts
    • New intake duct geometry
    • New aluminum clutch bell housing
    • New larger two-plate clutch

The electronic engine management system features a series of important innovations starting with the new Magneti Marelli 5SM system that replaces the previous 1.6M.

This system is much more compact than its predecessor and is fitted with a Flash Eprom memory unit. The 5SM phase sensor works in concert with the exhaust camshaft making sequential injection possible. On previous generation machines, such an arrangement was unheard of. Each cylinder has been supplied with an individual “plug top” coil with consistent improvements in terms of engine output.

The Magneti Marelli 5SM ECU manages the widely acknowledged EBS system (Engine Brake System) that is fitted to MV Agusta engines for controlling torque under deceleration. The concept is based on a solenoid-activated bypass valve on cylinder N° 2 intake duct. The bypass is situated downstream from the feed throttle that has a suitably shaped air intake. This device allows cylinder N°2 to produce torque even under deceleration (when the feed throttles are closed) thanks to a signal sent by the Marelli ECU.

The advantage in terms of engine braking at high and medium engine speeds is self-evident. It is also very clear that the engine management system could allow more demanding riders to adjust and optimize engine braking at different engine speeds to suit their individual riding styles.

THE FRAME

The frame on the new F4-1000R follows the same pattern as the F4-1000S and is still the only frame in the four-cylinder production category to be made from chrome-molybdenum steel tubing. This solution offers considerable advantages in terms of compactness, mechanical access and torsional rigidity. The frames are built in their entirety at the MV Agusta TELCA plant in Morazzone.

The tubular structure unites the swing arm pivot plates where both the rear swing arm and the saddle support bracket are connected. The sculpted single swing arm was created by the CRC engineers as much for its beauty as for its unmistakable technical efficiency. The steering angle now lies at 24.5° and the steering head has been shifted forward by 103.8 mm to further improve handling.

THE SUSPENSION

The F4-1000R marks the debut of Marzocchi USD Ø50 mm R.A.C. (Road Advanced Component) forks being fitted to a production bike. These forks are the most prestigious item made by the Bolognese factory. They feature a multi-adjustable unit (13 compression settings and 32 for rebound) fitted with carbon nitride treated uprights designed for improved slide characteristics. The looks also differ in the anodized stays that add to the individuality of this specific model.

The rear suspension uses both the traditional layout and the Sachs Racing shock absorber with double compression calibration (high-medium speed) and sophisticated hydraulic control of pre-load spring.

Like on the F4-1000S,this new model is also has a transversally fitted Ohlins steering damper anchored to the frame to provide symmetrical working conditions.

Front Suspension Highlights:

  • Hydraulic system re-designed
  • Carbonitriding treatment on the fork rods
  • Introduction of countersprings
  • New front fork feet for radial brake calipers

Rear Suspension Highlights:

  • Hydraulic system re-designed
  • New rear shock absorber
  • Introduction of counterspring

THE BRAKES

The MV Agusta F4-1000R introduces the use of Brembo brakes with radial P4/34 calipers. These units, derived from Superbike and Moto GP machines, have a strut to provide increased rigidity mounted on radial adaptors made exclusively for MV Agusta. The enlarged Ø 320mm discs with steel braking area and aluminum flange are also new.

The rear brake remains an unchanged four-piston (opposed) caliper unit acting on a 210 mm disc. The front brake and clutch levers are exclusive to MV Agusta and can be micrometrically adjusted.

The Brembo forged aluminum wheels with Y spokes measure 3.50” x 17” at the front and 6.00” x 17” at the rear. Tires are 120/70 ZR 17 up front with 190/55/17 at the rear.

Braking System Highlights:

  • Adoption of Brembo components
  • Radial, 4-pistons front brake calipers
  • Ø 320 front brake discs
  • New brake pad lining material
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...