MV Agusta F4 1000 & 910 Brutale

By Phillip Floria

MV Agusta has something other sport bikes can't seem to match, it's that Italian flair. These are motorcycles that speak to the heart as well as to the eye, and still can get the job done on the street or the track. Anyone who has looked at the Ducatis or the Aprillias knows just what we are talking about, but not until you see the MV Agusta line do realize you need to look no further. Sexy, and powerful they just pull at your heart.

The in your face street fighter style of the Brutale belays the fact that its track bred machine which is capable of track days as well as carrying the owner around town in more than just a little style.

One look at the F4 1000 and you can see its racing heritage, think superbike class machine with lights, machine for the owner who is truly looking for the very best in handling and style. My recent visit to Steelhorse Classics to see the new MV's was at first a way to spend a rainy day, I came away lusting for a new motorcycle. Had it not been for the rain I would have gotten a chance to roll the Brutale out for a ride. And I will as soon as the weather clears and we have some dry pavement to play on.

Until then the best I could do was to photograph these great looking machines on the showroom floor. Motorcycles are a lot like beautiful women, some are just so strikingly beautiful they are off the ten scale. And the F4 1000 is one of those machines, but lucky for us they are more than available.

A word of caution, these are definitely not beginner machines, they are fast agile true world class sportbikes. As you enjoy the pictures you will see MV Agusta's attention to detail, their mechanical grace as well as solid engineering.

Click on the logo above for more information

Click on the logo above for more information

Specifications from MV Agusta's website

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 lies between the F4-1000S and the limited edition F4-SENNA. 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

MSRP: $22,995

The Brutale 910R

The Brutale 910R is adorned with customized graphics that distinguish it from the 910S. The aesthetics that differentiate it from the S model are as follows:

• New "R" color scheme
• New 910R logo
• Tachometer with new numerical scale and Brutale logo.
• Rider and pillion passenger saddle in “Pieni Fiore” leather
• Red rocker box cover
• Anodized black fork uprights
• Titanium treated surface applied to: Lower steering flange, Fork, Frame plates and Handlebar counterweights

THE EQUIPTMENT

The Brutale 910R is fitted with state-of-the-art technical systems worthy of a competition machine. This is clearly seen in the braking and suspension systems that differ from the 910S as follows:

• Brembo Monoblock P4/34 radial brake calipers.
• AluminumØ320 mm Brembo discs
• Radial caliper strut
• Marzocchi USD Ø50 mm R.A.C. forks (Road Advanced Component.)
• Brembo forged aluminum wheels with Y spokes.
• Racing exhaust with Eprom specialized
• New inlet ducts hand polished

SUSPENSION

The Brutale 910R marks the debut of Marzocchi USD Ø50 mm R.A.C. (Road Advanced Component.) forks 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 of the 910R also differ in the Anodized stays that add to the individuality of this specific model. Rear suspension is looked after by a Sachs single shock absorber with rebound-compression damping and spring preload adjustment depending on a simple setting that distinguishes between the absorption of a high or low speed shock.

THE BRAKES

The MV Agusta Brutale 910R heralds the introduction of a Brembo brake system featuring radial P4/34 calipers that are customized with the Brutale logo. This monoblock braking system, derived from competition Superbike and Moto GP machinery, has 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 Nissin-designed front brake and clutch levers are exclusive to MV Agusta and can be micro-metrically 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.

THE ENGINE

The Brutale 910R is equipped with the most powerful engine of the Brutale range. Derived from the 910S EV it differs by the following:

• New Inlet Ducts Which Are Hand-Polished
• Full Racing Exhaust System
• Specialized EPROM

The engine follows the same pattern as the 750EV but also features up-dated characteristics from the 998 cc unit that powers the F4-1000. Technically the four-cylinder in-line engine owes its increased capacity to an increase in both bore and stroke - from 73.8 mm to 76mm and from 43.8 mm to 50.1 mm respectively. The increase in capacity did not make the new engine any bigger externally than the 750 and thus, the same frame could be used.

Sharing some engine components developed for the F4 1000 not only meant an evolution in mechanical terms, but also a considerable saving in weight (2637 grams) especially in relation to reciprocating mass.

As already learned from development work on the F4 1000, the increase in capacity underlined the effectiveness of the radial valves, i.e. they are not positioned in parallel but at a total angle of 4° (2° per valve). The 910 engine too is fitted with the sophisticated extractable gearbox system that comes directly from the same engines that powered the superb GP Cagivas. Apart from being extremely efficient, this engine meets the most recent anti-pollution legislation thanks to a catalytic converter housed in the exhaust compensator that features the characteristic double "sliced pipe" silencers.”

This specifications comparison chart shows the following differences:

THE PERFORMANCE

From the performance point of view, the new 910 engine outstrips the previous version both in terms of delivery and maximum output. Superb tuning of the four-cylinder engine has created a substantial increase in the maximum torque available. This has increased from 7.9 Kgm at 10,500 rpm from the 750cc engine to 9.8 Kgm at 7,900 rpm.

The most impressive fact however when compared with the 750 is the increase in mid-range power. +21 CV at 5,000 rpm, +24 at 7,000 rpm and +29CV at 8,000 rpm where the 910 puts out its maximum torque.

The engine then goes on up to 11,000 rpm at which point the maximum power output of 136 CV is reached (144 with racing exhaust). Although the maximum speed for this type of machine is a rather secondary matter, it has increased by 7 kph. The increased souplesse in motion, provided by the extra capacity, means better fuel consumption than the 750 in both the urban and extra-urban cycles.

The above price is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price in the United States of America. Price excludes any applicable freight, dealer setup, tax, title, or licensing fees and is subject to change. Actual dealer prices may vary.