THE NEW F4 CLAUDIO

PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MOTORCYCLE IN THE WORLD.

The MV Agusta F4 Claudio is the culmination of an extraordinary story, an achievement capable of radically changing the sports bike concept itself. A product of Massimo Tamburini’s flair and Claudio Castiglioni’s insight (the latter insisted on defining every last detail personally), the F4 was presented to the public in 1997, immediately becoming “the world’s best-looking bike”. The launch marked a triumphant return for MV Agusta, a brand that has brought home more world championship trophies than any other.

The MV Agusta F4 Claudio pays homage to a man who dedicated his life to perfection, modelling bikes – first in his mind, then in the workshop – of unrivalled style, performance and attention to detail. In short, the MV Agusta F4 Claudio is the ultimate achievement: a dream come true.

ENGINE AND ELECTRONICS

The technical foundation is provided by the F4 RC, the extreme racing-derived offshoot of the F4 project. Sharing many of the features seen on the MV Agusta that competes in the World Superbike Championship, this is a bike built to perform.

The rev limiter is set at 14,200 rpm; titanium con-rods provide the best possible strength-to-weight ratio. The crankshaft has been specifically balanced and lightened for this Corsa Corta power unit, which bristles with original design features such as a perfectly balanced central timing chain and radially-set valves in the combustion chamber. With the bike configured for the track, maximum power is 212 hp (158 kW) at 13,450 rpm, with torque reaching 115 Nm (11.7 kgm) at 9,300 rpm. This ‘extreme’ configuration also sees the F4 Claudio mount the dual exit titanium SC-Project racing exhaust with dedicated control unit. With the standard road-legal set-up, maximum power still touches 205 hp (151 kW).

The F4 Claudio also boasts a MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System, entirely developed by MV Agusta and used in various configurations throughout the range) with eight injectors: a lower bank of four Mitsubishi injectors and an upper bank of four high-flow Magneti Marelli injectors. The Eldor EM2.0 engine control unit also oversees the Mikuni full Ride By Wire throttle body and the ion-sensing pencil-coils for knock and misfire detection. Variable-height intake horns with TSS (Torque Shift System) have been designed to make the most of engine power delivery across the entire rev range. Numerous features have been designed by the Reparto Corse specifically for the F4 Claudio: head intake/exhaust ports have been revamped to improve fluid dynamics; DLC-treated cam followers reduce friction to provide more power. Friction containment has also been extended to other moving parts, such as the piston with Asso compression rings.

To make transmission even more efficient, the F4 Claudio mounts an STM multi-plate oil-bath slipper clutch actuated by a Brembo radial pump. The six-speed constant-mesh gearbox is, of course, removable (as are all F4 gearboxes). This latest version of the F4 has a DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) treated shift forks which augments hardness (i.e. abrasion and wear resistance) and reduces the coefficient of friction.

The electronics draws on MV Agusta’s long-standing race experience in the World Superbike Championship. There are four engine maps. These can be selected instantaneously via the racing pushbuttons exclusive to the F4 Claudio. The traditional Normal, Sport and Rain maps have now been joined by Custom, which allows further personalisation of parameters such as throttle response and engine braking. Eight-level traction control – which makes use of a complete, advanced inertial platform – has been designed to meet the rider’s needs under all riding conditions, from high-grip tracks to wet and slippery roads. The electronic Up&Down MV EAS 2.0 gearbox is fitted as standard.

And there’s another feature the MV Agusta F4 Claudio can count on: in addition to left and right racing-type push-buttons, an AIM dash with data acquisition, integrated GPS and specific software is also mounted. This allows – especially on the track – reliable monitoring of the bike’s dynamic behaviour, boosting both performance and fun. This component has been exclusively customised for MV Agusta and has dedicated graphics.

On the F4 Claudio, research into materials has been taken to the next level. Titanium, carbon fibre and light alloys are used extensively, keeping weight down and enhancing aesthetics. The fairing is made entirely of carbon fibre; specially designed patterning alternates gloss and matt-finish areas.

Design is also enhanced by a golden trim consisting of electroplated copper. The front upper fairing, side panels, lower cowl and rear seat cowl (for single-seater use) also show masterful use of carbon fibre, as do the unrivalled racing-grade BST Rapid Teck wheels. 

The SC-Project exhaus silencers featuring the laser-engraved Claudio, made in titanium, are supplied in the racing kit. Another eye-catching feature is the CNC-machined rear undercrown. Titanium has also been used in the bolts and screws, while CNCmachined aluminium alloys are used extensively on functional components such as the triple clamp (now significantly lighter), the height-adjustable rider footpegs, the nut holding the rear wheel (mounted on the splendid swingarm), the brake and clutch levers, the racing push-buttons, the clutch and brake fluid reservoir plugs and filler cap.

A cross-stitched rider seat with embroidered Claudio logo gives the F4 Claudio added individuality.

CHASSIS SET-UP AND BRAKES

The braking system features cutting-edge technology by Brembo – the global industry leader – that is only available for the highest-end models. Brembo Stilema 4-piston monobloc radial calipers (diameter 30 mm) are actuated by a pump (also radial). 

The two front discs (diameter 320 mm) use Brembo Racing technology with the T-Drive system, with steel braking rotor and aluminium flange. Going into more detail, the rotor is attached to the carrier (now lighter thanks to CNC machining) by specially shaped T-pins. This design transfers braking torque more effectively while improving thermal and mechanical resistance. T-DRIVE gives the disc full floating action in both radial and axial directions and reduces its overall weight.

The first F4 introduced a mixed-structure frame (i.e. a CrMo tubular steel trellis section and two aluminium alloy plates). This same solution has now been incorporated into the F4 Claudio, combining a highly original concept and style with the undisputed effectiveness that stems from the outstanding stiffness.

The plates house the attachment pin for the aluminium alloy single-sided swingarm, which provides 120 mm of wheel travel. Top-drawer Öhlins shock absorbers provide maximum performance on both road and track.

The USD NIX 30 TiN-coated 43 mm diameter fork features separate manual adjustment of compression (left side) and rebound (right side) and also allows adjustment of spring pre-load. In addition to outstanding technical characteristics, the fork on the F4 Claudio features exclusive styling in the form of black sleeves. Similar adjustments can be made on the TTX36 shock absorber with piggyback reservoir (via anodised aluminium adjusters). Also deserving of a special mention are the Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tyres, 120/70 ZR17 at the front and 200/55 ZR17 at the rear: the profile features golden colouring, another styling solution exclusive to the F4 Claudio.

This model’s sports pedigree is evident in the chassis set-up dimensions: wheelbase 1430 mm, fork yoke offset 100.4 mm and seat height 830 mm. Fuel tank capacity is 17 litres. Dry weight is nothing less than sensational: 183 kg in the standard configuration, 175 with the SC-Project exhaust and dedicated control unit.

ENGINE

Type Four cylinder, 4 stroke, 16 valve

Timing system “D.O.H.C”, radial valve

Total displacement 998 cm3 (60.9 cu. in.)

Compression ratio 13.4:1

Starting Electric

Bore x stroke 79 mm x 50.9 mm (3.1 in. x 2.0 in.)

Max. power – r.p.m. (at the crankshaft) 151,0 kW (205 hp) at 13.450 r.p.m./158.0 kW (212 hp) at 13.600 r.p.m.**

Max. torque – r.p.m. 115,0 Nm (11,7 kgm) at 9.300 r.p.m.

Cooling system Cooling with separated liquid and oil radiators

Engine management system: Integrated ignition – injection system MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System) with eight injectors (4 lower fuel injectors by Mikuni + 4 upper fuel injectors by Magneti Marelli with increased fuel flow). Engine control unit Eldor EM2.0, throttle body full ride by wire Mikuni, pencil-coil with ionsensing technology, control of detonation and misfire – Torque control with four maps, Traction Control with eight levels of intervention with lean angle sensor – TSS Torque Shift System employing variable length intake runners

Electronic quick-shift MV EAS 2.0 (Electronically Assisted Shift Up & Down)

Clutch STM Wet, multi-disc with back torque limiting device and Brembo radial pump/lever assembly

Transmission Cassette style; six speed, constant mesh and DLC coated shift forks

Primary drive 48/82

Gear ratio

First gear: Speed 14/37

Second gear: Speed 16/33

Third gear: Speed 18/31

Fourth gear: Speed 20/30

Fifth gear: Speed 22/29

Sixth gear: Speed 21/25

Final drive ratio 15/41

*top speed obtained on a closed course

**kit SC Exhaust and ECU Map version

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Voltage 12 V

Alternator 350 W at 5000 r.p.m.

Battery Li-ion12.8 V – 4.0 Ah

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

Wheelbase 1430 mm (56.27 in.)

Overall length 2115 mm (83.30 in.)

Overall width 750 mm (29.51 in.)

Saddle height 830 mm (32.68 in.)

Min. ground clearance 115 mm (4.52 in.)

Trail 100,4 mm (3.93 in.)

Dry weight 183 kg (403.45 lbs.) – 175 kg (385.80 lbs.)**

Fuel tank capacity 17 l (4.49 U.S. gal.)

PERFORMANCE

Maximum speed* 302 km/h (187.65 mph)

FRAME

Type CrMo Steel tubular trellis

Rear swing arm pivot plates material Aluminium alloy – Adjustable swingarm pivot height

FRONT SUSPENSION

Type Öhlins USD front fork, NIX 30 type with TIN coating on inner tubes, left compression and right rebound manual adjustment, top out spring

Fork dia. 43 mm (1.69 in.)

Fork travel 120 mm (4.72 in.)

REAR SUSPENSION

Type Öhlins progressive, TTX36 twin tube rear shock absorber with piggyback resevoir, compression and rebound adjusted with anodized aluminium adjustment knobs

Single sided swing arm material Aluminium alloy

Wheel travel 120 mm (4.72 in.)

BRAKES

Front brake Double floating disc with Ø 320 mm Brembo Racing with T-Drive system (Ø 12.6 in.) diameter, with steel braking disc and aluminium flange Brembo radial pump/level assembly

Front brake caliper Brembo GP radial-type, single-piece with 4 pistons Ø 30 mm (Ø 1.18 in.)

Rear brake Single steel disc with Ø 210 mm (Ø 8.27 in.) dia.

Rear brake caliper Nissin with 4 pistons – Ø 25.4 mm (Ø 1.00 in.)

ABS System Bosch 9 Plus with Race Mode and RLM (Rear wheel Lift-up Mitigation)

WHEELS

Front: Material/size BST Full carbon 3,50 ” x 17 ”

Rear: Material/size BST Full carbon 6,00 ” x 17 ”

TYRES

Front Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP (limited edition CC12) 120/70 – ZR 17 M/C (58 W)

Rear Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP (limited edition CC12) 200/55 – ZR 17 M/C (78 W)

FAIRING

Material Carbon fiber and thermoplastic

CONTENTS

Steering damper Öhlins manually adjustable

CNC components Top triple clamp – Rear set footpegs adjustable height – Rear wheel nut – Front brake lever – Clutch lever – Right/left controls Front brake fluid tank cap – Clutch reservoir cap – Oil engine cap and racing fuel cap Clutch SBK cover – Swingarm protection Phonic wheel cover

Carbon Components Carbon fiber Fairing and dedicated weave with gold thread – Upper side fairings – Toe Tail – Front and rear fenders – Upper and lower chain guard – Full carbon rims “BST”

Exclusive content Intake and exhaust ports, hand-worked by the “Reparto Corse”- Cam followers with DLC treatment to reduce friction – Low-friction “ASSO” piston ring – Light crankshaft – Seat with dedicated cover and “Claudio” logo Tinted windshield

Electronic Right/left racing controls – “AIM MXS” racing dashboard with data acquisition, integrated GPS and dedicated software

KIT RACING

Titanium Components Exhaust and twin-exit titanium Racing silencers by SC-Project with dedicated control unit – Titanium fastners

Carbon Components Carbon fibre passenger seat cover

CNC Components Anodized aluminium caps for rear mirror attachments – License plate holder

Racing chain DID Gold – Dedicated bike cover – Certificate of origin – Limited Edition