Ahead of the EICMA show in Milan, Italy this coming
November, Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta has unveiled not one, but
two limited edition superbikes, the F4 RC and F4 LH44. The F4 RC is a limited
edition superbike based on MV Agusta’s racing machines – RC standing for
Reparto Corse, or Racing Department – and the F4 LH 44, of which only 44 units
will be made, continues Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton’s branding
partnership with the Varese firm.
As a replica of its World Superbike (WSBK) racing
motorcycle, the MV Agusta F4 RC carries an inline four-cylinder engine,
displacing 998 cc and producing a claimed 205 hp at 13,450 rpm and 115 Nm of
torque at 9,300 rpm. Coming with the F4 RC is a wooden box containing a race
kit, which includes an SC Project exhaust and ECU that bumps power up to 212 hp
at 13,600 rpm.
Suspension on the F4 RC is by Ohlins, as is
customary at this level of performance, with a NIX 30 fork in front and a TTX
36 monoshock propping up the rear-end, full-adjustable, of course. Brembo GP
monoblock radial-mounted four-piston callipers are mounted in front, grabbing a
pair of 320 mm full-floating Brembo discs, with a Nissin four-piston unit doing
braking duties at the back wheel.
A full suite of electronics comes with the F4 RC,
including MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System) with eight fuel
injectors – four by Mikuni and four by Marelli in the lower and upper inlet
tract, respectively. Also included is Torque control with four maps,
eight-level Traction Control with lean angle sensor and TSS Torque Shift System
employing variable length intake runners, along with an up-and-down
quickshifter.
Taking the F4 RC as a basis, F4 LH44 follows on from
the Brutale Dragster RR LH44. Clad in Bordeaux Scarf Red Base and Cycling Pearl
White, the F4 LH 44 comes with a blacked out F4 Corsa Corsa engine, and special
black anodising is applied to the Ohlins NIX 30 front fork.
The F4 LH44 abounds in special parts, including
carbon-fibre fairing pieces, racing tank cap, forged wheels and CNC-machined
rear wheel nut, as well as special Pirelli Supercorsa SP tyres emblazoned with
the LH44 logo. Pricing for the 2018 MV Agusta RC begins at around 40,000 pounds
sterling while pricing for the F4 LH44 is on application.
