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First Ride: 2010 MV Agusta F4 - Simple Elegance
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An all-new engine design shares only the 76 x 55mm bore and stroke measurements of its predecessor. The cylinder head retains the signature radial valves and is similar to that used on the F4 RR 312, with intake valves now made from titanium. Higher-lift camshafts help the engine breathe at high rpm. Most important improvement is the heavier crankshaft that provides smoother throttle response. This redesign also does without the second counterbalancer seen on previous F4s. Not immune to the diet plan the rest of the bike was put through, the engine is lighter, more powerful and narrower than before.
Swingarm length is extended 20mm while overall wheelbase remains the same due to a revised swingarm pivot location. Rear hub assembly is similar to that on the Brutale, but improves upon vibration and driveline lash reduction through a revised cush drive system. Note the quick-change rear sprocket as well.
Further refinements to the cooling system include a new water pump and a switch from two radiators on the previous model to a single unit now. Cooling efficiency is also said to be improved by a marginal percentage. Note also the single oil cooler beneath the raditor.
First seen on the Brutale 990R and 1098RR, the new water pump now finds its way onto the F4. Not only is it lighter, its redesigned impeller also flows 65-percent more coolant at low and medium speeds than before.
Another item first seen on the new Brutale, the starter and generator assembly now makes its way to the F4. Now 3.5 pounds lighter than the old unit, vibes are calmed via rubber dampers and the unit is kept cool with crankshaft oil.
This view gives a good look at the engine's orientation within the framework of the F4. The crankshaft is situated low for a better center of gravity; that and the engine's slight forward tilt promote nimble handling. Also note that the front half of the fuel tank isn't actually a fuel tank at all, but is in fact the airbox and induction system. The actual fuel resides behind the intake and extends below the seat.
First introduced on the F4 Tamburini and copied by other manufacturers, the TSS, or Torque Shift System, sees its way to the F4. From 10,500-10,700 rpm the variable-length intake shortens by 23mm, providing usable bottom end and mid-range torque without sacrificing any top end. Airbox volume has also been increased compared to last year.
At first glance the old and the new look almost identical, but one of the more noticable changes to the fairings include these exhaust vents that help evacuate engine heat and dissipate it away from the rider.
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2010 MV Agusta F4 Buyer's Guide
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HP/Torque: 186 / 84.1
Base MSRP: $18,500.00
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