New 2011 MV Agusta F3 revealed

MV Agusta has released information and photographs on its new F3 middleweight supersport bike in advance of its debut at the EICMA Milan show this weekend. As we stated before when “spy photographs” of the bike were released, the F3 will be powered by a 675cc three-cylinder in keeping with MV’s historic Grand Prix racing tradition of its 350cc and 500cc triples upon which Giacomo Agostini and others won 10 Grand Prix world championships.

As usual at this point in a new model release, information in the press kit was sparse, but some key points were mentioned. The new F3 features the usual array of racing technology, including ride-by-wire throttle, multiple selectable engine maps, and the inclusion of MV’s Mark III traction control system used on its current F4 and Brutale models. The most interesting new aspect of the F3 engine however, is the use of a counter-rotating crankshaft. By spinning the crankshaft in the opposite direction of the wheels, it helps to counter some of the gyroscopic forces that tend to keep the bike running straight, aiding in handling agility. Also, instead of the trademark underseat mufflers, the F3 features the now-common under-engine exhaust chamber, with three slash-cut muffler tips exiting out the lower right side (somewhat similar to the Brutale models).

The chassis is made of MV’s trademark hybrid chromoly steel tube mainframe bolted to aluminum sideplates making up the swingarm pivot assembly. Light weight was a primary concern in the F3’s development, so the Marzocchi inverted fork isn’t the typical large-diameter unit seen on MV’s larger displacement models. A Sachs rear shock maintains MV’s current suspension tradition, along with Brembo radial-mount calipers.

More information as we get it. Stay tuned.