Claudio Castiglioni honoured with special edition F4
MV Agusta have announced an F4 ‘Claudio’ special edition, paying homage to the man who, alongside Massimo Tamburini, was instrumental in the creation of the F4 and the cult following this family of machines enjoys to this day.
The F4 was first presented to the public in 1997, launching MV Agusta back into the limelight and heralding a successful return to the roads and track. The first model was the 1997 F4 750 Series Oro, which would become an F4 750 S by 1999, F4 750 SPR by 2001 and F4 750 Senna in 2002. 2003 saw the F4 1000 ‘Ago’ introduced in honour of Agostini, with a F4 1000 Tamburini released in 2005.
Another notable model was the F4 312, so named for a top speed of 312km/h, and saw the inclusion of the 1078cc engine in 2009. More recent versions include the F4 RC from 2016 through to 2018, while the Lewis Hamilton special F4 LH44 was also released in 2018.
With the new MV Agusta F4 Claudio the foundation is provided the F4 RC, with the rev limiter is set at 14,200rpm thanks to titanium con-rods, which provides 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 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 13,450rpm, with torque reaching 115Nm at 9300rpm. 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 205hp (151kW), while the F4 Claudio also boasts a MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System), developed by MV Agusta and used in various configurations throughout the range.
Eight injectors, include 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 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 also 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 removable (as are all F4 gearboxes).
This latest version of the F4 has a DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) treated shift fork which
augments hardness (i.e. abrasion and wear resistance) and reduces the coefficient of friction.
The electronics draw on MV Agusta’s long-standing race experience in the World Superbike Championship, with four engine maps, which can be selected via the racing push-buttons 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 all riding conditions, from high-grip tracks to wet and slippery roads. The electronic Up & Down MVEAS 2.0 gearshift is also fitted as standard.
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. This component has been exclusively customised for MV Agusta and has dedicated graphics.
On the F4 Claudio materials have also 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 electro-plated copper. The front upper fairing, side panels, lower cowl and rear seat cowl (for single-seater use) also show carbon fibre, as do the racing-grade BST Rapid Teck wheels.
The SC-Project exhaust silencers features laser-engraved ‘Claudio’, is made in titanium, and supplied in the racing kit. Another feature is the CNC-machined rear undercrown.
Titanium has also been used in the bolts and screws, while CNC-machined 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 rearwheel (mounted on the 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 is also unique to this machine.
The braking system features technology by Brembo, with Stilema four-piston monobloc radial calipers actuated by a radial pump. The two front discs (diameter 320 mm) use the Brembo Racing T-Drive system, with steel braking rotor and aluminium flange.
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 (a CrMo tubularsteel trellis section and two aluminium alloy plates). This same solution has now been incorporated into the F4 Claudio, combining an original concept with outstanding stiffness. The plates house the attachment pin for the aluminium alloy single-sided swingarm, which provides 120 mm of wheel travel.
A top-drawer Öhlins shock absorber provides performance on both road and track, while USD NIX 30 TiN-coated 43mm diameter forks feature separate manual adjustment of compression (left side) and rebound (right side) and also allows adjustment of spring pre-load. The fork on the F4 Claudio also features exclusive black sleeves.
Similar adjustments can be made on the TTX36 shock absorber with piggyback reservoir (via anodised aluminium adjusters). Also deserving of a 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.
Chassis set-up dimensions are a wheelbase of 1430mm, fork yoke offset 100.4mm and seat height 830 mm. Fuel tank capacity is 17 litres. Dry weight is 183 kg in the standard configuration, 175kg with the SC-Project exhaust and dedicated control unit.
