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Italian Stallions
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Agostini F4 & Testastretta 999R
Daniel Coe
03/01/2005
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Photography by Kevin Wing
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Distinct from its peers, MV Agusta remains the only
manufacturer to use a Ferrari-designed radial valve layout in its cylinder head
design. Positioning the valves in a radial pattern increases mixture turbulence
and improves the combustion process. The impressive 13:1 compression ratio sets
a lofty standard, and while high compression has obvious power benefits,
conversely it can produce wheel hop during deceleration. Generally, fitting a
slipper clutch remedies this problem, but MV approached the problem
electronically. In essence, an ECU-controlled system senses rpm, throttle
opening and rate of engine deceleration, and then activates an electronic
air-valve circuit located in the intake tract of the number two cylinder. The
valves on this cylinder then remain open, serving as a form of
combustion-chamber compression release.
 The choice of rolling chassis and
running gear exemplify the classic trademarks of Tamburini: flowing bodywork,
tasteful carbon-fiber elements, trellis frame, under-seat exhaust, single-sided
swingarm and forged aluminum Marchesini wheels. Both front and rear suspensions
are striking pieces, too. The front of the F4 carries a fully adjustable
inverted Marzocchi fork with titanium nitride–coated 50mm diameter stanchions.
Retaining this seriously stiff fork is a massive alloy lower triple clamp, its
design shaped to reduce air turbulence around the twin radiators. An Öhlins
steering damper helps control stability, and a fully adjustable Sachs rear shock
controls the swingarm and wheel travel. Suspension and ride-height tuning is
facilitated by a hydraulically operated spring preload, separate high and low
speed compression rates, and single-stage rebound damping. For rear geometry
changes, the F4 has an adjuster that with a minimum of tools, alterations to
ride height can be accomplished literally in seconds. (Click image to enlarge)
The AGO stops
beautifully thanks to its gorgeous braking components. Six-piston Nissin
calipers match up with 310mm stainless rotors mounted to aluminum carriers. You
might expect to see radially mounted calipers fit to the Marzocchi lowers, but
MV’s use of the side-mounted Japanese billet pieces further demonstrates the
company’s determination to follow its own rules. The use of billet components is
just something other manufacturers would not even consider fitting to a
line-production machine.
 Helmet: Shoei RF-1000 Voltage
Leathers: MVSP one-piece
Gloves: MVSP Race
Pro
Boots: Sidi Vertigo Corsa. (Click image to enlarge)
Both front and rear brakes performed
exceptionally well, but the MV’s front brake has an interesting characteristic:
The brake pads have a surprisingly low amount of initial bite. This is quite
different from the high-performance brakes of Japanese bikes, which have a high
initial bite—something that can make the front brake feel “touchy” or
intimidating to some riders. The MV engineers clearly made an intentional choice
here to avoid too much initial braking force on public roads where road
conditions and traction often vary, and braking feel is a critical factor.
The F4 pilot can adjust almost every aspect of the machine, tailoring the
AGO to the rider’s physical comfort and machine performance. The 1,000 improved
upon the 750 in the rider-comfort department, with a slightly raised and pulled
back bar set and reshaped windscreen with higher centerline. Footpegs and pedals
are adjustable via simple eccentrics.
 Beyond history, legend and pedigree,
beyond blueprints, specifications and hardware, beyond glamour, style and
exclusivity, beyond all this, there lies the MV’s greatest strength and its
pilot’s greatest reward: riding this machine. Hugely powerful and immensely
sophisticated, the AGO F4 occupies some universe far distant from every machine
most motorcyclists have ever experienced. The engine revs with an almost
two-stroke-like response and generates abundant, seamless and vibration-free
power from as low as 3,000 rpm; at the high end it is good for a claimed top
speed of 187 mph. During on-road testing, I was quite content up-shifting at
8,000 rpm on the street; little more was needed for fast, real-world riding. If
you can stand this much reality, the MV can reduce your surroundings to a
fleeting blur—this kind of spellbinding power holds your eyes wide open,
concentrates your attention and leaves even seasoned testers wondering whether
they should giggle or scream for joy. This serious machine will appeal to many,
but be exploited fully by precious few. (Click image to enlarge)
With the MV Agusta F4 AGO, of
course, you’re buying into more than legend, a signature model and a famous
nameplate. You’re buying into a modern combination of power, beauty and glory:
an incredible road-going motorcycle that can stand on its own merits as a
high-performance machine, without qualifications, provisos or
excuses.
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