The special-edition model pays tribute to Claudio Castiglioni
By Bruno dePrato, Cycle World
2019 MV Agusta F4 Claudio
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| © Courtesy of MV Agusta |
Claudio Castiglioni (1946-2011) is still dearly missed at MV Agusta, let alone by his dear son Giovanni. Seven years from the sad day we said farewell to Claudio, Giovanni and the whole MV Agusta pay homage to him, creating the ultimate edition of the F4, the bike that symbolized the return of the MV Agusta make to the world of supreme-class superbikes.
It was 1997 and two wonderfully passionate characters unveiled the final product of their dedication to motorcycling and beauty: Claudio Castiglioni and Massimo Tamburini, the formidable team that created the original MV Agusta F4 750. The bike still is a work of art—lean, elegant, powerful.
The signature MV Agusta F4 Claudio is all that and much more.
It was 1997 and two wonderfully passionate characters unveiled the final product of their dedication to motorcycling and beauty: Claudio Castiglioni and Massimo Tamburini, the formidable team that created the original MV Agusta F4 750. The bike still is a work of art—lean, elegant, powerful.
The signature MV Agusta F4 Claudio is all that and much more.
Special details abound on the MV Agusta F4 Claudio.
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| © Courtesy of MV Agusta |
The F4 Claudio is based on the F4 Reparto Corse and features its highly oversquare engine (79mm bore by 50.9mm stroke) in its hottest state of tune, delivering a rather impressive 212 hp at 13,600 rpm, with 85 pound-feet torque peaking at 9,300 rpm, more than 4,000 rpm below maximum power peak, which is a very impressive number since we very seldom see the two peak values separated by more than 2,000 rpm. This means that, despite its very high specific output, the MV Agusta F4 Claudio engine is extremely flexible, thanks to its 13.4:1 compression ratio and variable geometry throttle bodies.
Each cylinder is fed by two injectors: four Mitsubishis down the inlet port and four high-capacity Magneti Marellis in the overhead “shower” position. In addition to the Reparto Corse special tuning, the Claudio unit features specially optimized and polished inlet runners.
It is also worth mentioning that the F4 engine features a hemispherical head with radially disposed valves, and they sure seem to work great here.
The special edition also features titanium con-rods and polished “everything” to reduce friction and safely reach an impressive 14,200-rpm redline. The cassette-type six-speed gearbox is also accurately polished and receives DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) treatment in all critical areas. The hydraulically actuated clutch is a new oil-bath unit with a slipper function.
This special edition of the F4 1,000cc bike comes complete with a high-efficiency, but loud, titanium exhaust system. The engine is also available in a more civilized 205 hp at 13,450 rpm with the same peak torque. The 212-hp track version is homologated according to Euro 3 emission standards, while the 205-hp edition complies to the Euro 4 rules.
Each cylinder is fed by two injectors: four Mitsubishis down the inlet port and four high-capacity Magneti Marellis in the overhead “shower” position. In addition to the Reparto Corse special tuning, the Claudio unit features specially optimized and polished inlet runners.
It is also worth mentioning that the F4 engine features a hemispherical head with radially disposed valves, and they sure seem to work great here.
The special edition also features titanium con-rods and polished “everything” to reduce friction and safely reach an impressive 14,200-rpm redline. The cassette-type six-speed gearbox is also accurately polished and receives DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) treatment in all critical areas. The hydraulically actuated clutch is a new oil-bath unit with a slipper function.
This special edition of the F4 1,000cc bike comes complete with a high-efficiency, but loud, titanium exhaust system. The engine is also available in a more civilized 205 hp at 13,450 rpm with the same peak torque. The 212-hp track version is homologated according to Euro 3 emission standards, while the 205-hp edition complies to the Euro 4 rules.
BST carbon-fiber wheels are standard on the MV Agusta F4 Claudio.
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| © BST carbon-fiber wheels |
The real touch of super tech comes from the superb BST carbon-fiber wheels. They are claimed to be the lightest and strongest on the market. They look great and add value, class, and performance to the F4 Claudio limited-edition MV Agusta.
The BST wheels come in a 3.50 x 17 front and 6.00 x 17 rear size, and are wrapped with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP in 120/70-17 and 200/55-17 sizes.
The BST wheels come in a 3.50 x 17 front and 6.00 x 17 rear size, and are wrapped with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP in 120/70-17 and 200/55-17 sizes.
Brembo Monoblocks and 320mm rotors stop the MV F4 Claudio.
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| © Courtesy of MV Agusta |
Brakes are courtesy of Brembo: twin 320mm rotors and GP radial-mounted four-piston calipers at the front and a 210mm rotor with four-piston Nissin caliper rear brake. The whole braking system is controlled by Bosch ABS 9 Plus system.
The MV Agusta F4 Claudio from above
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| © Courtesy of MV Agusta |
As a whole, the F4 Claudio is a breathtaking sight. The two-tone paint job comes in natural carbon-fiber dark gray and a lighter shade of silver gray. The fairing, seat cowl, lower spoiler, and side panels are all made in carbon fiber. A real gold pinstripe follows the profile of the fairing and adds flash to the tank and seat cowl. Titanium is extensively used in place of steel, and most aluminum components are machined from solid billet of aircraft-quality alloys.
Thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber, titanium, and light alloy components, the F4 Claudio is also the lightest MV Agusta F4 ever at 386 pounds dry when fitted with the SC-Project Exhaust.
Claudio Castiglioni’s signature is reproduced on a number of body components, including the cross-stitched seat. Price in the USA will be $83,012.
Thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber, titanium, and light alloy components, the F4 Claudio is also the lightest MV Agusta F4 ever at 386 pounds dry when fitted with the SC-Project Exhaust.
Claudio Castiglioni’s signature is reproduced on a number of body components, including the cross-stitched seat. Price in the USA will be $83,012.
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