Toeing the line
Chassis-wise, we get a stiff, short and light trellis frame linking to an aluminum swingarm. With the use of this combo as well as a host of titanium and aluminum components, the F4 now tips the scales at 192 kg dry and 213 kg ready for battle.

The bike corners easily and proves precise and stable when leaning in. This noble frame seems even lighter than it actually is. The suspension, comprised of a Marzocchi fork and Sachs shock with piggyback reservoir (adjustable rebound, compression and preload), is equally gratifyingly, ensuring the looked-for stiffness and travel, though without the performance or feel of a high-end kit.

Beautiful, powerful and, especially, unique, the F4 is a real tour de force in many ways, not least of which in terms of pricing, with a studied MSRP of $19,999. (Photo:Éric Mofette/Moto123.com)

Testy throttle
If there’s a fly in the ointment, it’s the throttle. The first corner will have you instantly cursing it, as the throttle is extremely hard to modulate when leaning into a corner and especially when opening up, where it feels like an on/off switch. Of course, we only took the beast out for a single spin on the track, and fresh out of the box to boot. However, the many hours spent atop various machines tell us the F4 could gain some precision if outfitted with a more user-friendly throttle setup. This is a common issue with bikes that are too heavily restrained by anti-pollution technologies, and perhaps the case of the F4.

Tamer than its predecessors that took the European tracks by storm, this is still a bike for the hardened rider with the ergonomics and rideability of a Grand Prix superbike, and the F4 has no cause to envy its direct competitors. Beautiful, powerful and, especially, unique, the F4 is a real tour de force in many ways, not least of which in terms of pricing, with a studied MSRP of $19,999. In our opinion, quite an interesting price tag for such an exceptional, high-calibre machine. MV Agusta certainly knows how to make an entrance.

Pros
Unique product
Sophisticated technology
Subtle yet efficient engine
Entrancing exhaust note

Cons
Throttle is hard to modulate
Very race-oriented riding position
Timid steering damper