MV-AGUSTA F4 1000 (2013 - 2019) Review

The MV Agusta F4 1000 is the top-of-the-range four-cylinder superbike offering from revived Italian exotica specialists.

• Related: The history of MV Agusta

It was first introduced as a 750 in 1999 after being designed by the legendary Massimo Tamburini (who famously also designed the stunning Ducati 916) when the historic brand was revived by ex-Ducati owner Claudio Castiglioni.

Although winning plaudits for its gorgeous styling, exquisite specification and thrilling, howling performance, it was also heavy, slightly down on power, cramped and unrefined and expensive compared to the best from Japan and elsewhere.

It was enlarged into a 1000cc machine in 2004 which improved things but, although still alluringly tempting, it was never a mass market success, although a series of even more exotic limited editions maintained its poster bike appeal. A further major update came in 2010.

Never quite competitive with the best from Japan (and even Italian rivals Ducati) in terms of sheer performance, refinement and sophistication and also characterised by raw, uncompromising exhilaration it nevertheless remains a dream ‘poster bike’ and has been revised repeatedly since.

With its new short-stroke engine, ride-by-wire throttle, frame and a host of clever electronic upgrades, the 2013 update was the MV Agusta F4 1000’s biggest overhaul since it changed back to a litre-bike from 1078cc in 2010.

The F4 1000 carves through corners with the minimal effort of a well set-up race bike and has been a fixture on race circuits since it was introduced, both as a trackday weapon and in many race series.

But while it handles superbly and dishes up searing acceleration and mind-jangling top speed, the power delivery has too many flat spots and the throttle connection isn’t as predictable as its rivals.

Will there be a 2022 MV Agusta F4?

MCN have been told by MV Agusta CEO Timur Sardarov that we shouldn't expect a new F4 1000 model from MV for "at least another five years" in this interview from June 2020. So that makes a 2025 MV Agusta F4 the strongest possibility. Will it be a 1000cc petrol bike? Could it even be electric? We'll have to wait and see...

MV Augsta F4 video review by Michael Neeves