MV Agusta F4 1000 (2010 - present)
Overall Review
I loved it during my long weekend with Spyder Club's bike. It is more charismatic than the S1000RR but still does the in line ballistic missile thing that previous owners of Jap litre bikes want. It is not as intoxicating as the RSV4 but is probably more reliable. It has to be a contender for the best current superbike ahead of the Japanese, KTM and Ducati 1198S. More superbike owners should try this bike before ordering a ZX10R, S1000RR, R1 etc... The price is competitive and the feeling on it is special. It is recommended but you need to have some self restraint or you will go straight to jail!
Strengths
The engine is really strong with oodles of power. It sounds raw and intense when worked hard. The damping is firm but works well at speed. The F4 still looks great but now feels more mass produced and better built. It still lost an exhaust cover bolt and some body work went floppy during my brief three day tenure. However, it also survived a couple of hours of torrential rain without missing a beat. It feels quite easy to ride and enjoy. The Brembo monoblock radial brakes are as good as those on any road bike ever.
Weaknesses
It is still a little stiff for UK B-roads and also a little slow steering but I am sure both things are adjustable. The engine is an in line four which IMHO does not sound as good as a twin or the R1 and RSV4. It is so fast that you are likely to travel at speeds that Joe Public and the rozzers consider insane. It is too sexy to leave anywhere without worrying about it. It lacks some of the technology and usability of the BMW rival.
