F4 1000 312R (2009 - 2011) review
With the excitement surrounding the 1098, MV's 1000F4 has been somewhat forgotten. The launch of the latest 312R indicated we've been negligent. Perhaps grossly. A track focused beast of beauty, works on every level
Now don't get too excited there, the 312R doesn't really do 312kmh (194mph). The moniker is merely a celebration of the fact a modified MV F4 once did a satellite-verified 311-point-something kmh. Flat out. Possibly down a big hill.
Notwithstanding, do now pay attention because after the best part of 10 years, 13 variations and some 20,000 units, the 312R is the newest production F4. Attending the world launch we (the press) thought it was a limited edition, but no (said the MV bosses), this is the mass-production offering for 2007.
And it does have some significant improvements for this year. Not least a change to (bigger) titanium valves, new cam profiles and an increase in throttle bore. All up, it's 9bhp up on the last model, being stronger from 7000rpm upwards with a rev ceiling a further 500rpm higher than before, at 13,000rpm. Chassis wise, it's business as usual. But since this beast is bejewelled with such wonderful components as 50mm Marzocchi forks, Brembo wheels, radial brakes and that still-stunning signature four pipe exhaust, 'business as usual' here still means top spec. And it should be, as the ticket to gain entry to this particular party will set you back nearly 15 large.
So this test is all about checking out what 15-grand biking is about: a day at Monza no less (only in the damp, alas), then back to Blighty to pick up a fresh 312 for some road riding and a day's abuse at on the dyno and at Bruntingthorpe to see just what it will really do flat-stick, even if it isn't 312kmh...
Now don't get too excited there, the 312R doesn't really do 312kmh (194mph). The moniker is merely a celebration of the fact a modified MV F4 once did a satellite-verified 311-point-something kmh. Flat out. Possibly down a big hill.
Notwithstanding, do now pay attention because after the best part of 10 years, 13 variations and some 20,000 units, the 312R is the newest production F4. Attending the world launch we (the press) thought it was a limited edition, but no (said the MV bosses), this is the mass-production offering for 2007.
And it does have some significant improvements for this year. Not least a change to (bigger) titanium valves, new cam profiles and an increase in throttle bore. All up, it's 9bhp up on the last model, being stronger from 7000rpm upwards with a rev ceiling a further 500rpm higher than before, at 13,000rpm. Chassis wise, it's business as usual. But since this beast is bejewelled with such wonderful components as 50mm Marzocchi forks, Brembo wheels, radial brakes and that still-stunning signature four pipe exhaust, 'business as usual' here still means top spec. And it should be, as the ticket to gain entry to this particular party will set you back nearly 15 large.
So this test is all about checking out what 15-grand biking is about: a day at Monza no less (only in the damp, alas), then back to Blighty to pick up a fresh 312 for some road riding and a day's abuse at on the dyno and at Bruntingthorpe to see just what it will really do flat-stick, even if it isn't 312kmh...
