Later in the long run of F4 1000's, MV Agusta made a play for the Italian SuperStock race series, and it breathed new life into the model. This R312 carbon edition is a great example.
2008 MV Agusta R312 1+1 for sale on eBay
Engine architecture unchanged, the titanium intake valves, new exhaust system, and revised electronic engine controls deliver the ludicrous 183hp while meeting Euro 3 emissions. The steel trellis frame is also a legacy, but with 50mm Marzocchi forks and Sachs monoshock adjustable for high and low-speed damping, it's become cutting edge. As are the Brembo radially mounted calipers over 320mm rotors. Subtly rounded knife edges on the nose, tank, and lowers are complemented by the seat fairing with pillion above and exhaust calliope below.
Presented in a winning carbon / red / white scheme, this R312 shows just over 9,000 miles and looks excellent, though a trip to spa is in order. MV has used redline wheels elsewhere, and the forged Brembos here help the red accents on the seats and seat fairing. The factory took care of all the carbon bling, and the bike otherwise appears stock. No maintenance or history is offered in the comments from the eBay auction:
The F4 was created by motorcycle designer Massimo Tamburini at CRC (Cagiva Research Center) and only 150 were imported into the US.
The F4 has a four pipe undertail exhaust, single-sided swingarm, large front forks (49 or 50 mm diameter) and one of the few production superbikes to have a hemispherical chamber 4 valves per cylinder engine.
A perrenial takeover or bankruptcy candidate, MV Agusta has somehow continued to produce exotic and inspiring machines. The R312 reviewed as a slightly overweight powerhouse, with finicky electronics and handling that was great when dialed in. With base models breathtakingly priced, one can only guess what the carbon edition might have cost. Impossible for an amateur to photograph, the carbon fairings are a great addition to a fine model year, sure to cause a tip of the sunglasses at any coffee stop...
-donn
