Throughout MV Agusta’s history, racing bikes and production models have always been closely entwined. A fact highlighted by extraordinary successes, such as the outstanding results achieved by the Italian manufacturer in recent years in the World Superbike and Supersport championships.
Now for 2018 the Reparto Corse department is delivering iconic new limited edition offerings, with the Dragster RC, F3 RC (in 675 and 800cc versions) and a Brutale 800 RR Pirelli – which celebrates Pirelli becoming the sole tyre supplier for MV Agusta.
2018 MV Agustas F3 RC
Ever since the F3 was first conceived, engineers, designers and the racing department have worked towards increasing the performance; developing the chassis, engine and electronics with the dual goal of winning on track and bringing the unique thrills of a race bike to the road and further development has made the 2018 models Euro 4 compliant.
A variety of updates have been implemented to comply with the new standard, which requires a 50 per cent cut in emissions and 48 per cent less noise compared to Euro 3. On the styling front, new colours and graphics mirror those seen on the actual race bikes. With their red wheels – a direct Supersport offshoot – the 2018 F3 RC bikes are unmistakable.
Despite the switch to Euro 4, the most striking parameter remains maximum power. The F3 675 RC touches 128hp (94kW) at 14,500 rpm with 71Nm of torque at 10,900 rpm; the F3 800 reaches 148hp (108kW) at 13,000 rpm with 88Nm of torque at 10,600 rpm. Some of the most significant technical redesigns on the 2018 models concern the balance shaft, the primary gearing, the intake cam profiles and the valves.
The gearbox has undergone a complete overhaul to make shifting easier and reduce clutch lever effort. Exhaust manifolds have also been redesigned, while the F3 RC silencer – supplied by the SC Project in the Race Kit – derives directly from the unit used by the Racing Department that significantly increases the power. (See KIT.)
As on the F3 675 and F3 800, the RC models introduce new engine covers. These enhance engine protection in the event of a collision or fall and reduce mechanical noise emissions. All without compromising that distinctive MV Agusta sound.
The F3 675 RC and 800 RC control platform, developed extensively through racing, is based on the MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System). Key developments on the 2018 models include improved Ride By Wire performance, now with personalised mappings. Parameters on the 8-level traction control have also been fully revised to enhance effectiveness and fluidity. Moreover, the EAS 2.0 electronic shifter has been optimised for smoother shifting.
A new frame mount point for the three-cylinder engine ensures increased overall rigidity, improving the already exceptional dynamic characteristics of the bike. The tubular steel trellis frame, closed off with aluminium alloy plates, is designed to offer maximum handling performance, as is evident from the wheelbase of just 1380mm, despite the long 576.5mm single-sided swingarm.
Each of the 350 limited edition F3 RC bikes comes with a top-drawer kit that boosts bike performance even further, effectively making it identical to the race version in terms of equipment and appearance. In just a few simple steps, the kit can be used to transform the F3 RC road bike into a perfect track day machine. The titanium exhaust system, with carbon fiber silencer, is supplied by SC Project and comes complete with carbon fibre heel guard and aluminium silencer support brackets.
Also included in the kit is the electronic control unit with a dedicated mapping to maximise the increase in performance (133hp at 14,570rpm on the F3 675 RC and 153hp at 13,250rpm on the F3 800 RC).
The rear seat cowl (for single- seat use) adds a touch of eye-catching style, as do the machined from billet brake and clutch levers. The included rear sprocket is for race track gearing, while the rear stand and bike cover are for maintenance purposes. As proof of its uniqueness, each RC comes with its own certificate of origin.
More information and pricing will be released in 2018.
2018 MV Agusta Brutale 800 RR Pirelli
To celebrate the new partnership of Pirelli becoming the sole tyre supplier for MV Agusta, the 2017 EICMA Show revealed the new Brutale 800 RR Pirelli. The announcement was made between Pirelli and MV Agusta on the 3rd of November 2017, outlining a vision to have Pirelli tyres on all new MV Agusta motorcycles. Bound by common core values such as design and national pride of being “Made in Italy”.
The Castiglioni Research Centre (CRC), together with Pirelli’s Bicocca Laboratory collaborated in designing the new Brutale 800 RR Pirelli, resulting in a spectacular and exclusive model. Based on the Brutale 800 RR, the 140hp sport naked receives two special livery options to enhance the lines of the Brutale 800 RR whilst also displaying the exclusive partnership with Pirelli.
Other components that receive a new custom paint scheme include the headlight unit bracket, the rear subframe and airbox output grilles further defining the craftsmanship of the new Brutale.
The new Pirelli version is further defined by a unique hand stitched saddle and elegant new lightweight rims derived from the F4, with the rear rim widened to 6 inches to hold a specific new Pirelli tyre – the Diablo Supercorsa SP.
Whilst the front and rear rims run the new Diablo Supercorsa SP, 120/70 ZR17 and 200/55 ZR17 respectively, a special coloured wall option can be ordered, making the Brutale 800 RR Pirelli even more unique looking.
Production of the Brutale 800 RR Pirelli will commence in limited numbers, with further information on pricing and availability to be released soon. For all enquiries and to pre-order the Brutale 800 RR Pirelli, please contact MV Agusta Australia by visiting mvagusta.com.au/contact.
2018 Brutale 800 Dragster RC
The gaze can’t help but linger on the silhouette of the Dragster 800 RC, like every MV Agusta. The RC livery, enhanced with race-style graphics, was designed by the MV Agusta Reparto Corse (Racing Department) and inspired by the F4 RC, which competed in the 2017 Superbike World Championship.
The Dragster 800 RC offers an exclusive mix of chassis, mechanics and style, with spectacular new F4 RC forged red rims with Pirelli’s finest rubber. But don’t be fooled by the extreme design and the choice of a 200mm rear tyre: while that drag racing sensation is never far off, the Dragster’s ultra-sophisticated chassis set-up ensures the dynamic effectiveness and pure riding pleasure of a pure sports bike.
From a technical viewpoint, the new MV Agusta Dragster 800 RC has inherited many of the new features from the Dragster 800 RR and, like the entire three-cylinder platform, is Euro 4 compliant. The engine – fully designed and developed by MV Agusta – provides cutting- edge compactness, low weight, elastic power delivery and superb performance, making it the benchmark in its class.
To make this new MV Agusta Dragster RC even more desirable, only 250 will be built worldwide and a wooden box will be provided with each motorcycle containing a beautiful titanium SC Project silencer, bike cover and certificate of authenticity. Once the SC Project silencer is fitted, it pushes the already powerful 140 hp triple to a new level of 150 hp with a uniquely powerful sound.
2018 Brutale 800 Dragster RC features
- Exhaust manifolds with a new 83 x 90mm diameter catalytic converter, cell density 400 CPSI
- Larger-volume silencers amplify the distinctive sound of the MV Agusta three-cylinder
- An exhaust valve located in the exhaust manifold
- Cylinder heads valve guides in a new sintered material, impregnated with lubricant to reduce wear, HB +25%
- Introduction of a Harmonic Damper to reduce vibration and noise
- Starter motor mechanics have been redesigned, the starter freewheel has been reinforced
- The balance shaft has been completely redesigned with a 2.25 gear module with 30 per cent more engagement to reduce noise, modified profiles with optimised contact to reduce friction; the bushing set clearance has been modified to reduce wear and noise
- Introduction of new oil and water pump control gearing
- Primary gearing has been redesigned Z22/41
- As with the F3 range, a completely new gear shifter is completely new, with redesigned gear dogs making changes more fluid
- As on the F3 range, new engine covers have been fitted
All electronic developments are shared across the entire three-cylinder platform. More specifically, they include new engine mappings (specially developed for the Dragster 800 RC) and 8-level traction control which has been further optimised to improve performance. EAS 2.0 electronic shifter logic has been modified to make shifting faster and more practical for sporty riding yet also smoother and more progressive
Production of the Brutale Dragster RC will be limited to 250 worldwide, with the first shipment arriving in December. Pricing is to be released soon. For all enquiries and to pre-order the Brutale Dragster RC, please contact MV Agusta by visiting mvagusta.com.au/contact.