The historic MV Agusta name was purchased by fellow Varese motorcycle maker Cagiva (pronounced Ka-jee-va), in 1997. Cagiva (for: 'Ca'stiglioni 'Gi'ovanni 'Va'rese) was founded in 1950 by Giovanni Castiglioni, beginning motorcycle production in 1978.
Cagiva, MV Agusta, and Husqvarna motorcycles (another Cagiva/MV Agusta acquisition) were all produced under the MV Agusta SpA ('Societˆ per Azioni') company umbrella until 2004. see recent history below.
2006 MV Agusta F4 1000R (foreground), F4 'Tamburini' (background) - Zoom
MV Agusta F4 750 & 1000
The first full-fairing F4 - the "F4 750 Series Oro" - was introduced in 1998, as a completely new model for MV. The "Oro" name (Italian for Gold) was for the characteristic gold anodized magnesium wheels, rotor hubs, calipers, and fork tubes.
Zoom: MV Agusta F4
The F4, or "F4 CRC" was designed by Massimo Tamburini, designer of the Ducati 916 and several Aprilia Bimota and Cagiva models.
Zoom: MV Agusta F4 1000 Corse
The new MVs were penned at the Cagiva Research Centre, or "CRC," a design studio under the direction of Massimo Tamburini. Opened in 1987, the CRC is located in the micro-state of Serenissima Repubblica di San Marino, in the Apennine Mountains of north-eastern Italy.
MV Agusta F4 at AMA Superbike
The limited production MV Agusta F4 is the Ferrari of motorcycles, with Ferrari-like pricing to match, thus the MV line is marketed as 'Motorcycle Art' rather than mere transportation.
MV Agusta F4 Superlatives
A stock F4 1000R set a new record for the world's fastest production-class 1000cc bikes in 2006, reaching 185.882 mph at Bonneville.The F4 CC has the distinction of being one of the most expensive production motorcycles ever made, at around $130,000 US.
The MV Agusta F4 has been sold under the limited edition names: F4 750 Oro, F4 750 S, F4 750 Senna, F4 750 SPR, F4 AGO, F4 1000 S, F4 Tamburini (for designer Massimo Tamburini), F4 1000 R, F4 1000 Senna, F4 Veltro, F4 R 312, and F4 CC for Claudio Castiglioni. There was also an all black version of the MV Agusta F4 called the SPR "Special Production Racing" was introduced in 2004.
2007 MV Agusta F4 1000R - Technical Specifications | |
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Chassis
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Wheelbase: |
55.40 in (1408 mm) |
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Weight (dry): |
423.3 lb (192 Kg) |
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Seat Height: |
31.87 in (810 mm) |
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Frame/Chassis: |
CrMo Steel Tubular Trellis - TIG Welded |
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Brakes: |
Front: Double Floating Disc (4 piston), Rear: Single Disc |
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Front Suspension: |
Upside-Down Telescopic Hydraulic Fork |
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Rear Suspension: |
Single-Sided Swing Arm - Single Shock Absorber |
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Engine
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Displacement: |
998cc |
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Engine Type: |
4-Cylinder DOHC 16 Valve |
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Power Output: |
174 hp @ 13,000 rpm |
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Performance (mfg spec): |
187.0 mph Top Speed |
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Price
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MSRP: |
$22,995 USD |
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Company Website - Specs: |
www.mvagustausa.com |
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*Data subject to change without notice, and may not be up to date - Always check with mfg. website. Photo may not be actual specified product. |
Zoom: 2008 MV Agusta F4 RR 312 1078
MV Agusta Brutale
A "naked-bike" version of the 750 cc F4 called the "Brutale" was introduced by MV in 2004, in response to the rapidly growing "street-fighter" naked bike trend.
MV Agusta Today
In 2004 MV Agusta was purchased by a Malaysian nationally-owned automotive company named Proton Holdings Berhad or "Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional" for 70 million euros. This "foreign" ownership of the indigenous Italian marque was short-lived, and in 2006 MV Agusta was re-acquired by Gruppo Banca Carige of Genoa, and GEVI SpA in Rome, after agreeing to assume the MV's debt.
On July 19th, 2007 Husqvarna was sold to BMW Motorrad in a deal between Claudio Castiglioni and BMW's General Director, Dr. Herbert Diess. Along with freeing up some much needed cash, the sale allows MV Agusta to focus on the further development of its own brand.
In total, MV Agusta has racked up a cumulative 75 World Championship titles, with 37 constructors' championships, and 38 riders' championships.
Harley-Davidson's Purchase of MV Agusta
Milwaukee, Wis., July 11, 2008 -- Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) today announced the signing of a definitive agreement to purchase the Italian motorcycle maker MV Agusta Group (MVAG). Under the agreement, Harley-Davidson will acquire 100 percent of MV Agusta Group shares for total consideration of approximately 70 million euros ($109 million), which includes the satisfaction of existing bank debt for approximately 45 million euros ($70 million). In addition, the agreement provides for a contingent payment to Claudio Castiglioni in 2016, if certain financial targets are met. MV Agusta Group is privately held, with the Castiglioni family owning 95 percent of MVAG shares.
MV Agusta Parts & Accessories
MV Agusta Parts & Accessories
MV Agusta Links
Museo Agusta - Cascina Costa (VA)
MV Agusta Group Italy
MV Agusta USA
MV Agusta AU
MVAgusta.net - The Definitive MV Agusta Motorcycle Source
GEVI SpA
EICMA - Milan International Motorcycle Exhibition
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