MV gave the ageing F4 a new lease of life for 2007 with the release of the F4 R 312. Named the “312” to reflect the independently verified 312 km/h top speed achieved at the Nardò speed bowl in southern Italy, the F4 R 312 was designed to provide MV the Superstock Championship they had come close to winning in 2006.

According to Chief Engineer Andrea Goggi, “We wanted to increase the performance so it would be even harder for the Japanese to match.”

While the 998cc engine was basically the same as the F4 1000 R, the cylinder head was developed to provide more power and higher revs. The titanium Del West inlet valves were increased to 30mm, and weighed only 17.8g compared to 30g for the previous steel valves. The intake valve springs were stronger and the intake and exhausts camshafts provided more lift and duration.

Intake valve lift went from 9.2 to 10.3mm and exhaust valve lift from 8.5 to 9mm. The intake horns were 10mm shorter and the throttle bodies increased from 46 to 48mm.

The Japanese-made ART forged three-ring pistons provided a slightly higher, 13.1:1, compression ratio and the power increased 9 horsepower over the F4 1000 R, to 183 horsepower at 12,400 rpm.

The chassis and colours were identical to the 2007 F4 1000 R, but the F4 R 312’s Achilles heel was still the significant 192kg dry weight.

Also released for 2007 was a limited edition F4 R 312 Corse. This was similar to the 2005 model F4 1000 Corse, but was based on the F4 1000 R.

While the F4 1078 RR replaced the F4 R 312 in the production line-up for 2008, the 1000cc version was still available for racing and for 2008 received the slipper clutch, new gear ratios, brakes and suspension of the larger model.

See the story on the ultimate F4, the Tamburini

Look for Ian's book, MV Agusta since 1945, from Veloce Publishing.