The Alpha: MV Agusta F4 Claudio

How do you pay homage to the two men who created the most beautiful motorcycle in the world? How ‘bout a rendition of the most beautiful bike they created? Designer extraordinaire Massimo Tamburini, who penned the lines for the F4, got his in the form of the F4 1000 Tamburini, an exotic limited to 300 units. The man with the vision, though, was the head of MV Agusta, Claudio Castiglioni. It has been seven years since his death and in commemoration, MV Agusta have rolled out the F4 Claudio. It’s the most exotic F4 ever and probably will remain so in memory of the great man.

For starters, the F4 Claudio is derived from the F4 Reparto Corse. How do you make an exotic bike even more exquisite? You swathe it in layers of carbon fibre. And where there isn't, titanium and billet-machined aluminium is used. Exotic looks aside, this move makes the F4 Claudio one of the lightest F4 motorcycle available, weighing a scant 175 kilos. Then the two-tone carbon and grey paintjob receives contrasting and exotic real gold pinstripes and beautifully crafted wheels finished in a unique gold shade. Then you have Castiglioni’s signature all over the bike.

As it stands, the F4 Reparto Corse has its 998cc inline-four motor in the hottest state of tune, making 205PS in road trim and 212PS in track tune. Despite making peak power at a lofty 13,000rpm, it is relatively tractable thanks to the 115Nm of max torque that’s delivered lower down at 9300rpm.

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The same motor is carried over in the F4 Claudio but gets titanium connecting rods and gets polished internals. You also get a titanium SC Project exhaust system for that glorious four-cylinder wail.

Top-spec fully adjustable suspension from the Reparto Corse has been carried over. They include 43mm Ohlins NIX 30 front forks and an Ohlins TTX 36 rear shock absorber. Braking is via twin 320mm front Brembo discs with radial-mounted Stylema four-piston calipers and a 210mm rear disc with four-piston Nissin calipers. The highlight here are the BST carbon fibre wheels, the lightest in the business. They come shod with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP wheels.

As you’d expect, this piece of art comes at a high price. It costs USD 83,012 (Rs 60.76 lakh) -- but remains as desirable as the first F4. Like all good things, these too are available in limited numbers. Of 200 units.