The hottest performing middleweight sportsbike in production wearing civilian clothing is the F3 800. The blend of performance similar to a liter class and handling prowess of a 600cc track machine is the DNA of every F3 800. And this limited-production RC (Reparto Corse) edition is a legitimate celebration of this MV Agusta’s superior qualities created by the honchos at the racing department, Jules Cluzel and Lorenzo Zanetti.

There aren’t many quintessential motorcycle manufacturer like this Italian. They have had their own share of trumps and falls throughout their history but now it seems like MV is enjoying a rare period of sustained growth. Turning motorcycles into a work of art has become a trait at MV and this 2018 RC edition of the F3 is a graphically accurate duplicate of the factory racers.

STYLING

Designed straight out of a stealth bomber drawing board, this Italian masterpiece falls right in line with what one would expect from the MV blokes. Having borrowed the styling elements from the F4, the F3 looks more muscular, and the bodywork is sleek and chiseled to cut through anything that could come in between. Almost like a lethal weapon.

Sleek front fascia carries the integrated headlights and windshield. The large fairings run across the side and cover a major part of the F3’s mechanical gut. Red mechanical frame peaks from the inside giving it a fancy contrast to the color scheme of the RC. Talking of which, it received an update over the previous livery that sees red wheels and newer sponsorship titles across the bike.

At the rear end, one cannot mistake the single sided swinger that lets the wheel entirely be exposed from one side. The three-spouted exhaust tips give way to a 3-into-1 SC Project exhaust unit that gives in to the striking road presence of the F3 800. The Tapered tail section works in contrast with the design and carries the tail-light cluster due to the absence of a rear fender.

Coming to the RC edition, what sets this apart is the fact that the F3RC was born on the track and is destined to spend most of its life on the road. Aluminum takes control over the rear view mirrors, and clutch and brake levers. Billet aluminum footpeg kit and fiberglass rear seat cover complete the RC package.

As this is a collector’s edition, you will also get a rear racing stand and the Reparto Corse graphics paint scheme that includes race decals with sponsor titles, autographs of Jules and Lorenzo and a plate bearing the authenticity signed by the president Giovanni Castiglioni. Enough to make you drool over this mouth-watering object of desire.

Overall Dimension

POWERTRAIN

MV has created a one-off unique three-cylinder engine that is regarded as the most advanced and powerful mid-sized power unit to have ever been built. The in-line 798cc motor produces a phenomenal 148 bhp at 13000 rpm and 65 lb-ft at 10600 rpm. The performance at high revs is superlative due to double overhead cam timing system with four titanium valves per cylinder.

The MV EAS 2.0 mechanical slipper clutch system takes power to the rear wheel through the cassette type 6-speed gearbox. The Higher compression ratio of 13.3:1 makes the rpm redline limit at 13500 to maintain reliability. Mikuni drive-by-wire throttle provides the rider with crisp throttle response. New engine covers provide better protection during a fall and help reduce mechanical noise as well.

Giving serious thought to lightweight, the engines weighs at only 114 lbs and houses a counter-rotating shaft which was exclusive to only MotoGP monsters. This makes the engine reduce inertia during quick directional changes and enhances engine balance to give the bike a better handling ability.

Engine Specification

RIDE AND HANDLING

Born on the race track, this dream handling machine is a thoroughbred when it comes to agility and handling. Every design cue and thought process at the design table was towards this very concept. Low and wide clip-on handlebar gives the rider a great leverage on steering maneuvers and the large fuel tank houses a chiseled scoop to allow the rider tuck in and admit to attacking the curves. Footpegs positioned high allows the rider to lean considerably and given the light weight of this bike, flicking it from side to side will be a breeze compared to other superbikes.

Three engine settings: Sport, Normal and Rain and a custom mode along with the ride-by-wire throttle let you play around with the bike’s performance according to your imagination. The chassis response is positive giving you the right amount of flex and has the quality to put many racing superbikes to shame. It uses a trellis frame coupled to aluminum alloy side plates acting as a pivot for the single swingarm. This chassis is coupled to adjustable USD 43 mm Marzocchi fork having 125 mm travel and fully adjustable Sachs mono-shock at the rear piggybacking a nitrogen reservoir.

For a machine having such great power figures and performance chassis, stopping it at crucial situations becomes a heavy task. This job is given to a Nissin radial pump operated Brembo monobloc radial calipers having 320 mm and 220 mm discs at the front and rear respectively. Giving the required grip are Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa 120/70-ZR17 at the front and 180/55-ZR17 at the rear on aluminum alloy wheels.

At the technology front, this bike is laden with top class electronics and rider aids. The MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System) platform combines fully electronic management of the accelerator and throttle body with 8 level adjustment traction control in case you decide to go bonkers with this and letting loose is not for the faint-hearted. The RLM (Rear Wheel Lift-Up Mitigation) will keep the rider safe.

Chassis Specifications

PRICE

Now, be advised. We were serious when we said ‘limited edition’. As limited as just 500 units to enter the market. Although you can pick the F3 800 as it is at $14,298, the RC edition will cost you $21,998. RC edition gets a special Street and Racing graphics scheme along with the SC Project exhaust unit.

The RC reserves a special accessories kit that includes special parts assembled by hand at the Schiranna Factory. The kit has license plate holder, single seat cover, rear wheel replica stand and a dedicated bike cover. Each individual F3 RC comes complete with a signed certificate of origin which guarantees the exclusivity of this very unique motorcycle and its unwavering dedication to advanced technology, craftsmanship, design, and performance.

COMPETITION

Coming from another Italian dreamer is the limited edition Ducati 848 Evo Corse SE. Having almost identical performance figures both these special editions could be tough juggernauts if you compete them head to head.

Ducati 848 Evo Corse SE

The bike features a sporty design language that was forged with aerodynamics and ergonomics in mind. Its race-developed fairing design ensures perfect integration with the cooling system by providing efficient flow.

The 848 EVO Corse SE gets a V-twin 849cc 8 valve engine producing a maximum of 140 hp and 73 lb-ft of torque. It is chain driven and gets a six-speed gearbox that transmits all the power to the rear wheels.

Sophisticated Ducati-developed electronics make the most of every drop of engine power while the Öhlins rear shock absorber and the 330 mm brake discs bring out the qualities of the Trellis frame.

VERDICT

For a bike having many facets all soldered into one solid handling machine, there is nothing much that could go wrong. With F3 800 offers the exhilaration of a 1000cc bike, the handling of a 600, the torque of a twin and the acceleration of a four-cylinder, it has hardly anything to complain about.

Only 109 units out of the 500 will be imported across the pond and getting your hands on them could be obscure. With it being an autographed edition of motorsport’s famous names, it is one to have to make your friends go jealous if you are lucky to get your hands on it. Other than this you can still get the stylish, fast and exotic F3 800 which is still one of the finest coming from Italy.