MV Agusta, as a brand, has mastered the fine art of making the hottest wallpaper machines unlike anyone in the business. And the cream of it belongs to the limited-production RC (Reparto Corse) editions. They are a legitimate celebration of MV Agusta’s superior qualities created by the honchos at the racing department, Jules Cluzel and Lorenzo Zanetti.

This year, the factory racers have touched on the hottest performing middleweight sportbikes in production, the F3 675, which also receives mild updates with its powertrain, electronics, and chassis to keep their mark on the ever-improving sportsbike market.

STYLING

Being the most accessible sportsbike of the Schiranna house, the F3 borrows styling elements from its elder sibling, the flagship F4 superbike. Thanks to the smaller mill, the body is narrower and hence looks sleeker and chiseled than the F4. The F3, as usual, gets the aggressive-looking headlight unit and the single-sided swingarm sculpted by the gods.

But when we talk about the RC edition, the same sculpture looks even the more enticing with the graphically accurate duplicate of the factory racers. 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.

Also for 2018, this F3 get top-drawer kits to take the performance to astronomical heights. It includes a race-spec titanium exhaust system complete with carbon fiber heel guard and aluminum silencer support brackets. For visual extravaganza, the kit will also include a fiberglass rear seat cowl, billet machined levers, rear sprocket for race track gearing, and as a proof of uniqueness, each RC will get its own certificate of origin.

There is a perfect interface between the rider and the motorcycle via the digital LCD panel and dashboard indicators that are also the point of interaction for the MVICS system (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System) all of which can be controlled by the rider’s gut and will alone.

Overall Dimension

POWERTRAIN

MV created a unique three-cylinder engine that is regarded as the most advanced and powerful mid-sized power unit to have ever been built. Now, the same powerplant will conform to Euro-IV emission norms and will have various technical redesigns to accommodate the same without lowering those performance figures.

The in-line 675cc motor usually produces 128 bhp at 14500 rpm and 52.3 lb-ft at 10900 rpm. Coming as a standard, the F3 675 RC will now feature a redesigned race-spec titanium exhaust system made by SC-Project, straight from the Racing Department. It bumps that power up to a phenomenal 133 hp at 14,750 rpm with a dedicated ECU mapping.

The performance at high revs is superlative due to double overhead cam timing system with four titanium valves per cylinder. New engine covers provide better protection during a fall and help reduce mechanical noise as well. All that said, the roar is never subdued.

Primarily, the engine gets optimized balance shaft and gearings along with new intake cam profiles and titanium valves. Thanks to the new EAS 2.0 electronic shifter, it now allows for easier clutch action to operate the beasts like a breeze. The Higher compression ratio of 13.3:1 makes the rpm redline limit at 13500 to maintain reliability. Mikuni drive-by-wire throttle with personal mappings and revised 8-level traction control provides the rider with crisp throttle response. New engine covers provide better protection during a fall and help reduce mechanical noise as well.

This mid-size supersport was also the first to feature a counter-rotating crankshaft, which was exclusive to only MotoGP monsters. Giving serious thought to lightweight, the engines weighs at only 114 lbs. 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. It gets even more interesting this time with the engine getting new mounts on the trellis frame coupled to aluminum alloy side plates to get a positive response and to put many racing superbikes to shame.

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.

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. This job of braking is given to a Nissin radial pump operated Brembo monobloc radial calipers having twin 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 which gets few improvements for 2018. 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) is tethered to the Bosch 9 Plus ABS with Race Mode to keep the rider safe.

Chassis Specifications

PRICE

Now, be advised. We were serious when we said ‘limited edition’. As limited as just 350 units to enter the market. Although you can pick the F3 675 as it is at € 15,490 ($17,880), the RC edition will cost you € 18,990 ($21,920). It also 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 F3 RC comes complete with a signed certificate of origin which guarantees the exclusivity of this unique motorcycle and its unwavering dedication to advanced technology, craftsmanship, design, and performance.

Price

COMPETITION

Triumph Daytona 675 R

Earlier this week, Triumph removed their only fully-faired machine from their lineup on showroom floors and on their official websites. The demise of their 675cc Daytona Supersports was etched the day Euro IV emission norms came into existence. And with the decline of superbike sales across the globe, Triumph decided to let go of their capable machine. But that is still the closest rival to our MV here.

But we don’t think it is the end of the line for the Daytona brand. Back in June last year, the British motorcycle manufacturer had announced their entry into the world of motorsports by replacing Honda as the engine manufacturer for the Moto2 Motorcycles from the 2019 season. Making use of the talented 765cc Triumph Street Triple engine, the folks at the racing department are putting all their resources into tuning this three-pot motor into a dedicated Moto2 worthy engine and eventually will launch the Daytona back as the 765.

The 675 engine pumps out 128 hp of power and 55.6 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a super slick 6-speed gearbox. The bike comes with 310mm dual discs at the front and a 220mm disc brake at the rear, which work effectively to bring this motorcycle to the rest. The brakes also have been provided with an option of the switchable ABS. Top-spec Ohlins NIX30 forks and TTX36 shocks handle the bumps.

VERDICT

The F3 bikes come in the perfect blend of performance and handling together with the graphically accurate duplicate of the track machines as seen on this limited-edition RC (Reparto Corse) paint jobs. With the updated chassis mounting points and the next-gen electronic upgrades, the F3 675 RC just became the most potent one in the segment. Tanks to the race-spec titanium exhaust unit that takes the asking power all the way up to a massive 133 hp.

Yes, it is an expensive piece of machinery. But honestly, it is the trademark of a brand that makes the most beautiful looking, at the same time, a monstrous thing on two wheels. If practicality is your thing, look away. There isn’t much for you here. But if exclusivity is your dig, you are at the right place.

Only 109 units out of the 350 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 675 which is still one of the finest coming from Italy.