By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supersport
MV Agusta F4 1000 R (MY2007) vs F4 1000 R (MY2012)
Deep in a fast bend, the 2007 MV Agusta F4 1000 R's trellis frame stays planted and doesn't stop talking through the seat. The 2012 MV Agusta F4 1000 R's steering goes lighter at the apex, and it's still telling you what the front's doing. It'll tuck to a new line on a nudge.
So which one do you buy?
The 2007 F4 1000 R has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Narrow edge: 2007 F4 1000 R
Through a string of corners, the 2007 F4 1000 R feels a little more eager. Credit lighter steering and a sportier chassis. The gap is small, so ride both.
Racetrack use
By a nose: 2007 F4 1000 R
Between the curbs, the 2007 F4 1000 R asks a bit less of you at speed. The difference is more lean clearance. It's a fine margin, nothing more.
The 2012 F4 1000 R has the edge if…
Daily commuting & city riding
Nose ahead: 2012 F4 1000 R
The 2012 F4 1000 R makes slightly more sense as a commuter. Don't read much into a gap this small.
What makes each one tick
2007 F4 1000 R
The 2007 F4 1000 R saves its fury for high revs, where the radial-valve four doesn't let up and its odd, rising wail fills the air. Its fueling snatches at low revs, and smooth city riding won't come without careful clutch work. Corner entry is calmer ground. It turns in precisely and holds the arc it's given.
2012 F4 1000 R
The 2012 F4 1000 R's short-stroke Corsa Corta four wants revs, surging hard at the very top while the under-seat pipes howl. There's nothing soft about it. In traffic the engine soaks the bike in heat, and overheating's a real risk at low speeds. The fork reads each bump back through the bars.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The 2007 F4 1000 R has the lower seat: 31.9 in (810 mm) vs 32.7 in (830 mm).
- The 2012 F4 1000 R makes more peak power: 195 hp (143 kW) vs 174 hp (128 kW).
- The 2007 F4 1000 R has the larger fuel tank: 5.5 US gal (21 L) vs 4.5 US gal (17 L).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not their thing
Hours in the saddle won't flatter either of these. They're happier on shorter runs.
Nothing splits them on running costs. Ride both back to back and the decision usually makes itself.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
2007 F4 1000 R
What owners say
Strengths
- Breathtaking Tamburini styling
- Exhilarating inline-four engine
- Superb handling and chassis feedback
Trade-offs
- Abrupt low-RPM throttle response
2012 F4 1000 R
What owners say
Strengths
- Stunning, iconic Italian design
- Exhilarating top-end engine rush
- Superb, communicative handling
Trade-offs
- Poor heat management
Known problems to check before you buy
2007 F4 1000 R
- Jerky low-speed fuelling Throttle response is abrupt and inconsistent up to 4000 rpm, causing snatchy on/off transitions. Can be mitigated with a custom ECU remap.
- Overheating risk Engine temperature rises quickly when stationary or in slow traffic; the stock plastic fan blades can fail, increasing risk.
2012 F4 1000 R
- Overheating in traffic The high-compression engine lacks sufficient cooling airflow at low speeds, causing temperatures to spike. Some owners fit aftermarket metal fan blades to improve cooling.
What they share
- Displacement
- 998 cc
- Engine
- Inline-four
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 190/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| 2007 F4 1000 R | 2012 F4 1000 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.9 in (810 mm) | 32.7 in (830 mm) |
| 2007 F4 1000 R | 2012 F4 1000 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 174 hp (128 kW) | 195 hp (143 kW) |
| Peak power at | 11,900 rpm | 13,000 rpm |
| Torque | 82 lb-ft (111 Nm) | 84 lb-ft (114 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 10,000 rpm | 9,100 rpm |
| 2007 F4 1000 R | 2012 F4 1000 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 5.5 US gal (21 L) | 4.5 US gal (17 L) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| 2007 F4 1000 R | 2012 F4 1000 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Traction Control | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
