Genuine factory built MV Agusta race version of the 1,000cc F4 Wins and awards in the 2008 Superbike Cup in the British Super Bike series Raced for two seasons before it was acquired by the vendor as a track day machine Dymag wheels, Ohlins suspension A stunning Italian beauty, with a voice to match. The record and reputation of the MV Agusta factory in international racing and the winning of world titles had no equals until the arrival of powerful and ambitious Japanese factories, who could see the publicity value of sporting success and the demand for machines that came with a famous name, so set about conquering the racing scene. After a long and hard-fought battle, MV Agusta withdrew from racing in the late 70s, their four-stroke three- and four-cylinder bikes outpaced by two-strokes from the Far East bust forever remembered for their prowess. Despite offers to buy the company, it remained dormant.

Until 1992, when the Castiglioni brothers' persistence prevailed and they bought the name and Massimo Tamburini, a man with a strong racing history with both Cagiva and Ducati, was charged with the design of a super-sporting four-cylinder machine. The result was the 750cc F4, so breathtakingly graceful that it was one of the star exhibits in the Guggenheim Museum's three immensely successful 'Art of the Motorcycle' exhibitions. In 2010 the capacity was uprated to 1,000cc and the F4 became one of the most coveted of machines. This very rare example of the 1,000cc four-cylinder model was built by the factory in 2008 to the order of Jon Strike of STP Racing of Pontypool and prepared for the Superbike Cup for private entries. Ridden by Chris Burns, it was fifth in the series with four first places and a fastest lap at Knockhill that earned the 'Daily Star' trophy for the team; the cup awarded on that occasion is offered with the machine, along with factory supplied spare upper and lower fairings. The engine was prepared by Tim Radley and developed over 180bhp; it is fitted with a Motec data logging system. In the interests of weight saving, the machine wears Dymag wheels. It was retired from active competition at the end of the 2009 season, having been ridden by Victor Cox and Michael Howarth that year and was acquired by the vendor for his exclusive use only at track days. It comes with a detailed record of finishes in the 2008 season. As a pure racing machine, it is not road registered and as invoiced by the factory it showed neither chassis nor engine numbers.

This motorcycle is to be auctioned at our Live and Online Winter Sale, Hanger 113, Bicester Heritage, OX26 5HA.

SALE TIMES

Friday 11 December
Spares & Memorabilia (Lot 1 - 112) 9am
The National Motorcycle Museum Reserve Collection (Lots 201 – 252) 11am


Saturday 12 December
Motorcycles (Day 2) (Lots 501 – 708) 10am



VIEWING
In light of the current government guidelines and relaxed measures we are delighted to welcome viewing, strictly by appointment. All the lots will be on view at Bicester Heritage in our traditional Hangar 113. We will ensure social distancing measures are in place, with gloves and sanitiser available for clients wishing to view motorcycle history files.


Please contact Bonhams Motorcycles by clicking 'Message the seller' with your preferred date, time and vehicle registration number to book an appointment.


VIEWING TIMES
Wednesday 9 December 9am to 5pm
Thursday 10 December 9am to 5pm
Friday 11 December 9am to 5pm (Lots 501 – 708 only)


LIVE AND ONLINE AUCTION

Please note that whilst public viewing is available by appointment, the auction itself will be conducted from a remote saleroom, behind closed doors without public access, in accordance with the current government guidelines. All bidding will be conducted via Online, Telephone and Absentee Bidding. Please contact our Bids Department to register using the 'Message the seller' button.


COLLECTION OF PURCHASED LOTS

Motorcycle lots must be cleared from the sale venue by 2pm Sunday 13 December 2020. Limited collection is available until 2pm Monday 14 December, by appointment only. If collecting Monday, please access Bicester Heritage via the 'Main Gate', Buckingham Road, OX26 5HA. Please email us using the 'Message the seller' button with your collection or transport instructions as soon as possible following your successful bid. Failure to instruct Bonhams by the given time will result in your vehicle being uplifted to store at your expense, as detailed in the Conditions of Sale. Buyers should satisfy themselves that they have collected all relevant log books, documents and keys relating to their Lot(s) at time of collection.


AUCTION ADDRESS

Hangar 113
Bicester Heritage
Buckingham Road
Bicester
Oxfordshire
OX26 5HA