Three time F1 World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, and MV Agusta have collaborated to design a brand new bike, the F4 LH44. This partnership follows the success of their first project on the Dragster RR LH.
The F4 LH44 is an offshoot of the F4 RC which is derived directly from the MV Agusta Reparto Corse Superbike, the pinnacle of Italian 4-cylinder performance. Hence, the Corsa Corta engine (bore 79 mm, stroke 50.9 mm) with central timing chain and radial valves, which on this version puts out a maximum power of 205 hp. The bike comes with a kit that includes a titanium silencer and dedicated control unit, boosting power by 7 hp to 212 hp. It also features Lewis Hamilton’s eye-catching Panther logo.
The first distinctive feature is the colour scheme, the result of close teamwork with Lewis Hamilton. The candy apple red fairing and pearl white chassis makes an elegant impact, enhancing the sensational design of the F4 and highlighting this Italian Superbike Replica’s racing pedigree. This red colouring, one of many unique features on the F4 LH44, is achieved with an exclusive, premium technique that uses ink-based paints as opposed to traditional colour bases. The pearl white that cloaks the TIG-welded hand-built CrMo steel trellis frame was also chosen for the sophisticated detail of the lower front fairing. A touch of dynamism that unites the black graphics along the fairing and continues in the sub-fairing and onto the tail section.
With the F4 LH44, the quest for a refined colour scheme extends to the suspension set- up that boasts premium suspension components: an Öhlins USD NIX 30 TiN-coated fork – which offers separately adjustable hydraulic response in compression (left tube) and rebound (right tube), plus pre-load and an Öhlins TTX 36 rear shock with piggyback reservoir, which, again, can be mechanically adjusted. The colour of the fork and rear shock further heighten the uniqueness of the F4 LH44; the striking black anodized fork outer tubes are the result of a specific agreement with Öhlins. Let’s not forget that this Swedish company has made gold outer tubes one of its hallmarks. The rear spring and shock reservoir are also black, enhancing the sense of exclusivity.
The seat, which retains the much-appreciated racing ergonomics seen on the F4 RC, is hand made using top quality materials such as natural leather and Alcantara, a winning combination on a par with the very best automotive craftsmanship.
Colour continues to play a starring role on the engine. All-black, right down to its select, lightweight magnesium alloy parts, it offers at-a-glance panache and a real racing feel. The smoked screen – a first for an F4 production model – polishes the front end styling to perfection. Extensive use of carbon fibre in components such as the main fairing sections makes for a lightweight bike that boasts outstanding visual gusto thanks to an alternating gloss-matt paint pattern, just one of the many unique features on the F4 LH44.
Dedicated components include a racing-style fuel cap, forged wheels and unique items such as the rear wheel nut which, on the F4 LH44, has been CNC machined after anodization.
Making the MV Agusta F4 LH44 even more exclusive are the Pirelli DIABLO Supercorsa SP tyres (120/70 ZR 17 at the front and 200/55 ZR 17 at the rear), specifically designed by Pirelli for the 44 edition of the F4 Lewis Hamilton bikes. These special-edition tyres stand out for their red sidewalls, which sport the LH44 logo, comprising Hamilton’s initials and race number.
