The new MV Agusta F4 R312 earns the 312 in its name by virtue of its claimed 312 km/h top speed - that's 193 mph for us non-metricized Americans.

While the MV F4 R312's chassis remains exactly the same as before, the new motor is 9 hp up on last year's bike and revs on 500 rpm more, thanks to new 30mm titanium valves, high-lift cams, larger 48mm throttle bodies and 10mm shorter inlet trumpets.

For the ultimate track buzz the F4 R312 could prove to be the class of the 1000cc sportbike field, provided you have the bike set-up well, and you've got the bottle to expose your beautiful £15K machine to a testosterone-filled trackday.

Although the M4 Agusta F4 R312 is a capable track-oriented weapon, its value starts to fade compared to the more affordable literbikes from the Big Four.

The Pirelli Super Corsa tires adorning the F4 R312 are in a class of their own.

As the latest evolution of MV Agusta's F4 the R312 is a potent machine for the track, yet the eight-year-old model could benefit from a more thorough redesign.

The finish and quality of the MV Agusta F4 R312 components is exquisite, the power of the radial Brembos is phenomenal.

While MCN's Michael Neeves couldn't test the 312 name by reaching the top-speed ceiling, he did wind out the MV Agusta to 179 mph on the twisty Monza circuit.

Through the bends is where the F4 shines, but the R312 our tester rode was never set-up in the optimal way, so that his track experience left him wanting more.

The MV F4 R312's engine is a diamond of a thing and its spread of power from low revs to the 13,000-rpm redline impressive.

MVs have a thoroughbred racebike-feel to them. They're cramped, stiffly sprung and are definitely more suited to the track as they're uncomfortable to ride at slow speeds, but they do get better and better the harder you push them.