Hi all. Well, it looks like it's 'Buy an MV" time. There are a number of 2000s coming on the market and I wonder what you owners think: Cost aside for a second, are the differences between the 2000 and 2002 models significant or noticeable enough to be of any real consequence to a street rider? Appreciate any feedback. Chris

-- Chris Baker (chris.b.baker@kp.org), December 04, 2002

Answers

Chris, This is a question that has been answered a number of times on this forum. It may take some searching but just start at the bottom and scan upwards. You will find a lot of good info on the 2000 vs. 2002 debate. In a nutshell the 2002 is better because all of the bugs were worked out since the F4's birth and there is also more horsepower with the 2002 Evo 2 engine. Good luck!!!

-- David P. Galleo (dgalleo@mac.com), December 04, 2002.

Ah, an easy question. No doubt: new 2002.

I have a 2000 MV (God rest it's soul) that was thankfully totalled. Problems included: very poor acceleration under 5,000 rpm, excessive variations, oil leaks, broken stide stand, stalling problems, melting lower fairing, and moderate acceleration.

In contrast, the 2002 MV has a much better low end response and is quite fast over 9,000 rpm, no melted fairing, less vibrations, but had a fuel leak.

In short, the power difference between a 2000 and 2002 is noticeable through out the rev range and most of all, the 2002 has had more time to work out the bugs. I'd say shop for a discount on 2002s.

-- Allan Gibbs (Phoenix, Arizona) (Agibbs996@aol.com), December 04, 2002.

Hi Chris I have a 2000 F4s and have experienced none of the problems mentioned earlier. I think it is probably true to say that the early bike were a lot more variable. Ride it! If it's good it's good! More power is always nice but being able to ride is better.

Grahame

-- Grahame (glm.home@ntlworld.com), December 05, 2002.

I had a 2000 that I sold for an R1 - my problems on my 2000 were not so bad, but they DID exist. Broken side-stand. Neutral light non-functional. Discoloration of tail due to rich exhaust. Fouled plugs every 6 months.

The R1 drove me nuts after 30 days - sold it with the 30 day tag still on it and bought a 2002 MV. Only have 43 miles on it (it got cold fast here...), but I can already see things are much more, uhhhh, correct.

On a side note, do ALL 2002s have the higher horsepower motor??

Jeremy

-- Jeremy (jriga@mac.com), December 06, 2002.

Well said Grahame. Unless you're Valentino Rossi, probably, you will not notice a difference on the track or street. With 12,000 miles on the odometer, my Y2K F4S is still running like a champ. In todays economy, you may be better off saving some money, unless you get a new one for a great price!

-- Masis Yeterian (masisludiy@aol.com), December 06, 2002.

I have a 2000 model, and an EV 02 model F4S. As the name suggest the EV 02 is an improvement on the earlier models. The power delivery begins earlier and is a good 15 bhp stronger on the dyno (peak). Bearing all this information in mind, I would only suggest that you buy a second hand EV 02, (if you can find one) over a 2000. Unless you are riding at the limit all the time there really isn't much in it. For the difference in price I wouldn't buy a new one.

-- Rob D (rdowie@rdowie.fsnet.co.uk), December 07, 2002.