The other day I went out to the shop so I could go for a quick spin on my F4. As I open the door the projector beam started to glow from the light entering the shop. I like to think the bike is waking up and getting excited because she knows she’s about to be ridden. I noticed a small collection of fly’s gathered around the headlight and windscreen from the last ride. I got out the Speed Shine Wipes and moved the pesky little stow always into the trash can. A quick wipe down front to back and tire pressure check found the rear to be a bit low. I usually run 32 front and 36 rear. That combination works best for me and my riding style. I set the pressures, checked the lights, chain and levers, before I roll her outside and start the engine. She always fires on the first try. The engine has this off beat idle when cold. It reminds me of a race engine straining to remain calm. Once the cylinder head builds a little temperature it smoothes out to an even beat. I swing my leg over the tail and put on the rest of my gear while perched on the solo seat. I always put on my left glove first. One time I put the right glove on first and an ambulance cut right in front of me as I left a parking lot. I suppose I’m just superstitious. Last winter I replaced the rear sprocket with a 43 tooth Ferracci Quick Change so the engine revs a bit higher then normal when cruising down the road. The raise in revs gives more of a crackling sound from the exhaust and steady speeds. It’s a hint that she’s ready for action. One thing I love about this bike, unlike some ex-girlfriends she is always ready to go. The shift into second is always a bit awkward at first. I suppose it’s because I shift early at low revs. It shifts a whole lot better between 7,000 and 10,000. I show some restrain and wait to get the engine up to the 160-180 degree range before twisting her up. The shift action is butter smooth. I just twitch my toe and she pops into gear. I wish my 748 had this transmission. I immediately feel the amazing amount of feedback from the suspension. The input into the bars is almost telepathic compared to my Ducati. In some way it fall into the corners too easily at slow speeds. I stiffened the steering dampener a bit and lowered the rear ride height a little to help correct this. It takes a little getting use to at first but once I get familiar with her again it’s easy to deal with. The MV inspires a level of confidence that feels more natural the faster you go. When cornering at speed the MV holds a steady line but if you go in hot the bike can try to run a little wide. I found that I can muscle it through the corner but using a proper line is best to keep it steady without too much effort. A late apex always works best for me. The slow sweepers are a lot more fun with the rear sprocket change. If I crack the throttle wide open in first gear at 7,000 rpm the front end jumps up every time. I’m not a wheelie guy but every now and again it helps to put an even bigger smile on my face. At the end of the ride I pull her back into the shop. My back aches and my hands are a bit soar. The Ferracci Bar Raisers help but now that riding season is around the corner I can work on those soar spots more often to help build up a little tolerance. As I leave the shop I can’t help but look back at my beautiful red and silver MV. I close the door and the headlight dims as if to say good night. Good night my friend, until next time.

-- Tim W (provamo35@hotmail.com), May 09, 2003

Answers

You've got me feeling all warm & fuzzy all over. It's a great feeling isn't it? My baby sleeps in the dining room. My wife doesn't like that but I think she's just jealous. I like to know she's safe under the same roof, plus I get to just sit there and admire her beauty anytime I want. It truly is a love affair of immense proportions. My wife's right to be jealous!

-- Mark G. Czajka (Czajk00@aol.com), May 09, 2003.

Tim, did you have to change your chain with the 43 rear sprocket, also did you do anything to correct your speedometer error. Thanks, Curt

-- Curt McMillion (ytry@charter.net), May 11, 2003.

Hello Curt, Yes I did need to replace the chain. One additional link was needed to make up for the larger rear sprocket. I also added a spacer between the upper chain guard and swing arm to gain additional clearance. The bolt securing the upper chain needed to be replaced with a longer one. As for the speedometer, I’ve done nothing to correct the speed difference. The standard set up was on the optimistic side to begin with meaning that the speed indicated was faster than the bike was actually traveling. For me the speedo isn’t a big issue but it would be nice to know how far off it may be with the new gearing. Thanks for asking!

-- Tim W (provamo35@hotmail.com), May 11, 2003.

Ever tried to drive next to a car with GPS? There measured speed by satelite is the most exact as you probably can get in normal live apart from special measure devices. Or do it theoretical!

http://home.t-online.de/home/sven.schmidt./texte/geardata.htm

-- hb (Not@vailable.com), May 12, 2003.