It was every motorcycle enthusiast's fervent hope that, having bought the rights to arguably the most famous and charismatic name in motorcycle racing history, Cagiva would not let the MV marque remain dormant for long. MV had become part of the Cagiva group in 1991 and sure enough, before the decade's end its unmistakable emblem was once again adorning the flanks of one of the world's most fabulous motorcycles: the F4.

Introduced to the public at the 1998 Milan Show, the F4 has already become part of MV legend. In a publicity masterstroke, the factory announced that, most unusually, production would commence with a limited edition run of just 300 very special F4s - the 'Serie Oro' (Gold Series). Production, at the leisurely rate of just three machines per day, commenced late in 1999 at MV's new factory at Cassinetta di Biandronno, Varese.

Arguably the only surprising thing about the original F4 was that it was launched as a 750 at a time when the class was fast becoming moribund. The Japanese factories' main focus of attention had already switched to 1,000cc sports bikes but it took all of six years for MV to follow suit. Launched in 2004, the F4 1000S adhered to the same basic layout as the preceding 750, complete with radial 16-valve cylinder head, under-seat four-pipe exhaust system, six-speed cassette gearbox and tubular 'trellis' frame. Power went up to 166bhp (claimed) which meant around 150 horsepower at the rear wheel, good enough for a top speed in the region of 180mph. Wisely, MV chose not to change the F4's overall appearance, the Massimo Tamburini-designed 750 being widely acknowledged as one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever made. Development progressed via the slightly more powerful F4 1000R to the 183bhp F4 1000RR 312, introduced in 2007, the '312' being a reference to its top speed in km/h (194mph). As usual there were also various limited edition versions offering even higher equipment levels and extra helpings of carbon fibre.

Purchased new by the current vendor from SP Motorcycles of Marsh Barton, Devon, the F4 '312' offered here has spent most of its short life on museum display and has covered less than 500 miles from new. The machine is presented in 'like new' condition and comes complete with factory stand, SORN letters, Datatool alarm/immobiliser documentation, Swansea V5C and its original owner pack containing the user's manual and CD-ROM. We are advised that the immobiliser requires attention before the machine can be used.