EICMA 2016: MV agusta + zagato F4Z collectible motorcycle

EICMA 2016: MV agusta + zagato F4Z collectible motorcycle: the zagato shaped ‘F4Z’ is based on the standard mechanics of the MV agusta ‘F4’, as a one-off piece for a japanese entrepreneur, collector of zagato cars, as well as italian bikes. the ‘MV agusta F4Z’s’ bodywork was designed and engineered by the zagato team and built with aluminum and carbon fibre. it consists of a limited number of relatively large panels: this is the characteristic that, in the automotive world, sets apart collectibles from mass produced cars.

compared to the production ‘MV agusta F4’, the ‘F4Z’ features entirely different bodywork. certain parts are adapted and re-engineered, others are fully replaced by components that were bespoke made: intake manifolds; fuel; tank; battery; exhaust system.

zagato’s design team had to tackle the challenge of creating a bike that would interpret the lifestyle of the customer: a young japanese businessman, with interests in the fashion and publishing sectors. the starting point was born of the very notion that a motorbike can express its owner’s lifestyle  more than a car. therefore, it was essential for the company to know and understand the character; passions; and wishes of the person to whom the bike was destined.

the client’s love for bikes dates back to the eighties, when he bought his first motorcycle and started to customize it with his own hands. it was his visceral passion that stimulated the designers’ creativity. he didn’t want anything modern, or fashionable, but something that could instead keep its value and appeal. what he wanted was a motorbike incomparable to any other, that was classic, yet always up to date and with a timeless design.

MV agusta was founded in 1945 by domenico agusta. the ‘F4Z’ represents something different compared to the conventional rules of customization in the motorbike sector, witnessing the brand’s entrance into the niche of collectibles, built on request; expressing uniquesness and exclusivity.

the company founded by ugo zagato in 1919, that has specialized in light two door / seat bodies (coupé or spider) from the very beginning, the ‘MV agusta F4Z’ represents a digression beyond the car universe. nowadays, zagato is a modern total design centre and coachbuilding atelier that can blend and balance the most advanced engineering technologies; the use of innovative materials; and the traditional workshop production procedures.

MV agusta F4Z at EICMA 2016
image © desginboom