THE Ferrari of motorcycles is going to have a new beginning in Singapore. Superbike maker MV Agusta will be represented by an Italian sports car distributor here and its latest model may make an appearance at next month's BikeAsia exhibition.

The RR 312 is the 2008 version of Agusta's famous F4 superbike, which has been called the most beautiful motorcycle in the world. Only a single 'R' differentiates it from last year's R 312, with the just-released model featuring a modified, bigger capacity 1,078 cc engine churning out a massive 190 hp for a mere dry weight of 192 kg.

If the mind-boggling power-to-weight ratio doesn't floor you, this might - the '312' in the F4 RR 312's name refers to its top speed in kmh. With increased power and torque for the latest iteration of the F4, MV Agusta says it has met the challenge of putting a machine on the road that goes faster than a 747 jumbo jet at lift-off.

Other refinements for the RR 312 include new and smaller exhaust tailpipes with the end-piece cross section resembling a 'slice of salami', new suspension calibration, a new close-ratio gearbox, a slipper clutch for heart-stopping deceleration, plus Brembo monoblock or one-piece brakes.

Two-wheeled beauty: The RR 312 (top picture) is the 2008 version of Agusta's famous F4 superbike, which has been called the most beautiful motorcycle in the world. It may make an appearance at next month's BikeAsia exhibition, together with the Cagiva Mito (above)

Agusta used to be available here from well-known bike dealer Mah Pte Ltd. The new distributor does not want to be named for now, even though the deal with Italian-based superbike maker Varese has been sealed. This is because the new company is still in the midst of being set up, a process that should be completed within a couple of months, says its representative.

He adds that when ready, the company will also offer Cagiva motorcycles. This sports bike in the 125 cc category is another famous Italian name with a racing pedigree, and the Cagiva Mito is expected to debut at BikeAsia.

BikeAsia 2008 - a trade show for bicycles, motorbikes, components and accessories - is supported by EICMA, the organiser of the Milan International Exhibition of Bicycles and Motorcycles, the world's largest show of its kind. It will be held from April 10-13 at Singapore Expo.

Also likely to be at the show is the Agusta Brutale 1078 RR. This so-called 'naked' bike model has the same 1,078cc engine as the F4 RR 312, but instead of the latter's 190 hp, the Brutale unit has been detuned to 154 hp.

Its gear ratios have also been revised to prevent it from hitting the F4's face-warping top speed. This is because without the aerodynamic advantage offered by the F4's fairing - hence, the 'naked' label - the Brutale can be dangerous at such obscene speeds.

This difference in performance means there is also a difference in cost, although both still fall in the exotic segment compared with Japanese superbikes. The estimated price of the Brutale is $50,000, while that of the F4 RR 312 is about $60,000 - more than double that of the average Japanese 1,000cc sports model. In terms of looks and list price, these really are Ferraris on two wheels.

This article was first published in The Business Times on Mar 22, 2008.