Aprilia RSV 4R APRC

Created with the single-minded goal of being simply the best on the track and on the road, since its inception the Aprilia RSV4 has astonished the world with its looks, technology and performance. The first 65° V-4 engine ever in a sports production bike, a chassis worthy of a 250 GP, Ride By Wire, multimap engine management: all these are accomplished achievements for the Aprilia RSV4, that tops unique architecture and specs with Aprilia's signature excellent rideability brought to the next level.

A project conceived not just to create a motorcycle that delivers the utmost in performance, but one that also allows the rider to make full use of every last iota of its competitive potential.

The excellent results obtained by all of the champions who have ridden in races is not by chance, nonetheless the true revolution which accompanies the new Aprilia RSV4 APRC is that you don't have to be a champion to explore its potential and have fun, thanks to the exemplary dynamic balance obtained by APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control), the exclusive traction control system which can be adjusted to eight different levels and can self-calibrate based on the different types of tyres, the wheelie control feature, launch control and the electronic transmission.

Concrete aids in the vehicles rideability which restore greater confidence and control to the rider in extreme conditions, helping to identify the most effective lines to follow and making the ride less psychologically and physically demanding.

The introduction of such advanced technology to large volume production is the demonstration of the Aprilia's enormous design capacity, developing all of the electronic management "in house" for Max Biaggi's RSV4 Factory SBK as well as the dynamic controls platform applied to the new RSV4 APRC.

With this new version the Aprilia staff has made it possible to build a bike which is faster on the track but at the same time more "communicative" for the widest range of riding experience and capability, fine tuning what can be considered the patriarch of a new generation of supersport bikes.

State of art technology

This new technology is brought together in the APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) package, basically the state of the art in dynamic performance control, a multi-patented system that makes Superbike winning technology available to professional racing riders and hobby riders alike. All this comes in an easy to use, intuitive package.

But the improvements to the Aprilia RSV4 APRC do not stop with electronic management. The 65° V4 engine offers improved lubrication and closer spaced gears for better acceleration. The new, lighter exhaust features an advanced butterfly valve management system to suit the Ride By Wire mapping for improved breathing and efficiency throughout the RPM range.

The new features introduced by the Aprilia RSV4 APRC in detail:

APRC Aprilia Performance Ride Control, the electronic management package including:
- ATC: Aprilia Traction Control automatically adjusts to different types of tyres, with 8 settings conveniently selectable while racing from a joystick on the left handlebar without turning down the throttle;
- AWC: Aprilia Wheelie Control with three settings;
- ALC: Aprilia Launch Control, for use on the track only, with 3 settings;
- AQS: Aprilia Quick Shift, for ultra-fast shifting without closing the throttle or using the clutch.

Dual display mode for instrument panel display: ROAD and RACE;

New exhaust is lighter and offers improved performance;

Optimised gear ratios for the utmost track performance;

Improved engine lubrication;

Lighter three double-spoke wheels.

2012 Aprilia RSV4 R APRC Model Highlights

FROM THE QUEEN OF SBK APRILIA DISTILS THE PERFECT BIKE FOR THE TRACK DAYS ENTHUSIAST GENTLEMAN RIDER.

THE ONLY SUPERSPORT BIKE WHICH ALLOWS THE RIDER TO SAFELY REFINE HIS RIDING ABILITY THANKS TO THE APRC DYNAMIC CONTROL PACKAGE.

AVAILABLE IN THE R VERSION AND IN THE EXCLUSIVE FACTORY OUTFITTING, RSV4 APRC APPLIES APRILIA PATENTED TECHNOLOGY TO CONSTANTLY MONITOR THE DYNAMIC CONDITIONS OF THE BIKE AND OPTIMISE PERFORMANCE.

APRC APRILIA PERFORMANCE RIDE CONTROL

Aprilia Performance Ride Control can count on an automotive inertial platform with two turn meters and two accelerometers which allow the ECU to reconstruct the dynamic conditions of the bike and intervene on the engine control accordingly. The rider can adjust any component of the APRC system independently at will.

ATC: the traction control system of the future

The ATC- Aprilia Traction Control undoubtedly is one of the greatest strengths of the APRC package. This is a fully innovative traction control system developed from an Aprilia patent, mainly focussed on helping the rider improve his lap times. Thanks to the inertial platform and the Ride By Wire pioneered by Aprilia, the ATC not only reduces torque when the rear wheel slips but lets the rider control tail sliding when exiting a bend, giving him a better feel for throttle control, depending on lean angle.

Aprilia ATC is quickly, easily activated from the instrument panel menu and offers 8 settings. When the ATC is enabled, the rider can change setting in an instant at any time using a joystick on the left handlebar to suit track, pavement or tyre conditions, without closing the throttle and keeping his hands on the handlebar, as in professional motorcycle racing. This way, the system can adjust to every single bend of any track so as to meet the specific requirements of any rider, including the most expert ones.

The other incredible achievement of Aprilia technology is the system's "learning capacity". Current traction control systems are designed and optimised for a single size and type of tyre. This limit frequently cancels the benefits of traction control. Aprilia Traction Control (ATC) has overcome this limit: a procedure activated by the rider enables the system to learn the tyre radius and final ratio adopted on the bike to obtain fine-tuned traction control.

AWC: stability at top acceleration

Exploiting the full power of modern superbikes down to the very last HP is every rider's dream. Aprilia's AWC (Aprilia Wheelie Control) has achieved extraordinary results. Thanks to the exclusive Aprilia patented Wheelie Detection System, the AWC is able to "tell" when a wheelie begins and ends and kicks in to smoothen wheel contact with the road. Wheelie control is continuous and "soft", there are no abrupt cuts or violent power restarts, only perfect acceleration control. The AWC system is activated from the instrument panel and can be adjusted independently from other control systems choosing from three settings to better meet rider requirements.

ALC: the best Holeshot

The perfect start is yet another racer's dream, because a good start frequently means you're half way towards a victory. When the lights go out, handling the huge power of modern superbikes is no easy task. Unless the bike handles it itself to offer its best starting performance. The ALC (Aprilia Launch Control) system ensures an instant start as the lights go out, applying full power to the road to assist the rider in this critical moment of the race. All the rider needs to do is give full throttle and release the clutch as he normally would and shift gears. The ALC has three settings that can be selected from the instrument panel menu, then it must be "armed" at standstill, by squeezing both traction control buttons on the left handlebar joystick at the same time.

AQS: record-breaking shifting

When you're after the utmost lap performance, you can't afford to waste even one thousandth of a second in an apparently simple operation like shifting. RSV4 APRC boasts an electronic transmission system as standard equipment (Aprilia Quick Shift) which first reduces ignition advance for an infinitesimal time and then progressively restores it, allowing extremely quick gear shifting without closing the gas and without using the clutch. The system works hand in hand with the new closer spaced gearbox to limit RPM drop during shifting for faster lap times. To optimise AQS performance, Aprilia engineers have fine-tuned power cut timing based on shifting RPM.

THE MOTORCYCLE

Aprilia RSV4 simultaneously represents both the new and the future generation of supersport bikes: starting from the essential concept, its design abandons the overabundance of bodywork, reducing it to the bare necessities for efficient aerodynamics. The breathtaking beauty of the technical parts reveals a bike with a compact design that, until recently, was thought possible only for smaller engine sizes or Grand Prix prototypes. State of the art technology for the engine and chassis, coupled with extraordinary usability, make this the perfect companion for the rider who wants to reach and redefine his limits with unparalleled feeling and ease.

These aspects of the project not only give the bike such incredible performance but are also what make it so easy to put every last horsepower to good use. Nothing about this bike is commonplace, and this is even true about the technical solutions adopted - this is the world's first full scale production motorcycle with a high performance narrow V4 engine, the most revolutionary and powerful engine ever built by Aprilia. Together with the fully integrated electronics, record breaking lightness and extreme compactness, this engine gives the bike its unique, unmistakable character.

The components are at maximum level even in the R version: the fully adjustable upside down front fork and Sachs rear shock, manufactured to Aprilia specifications, ensure superlative performance and offer the rider incredible feedback for absolute control in any situation. The Brembo brakes with radial monobloc callipers, ultralight alloy wheel rims featuring a new design and the steering damper ensure the utmost in safety in all riding conditions.

THE ENGINE

The incredible APRC system is undoubtedly the most significant new feature of this new RSV4 version. Nevertheless, the RSV4 APRC's engine boasts a plentiful range of updates which are carry overs from racing experience and intended to improve its already proverbial technical and mechanical characteristics

Aprilia RSV4 is the only production super sport bike using a narrow 65° V four-cylinder engine with unique features. Extremely compact, as slim as a twin-cylinder to fit in an ultra-compact chassis, the 65° V4 engine was and still is the epitome of Italian engineering ingenuity.

The Aprilia 65° V4 engine specifications in short:

Engine capacity: 999.6 cc
Architecture: 65° V4
Crankcase: monobloc with integrated crankcase liners
Timing system: 4 valves per cylinder (Titanium and Nymonic) operated directly by a camshaft driven by a mixed chain/gear system, lateral timing chain, central gear train
Fuel system: Electronic injection with 2 injectors per cylinder and integrated independent Ride by Wire system for each bank. Three mappings selectable from handlebar.
Antivibration countershaft
Compression ratio: 13:1
Transmission: six speed cassette with direct control
Clutch: multi-disc in oil bath with mechanical slipper system
Electronic management: Magneti Marelli control unit managing ignition, injection and Ride by Wire system.
APRC system for dynamic control

The narrow V architecture translates into an engine that is incredibly compact in length, offering advantages in terms of mass centralisation and an extremely high performance chassis (short wheelbase, long swingarm).

The innovative timing system (with the chain camshaft driving only the intake camshaft, which in turn drives the exhaust camshaft via a gear) has made extremely compact heads (just 250 mm at the rear of the engine) especially in the area beneath the frame spars, which are thus much narrower than would otherwise be possible.

A countershaft dampens vibrations even more than in a 90° V engine.

The monobloc crankcase with integrated aluminium cylinder liners ensures maximum rigidity and consistent performance.

The electronic management system is another example of the 65° V4 engine's technological supremacy. Full Ride-by-Wire technology eliminates any direct connection between the throttle grip and the throttle valves, which are entirely controlled by a latest generation Marelli control unit that also controls the ignition and the 8 injectors (the 4 secondary fan pattern injectors come into play at high loads).

Each bank has a dedicated servo unit actuating its own two throttle bodies only. This means that the aperture of the throttle valves and, as a consequence, the quantity of fuel injected, can be controlled independently. This solution, applied here for the first time ever in a production bike, opens up practically infinite possibilities for power delivery control and works hand in hand with the APRC system.

The transmission has also been designed to the meet most advanced criteria to offer the maximum performance possible. To underscore the racing soul of the 65° V4 engine, it is mated to a cassette gearbox with a wet sump lubrication system (with oil in the crankcase). The wet clutch features a mechanical slipper system for optimised engine braking torque control and stability under hard braking.

The 65° V4 was one of the most advanced engines in the world at the time of its debut. The new RSV4 APRC has several refinements which are derived from experience gained with the official World Superbike motorcycle which perfect it even more. The new exhaust and engine mappings make for optimal power delivery. Lubrication has been improved at critical points, the countershaft runs in ball bearings rather than plain bushings and the head cooling circuit has been reviewed for optimal operating temperatures and long-term reliability.

Combustion chambers and cylinder-piston fits have also been revised for optimal engine performance. The three lowest gears are spaced closer for extra speed out of bends. The advanced exhaust butterfly valve management system improved delivery in the low rpm band and reduces emissions while preserving the engine's thrilling sound.

CHASSIS

The perfect centring of the weight is just one of the RSV4 frame's strong points. To achieve this result, every single aspect has been optimised down to the tiniest detail. As on a racing machine, the fuel tank is positioned so that the majority of the fuel sits under the saddle optimising bike balance and cancelling out handling differences between full and empty tank conditions.

In keeping with Aprilia's by now consolidated tradition, the RSV4's aluminium frame takes advantage of the resistance and flexibility of cast and moulded elements, a structure which sets new records in balance and dynamic efficiency. The result is maximum torsional stiffness and flexional stiffness optimised for total bike control. This makes Aprilia RSV4 not only a bike with deadly performance, but also makes its strong point the ease with which anyone can take full advantage of this performance. The swingarm also uses the same constructional technology as the frame and offers the same perfect balance between flexional and torsional stiffness to contribute to the extraordinary handling capabilities of the RSV4 R.

The particular construction of frame and swingarm allows both to be able to flaunt the natural and bright colour of the aluminium, another detail which is increasingly less evident on modern factory bikes and which gives the RSV4 a purely racing look.

Suspension

The chassis framework of the R version is completed by a top notch suspension package, the Sachs upside down fork has 43 mm diameter stanchions and offers the possibility of adjusting the spring and hydraulic compression and rebound preload. The Sachs rear shock was developed from experience learned directly on the track. It features a Piggy Back nitrogen canister (separate and mounted on the body of the unit) and adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping and length, allowing the height of the rear end of the bike to be altered to modify the set-up to suit different riding styles and tracks.

Completing the package is a steering damper, also by Sachs, which ensures impeccable high speed stability and millimetre precision in setting the bike up for turns.

The Öhlins Racing rear shock absorber was developed from experience learned directly on the track. It features a piggy back nitrogen canister (separate and mounted on the body of the unit) and adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping and length, allowing the height of the rear end of the bike to be altered to modify the set-up to suit different riding styles and tracks.

Wheel travel is 130 mm.

Components

A real Superbike is special not only as far as performance is concerned but also for the care it is built with. The details on the RSV4 R speak volumes of a bike built with an obsessive attention to every single aspect, both technical and otherwise.

The following are just some of the most significant class leading components used:

- Instrument panel: the mixed type (digital-analogue), it receives all the information from the CAN line and becomes an integral and crucial part of the self-diagnosis system as it is fitted with memory. This is a fully fledged on-board computer, with a dot matrix display set against a minimalist, ultramodern and compact design. Its functions have been improved and are all accessible from three easy to use buttons.

- Headlight: the triple headlamp layout is not just a reference to the legendary original RSV Mille, but designed to offer total night time visibility.

- Electrical system: designed from the outset to offer maximum functionality and rationality with minimum weight. The result is an extremely clean and compact layout that makes for easier maintenance and is ready for track use, as all components relative to the lights and turn indicators are easily removable.

Colours

The RSV4 R APRC wears one of three different liveries: The aggressive and vibrant "Nero Competition" with its metallic gloss which is similar to the Factory version, the bright "Bianco Glam" or the new "Sunlit Yellow" with its surprisingly modern impact.

In keeping with the tradition of the Aprilia Factory versions, the new RSV4 APRC features the gold colouring for its ultralight rims.

Review

We are living times for motorcycle technology, very special. On the one hand we live rescue of small displacements, Built on the bikes easy and basic techniques known and tested, sometimes to the limit of recycling, while at the other extreme we find technologies that evolve at the speed of light in search of ever greater performance.

And there, in the segment of the race replica that come the most important new techniques, borrowed from the world of racing and coming, year after year, the bikes that we can buy in the dealership.

Aprilia, Which has always stood for innovative capacity and its technical expertise, introduces important new supercar on its top in 2011.

The RSV4 R, We tried on the track at Estoril now takes the name APRC which represents a significant technical difference compared to the 2010 version, as it means that even the “basic” model the package is installed Aprilia Performance Riding Control. The RSV4 R 2011 also brings with it the other improvements introduced since the RSV4 Factory APRC and then extended to V4 Tuono R. Changes accordingly, the price rising to marketing € 18,000, While the rest of the budget, including color with black competition as opposed to white glam, remains unchanged.

As anticipated, the Aprilia has introduced the electronic package APRC at the end of 2010 when it launched the RSV 4 Factory Special Edition version of the already developed RSV 4 Factory performance. The electronics package APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) is, at present, the most advanced management system, dynamic driving available on the market.

It basically consists of four sub-systems that operate in a coordinated and synergistic: ATC, AWC, ALC and AQS using the signals received from an inertial platform, with two accelerometers and two girometri that allow the unit to reconstruct the dynamic conditions of motion and respond accordingly to the engine control. The pilot can adjust freely and independently of each system component APRC.

The system is obviously the most important dell’APRC ATC Aprilia Traction Control. This is an innovative traction control system, developed with patented Aprilia, which has as main goal to help the pilot to improve his lap time. Thanks to the use of the inertial platform and ride-by-wire, ATC operates on the control of torque from the engine according to several steps, and allows the rider to control the drift out of corners, increasing its sensitivity on the throttle, depending on the angle of inclination of the bike.

Traction control is adjustable on 8 levels, simply by pressing the joystick on the left handlebar to adjust the level of traction control to the track conditions, tires or asphalt.

The AWC is another of the important features dell’APRC, which is directly derived from competitions. In race, in fact, a surge can be choreographed, but it wastes time on tour and has imported the Aprilia Wheel Control on motorcycles. wheelie detection system is able to “understand” when it starts and ends sharply and acts accordingly to gently pull the front wheel on the ground. Dell’impennata management is continuous and “soft”, there are no cuts or sharp shooting of violent power, but only proper throttle control. The AWC is activated from the dashboard and can be adjusted independently from other controls three levels of intervention, Thus favoring the needs of the pilot.

He could miss the Launch Control on a motorcycle last generation? Aprilia think not, and here also the RSV4 R is equipped. The ALC is able to put all available power to the ground without losing a single engine newton meters of torque under acceleration. The Aprilia Launch Control allows the rider only the task of open up the gas, As would normally release the clutch and change gears. The system adjusts to three levels using the menu on the dashboard and then “Weapon” stop-motion, squeezing together the two joystick buttons on the left handlebar that allows the pilot to operate the traction control.

Last but not least the Aprilia Quick Shift, the shifting device that allows you to get quick report without closing the throttle without the clutch. It is a well-known accessory for many years, who is appearing on the stock bike for a few seasons.

The quick change feature of the Aprilia is to work in synergy with other electronic systems and to have response times that vary depending on engine speed and gear.

We tried the new version of the Aprilia RSV4 R on the track of Adria. Although the track Veneto is not ideal to assess properly the dynamics of a motorcycle, Because of its size and design that provides only for the narrow hairpin bends, is useful just to test the new APRC.

Adria, in fact, you find yourself having to fully open the throttle out of corners, as they are all very slow and you travel on almost all gas closed, and you can evaluate the action of Traction Control.

The RSV4 R, for its part, keeps well the dynamic characteristics of the sister factory, a little watered down ‘by suspensions of more economical extraction original equipment tires and less sporty.

The bike is confirmed very sincere and well trimmed, the front end is inserted into the fold by taking the rope with the decision, but the center curve is not able to follow the same lines as the sister factory, expanding a little ‘too if you enter the trajectory determined . Out of the corners the shock absorber does what it can to keep the Michelin Power 2CT One in contact with the asphalt, but the wheel is not up to the Factory.
The suspension under braking bumps well raking asphalt Venetian, but they are still quite soft and the bike jumps a little ‘when you force a lot under braking. Considering that the load transfer is remarkable, and we shot with the rear higher than the standard, the brakes must be used with care because behind the brake trigger flag-wavers of exaggerating the rear.

But we all’APRC. The system Made in Aprilia is really effective: already at the center curve, you can take the gas to hand without the risk that slides back and focus on the output curve to achieve better acceleration on the straight below.
A medium caliber rider feels the inclusion of the system when the bike is in the middle of the fold and gives background gas, through a gentle reduction in power output that does not break the bike as it would sharply cut the injection.
Output from the tight hairpins of Adria, which is often used in first gear, is strongly supportive of the Control dell’impennata, Which allows you to touch the tarmac without losing time to do the blowhards …

Quick Shift also gives praise, which, together with the new close-ratio gearbox with, can earn significant acceleration milliseconds. We repeat, is not a novelty, but on the track is an invaluable aid to driving.

In conclusion, the new RSV4 R APRC confirmed to be a super-class, refined technique with a budget that has as unique in the suspension Sachs a little ‘too compliant for a bike that still is to a figure which itself is above the four-cylinder rivals.

In other words … you have got to put in budget spending of 18,000 euros for a supercar, it might be worth making a few more installments, just get the Factory version.

Source motodesign