Aprilia RSV 4 APRC Factory

FROM ITS SUCCESS IN SBK, WHERE THE RSV4 WON 5 WORLD TITLES IN ONLY 4 YEARS, APRILIA IS PROUD TO INTRODUCE THE RSV4 RANGE, THE MAXIMUM EXPRESSION OF TECHNOLOGY APPLIED TO A SUPERSPORT BIKE

A TRUE LEGEND IN ITS SEGMENT WHICH, FROM THE TIME IT APPEARED ON THE SCENE, HAS DOMINATED THE WORLD SBK TRACKS AS WELL AS SPECIALISED PRESS COMPARATIVE TRACK TESTING

NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO KNOCK IT FROM THE TOP STEP OF THE PODIUM AND NOW IT WILL BE EVEN MORE DIFFICULT: THE TWO RSV4 VERSIONS, R ABS AND FACTORY ABS, ARE THE FASTEST, MOST POWERFUL AND SAFEST RSV4 UNITS EVER BUILT

EXTREMELY ADVANCED BRAKING SYSTEM WITH MULTIMAP ABS (WHICH CAN BE DISENGAGED), POWER INCREASED TO 184 HP, HIGHLY REFINED ADVANCED aPRC: APRILIA RSV4 R ABS AND FACTORY ABS CONFIRM THEIR POSITION AS THE TOP DOGS IN THE SECTOR

From the time it appeared on the scene, it was clear to all its rivals that the Aprilia RSV4 was the bike to beat.

Unmistakeable in its design lucidity and applied technology, the RSV4 is conceived around a 65° V4 engine never before seen on a factory sport bike, a frame which is the heir to a dynasty that has won 18 titles and 143 Grand Prix races in the 250 GP class, enhanced by the most advanced applied electronics systems to manage the engine and the bike's dynamic performance. This is a true vocation of Aprilia, which was the first manufacturer to adopt the Ride-By-Wire system as standard equipment (the multimap power management system), but above all the first to patent the aPRC dynamic control system, still today the only one with the exclusive self-calibration and wheelie control features.

This technological first is consolidated: Aprilia RSV4 R ABS and Factory ABS are the models which, for the quantity and quality of content and improvements, undoubtedly represent the most important advancements ever made on this extraordinary model.

WINNING IDENTITY

From day one, the RSV4 Factory has been the benchmark in the supersport bike category. Year after year it has evolved without losing any of the incredible dynamic balance which took it to five WSBK titles, and, in 2012 to be nominated winner in a comparison of all sports bikes organised by the best known motorcycle magazines in the world. The ABS on the Aprilia RSV4 Factory signals yet another stage in the evolution of a dynasty of winning bikes. The aim was to improve on the previous version which was already seen as the absolute best and to consolidate the use of well proven technology. Better performance with better safety too. The Aprilia RSV4 Factory ABS becomes not only more powerful but also more ergonomic, stable and better under braking. It is also safer on the track and in road use thanks to the adoption of an exceptional new braking system fitted with multi-map ABS that can be adjusted or even disabled on the move.

Right from the start, the Aprilia RSV4 Factory set the benchmark in the supersport category and has evolved year after year without losing any of the extraordinary dynamic balance which helped it win five WSBK titles. 

V4 of 65°
INCOMPARABLE ENGINE

The first high performance narrow V four cylinder engine in the world; the most revolutionary engine ever made by Aprilia is incomparable thanks to its unique “total electronics” package, itsincredible lightness and super compact size, reaches a new stage in evolution. The engine has been updated and improved with particular attention paid to reducing internal friction and increasing casing ventilation. The exhaust system too has been remodelled to provide maximum performance working in combination with a finely tuned electronic management system. This brings the maximum power of the 65° V4 to 184 CV with torque now arriving at 117 Nm. The 3 distinct mappings (Track, Sport and Road), were matched to the new power and torque specifications of the V4 to provide even fuller and in-depth power output at any engine speed.

Superbike frame
STABILITY AND CONTROL

In keeping with consolidated Aprilia traditions, the aluminium frame of the RSV4 R exploits thestrength and flexibility of cast and pressed components, which are welded together to form one structure, sets new benchmarks in terms of balance and dynamic efficiency. Torsional and flexional rigidity have been optimised to give the rider absolute control. This means that the Aprilia RSV4 R is not just a bike with devastating performance, but one whose greatest strength is precisely the incredible ease with which any rider can access its full potential. 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 Factory version comes with Ohlins multi-adjustable suspension, ultralight forged alloy wheels and numerous finishing touches in carbon fibre and magnesium. The degree to which the suspension can be set is infinite: The RSV4 Factory is the only bike that offers adjustments to rake (through interchangeable bushes), swingarm height, swingarm spindle height and engine position in the frame, as standard. Exactly the same as seen on the best race bikes. The Aprilia RSV4 Factory ABS also features as standard a new front braking system with Brembo M430 monobloc radial calipers and a new radial pump on the handlebars. The rear brake caliper has been replaced by a more evolved, efficient system to optimise performance with the new front brake.

aPRC
THE NEW FRONTIER IN TECHNOLOGY

aPRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control), which comes as standard, is the well-known system control package that comes directly from race winning experience gained in the Superbike series. It is the most complete, sophisticated package there is out of those currently on the market. aPRC includes:
• aTC: Aprilia Traction Control, automatically adjusts to different types of tyres, with 8 settings that can be conveniently selected on the move from a joystick on the left handlebar without closing 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 gear shifting without closing the throttle or using the clutch.
 

On the Aprilia RSV4 Factory ABS, the aPRC system has been further developed: it now integrates even better with the full Ride by Wire electronic multi-map V4 engine management system to meet the specific needs of both road users and professional race riders. The performance of the system provides smoother power delivery for improved high speed cornering but does not penalise traction on exiting low speed bends. In addition to this second generation aPRC, the new RSV4 also adopts a highly advanced ABS multi-map system that ensures not just maximum safety on the road but even better performance on the track.

Aerodynamic efficiency
COMFORT AND PERFORMANCE

The Aprilia RSV4 is both the new and the future generation of supersports bikes: the key concept is to eliminate excess bodywork and leave only what is strictly necessary for aerodynamic efficiency. The sheer beauty of its technical components enhances a bike whose compactnesswould only have been possible in recent times on a smaller engined machine or a Grand Prix prototype. The technology used for the frame and engine is state-of-the-art and their combination makes the RSV4 the perfect companion for any rider wishing to push and improve their limits thanks to the feel provided by this technology.

The most obvious aesthetic change on the RSV4 Factory ABS is the new fuel tank which has been modified not just to facilitate positioning the ABS but also to improve range and rider comfort. The tank capacity is now 18.5 litres (was 17) and pads on the side of the tank provide increased feel for the rider under braking and while cornering. This solution was taken directly from the RSV4s that race in the Superbike series.

The frontier in technology

Aprilia RSV4 R ABS and Factory ABS represent the cutting-edge of modern technology and achieve the objective of perfecting what was already top of the line in the previous versions, loved and appreciated by bikers and riders all over the world, not only because of their frame and chassis qualities, but also thanks to the advanced dynamic control systems adopted. aPRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) is the well known dynamic control suite derived directly from the winning technology in world Superbike, the most complete and refined of those currently available on the market.

On the RSV4 R ABS and Factory ABS bikes, the aPRC system has been further developed and refined in order to adapt even better to the specific needs of enthusiasts on the street and professional riders on the track. Now the behaviour of the system is even more uniform, guaranteeing a high level of support in turns and high speed without penalising traction coming out of slow turns.

The aPRC system, standard equipment on the Aprilia RSV4 R and Factory ABS includes:
- aTC: Aprilia Traction Control, the traction control system that can be adjusted on the fly, without closing the throttle, to 8 levels thanks to a practical joystick on the left handlebar, gains even higher performing and refined operating logic;
- aWC: Aprilia Wheelie Control, which can be adjusted to three levels, has been recalibrated for better performance in level 1;
- aLC: Aprilia Launch Control, for use on the track only, with 3 settings;
- aQS: Aprilia Quick Shift, a system for extremely fast gear changes without shutting the throttle and using the clutch.

The aPRC system integrates even better with the electronic full Ride-by-Wire multimap management of the powerful V4 engine.

In addition to the second generation aPRC system, both the RSV4 versions come standard with an highly advanced ABS, the antilock braking system designed and developed to guarantee not only maximum safety on the road, but also the best performance on the track. Aprilia worked in close cooperation with Bosch to define the best calibration of the ABS 9MP unit, which represents the maximum in refinement and technology currently available. The system, weighing in at just 2 kg, can be disengaged and adjusted to 3 different levels by easily accessing the sophisticated instrumentation control menu:

- Level 1: dedicated to the track (but also approved for street use), it acts on both wheels and guarantees maximum possible performance, even in the most intense braking situations at any speed. This setting takes nothing away from the pleasure and performance of "pushing the envelope".
- Level 2: dedicated to sport riding on the street, it works on both wheels and is combined with an advanced tip over prevention system (RLM - Rear Lift-up Mitigation) which has progressive action based on the vehicle speed.
- Level 3 Rain: dedicated to riding on surfaces with poor grip, it acts on both wheels and is combined with the advanced tip over prevention system.

Each of these 3 ABS mappings can be combined with any of the 3 engine maps (Track, Sport, Road), in order to allow riders with different experience and skill levels to find the best possible combination for their style.

In their details, the ABS models in the Aprilia RSV4 range can be distinguished by the different front mudguard finish (only the R version), a satin-finish for the headlight assembly and the exhaust silencer bottom.

The most evident aesthetic change has to do with the fuel tank, which has been modified not only to facilitate placement of the ABS control unit, but also to increase riding range and to improve rider ergonomics: in fact, the total capacity went from 17 to 18.5 litres, while the side panels introduce lines which increase the rider's feeling during braking and in turns. This solution was borrowed directly from the Aprilia RSV4 used in the World Superbike championship.

Higher chassis and engine performance

With the goal of improving the already exceptional deceleration capacity of the RSV4, the Aprilia RSV4 R ABS and Factory ABS models have a front braking system, which is dressed up with refined Brembo M430 radial mounted monoblock callipers and the radial master cylinder on the handlebar.
 

The rear brake calliper was replaced with a more advanced and more efficient one, perfecting the combination with the front brake. In the braking phase, as delicate as it is important, optimum weight distribution is fundamental: for this purpose the RSV4 Factory ABS engine benefits from different positioning within the frame.
 

The possibility of adjusting the position of the engine within the frame is a peculiarity which is usually reserved for racing bikes and which sets the RSV4 apart from all the other bikes in the segment. This, together with a different adjustment of the swingarm pivot, guarantees greater stability and control of the bike in more intense braking situations; at the same time, it allowed the height of the saddle off the ground to be lowered to 840 mm, to the advantage of riders of all sizes.

The close derivation of the Aprilia RSV4 R ABS and Factory ABS models from the racing world can be clearly seen in the engine specifications, the first high performance mass production narrow V4 in the world, the most revolutionary and powerful engine ever built by Aprilia. This is an engine which is made unique and unmistakeable thanks to the use of "total" electronics, thanks to its record light weight and extremely compact size.
 

The engine in the RSV4 ABS bikes has been upgraded and improved with particular attention given to reducing internal friction and casing ventilation. This brings the maximum power of the 65° V4 to 184 HP, with torque now arriving at 117 Nm, also due to a redesigned exhaust system and fine tuned electronic management. The 3 distinct mappings (Track, Sport and Road), were matched to the power and torque specifications of the V4 in order to obtain even more full and rich power output at any engine speed.

Colors and versions

The Aprilia RSV4 range consists of two models: the RSV4 R ABS and RSV4 Factory ABS. The RSV4 R ABS is offered in classic black matt Competition matt black and in the Formula red; RSV4 Factory ABS is available in the only one color Absolute black.