Aprilia RSV4 RR

With a 10kg weight loss and a claimed maximum power output of 212bhp, the Factory Works Aprilia sees the technology developed for its MotoGP machine made available to the public. Aprilia Racing Factory Works has introduced a kit for the 2017 and 2018 RSV4 that’s said to maximise engine performance, reduce overall weight and improve aerodynamics. It makes 215hp at the crank.

Is totally race legal, is hand-built by factory race technicians in Italy, and oh…IT COMES WITH WINGLETS. Aprilia prefers the term “aerodynamic appendages” in its press release, but we all know what they are talking about. Developed by Aprilia Racing as part of the Aprilia RS-GP MotoGP bike program, now you too can benefit from GP-level aerodynamics.

Here’s a bit copied from the official press release, that covers some of the possible changes you can make:

Aprilia Racing Factory Works is therefore a unique programme that now expands thanks to the introduction of a special kit available for the Aprilia RSV4 – in the RR and RF MY17 and MY18 versions – capable of maximising engine performance, reducing overall weight and improving aerodynamics.

As for the engine, the kit includes a set of four single-groove pistons with a surface treatment to guarantee smoother action. These components alone ensure about a 4 HP increase in maximum power. In order to further increase performance, a cylinder heads kit is also available which replaces the original heads with new ones that boast numerically controlled machined intake and exhaust ducts in order to improve fluid dynamics; the springs, valves and related caps have also been optimised to fine-tune performance, while the camshafts have a surface treatment that further reduces friction. Overall, along with a new ECU that has a specific map for the Akrapovic exhaust, the complete kit lets you reach a maximum power of 215 shaft HP.

Aprilia Racing’s experience can also be measured through targeted lightening operations, primarily to the advantage of handling, which is already outstanding on the standard RSV4 model. These operations consist in the installation of a lithium battery and a new fuel tank with the same shape and material as the original, but made using a refined production method that reduces the weight by about 1.5 Kg. The complete Akrapovic exhaust system, the various carbon fibre details and the billet upper steering plate reduce the overall weight of the RSV4 by about 10 Kg.

The new Factory Works kit can be further enriched by a set of side fairings with winglets, the aerodynamic appendages that contribute to producing benefits in terms of bike stability. This is technology that Aprilia Racing developed on the RS-GP prototype used in the MotoGP World Championship and which, for the first time ever, is now also available to Factory Works customers.

APRC: from Aprilia, the cutting-edge in electronics

The Aprilia RSV4 RR and RF make perfect what was already top shelf in the previous versions thanks to a significant improvement to its already exceptional dynamic controls package designed and patented by Aprilia. APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) is the well known dynamic control suite derived directly from the winning technology in world Superbike, one of the most complete and refined currently available on the market. This progress was possible mainly thanks to the repositioning of the inertial platform that governs the operation, improving accurate detection of the dynamic conditions of the bike, resulting in more efficient electronic control strategies.

The fourth evolution of Aprilia APRC fits in perfectly with the fine electronic management of the full Ride-by-Wire throttle, that has allowed all superfluous throttle body electronic management components to be eliminated, thereby saving 590 grams.

  APRC, which comes as standard equipment on the Aprilia RSV4 RR and RF, includes:

• ATC: Aprilia Traction Control, adjustable on the fly (without having to release the throttle) to 8 settings thanks to a practical joystick, boasts fine tuned and high performance operating logic.
• AWC: Aprilia Wheelie Control, adjustable to 3 levels, has highly precise operating strategies thanks to the repositioning of the inertial platform. Wheelie control can be adjusted on the fly without closing the throttle, like the ATC, thanks to the practical left side electric block.
• ALC: Aprilia Launch Control, for use on the track only, with 3 settings, uses even more effective operating strategies.
• AQS: Aprilia Quick Shift, the electronic gearbox that allows shifting without closing the throttle and without using the clutch, also equipped with the downshift function, to allow clutchless downshifting. Its open-throttle downshifting feature is exclusive.
• APL: Aprilia Pit Limiter, the system that lets you select and limit the top speed allowed in pit lane at the track or simply to make it easier to comply with posted speed limits on the road.
• ACC: Aprilia Cruise Control. Electronic management has allowed cruise control to be introduced, very convenient on longer trips because it lets you maintain the set speed without touching the throttle.

In addition to the fourth generation APRC system, RSV4 RR and RF come from the factory standard with advanced multimap Cornering ABS, developed in collaboration with Bosch to guarantee not only extreme safety on the road, but also the best possible performance at the circuit. The 9.1 MP system, with truly contained weight and dimensions, is able to optimize braking and the ABS intervention in corners, thanks to a specific algorithm that constantly monitors various parameters such as lateral acceleration, the pressure applied to the front brake lever, the lean, pitch and yaw angle, modulating the braking action in order to better guarantee the ratio between deceleration and stability. The ABS system works in unison with the Aprilia RLM (Rear Liftup Mitigation) system that limits the lift of the rear wheel during more abrupt braking. Cornering ABS, fine tuned in accordance with Aprilia’s specific indications, is adjustable to 3 levels of sensibility and can be switched off. Each of the three Cornering ABS maps can be combined with any of the three engine maps (Sport, Track, Race), allowing riders with different experience and skill levels to find the best possible combination for their style. The three maps are “full power” and differ in the way they unload the 201 HP of which the Aprilia V4 is capable onto the asphalt, in addition to the percentage of engine brake dedicated to them.

The colour TFT instrumentation is a true digital computer with exceptional display features. The two selectable screen pages (Road and Race, both with night and day backlighting) correspond to as many represented indexes. Standard equipment for the RSV4 RF (and optional for the RSV4 RR), is V4-MP, the Aprilia multimedia platform that lets you connect your smartphone to the vehicle via Bluetooth, introducing for the first time a true corner by corner electronic settings calibration system with data that can subsequently be downloaded to your laptop (or displayed directly on the smartphone) for analysis, just like they do at the races. The latest version of V4-MP adds a new connection protocol that reduces smartphone battery consumption to a minimum, in addition to providing a wide range of circuits already mapped in which you can manage the electronic settings corner by corner, as well as user acquisition of a new circuit that is not in the list Aprilia has provided. V4-MP also includes the infotainment system, introduced by Aprilia for the first time on the RSV4, to manage voice commands and incoming/outgoing telephone calls with your smartphone. These activities are also displayed and managed by the digital instrumentation.

The inimitable character and performance of the Aprilia V4

The primary and unique characteristics of this gem of Italian technology, the ones that led to the creation of the best superbike of all times, remain unchanged. 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. An engine that has been made unmistakeable because of the use of “total” electronics, because of its extremely compact size and light weight. The changes implemented in the latest evolution of the Italian V4 resulted in an increase of overall reliability and performance, without sacrificing power and maximum torque (which remain respectively at 201 HP at 13,000 rpm and 115 Nm at 10,500 rpm), and not even that inimitable sound that has always been a true soundtrack of the Aprilia V4 engines. The powerplant has an exhaust system with a silencer that has a double oxygen sensor and a built in valve, while the engine ECU has high calculating capacity, able to manage the rise in maximum revs, now 300 rpm higher. The engine therefore boasts great extension capacity and it was also for this reason that the variable timing intake ducts were eliminated, no longer deemed necessary. This decision contributed to reducing the weight of the fuel system parts by 500 grams. In order to increase performance and reliability, extremely lightweight pistons were selected with brand new segments that reduce the blow-by effect. There is also a honing treatment for the connecting rod heads, further reducing friction. The valve recall springs also guarantee reliability during the heaviest work loads, whereas the valves have benefited from optimized timing, capable of increasing performance and reliability. Last, but not least, the gearbox has a linear sensor that guarantees impeccable gearshift operation.

 Chassis architecture: Just like a real racing bike

Aprilia is known as one of the best chassis manufacturers in the world and the RSV4 represents the synthesis of the technical prowess Aprilia has acquired in top level world championships. A particularity which is still exclusive to the RSV4 RR and RF (and which has always been a characteristics of the previous generation RSV4 models) is the exceptional possibility of adjustments that the standard equipment chassis is able to offer. In fact, the Aprilia is the only superbike that allows the rider to adjust the engine position in the frame, the headstock angle, the swingarm pivot and the rear end height, naturally in addition to the fully adjustable suspension. Just like a real racing bike.

The RF version of the RSV4 offers sophisticated suspension systems with fine adjustments both in hydraulics and spring preload, higher performance and more than 800 grams lighter than the previous versions: the fork is a latest generation Öhlins NIX unit, as is the TTX shock absorber; the latter is operated by dedicated progressive linkage that increases the reaction time of the shock absorber itself. There is also an adjustable steering damper, also supplied by Öhlins. On the RSV4 range, Aprilia introduces an important Brembo braking system that is the absolute top of the line in this category: the front relies on a pair of new 5 mm thick steel discs with a diameter of 330 mm, gripped by the monobloc M50 callipers fitted with high friction coefficient brake pads.

 Versions and colours

 Aprilia RSV4 RR represents a top shelf technical platform, ready to provide the rider with a “race replica” performance and feeling. The RSV4 RR incorporates all the electronic, engine and brake innovations introduced on the RSV4 RF. As standard equipment it also has features which were once exclusive to the Factory version, such as magnesium external housings, oil sump and head covers and a wide range of chassis adjustments. Aprilia RSV4 RR is available in two attractive colour schemes, both matte, on a black and grey base (Bucine grey and Ascari black) with red wheel rims.

Aprilia RSV4 RF is the exclusive version that comes standard with latest generation Öhlins suspension systems and lightweight aluminium forged rims. It stands out for the new dedicated graphic that maintains the evocative name of the previous “Superpole” version, but it has different colour patterns in which black and red dominate.

Rich range of accessories

Aprilia has designed and developed a wide range of accessories so you can personalise your RSV4 RR and RF. High quality selected items to increase performance, make them more attractive or more comfortable.

Slip-on racing exhaust: made by Akrapovic, this item has a titanium silencer and is approved for street use. The carbon slip-on version is also available, exclusively for track use.

Complete racing exhaust: this is an exhaust system complete with headers made by Akrapovic. the muffler is in carbon.

Öhlins TTX shock absorbers (standard equipment on the RSV4 RF): the TTX line is the most prestigious of the products offered by Öhlins (top and bottom attachments are in billet aluminium). They allow full and fine adjustment in all shock absorbing functions. They can be fitted with linear sensors to install telemetry.

Öhlins steering damper (standard equipment on the RSV4 RF): the fine adjustment of this item’s hydraulics provides a front end that is always solid during the most violent acceleration.

Öhlins NIX Fork: (standard equipment on the RSV4 RF): top shelf performance on the track and on the road. A wide range of precision pre-load and hydraulic rebound and compression adjustments.

Components in carbon: Carbon components: fairings, mudguards and heel guards. Made in matte finished carbon fibre. They guarantee a sporty look and lower overall weight.

Mirror plugs: made from polyethylene, these are applied in place of the mirrors when using the bike on the track.

License plate bracket cover: made of laser cut aluminium, this is applied after removing the license plate bracket when using the bike on the track.

Frame guards: with an unmistakeable racing style, made of billet nylon, these are useful to prevent damage to the frame in the event of a sliding crash.

Inverted racing gear lever: this is a mechanical element that inverts the gear shifting mode in order to improve performance on the track.

Forged rims (standard equipment on the RSV4 RF): made from aluminium with a forging process, these provide maximum resistance at a light weight, essential for increasing handling.

Aluminium racing levers: made in billet aluminium, they give the bike an even more aggressive look and reduce the weight of the factory component.

Tank bag: this bag is made of technical fabric with carbon-look inserts. Tested and approved to resist oil, fuel, UV rays and not to compromise stability even at high speeds.

Adjustable license plate bracket: made in laser cut steel. Includes the LED licence plate light.

Motorcycle cover: made of breathable Lycra, this cover was designed to protect your bike from dust.

V4-MP kit: (standard equipment on the RSV4 RF): this is the installation kit for the multimedia platform dedicated to the Aprilia V4 models made up of a Bluetooth control unit and all the wiring needed for installation.