We’ve tested Aprilia’s splendid RSV4 superbike in the past, and praised its engine and handling. Aprilia just captured the WSB championship, of course, both as manufacturer and with rider Sylvain Guintoli. With its WSB experience, and its participation in MotoGP (a full factory effort beginning next year), Aprilia knows full well how to squeeze power out of a 1000 cc V-4 engine.

For 2015, Aprilia has proven this by bringing its production RSV4 RR to a claimed 202 hp at the crank, an awesome figure. Only BMW has surpassed 200 crank horsepower in a production superbike to date.

Aprilia will also offer a limited number (500) of special units named RSV4 RF, which come standard with Aprilia’s “Race Pack”. All of the details are explained in the press release that follows:

OUT OF RACING TRIUMPHS, OUT OF MANY WORLD SBK CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES, THE NEW RSV4 RR IS BORN, AN EXTRAORDINARY EVOLUTION OF THE RSV4 UNIQUE AND VICTORIOUS PROJECT CAPABLE OF REDEFINING SUPERSPORT BIKE FRONTIERS

THE EXCEPTIONAL QUALITIES OF A RACING CHASSIS, FURTHER FINE-TUNED, COMBINE WITH A NEW ENGINE THAT HAS MORE THAN 200 HP OF MAXIMUM POWER: GREATER PERFORMANCE, LIGHTER WEIGHT, MORE EFFECTIVE ON THE TRACK AND NEW RIDING PLEASURE ON THE ROAD, WITH THE BEST POSSIBLE TECHNOLOGY PROVIDED BY THE ADVANCED APRC AND RACE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROLS

APRILIA RSV4 EVOLVES RADICALLY TO CONTINUE BEING THE BEST SUPERBIKE EVER AND, THANKS TO THE NEW V4-MP APP NOW TELEMETRY IS INTRODUCED

The new Aprilia RSV4 RR is the natural evolution of a revolutionary project which has successfully dominated World SBK, establishing itself as the best superbike of all times. Aprilia RSV4 is a global reference point for sportiness and performance, the best example of what can be achieved by exploiting the valuable experience of a victorious Racing Department like Aprilia’s which, in its brief history has taken 54 championship titles. Skills honed on the track and transferred to the factory product to give advanced users the same excitement as the motorbikes prepared by Aprilia Racing for global competitions.

Unrivalled for its brilliant design and applied technology, the Aprilia RSV4 was conceived around a 65° V4 engine that had never before been seen on a factory sport bike, aframe which is the heir to a dynasty that won 20 titles and 143 Grand Prix races in the 250 GP class, enhanced by the most modern electronics systems applied to managing the engine and the bike dynamics. A genuine vocation of Aprilia which led it to be the first manufacturer to adopt Ride-By-Wire as standard equipment, the multi-map power output system, but above all the first to patent the aPRC dynamic controls platform with the exclusive self-calibration and wheelie control features.

The goal of the efforts made at Noale to create the new RSV4 RR was the same one that has set the RSV4 apart from the very first version in 2009: to be the absolute best uncompromising superbike, the street bike that comes the closest to being a real racing bike in terms of performance and effectiveness. Aprilia RSV4 RR is equipped with all the electronic and technical refinements that a rider could want, with the possibility of making a further and definitive upgrade by choosing the “Race Pack”, which includes exclusive aluminum forged rims and professional Öhlins suspension. To celebrate the arrival of the new king of superbikes, Aprilia is also offering a limited edition version – the RSV4 RF – characterized by a dedicated livery and elements of the Race Pack included as standard equipment.

A New Era

Aprilia RSV4 RR represents the most important and profound advancement ever made on this extraordinary model. A development that even involved the design. The style of the new RSV4 is the result of the perfect combination of form and function. The careful design led to the creation of the most compact full size sport bike on the market, where technical elements such as the impeccable aluminum double rail frame contribute to emphasizing its racing vocation.

The front end has been completely redesigned: now there is a new, more protective top fairing, created after a careful wind tunnel aerodynamics study, which provides better protection from the wind for riders of any height. This choice has a positive impact not only on the track when the rider is seeking protection to achieve maximum speed, but also on the road where greater comfort is provided thanks to the lower air pressure on the body and helmet. The characteristic triple headlight is also new, now with a more modern shape and an LED parking light. The mirrors are new, also the subject of a wind tunnel study, which combine excellent aerodynamic penetration with improved visibility and built in LED turn indicators.

The Engine

In terms of quantity and quality of the operations, the unrivalled Aprilia V4 has every right to consider itself a radically new unit: if there were any doubts, they are quickly dispelled by the more than 16 additional HP and the 1.5 kg less than its predecessor. This is one of the Aprilia RSV4 RR elements that is most closely derived from the racing world and the one on which the Aprilia Racing Department was able to work the most with the factory production.

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 theworld’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 become unmistakable because of the use of “total” electronics, because of its extremely compact size and exceptional light weight.

The main goals of the new V4 project were clear: increase power across the board, exceeding the threshold of 200 HP maximum peak and at the same time increase the already generous torque at all engine speeds. To achieve them work was done on decreasing internal friction, improving combustion efficiency and fluid-dynamic efficiency as well as on increasing the maximum rotation speed. The Noale engineers redesigned almost all of the internal and external elements.

Starting from the top, the 65° V4 has a new air box with filtering elements perpendicular to the air flow, studied with sophisticated CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) systems in order to minimize load losses and maximum pressure in the intake ducts. The upper injectors are new, whereas the variable setting intake ducts were redesigned to the benefit of an even wider range of management in terms of their travel. As with previous models, each bank has a dedicated servo unit actuating the two throttle bodies of that bank only. This means that the aperture of the throttle valves and consequently the quantity of fuel injected can be controlled independently. This is a never before used solution in a production bike that opens up practically infinite possibilities for power delivery control and works hand in hand with the aPRC system.

In order to improve the fluid dynamic performance, the heads were redesigned with intake and output ducts that have new geometries and contouring on the ends machined by a numerically controlled tool. The combustion chambers are no longer obtained through a fusion process but by a finer mechanical process which is also numerically controlled. In order to improve reliability and precision under extreme loads the height of the valve seat seals was increased and the relative lubrication reservoir was modified. The heads now have a triple layer of gaskets. The timing system confirms the innovative mixed chain and gear kinematics of the Aprilia V4 (with the chain camshaft driving only the intake camshaft, which in turn drives the exhaust camshaft via a gear) which allows for extremely compact heads especially in the area beneath the frame spars, much narrower than would otherwise be possible. In order to increase the maximum rotation speed a painstaking study was conducted on lightening the parts in motion of the elements included in the heads. All four valves are now in precious and lightweight titanium (the intake valves are oversized at 33 mm); the valve springs are completely new, the intake valve springs are made with oval section wire whereas the relative tappets and caps were lightened. The camshafts have a brand new profile and were lightened by a whole 500 grams. Moving downward, the crankshaft now has connecting rod pins reduced to 36 mm in diameter, while the Pankl connecting rods are lighter by a total of 400 grams.

As in previous models, the monobloc crankcase with integrated aluminum cylinder liners ensures maximum rigidity and consistent performance. The upper half of the engine case is now made with a new shell fusion and has been lightened and reinforced; it also now has an optimized ventilation system in order to reduce power loss due to air pressure inside the engine crankcase. The lubrication system has also been redesigned. A brand new oil sump ensures increased draught no matter what position the engine is in (for example in the most extreme leans or in maximum acceleration/deceleration conditions) despite the oil level being decreased in order to decrease friction. The “rose pipe” is also new (oil pump intake line), now equipped with a new overpressure valve and thinner mesh filter. The piston cooling oil nozzles were also replaced and the gearbox now has a valve regulated direct hydraulic lubrication circuit. The latter uses lightened primary drive gears and takes advantage of new ratios which have been optimized to fully exploit the increased engine power. The entire exhaust system has also been completely redesigned with revamped electronic valve management, now equipped with two oxygen sensors (one per bank), while a new, more powerful ECU contributes to more precise management of the engine in the area of maximum rotation achievable.

Chassis architecture

Aprilia is known as one of the best chassis manufacturers in the world and the RSV4 RR 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 which has always been a characteristic of the previous generation RSV4 models) is the exceptional – and exclusive – possibility of adjustments that the standard equipment chassis is able to offer. In fact, the new 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 highly sought after and winning structure of the Aprilia RSV4 frame has remained substantially unchanged and uses elements in pressed and cast aluminum capable of guaranteeing exceptional performance, thanks in part to the perfectly balanced torsional rigidity and flexibility values. Optimally centralized masses are just one of the RSV4 chassis strengths. To achieve this result nothing was neglected. The swingarm the same construction technology as the frame but it has been lengthened 14 mm to guarantee better traction and to decrease the tendency for wheelies during the violent acceleration that the new extraordinary characteristics of the powerplant allow. Precisely because of the V4’s significant power increase the chassis and weight distribution configuration have been revamped: the engine is mounted in the lowest possible position allowed by its adjustment range within the frame, whereas the fully adjustable suspension has been fine tuned to guarantee maximum control in extreme riding.

Advanced aPRC

Aprilia RSV4 RR perfects 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 control systems package derived directly from the winning technology in the World Superbike championship, the most complete of its kind available on the market today.

On the RSV4 RR, aPRC has been further developed to adjust even better to the new engine and chassis characteristics in order to meet the specific needs of the pleasure or professional rider. The new aPRC system integrates even better with the full Ride-by-Wire multi-map precision electronic management of the Aprilia V4.

aPRC, which comes as standard equipment on the Aprilia RSV4 RR, includes:

• aTC: Aprilia Traction Control, adjustable on the fly(without having to release the throttle) to 8 settings thanks to a practical joystick on the left side of the handlebar, with extremely fine-tuned operating logic;
• aWC: Aprilia Wheelie Control, adjustable to three settings, has been recalibrated for maximum performance at level 1 (the least restrictive setting);
• aLC: Aprilia Launch Control, the assisted starting system for use on the track only with 3 settings;
• aQS: Aprilia Quick Shift electronic gearbox for ultra-fast shifting without closing the throttle or using the clutch.

In addition to the second generation aPRC system, RSV4 RR comes from the factory standard with the highly advanced “Race ABS” antilock braking system, designed and developed by Aprilia in collaboration with Bosch to guarantee not only extreme safety on the road, but also the best possible performance on the track. The 9MP ABS unit istop of the line in currently available refinements and technology: the system, which weighs only 2 kg, can be disengaged and is adjustable to 3 settings by easily accessing the control menu on the sophisticated instrument cluster:

• Level 1: this is dedicated to track use (but it is also approved for street use) and acts on both wheels to guarantee the best possible performance, even in the most intense braking conditions at any speed. It takes nothing away from the pleasure and performance of “extreme” riding.
• Level 2: this is dedicated to sport riding on the road, acts on both wheels and is combined with an advanced tip over system (RLM – Rear Lift-up Mitigation) which engages progressively based on the vehicle speed.
• Level 3: this is dedicated to riding on surfaces with poor grip, acts on both wheels and is combined with the tip over system.

Each of the 3 setting levels for Race ABS can be combined with any one of the 3 new engine maps to allow riders with varying experience and skill levels to find the best possible combination.

The new and powerful engine ECU now allows the three maps to be more easily managed, each one of which corresponds to a different engine power output and now also to a dedicated engine brake management map. The two classic engine management logics Track and Sport are now joined by the new Race map, the most extreme and suited for professional use of the bike on the track with engine braking control reduced to a minimum in order to support more abrupt braking. All three maps are more manageable and less aggressive than the previous version, therefore allowing perfect correlation between throttle control and the torque sent to the wheels. This reduces rear tire wear and makes it possible to better manage the power that the Aprilia V4 is able to develop.

Versions and Colors

Aprilia RSV4 RR represents a top shelf technical platform, ready to provide the rider with a “race replica” performance and feeling. As standard equipment it also has all of those features which only the Factory version RSV4 had previously, such as magnesium external housings, oil sump and head covers, a wide range of chassis adjustments and the variable setting intake ducts. Aprilia RSV4 RR is available in two attractive color schemes, both matte, on a black and grey base (Bucine gray and black Ascari) and a“Race Pack” is also available that includes lightweight forged aluminum wheel rims and more sophisticated Öhlins suspension (shock absorbers, fork and steering damper).

To celebrate the arrival of the new RSV4, Aprilia is also offering a limited edition of 500 numbered units called the RSV4 RF, which comes standard with the Race Pack, as well as a dedicated graphic called “Superpole”.

Telemetry arrives with V4-MP

In the rich accessories catalogue dedicated to the Aprilia RSV4 RR you can now find a highly advanced version of the Aprilia Multimedia Platform which transforms your smartphone into a semi-professional tool with exceptional information capacity. As you know, AMP is the innovative multimedia platform offered exclusively by the Piaggio Group which allows you to connect your vehicle to your smartphone and consequently to the web. With this exceptional application your smartphone becomes an actual sophisticated on board multifunctional computer and the link between the vehicle and the Internet. This is a window to the future which lays the foundation for a new way of looking at communication on two wheels. Thanks to a further development of this fascinating system fine-tuned by Aprilia, communication between the bike and smartphone now becomes active: from your smartphone you can change the settings on your RSV4, as well as receive tips in real time on how to improve your performance on the track in complete safety.

Some of the more prominent features of V4-MP are:

• Active electronic setup: this is as close as you can get to the “corner-by-corner” electronic management used in racing. Using the GPS feature of your smartphone, the system recognises the position of the bike at any given time on the track and automatically changes the electronic adjustments (traction control, anti-wheelie, engine mapping, etc.), accessing a database of parameters recommended by Aprilia Racing. In any case you can set the electronic controls up according to your own preferences, turn by turn. This allows you to increase safety and effectiveness on the track, adjusting the control parameters at every point on the circuit and without distractions.
• Immersive virtual telemetry: your smartphone records the data from the engine and, using a sophisticated and realistic engine graphic, illustrates user performance. The lap reference is indicated by the “ghost” bike image and the performance relative to it can be downloaded to a database which collects all the laps made by Aprilia customers on each circuit.
• Adaptive race assistant: this feature provides tips in real time to safely achieve your best lap on the track with your RSV4. Thanks to Aprilia Racing Department simulation technology, you can establish the ideal lap for each track, considering the various grip and rider skill levels. The application compares rider performance in real time and assists by immediately indicating the need to brake or the possibility of opening up the throttle.

APRILIA RSV4 RR: Technical Specifications[RSV4 RF data in red and brackets]

Engine type	Aprilia longitudinal 65° V4 cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooled engine with dual overhead cam (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder
Fuel	Unleaded Petrol
Bore and stroke	78 x 52.3 mm
Total engine capacity	999.6 cc
Compression ratio	13.6:1
Maximum power at crankshaft	201 HP (148 kW) at 13,000 rpm
Maximum torque at crankshaft	115 Nm at 10.500 rpm
Fuel system	Airbox with front dynamic air intakes. Variable-height intake ducts controlled by engine control unit; 4 Marelli 48 mm throttle bodies with 8 injectors and latest-generation Ride-by-Wire technology.Choice of three different engine maps selectable by the rider with bike in motion: T (Track), S (Sport), R (Race)
Ignition	Magneti Marelli digital electronic ignition system integrated in engine control system, with one spark plug per cylinder and “stick-coil”-type coils
Starting	Electrical
Exhaust	4 into 2 into 1 layout, two oxygen sensors, lateral single silencer with ECU-controlled bypass valve and integrated trivalent catalytic converter
Alternator	Flywheel mounted 450 W alternator with rare earth magnets
Lubrication	Wet sump lubrication system with oil radiator and two oil pumps (lubrication and cooling)
Gearbox	6-speed cassette type gearbox1st: 39/15 (2.600)2nd: 33/16 (2.063)3rd: 34/20 (1.700) 4th: 31/21 (1.476) 5th: 31/23 (1.348) 6th: 34/27 (1.259) Gear lever with Aprilia Quick Shift electronic system (aQS)
Clutch	Multi-disc oil-bath, with mechanical slipper system
Primary drive	Straight cut gears and integrated flexible coupling, drive ratio: 73/44 (1.659)
Secondary drive	Chain: Drive ratio: 41/16 (2.5625)
Traction management	aPRC System (Aprilia Performance Ride Control), which includes Traction Control (aTC), Wheelie Control (aWC), Launch Control (aLC), all of which can be configured and deactivated independently.
Frame	Aluminum dual beam chassis with pressed and cast sheet elements. Envisaged adjustments: headstock position and rake engine height swingarm pin height Non-adjustable Sachs steering damper [Adjustable Öhlins steering damper]
Front suspension	Sachs Fork with 43 mmÆ stanchions; [Öhlins Racing Fork with TIN surface treatment]. Low profile forged aluminum radial calliper mounting bracket. Adjustable spring preload and hydraulic compression and rebound damping. Wheel travel: 120 mm
Rear suspension	Double braced aluminum swingarm; mixed low thickness and sheet casting technology.Sachs monoshock adjustable in: hydraulic in rebound and compression, spring preload, wheelbase length [Öhlins Racing monoshock with piggy-back, fully adjustable in: spring preload, wheelbase length, hydraulic in compression and rebound]. APS progressive linkages. Wheel travel 130 mm
Brakes	Front: Dual 320-mm diameter floating stainless steel disc with lightweight stainless steel rotor and aluminum flange with 6 pins. Brembo M430 monobloc radial callipers with 4 Æ30 mm opposing pistons. Sintered pads. Radial pump and metal braided brake hose
	Rear: 220 mm diameter disc; Brembo caliper with two Æ 32 mm separate pistons. Sintered pads. Pump with integrated tank and metal braided hose Bosch 9MP ABS, adjustable to 3 maps equipped with RLM (Rear wheel Lift-up Mitigation) – can be disabled.
Wheel rims	Aprilia aluminum alloy rims with 3 split spokes, [forged aluminum alloy, completely machined, 5 split spokes].Front: 3.5”X17”Rear: 6”X17”
Tires	Radial tubeless.Front: 120/70 ZR 17Rear: 200/55 ZR 17 (alternative: 190/50 ZR 17; 190/55 ZR 17)
Dry weight	180 kg* (397 lbs)
Fuel tank	18.5 liters (4.88 gallons) including 4-liter (1 gallon) reserve

*Dry weight, without battery and fluids.

The Aprilia RSV4 R and RSV4 RF ABS aPRC will be available in US in May 2015. MSRP to be confirmed. 

 

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