The Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC Special Edition has been revealed at the 2010 Intermot show.
The special edition RSV4 Factory taps into Aprilia’s racing heritage, especially after Max Biaggi’s WSBK championship win this year and Aprilia having earned the manufacturer’s title.
The RSV4 APRC applies track technology and experience to Aprilia’s supersports road bike, creating what Aprilia likes to call a benchmark in this segment.
The new RSV4 APRC special edition is fitted with features such as adjustable traction control, wheelie control, launch control and quick shift transmission.
It includes some of the features of the electronic engine management system of the SBK Aprilia bike with APRC standing for ‘Aprilia Performance Ride Control’.
The package has improved lubrication and closer gears on the V4 engine, a lighter exhaust and an improved butterfly valve management system which is more closely matched to the Ride by Wire system.
The RSV4 APRC special edition is designed both for those wanting a more serious track bike, and for hobby riders who love this kind of superbike technology.
The bike is even fitted with new dual blend 200/55 tyres which have been specifically developed with Pirelli for WSBK circuits.
More details after the jump include spec sheets.
The traction control includes eight different settings which adjust to the various tyre and track conditions and which can be selected via a joystick mechanism on the left handlebar.
The wheelie control has three settings while the launch control is a track-only feature with three settings.
The quick shift transmission feature is designed for fast gear change without closing the throttle or using the clutch.
There is a road and race dual display mode on the instrument panel to let the rider know what settings he or she is using at the time.
As we can see, Aprilia has thrown just about everything at this bike and this is probably as close as we’ll ever get to playing Max Biaggi.
The Aprilia RSV4 was already a very impressive machine, but this really takes it to the next level and proves that the superbike championship is the proving ground for developing new product (contrary to what Ducati might say).
Below you’ll find all the details from the press release – everything you’ll need to satisfy your curiosity.
We can’t wait to see more pics of the bike, too.
APRC APRILIA PERFORMANCE RIDE CONTROLThis is the most significant among the new features of the Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC SE, a technology platform that is one step above any other systems available in the market, not yet available on all racing bikes.
The transfer of know-how from racing to production created an extremely sophisticated electronic management system that is intuitive and easy to use for everyone.
The APRC package uses an automotive inertial platform with two turn meters and two accelerometers that enable the ECU to track dynamic conditions and adjust engine control consequently.
The rider can adjust any component of the APRC system independently at will.
ATC: the traction control system of the futureThe 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 accelerationExploiting 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.
Smooth, soft wheelie management avoid harsh power cuts or pick-up, providing perfect acceleration control.
Again, 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 holeshotThe 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 shiftingWhen 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 Factory APRC SE is the first Aprilia bike that comes with the Aprilia Quick Shift as standard.
Basically, the quick shift shortens spark advance for an instant and then gradually restores it, making for super-fast shifting with no need to close the throttle or use 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 MOTORCYCLEA combination of superior mechanical and electronic technologies can only lead to excellent rideability.
“Factory” is the key word that evokes the world of racing and special bikes, for special riders who demand top sport riding performance.
Select valuable materials, ultra-sophisticated suspension, APRC system, and a dedicated livery make the RSV4 Factory APRC Special Edition the most cutting-edge sport bike with unsurpassed track performance.
The RSV4 Factory APRC Special Edition aims to be the perfect tool for riders who demand top track performance from their bikes.
Sophisticated, valuable, refined – this bike is the best in motorcycling technology worldwide.
This Special Edition, born at the end of an extraordinary season in which Aprilia dominated the WSBK, tops the refined structure and mechanics of the RSV4 Factory with valuable materials, lightweight design and APRC as standard equipment to enable professional dynamic control through an easy to use, intuitive interface.
This project is designed for those who want top riding performance on the track at a price/equipment ratio unequalled in its class.
RSV4 Factory APRC SE is the RSV4 at the nth power, direct descendent of the World Superbike winner.
RSV4 Factory APRC Special Edition highlights:• APRC fitted as standard• Fuel system with variable length intake ducts• Advanced exhaust butterfly valve management• 3-point adjustable chassis• Öhlins fully adjustable front fork• Öhlins fully adjustable shock absorber• Öhlins adjustable steering damper• Wheel rims in forged aluminium• Carbon parts• Special Tricolour liveryTHE ENGINEThe incredible APRC system is undoubtedly the most significant new feature of this new RSV4 version.
However, the RSV4 Factory APRC SE engine sports a platitude of improvements to upgrade its already legendary 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 ccArchitecture: 65° V4Crankcase: monobloc with integrated crankcase linersTiming 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 trainFuel system: Electronic injection with 2 injectors per cylinder and integrated independent Ride by Wire system for each bank.
Three mappings selectable from handlebar.
Antivibration countershaftCompression ratio: 13:1Transmission: 6-speed direct-control cassette type gearboxClutch: Multiplate wet clutch with mechanical slipper systemElectronic management: Magneti Marelli control unit managing ignition, injection and Ride by Wire system, and variable length intake ductsAPRC system for dynamic controlThe 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 first and second order vibrations, making the engine even smoother than a 90° V one.
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 Factory APRC SE underwent a number of refinements and further improvements based on the world superbike racing experience with the factory bike.
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.
CHASSISThe bike retains the unique chassis and swingarm solutions that make it the world’s first “race ready” V4 superbike.
In order to boost chassis performance and make it match the rider’s tastes, or features of the track, Aprilia RSV4 Factory ensures a combination of adjustments that are pretty much infinite.
The multi-adjustable suspensions, taken for granted on a motorcycle of this level, are combined with three chassis adjustments: headstock position and rake (through interchangeable bushings), rear end height, swingarm pin height and – introducing a new capability exclusive to this bike – the engine position in the frame.
SuspensionThe Öhlins Racing upside-down fork has 43-mm diameter stanchions and is titanium nitride coated to minimise friction.
The wheel travel is 120 mm.
As on a racing bike, the fork allows millimetre-precise adjustment for hydraulic compression and rebound damping and spring preload.
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.
Wheels and tyresThe effort to shed as much weight as possible and offer the best feeling led to implementation of new, ultra-light forged aluminium rims.
An almost obsessive pursuit of top performance resulted in an exclusive, innovative dual blend tyre developed in collaboration with Racing Department, R&D and Pirelli.
The racing sized 200/55 ZR17 tyre offers a better contact pattern in bends, shaving precious tenths of a second of lap time – a technology unique to this bike.
ComponentryA real Superbike is special not only as far as performance is concerned but also for the care it is built with.
With regard to the RSV4 Factory APRC Special Edition, the details say it all: no other “race ready” motorcycle has ever been built with such care and attention.
The attention paid to its construction not only satisfies the desire for beauty.
A motorbike built like the RSV4 Factory APRC Special Edition is in any case gorgeous, but most of all aims at achieving the goal: to win.
This is why every detail was thought out to increase performance and functionality, reducing the weight and considerably increasing the product’s quality and finish.
The unmistakably racing style livery lends the RSV4 Factory APRC SE a yet more exclusive look and recalls Aprilia’s victories in the World SBK Championship.
APRILIA RSV4 FACTORY APRC SE: Technical SpecificationsEngine type Aprilia longitudinal 65° V-4 cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooling system, double overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinderFuel Unleaded petrolBore and stroke 78 x 52.
3 mmTotal engine capacity 999.
6 ccCompression ratio 13:1Maximum power at crankshaft 180 HP (132.
4 kW) at 12,250 rpmMaximum torque at crankshaft 115 Nm at 10,000 rpmFuel system Airbox with front dynamic air intakes.
Variable length intake ducts controlled via ECU.
4 Weber-Marelli 48-mm throttle bodies with 8 injectors and latest generation Ride-by-Wire engine management.
Choice of three different engine maps selectable by the rider with bike in motion: T (Track), S (Sport), R (Road)Ignition Magneti Marelli digital electronic ignition system integrated in engine control system, with one spark plug per cylinder and “stick-coil”-type coilsStarter ElectricExhaust system 4 into 2 into 1 layout, single oxygen sensor, lateral single silencer with engine control unit-controlled butterfly valve and integrated trivalent catalytic converter (Euro 3)Alternator Flywheel mounted 420W alternator with rare earth magnetsLubrication Wet sump lubrication system with oil radiator and two oil pumps (lubrication and cooling)Transmission 6-speed cassette type gearbox1st: 38/16 (2.
375)2nd: 35/18 (1.
944)3rd: 28/17 (1.
647)4th: 32/22 (1,455)5th: 34/26 (1,308)6th: 33/27 (1,222)Gear lever with Aprilia Quick Shift electronic system (AQS)Clutch Multiplate wet clutch with mechanical slipper systemPrimary drive Straight cut gears and integrated flexible coupling, drive ratio: 73/44 (1,659)Secondary drive Chain: Drive ratio: 42/16 (2.
625)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.
Chassis Twin-spar adjustable aluminium frame, with castings and pressings.
Envisaged adjustments:• headstock position and rake• engine height• swingarm pin heightÖhlins adjustable steering dumperFront suspension Öhlins Racing upside-down fork, 43-mm stanchions (with Tin surface treatment).
Low profile forged aluminium radial caliper mountings.
Completely adjustable spring preload and hydraulic compression and rebound damping.
Wheel travel: 120 mmRear suspension Twin sided aluminium swingarm; mixed low thickness and sheet casting technology.
Öhlins Racing monoshock with piggyback with completely adjustable: spring preload, wheelbase and hydraulic compression and rebound damping.
APS progressive linkages.
Wheel travel: 130 mmBrakes Front: Dual 320-mm diameter floating stainless steel disc with lightweight stainless steel rotor and aluminium flange with 6 pins.
Brembo monobloc radial callipers with 4 34-mm opposite.
Sintered pads.
Radial pump and metal braided brake hose Rear: 220-mm diameter disc; Brembo floating calliper with two 32mm isolated pistons.
Pump with integrated tank and metal braided hoseRims Aprilia forged aluminium alloy rims, completely machined, 5 split spokes.
Front:3.
5”X17”Rear: 6”X17”Tyres Radial tubeless.
Front: 120/70 ZR 17Rear: 200/55 ZR 17 (alternative: 190/50 ZR 17; 190/55 ZR 17)Dimensions (default settings) Max.
length: 2040 mmMax.
width: 735 mm (at the handlebar)Max.
height: 1120 mmMin.
height from the ground: 130 mmSaddle height: 845 mmCentre to centre distance: 1420 mmTrail: 105 mmSteering angle:24.
5°Kerb weight 179 kg *Tank 17 litres (4-litre reserve included)*Dry weight, without battery and fluids.