The Aprilia RSV4 has raced and been compared to a number of different things over the years so it’s a little refreshing that for a change, Aprilia USA is taking its competitive juices aside to pay tribute to the the of man’s greatest technological achievement: the space shuttle.
When the first shuttle mission launched back in 1981, it opened the gates for a golden age in technological advancements that coursed through various industries, including the automotive and motorcycle segments. The space shuttle program made so many things possible in this world and opened our eyes to a world full of never-before-though-of possibilities.
Now that the space shuttle is nearing its end, the folks over at Aprilia USA have released a pretty cool video paying tribute to the space shuttle program and all the men and women responsible for designing, building, and operating the very machine that made space travel possible.
As part of the video, Aprilia uses facts from both the space shuttle and their very own RSV4 superbike to note how the former set the precedent - in more ways than one - for the latter, and so many other machines, to become the technological marvels that they are in their own right.
It’s not so much a comparison video this time around for the RSV4, but more of Aprilia tipping their helmets off to one of mankind’s finest achievements as it makes its final voyage into the cosmos.
Aprilia has brought a new limited edition RSV4 to the US market. Called the RSV4 Factory APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) Special Edition, this special edition was developed using data from this year’s Superbike Championship and is equipped with a new electronic management system that includes traction control, wheelie control, launch control and quick shift.
The new bike is powered by a water cooled, 999cc, 65° V4 engine that develops 180 HP and 115 Nm of torque. 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.
Also, the 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.
Next to the RS4, Aprilia also brought the Tuono V4 R supersports bike to the EICMA Show. The new bike features a new exhaust system with bypass valve, which is two kilos lighter than the system used on the RSV4 R and is powered by a V4 65° engine framed by the brushed aluminum elements.
One special feature of the new Tuono V4 R is the APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) joystick, the second generation electronic dynamics control package developed by Aprilia to get as close as possible to the physical limits of riding. APRC is based on an automotive inertia sensor platform, with two gyrometers and two accelerometers allowing the ECU to determine the dynamic state of the motorcycle and control engine torque accordingly to help the rider exploit the full performance potential of the bike in all conditions.
The APRC package includes ATC traction control (Aprilia Traction Control), with eight selectable levels, which controls sliding when accelerating out of a curve in relation to bank angle and throttle aperture, AWC (Aprilia Wheelie Control), which helps the rider control extreme wheelying by gradually bringing the front wheel back to the ground, and AQS (Aprilia Quick Shift), which allows instantaneous upshifts without closing the throttle or using the clutch. Completing the suite of four functions is the most exhilarating of all: ALC (Aprilia Launch Control).
Aprilia has unveiled a completely revised RS4 at the EICMA Show in Italy. It will be offered in two versions: Aprilia RS4 50 and Aprilia RS4 125. The first version, the RS4 50, is powered by a single cylinder, liquid cooled 50 cc 2-stroke engine while the second version, the RS4 125, is powered by a single cylinder liquid cooled 125 cc 4-stroke with electronic injection, 4 valves, and double overhead camshafts (DOHC).
The RS4 features a unique look at the front end with the headlights suspended over the gaping air intakes. It also uses the same spectacular tapered tail fairing as found on the 1000 cc supersports model. These models set new standards in terms of style and technical content for the superbike segment.
The superbike comes with a multifunctional analogue/digital instrument panel with LCD display and 6-spoke design wheels. On Aprilia RS4, one additional detail underscores the level of sophistication of the bike: the exhaust, which is unmistakably inspired by competition machines, is completely integrated within the lower part of the fairing. A solution that is not just visually effective, but which also contributes significantly to the dynamics of the bike by helping to centralise masses.
As the world’s fourth largest motorcycle manufacturer, Aprilia has been noted for creating first-class bikes that captivate any rider’s heart. And every year they have added unique motorcycle models to their huge collection.
In 2007, the company launched the Aprilia Shiver 750. This model, unfortunately, didn’t get the market’s attention successfully due to the Shiver’s not-so-good exterior reported by its importers. However in 2010, the Aprilia Shiver 750 seems to be taking a corner with some major improvements to the bike’s exterior. Many didn’t expect this, but the Shiver 750 has made it’s appearance more head-turning, and its specs more interesting. Aprilia has made changes to the motorcycle’s lower seats, brakes, sitting positions, wheels, and abs in the hopes of selling more units this year. And even though the Shiver has been given a new face and some major revisions, this 2-wheeled vehicle is still easy to ride.
Hit the jump for the breakdown of the Shiver 750’s new features.
