The RSV 1000 R is more of a true supersport than any other bike. Its individual character, its advanced engine and frame technology, and its original, aggressive, yet elegant and typically Italian styling establish it in a class of its own. The RSV’s V twin engine delivers unbelievable power that can be used to the full with total confidence. In the right hands, the RSV is the fastest and most aggressive of all supersports on the road, and even more so on the track.

2007 Aprilia RSV 1000 R

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2007 Aprilia RSV 1000 R
  • Engine/Motor: V60 Magnesium four stroke longitudinal 60° V twin. Liquid cooling with three way pressurised circuit. Double overhead camshaft with mixed gear/chain timing drive. Four valves per cylinder. Patented AVDC (Anti Vibration Double Countershaft).
  • Horsepower: 143 HP@10.000 RPM
  • Torque: 103 Nm @ 8.000 RPM
  • Transmission: 6-speed
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

A prestigious affirmation for Aprilia at the 11th edition of the Mediastars Awards in Milan, the authoritative national event dedicated to advertising, corporate design, and multi-media communications campaigns.


With the film focusing on the RSV 1000 R Factory (produced by Controcampo Productions), Aprilia competed against the top national competition and conquered three titles: Special Star for Best Directing, Special Star for Best Editing, and the 2nd Place Overall Award in the “Audiovisual Technique” Section (really, the RSV 1000 R Factory was judged as the 2nd best Italian company film in 2007).


This recognition comes with great and important satisfaction. Every year, Mediastars awards the best creativity and professionalism in Italian productions for both the design of their solutions and their more classical, multimedia communications. The Mediastars Awards Jury was composed of over 100 professionals from the sector.  The award ceremony took place on Wednesday, May 30th at the San Fedele Cultural Center of Milan.

2007 Aprilia RSV 1000 R


The competition comes and goes, but the Aprilia RSV 1000 R remains the world’s best supersport on road and track alike. This is the bike the others can only hope to match. The RSV 1000 R has clearly demonstrated its true colours in the World Endurance Championship, where it has been the only production twin to achieve amazing results among so many four cylinder machines. In legendary races like the Suzuka 8 hours and massacring endurance trials like the Oschersleben 24 hours, the RSV 1000 R has proved to the world that it can out-perform the best and still remain totally reliable.


Top level racing has been an unforgettable experience for all involved, but has also served as a fantastic ‘test bench’ for the new racing solutions that are already appearing on Aprilia’s production bikes. Every aspect of the Aprilia RSV 1000 R has been improved, from the engine to the chassis and fairing.


An RSV becomes an integral part of its rider’s body. The footrests and handlebars are positioned to promote 100% active control. The sitting position leaves you totally free to move as you feel. As a result, riding an RSV 1000 R is physically and mentally more relaxing than riding any motorcycle of the competition.


The RSV 1000 R is a supersport for the expert, and is always in the lead – especially on the race track! Its amazing performance does not rely on horsepower alone, but is the result of a complete engine-frame-suspension-brakes package that delivers an unbeatably smooth ride. Total usability and easy control have always been features of the Aprilia RSV, and winning characteristics in Moto GP too.


The updated and better than ever Aprilia RSV 1000 R remains the undisputed leader among sports twins, not only for the amazing technology that has gone into it but for the breathtaking performance that comes out too!


What counts most, perhaps, is the fact that despite its blistering performance, the latest RSV 1000 R is still exceptionally easy to ride. Here is a motorcycle that inspires riders with instant confidence and lets everybody achieve maximum performance quickly and intuitively.


Easier control means less physical and mental fatigue, faster and safer riding, and longer lasting concentration. These are determining factors for success on the track and just as important on the road.


The RSV 1000 R instantly inspires its rider with confidence to reach performance levels well beyond 4 cylinder machines of similar capacity for the same rider effort.


Not only is the RSV 1000 R fast, competitive, easy and enjoyable to ride, it is also far more comfortable and aerodynamic than it competitors.


Its styling is uniquely aggressive and instantly recognisable too. Bigger and more imposing than other 1000cc bikes, the RSV nevertheless boasts a Cx similar to that of a Moto GP racing machine, while affording a level of comfort that is amazing for a sports bike.


The engine delivers superlative performance, thanks to smooth torque and perfect synergy with the frame, allowing the RSV 1000 R to maintain its reputation as one of the fastest of all road bikes on the race track. Proof of this is the large number of RSVs found in the paddocks on privateer race days.


The improvements introduced on the RSV 1000 R include:

  • Euro 3 homologation
  • New injection mapping
  • The latest generation V60 Magnesium engine with exhaust valves increased from 31 to 33 mm in diameter
  • New, bigger exhaust pipes
  • New external catalytic converters, installed nearer the collector pipes for greater efficiency and cleaner emissions
  • New steering head rake angle, increased to 25° for greater stability
  • Öhlins fork with titanium nitride coated stanchions and radial caliper mountings
  • New fairing with bigger air vents
  • New tail
  • New, narrower tank side panels
  • New ram air intake with aerodynamically shaped edge


Constant technical development has enabled Aprilia’s engineers to carry on improving the performance of the motorcycle that already represented the state of the art for twin cylinder supersport machines. In this latest RSV 1000 R, the V60 Magnesium engine is not only cleaner but even more powerful, confirming its reputation as the world’s mightiest production twin. Neither have the modifications needed to achieve homologation to strict Euro 3 standards stopped Aprilia from squeezing another 4 horsepower out of this amazing engine. The latest powerplant delivers 105.24 kW (143 HP) at the crank to push the bike to a top speed of over 280 km/h, aided by improved aerodynamics and even more efficient engine breathing.


Even the chassis has been updated using the experience gained from a year of international racing that has seen the RSV 1000 R defeat all rivals on the world’s stock racing circuits. A prestigious Öhlins fork is fitted as standard, giving the RSV, with its already excellent handling, a touch of class and exclusivity not found among the competition. This unbeatable engine and chassis go hand in hand with top-quality components, and an even higher level of prestige equipment, placing the Aprilia RSV 1000 R in a class of its own not only in performance but in quality to price ratio too.


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DESIGN


The world-beating overall design of the previous model has been kept for Model Year 2007, but advances have been made in aerodynamic efficiency and engine aspiration. The fairing is new, and features bigger air vents for improved cooling under conditions of high stress for the engine. And a more enveloping fairing design at footrest level has improved the already fantastic aerodynamics still further.


The tail is new too, sleeker (like that of the Tuono ’06) and higher, giving the RSV 1000 R an even meaner look.


Even the windshield is new, with a lower double curvature, racing design. Air penetration is better, thanks to a smaller surface area, but there has been no loss of protection for the rider.


The headlight cluster comprises four separate lights that work in pairs, eliminating the lopsided ‘Cyclops’ look of so many modern sports bikes.


The RSV 1000 R is incredibly compact, but still boasts the top level ergonomics that have always characterised the RSV range. The side panels and tank sides are now sleeker than ever. This has reduced width and improved feel at the centre of the bike, and allows the rider to move around in the saddle with greater confidence and ease.


The new 16 LED tail light with clear white lens gives an even brighter light, despite its extremely compact size and the fact that it is perfectly integrated into the tail. This sensuous tail makes the RSV 1000 R instantly recognisable even from behind.


The latest design leaves nothing sticking out to spoil the RSV 1000 R’s clinically clean lines. The bike therefore cuts through the air like nothing else. Extensive wind tunnel testing has shown that the RSV 1000 R has a CX of only 0.3.


V60 MAGNESIUM ENGINE


The 1000 cc ‘V 60 Magnesium’ engine is an important milestone in the history of Aprilia twin-cylinder engines. The V 60 Magnesium (which is based on the acclaimed Rotax 998 cc 60° V twin) has been improved yet again for 2007 and now delivers even better performance while conforming to rigorous Euro 3 standards.


Its previous design features already placed this engine at the very pinnacle of twin cylinder development, but constant evolution and testing in Aprilia’s own R&D department have now made it even better.


New, bigger exhaust valves (increased from 31 to 33 mm in diameter) and larger diameter collector pipes, for example, have improved engine breathing. The latest V60 Magnesium puts out 143 HP at 10,000 rpm. Yet, as can be expected of an Aprilia, this amazing power is still fully usable and the engine itself remains totally reliable.


The new silver finish silencers have catalytic converters installed neared to the collector pipes. This solution has reduced converter activation time by 50% while further reducing the level of exhaust emissions, bringing the Aprilia RSV 1000 R well inside the strict parameters required for Euro 3 homologation. The secondary exhaust section has also been extended by 200 mm to boost torque at low revs.


Optimised fluid dynamics inside the cylinder heads have been enhanced by improved mapping of the combined ignition and fuel injection systems to achieve higher power throughout the useful rev range.


The V60 Magnesium breathes through the ‘Air Runner’ dynamic air scoop located in the middle of the nose fairing. This has been redesigned to increase air flow to the engine’s ‘lungs’. The Air Runner scoop is located precisely where dynamic pressure is highest, exactly along the bike’s centreline. From the scoop, an air duct passes through the steering head to take ram air to the generous 10.3 litre airbox.


A choke valve inside the duct, controlled by the engine ECU, regulates flow to provide the engine with air at exactly the right volume and pressure. The engine therefore packs incredible punch right through its extended speed range, enabling the rev limiter to be set at 11,000 rpm.


The mighty roar of the V60 Magnesium is muffled by two differential volume Helmotz resonators to reduce intake noise at the most critical engine speeds.


The airbox also houses an idling motor. This operates an electronically controlled valve that deviates air downstream of the butterfly valve to make it easier to start the engine from cold and to stabilise engine idling.


The Air Runner also performs a structural function. It incorporates two lightweight aluminium arms to hold the cockpit fairing and headlight so that there is no need for ugly brackets.


A new panel type air filter reduces pressure drop and improves engine efficiency.


The engine’s fuel injection system features 57 mm throttle bodies and one injector per cylinder.


Thank to the Air Runner ram air scoop, pressure in the airbox increases as the bike accelerates, leading to a 3% gain in power at maximum speed.


A new generation engine management unit, made in conjunction with Siemens VDO, controls all engine parameters. The ECU receives real time signals from 15 parameter sensors and processes these to control the actuators in real time too. (Parameters include air and coolant temperature; atmospheric, airbox and oil pressure; Lambda sensor oxygen level; crankshaft, camshaft, and rear wheel speed; throttle, side stand, clutch and neutral position; and battery voltage.)


The flash EPROM already contains racing mapping for unrestricted exhausts. Aprilia service engineers can easily change mapping on request from customers who intend to use their bikes exclusively on the racetrack.


All engine data passes through a CAN (Controlled Area Network) line to the instrument panel, which also acts as a diagnostic terminal. In the event of a malfunction, it is a simple job for service engineers to identify problems. The CAN line uses only two wires to transmit all data. This simplifies the electrical system enormously as well as reducing the total weight of the bike.


The RSV 1000 R also has a close ratio gearbox, to make it easier to make full use of the amazing power of the V60 Magnesium engine.


Despite so much technical evolution, the characteristics that made the original RSV stand out are still there.


  • Longitudinal 60° V twin engine with 4 valves per cylinder and double overhead camshaft, driven by a mixed chain and gear system.
  • Electronic fuel injection with 57 mm throttle bodies, one injector per cylinder, and an ‘Air Runner’ ram air scoop.
  • CDI ignition with one plug per cylinder. Ignition is controlled by the same integrated engine management system that also controls fuel injection.
  • Dry sump lubrication with double trochoidal pump, separate oil tank and oil cooler.
  • Mixed gear/chain valve timing drive with the two gears (one per timing chain) located in the crankcase to reduce cylinder head dimensions.


The RSV 1000 R’s sophisticated twin cylinder engine also incorporates the following exclusive Aprilia patents:

AVDC (Anti Vibration Double Countershaft).

Hydraulic action clutch with radial master cylinder assisted by the patented PPC (Pneumatic Power Clutch) system to control rear wheel bounce during fierce braking.


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FRAME


Years of high level racing have allowed Aprilia’s R&D section to design a frame that is acknowledged as the best production bike frame around.


One of Aprilia’s fixed objectives when designing the new RSV 1000 R frame was to achieve perfectly centralised mass. In line with Aprilia practice, the frame incorporates aluminium-silicon castings and Peraluman 450 pressings. The frame has been optimised by extensive finite element analysis and boasts excellent torsional rigidity though it weighs only 9,650 grams, a figure matched only by specialist racing frames.


Aprilia’s obsessive search for perfection, plus the experience gained from production bike racing has nevertheless led to small but important improvements to what was already the best frame on any machine of this type. The steering head’s rake angle has increased from 24° 45’ to 25° to give a slightly longer trail. Stability is better as a result, so that the new RSV 1000 R inspires even more confidence than before, without losing out on its acclaimed agility. The new RSV 1000 R swingarm is made from extruded Peraluman and Al Si7 castings. Its double member design provides a clear passage for the new twin silencer exhaust system.


Here too, cross-sections and wall thicknesses have been optimised using finite element analysis. The RSV 1000 R swingarm weighs only 4,860 grams, well under the swingarm weight benchmark of 5 kg.


SUSPENSION


The big news for 2007 is the arrival on the RSV 1000 R of the fantastic Öhlins fork, representing the state-of-the-art for this most important of all components in determining how a motorcycle handles. The new fork has 43 mm stanchions with titanium nitride coating for friction-free sliding action. Its advanced design with longer sleeves and shorter fork bottoms reduces load at two critical points, the slide bush and the stanchion to fork bottom joint). Wheel travel is 120 mm.


Like all top racing forks, the Öhlins allows precision adjustment of compression and rebound damping as well as spring preload.


The Sachs rear monoshock incorporates a separate piggy back nitrogen cylinder and is adjustable in preload, compression and rebound. A characteristic unique to Aprilia is that the length of the monoshock can be adjusted directly from the unit itself so that the rear end of the bike can be raised or lowered to achieve whatever setup may be required and to match rider preferences and other suspension adjustments.


BRAKES


Top supersports demand top quality brakes. The RSV 1000 R is again at the cutting edge of technology, and is equipped with Triple Bridge, radial caliper front brakes developed by Aprilia in conjunction with Brembo. The 320 mm floating steel discs on the front wheel feature narrower braking surfaces. This means reduced wheel weight and inertia and therefore more agile handling.


The RSV 1000 R’s radial callipers are combined with a radial master cylinder to form the most sophisticated braking system fitted to any current production bike.


The front and rear braking circuits both use aeronautical metal braid hoses to eliminate the pressure variations associated with conventional rubber brake lines, guaranteeing maximum braking precision.


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COMPONENTS


What places the Aprilia RSV 1000 R in a class of its own is the care taken in its design and manufacture and the attention paid to every single component on the bike. The result is increased performance and functionality, with reduced weight and a quality of finish that no other bike can equal.


The RSV 1000 R also features simplified bodywork. The fairing side panels are now made from just two pieces per side to make access and maintenance easier still. Even the fairing fasteners have been improved in design and finish.


The following components deserve a special mention:

  • The new Öhlins fork with titanium nitride (TiN) coated stanchions.
  • Aluminium steering pin and bottom yoke.
  • Radial front brake calipers.
  • Forged caliper mounting blocks for greater rigidity and stability under braking.
  • The combined digital and analog instrument panel receives data on all engine control parameters over a CAN line and incorporates memory to allow it to act as an integral part of the self-diagnostics system. The instrument panel provides the same readouts as the previous model (including a self timer with a 40 lap memory), but is now extremely modern and compact in design and weighs only 220 grams. All functions are controlled by three conveniently located keys. The LED backlighting may be set to three levels and is white for the analog instruments and red for the digital display.
  • The headlight cluster incorporates four lights for perfect night riding vision. The great care taken over the design and finish of the RSV 1000 R also transpires from little but important details like bulb holders made from blue anodised aluminium.
  • The white lens direction indicators are fully integrated in the bike’s body. The front indicators are moulded into the rear view mirrors while the rear indicators are built into the tail. This means that there is no need to remove them for track use. The rear number plate holder can also be removed quickly and easily to comply with competition regulations.
  • Even the ignition key is specially made for the RSV 1000 R and carries an internal identification code. The ignition block has an immobiliser fitted as standard.
  • The alloy wheels share the same forked spoke design as the exclusive forged wheels of the RSV 1000 R Factory


COLOURS


The eye-catching new graphics are available in Aprilia Black, Fluo Red and Aprilia White, conferring on the RSV 1000 R an even more aggressive, Italian sports look.


OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

  • Akrapovič complete homologated exhaust system
  • Akrapovič homologated slip-ons
  • Forged aluminium wheels
  • Öhlins steering damper
  • Öhlins rear monoshock
  • Carbon parts
  • Ergal reverse shifter
  • Adjustable aluminium footrests
  • Tank bag
  • Electronic anti-theft system
  • Comfort passenger seat (with deeper padding and integrated grab handles)
  • Paddock stand
  • Z15 pinion for racetrack use only
  • Akrapovič Aprilia Racing EVO6 complete racing exhaust system for racetrack use only


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SPECS

 

Engine: V60 Magnesium four stroke longitudinal 60° V twin. Liquid cooling with three way pressurised circuit. Double overhead camshaft with mixed gear/chain drive; four valves per cylinder. Patented AVDC (Anti Vibration Double Countershaft).

Fuel: 95 RON unleaded petrol.

Bore and stroke: 97 x 67.5 mm.

Displacement: 997.62 cc.

Compression ratio: 11.8 : 1.

Maximum power at the crank: 105.24 kW (143 HP) at 10,000 rpm.

Maximum torque at the crank: 10.3 kgm (101 Nm) at 8,000 rpm.

Fuel system: Integrated electronic engine management system. Indirect multipoint electronic injection. 57 mm throttle bodies.

10.3 litre airbox with Air Runner air scoop.

Ignition: Digital electronic ignition, with one spark plug per cylinder, integrated with fuel injection system.

Starting: Electric.

Exhaust: Double silencer with three way catalytic converter and lambda probe oxygen sensor (Euro 3).

Alternator: 12 V – 500 W.

Lubrication: Dry sump with separate oil tank; Double trochoidal pump with oil cooler; Steel oil tank.

Gearbox: Six speed. Transmission ratios: 1st 34/15 (2.27); 2nd 31/19 (1.63); 3rd 26/20 (1.3); 4th 24/22 (1.091); 5th 24/25 (0.96); 6th 23/26 (0.88)

Clutch: Multiple disc in oil bath with patented PPC power-assisted hydraulic control; Metal braided clutch line; Radial master cylinders with 15 mm piston.

Primary drive: Spur gears. Transmission ratio: 60/31 (1.935).

Final drive: Chain; Transmission ratio: 40/16 (2.5).

Frame: Box section sloping twin-spar frame in aluminium alloy.

Front suspension: 43 mm Öhlins titanium nitride (TiN) coated upside-down fork; Adjustable in compression, rebound and preload. 120 mm wheel travel. Shortened fork bottoms with radial caliper fittings.

Rear suspension: Aluminium alloy double member swingarm. Aprilia Progressive System (APS) linkages; Sachs monoshock with adjustable compression, rebound, preload and length. 133 mm wheel travel.

Brakes: Front: Brembo double stainless steel floating disc,  320 mm. Radial calipers with four 34 mm pistons and four sintered pads. Metal braided brake line; Rear: Brembo stainless steel disc, Ø 220 mm. Twin 32 mm piston caliper. Sintered pads. Metal braided brake line.

Wheels: Aluminium alloy; Front: 3.50 x 17"; Rear: 6.00 x 17"

Tyres: Radial tubeless; Front: 120/70 ZR 17; Rear: 190/50 ZR 17 (alternative: 180/55 ZR 17 or 190/55 ZR 17)

Dimensions: Overall length: 2,035 mm; Overall width: 730 mm (at handlebars); Overall height: 1,130 mm (at windshield); Seat height: 810 mm; Handlebar height: 830 mm (at bar ends); Wheelbase: 1,418 mm; Trail: 101.7 mm; Rake angle: 25°

Dry weight: 189 kg, dry

Tank: Capacity 18 litres, 4 litre reserve

Colours: Aprilia Black, Fluo Red, Aprilia White

First impression


Oh man, is this a bike designed for those who demand maximum performance on the track, or what? The chassis is so much lighter and the bike barely looks like its predecessors. It's a beautiful bike that likes to be heard, and people will know you are coming.


The RSV 1000 R Factory is the best twin cylinder supersport that money can buy. it dominated the final of the 2006 Master Bike, thanks to amazingly safe braking, rapid yet smooth and precise control when leaning into curves, excellent rear wheel feel under acceleration and, last but not least, a final drive gear ratio specially calculated for effective racing. Torque is seemingly unlimited, and cornering is flawless thanks to its light weight.


This is a bike designed for those who demand maximum performance on the track. It is equipped with world-beating solutions and components taken directly from the world of racing. The result is truly impressive in terms of design and manufacturing quality. The RSV 1000 R Factory stands apart from other twin-cylinder machines for the perfect balance it achieves between quality, technology, high-tech components and finish.

Overall, it's the best v-twin I can think of for the price.