The Aprilia RSV4 makes no compromise when it comes to agility. The motorcycle was designed to reward you with first class performance on the track but also on the road. It comes with a sporty style, modern technologies and a strong engine.

Talking about the engine, the RSV4 Factory APRC SE is equipped with a 65° V-4 unit which is combined Ride By Wire and multimap engine management. You also get adjustable traction control which is capable of self-adjusting to suit different types of tyres, wheelie control, launch control and quick shift.

The motorcycle is equipped with multi-adjustable suspensions, which consist of a front Öhlins Racing upside-down fork and a Öhlins Racing rear shock absorber developed from experience learned directly on the track. The rear shock features a piggy back nitrogen canister 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.

Hit the jump for more information on the 2012 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC SE.

2012 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC SE

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC SE
  • Engine/Motor: V4, four-stroke
  • Horsepower: 180
  • Torque: 115
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Press Release

This new technology is brought together in the APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) package, basically the state of the art in dynamic performance control, a multi-patented system that makes Superbike winning technology available to professional racing riders and hobby riders alike. All this comes in an easy to use, intuitive package.

Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC SE's improvements are not limited to the electronic management system. The 65° V4 engine offers improved lubrication and closer spaced gears for better acceleration. The new, lighter exhaust features an advanced butterfly valve management system to suit the Ride By Wire mapping for improved breathing and efficiency throughout the RPM range.

In addition, the Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC SE is the first super sport bike sporting the homologated new-generation extra performance dual blend 200/55 tyres developed in collaboration with Pirelli based on the expertise gathered on World Superbike racing circuits.

All new features of the Factory Special Edition

The new features introduced in the Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC SE in detail:

APRC Aprilia Performance Ride Control, the electronic management package including:

-ATC: Aprilia Traction Control automatically adjusts to different types of tyres, with 8 settings conveniently selectable while racing from a joystick on the left handlebar without turning down the throttle;

-AWC: Aprilia Wheelie Control with three settings;

-ALC: Aprilia Launch Control, for use on the track only, with 3 settings;

-AQS: Aprilia Quick Shift, for ultra-fast shifting without closing the throttle or using the clutch.

Engine

While the incredible APRC system is without a doubt the most important new feature introduced with this latest version of the RSV4, there has also been a raft of significant updates made to the engine of the RSV4 Factory APRC SE improve 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 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.

Chassis and Suspension

The 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.

The 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 Tyres

The 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.

Componentry

A 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.

With its livery, based on Aprilia's battle colours (red and black) and with an unmistakable racing character underscored by the Italian tricolour, the RSV4 Factory APRC SE is even more exclusive and is evocative of Aprilia's triumphant victory in the 2010 SBK World Championship.

Performance

This 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 has resulted in an electronic management system that is extremely sophisticated but also intuitive and very user friendly.

The APRC package uses an automotive inertial sensor platform with two gyrometers and two accelerometers allowing the ECU to recognise the dynamic conditions of the bike and adapt the engine management parameters accordingly. The rider can adjust any component of the APRC system independently at will.

Specifications

Engine

Aprilia longitudinal 65° V-4 cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooling system, double overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder.

Fuel

Unleaded petrol

Bore x Stroke

78 x 52.3 mm

Total displacement

999.6 cc

Compression ratio

13:1

Maximum power at the crank

180 HP (132.4 kW) at 12,250 rpm

Maximum torque at the crank

115 Nm at 10,000 rpm

Fuel 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 coils.

Starting

Electric

Exhaust

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).

Generator

Flywheel mounted 420W alternator with rare earth magnets.

Lubrification

Wet sump lubrication system with oil radiator and two oil pumps (lubrication and cooling).

Gear box

6-speed cassette type gearbox 1st: 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 system.

Primary drive

Straight cut gears and integrated flexible coupling, drive ratio: 73/44 (1,659).

Final drive

Chain: Drive ratio: 42/16 (2.625).

Frame

Twin-spar adjustable aluminium frame, with castings and pressings. Envisaged adjustments: • headstock position and rake • engine height • swingarm pin height Öhlins adjustable steering damper

Front suspension

Öhlins Racing upside-down fork, Æ 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 mm.

Rear suspension

Double braced aluminium swingarm; mixed low thickness and sheet casting technology. Öhlins Racing mono-shock absorber with completely adjustable piggy-back in: spring preload, wheelbase, hydraulic compression and rebound damping. APS progressive linkage. Wheel travel 130mm.

Brakes

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 Æ34-mm opposite. Sintered pads. Radial pump and metal braided brake hose. Rear: 220-mm diameter disc; Brembo floating calliper with two Æ32mm isolated pistons. Pump with integrated tank and metal braided hose .

Wheels

Aprilia forged aluminium alloy rims, completely machined, 5 split spokes. Front:3.5”X17” Rear: 6”X17”

Tyres

Radial tubeless. Front: 120/70 ZR 17 Rear: 200/55 ZR 17 (alternative: 190/50 ZR 17; 190/55 ZR 17)

Dimensions

Max. length: 2040 mm Max. width: 735 mm (at the handlebar) Max. height: 1120 mm Min. height from the ground: 130 mm Saddle height: 845 mm Centre to centre distance: 1420 mm Trail: 105 mm Steering angle:24.5°

Dry weight

179 kg

Fuel tank capacity

17 litres (4-litre reserve included).


Quotes

ashonbikes----"In addition to that you have wheelie control, which if levels 1 to 3 of traction control are set is very useful even while the bike is still in a turn, as the huge amount of grip available from the Pirelli tyres means the bike is perfectly capable of wheelying even as you’re leant over and still driving out of the corner. And like the traction control, the wheelie control is distinguished by its smoothness. There’s no sudden cutting of power or dumping the front wheel back onto the ground, instead it’s gently let down again as you keep the throttle pinned to the stop. But unlike the traction control, you can’t change the level of wheelie control while riding, which is a little disappointing."

sportrider----"State of art technology This new technology is brought together in the APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) package, basically the state of the art in dynamic performance control, a multi-patented system that makes Superbike winning technology available to professional racing riders and hobby riders alike. All this comes in an easy to use, intuitive package."