The Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC earned its strong reputation after has dominated the world superbike championship. The bike was especially developed to be used on race tracks, but also on public roads and features a sporty look and a dynamic character.

At the heart of the Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC lies a 65° V-4 engine which is the first unit of its type ever seen in a sports production bike. The engine is offered with a multimap management and cranks out 180 HP at 12,250 rpm and 115 Nm at 10,000 rpm.

Other features offered for the 2013 Aprilia RSV4 are traction control, wheelie control, launch control, Aprilia Quick Shift, new exhaust and a dual display mode for instrument panel display - ROAD and RACE.

The 2013 model is offered with the same chassis and swingarm configuration as the previous generation. The company has also kept the multi-adjustable suspension and the chassis adjustments unchanged.

Hit the jump for more information on the 2013 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC.

2013 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC
  • Engine/Motor: Aprilia longitudinal 65° V-4 cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooling system, double overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder.
  • Horsepower: 180 @ 2250
  • Torque: 85 @ 10000
  • Transmission: 6-speed
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Overview

From aprilia's domination in the world superbike championship, the motorcycle that already set new standards for the supersports street bike genre: aprilia rsv4 factory aprc.

A symbol of the “race ready” bike, rsv4 factory aprc is even faster and safer on the track today thanks to the aprc dynamic controls package.

Three innovative systems patented by aprilia which constantly monitor the dynamic conditions of the bike and operate on the engine control to support the rider in reaching maximum racing speed.

Racing heritage

Created with the single-minded goal of being simply the best on the track and on the road, since its inception the Aprilia RSV4 has astonished the world with its looks, technology and performance. The first 65° V-4 engine ever in a sports production bike, a chassis worthy of a 250 GP, Ride By Wire, multimap engine management: all these are accomplished achievements for the Aprilia RSV4, that tops unique architecture and specs with Aprilia's signature excellent rideability brought to the next level.

But records are made to be broken. Thanks to the unrelenting efforts of the Aprilia R&D department and a very close collaboration between Racing Department and production, the Aprilia RSV4 has made a giant leap forward.

The RSV4 Factory APRC is a milestone in the history of super sport bikes. All of the racing expertise and indications gathered during the successful 2010 season of World Champion Max Biaggi were brought together in a bike that sets a new standard for future road bike development.

Unique adjustable traction control capable of self-adjusting to suit different types of tyres, wheelie control, launch control, quick shift: these are the RSV4 Factory APRC's new features that raise the bar in track performance even further up.

Aprilia's technological supremacy meant that every aspect of the electronic management system for the RSV4 Factory SBK, with which Max Biaggi dominated the 2010 World Superbike Championship, could be developed in house. As a result of the innovative know how developed on the circuit and the close collaboration between the team, the Racing Division and the manufacturing division, the transfer of this technology from the track to production was practically instantaneous. This is how the Aprilia people were able to turn out the fastest, most effective bike on the track, a bike whose only goal is to post the fastest lap.

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.

Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC'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 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 of the innovations on the Factory APRC

The new features introduced in the Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC 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.

Dual display mode for instrument panel display: ROAD and RACE;

New exhaust is lighter and offers improved performance;

Optimised gear ratios for the utmost track performance;

Improved engine lubrication;

New, exclusive 200/55 dual blend rear tyre.

APRC Aprilia Performance Ride Control

This is the most significant among the new features of the Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC, 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.

ATC: the traction control system of the future

The 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 acceleration

Exploiting 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 avoids 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 holeshot

The 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 shifting

When 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 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 Motorcycle

A 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. Prestigious materials, an ultra-sophisticated suspension and the APRC system make the RSV4 Factory APRC quite simply the most advanced and highest performance sports bike on the track.

The RSV4 Factory APRC 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. In addition to the structural and mechanical refinement of the RSV4 Factory – in this MY2011 – we have prestigious materials, modifications to make it lighter and increase engine performance, and the APRC package which allows dynamic management of the bike on a professional level with an easy and 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 is the RSV4 at the nth power, direct descendent of the World Superbike winner.

RSV4 Factory APRC 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

The 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, drawn from experience in competion to 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 Aprilia 65° V4 engine specifications in short:

Engine capacity: 999.6 cc

Architecture: 65° V4

Crankcase: monobloc with integrated crankcase liners

Timing 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 train

Fuel system: Electronic injection with 2 injectors per cylinder and integrated independent Ride by Wire system for each bank. Three mappings selectable from handlebar.

Antivibration countershaft

Compression ratio: 13:1

Transmission: 6-speed direct-control cassette type gearbox

Clutch: Multiplate wet clutch with mechanical slipper system

Electronic management: Magneti Marelli control unit managing ignition, injection and Ride by Wire system, and variable length intake ducts

APRC system for dynamic control

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 vibrations even more than in a 90° V engine.

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 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

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 suspension, 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 the engine position in the frame.

Suspension

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, 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 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 livery is impressed on the contrast between red and black, the Aprilia sports colours, with a third “nuance” represented by the visible carbon fibre theme generously distributed on this precious Factory APRC version.

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

Motorcycle-Usa ---- "The power output of the engine has also been boosted slightly. Aprilia claims the new engine spec pumps out four additional horsepower and is now rated at 184 horses (measured at the crankshaft). Peak torque sees a roughly 2% increase. Lastly, the programming of its class-leading Aprilia Ride Control electronics suite (includes traction control, quickshifter and adjustable engine power modes—find out more in the Aprilia RSV4 APRC Traction Control Comparison) has been updated for improved functionality. As of this post, it is unclear when the bike will land Stateside or what price it will carry. "

Asphaltandrubber ---- "While Aprilia could have stopped there and called things a day, the Italian brand has made further changes to the Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC’s stock engine placement in the chassis, as well as other refinements in the RSV4′s exhaust and ECU. The result is a lower center of gravity, and a mild boost in peak horsepower and mid-range torque, which brings the revised RSV4 Factory up to 181.4hp at the crank and 86.3 lbs•ft of peak torque @ 10,500 rpm."

Motorcyclenews ---- "This is what motorcycling dreams are made of: a sunny day, a dry track and one of the world's best superbikes to play on. I'm talking about the lightly-revised new 2013 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC. It's available from the dealers next Feburary and costs the same as the current model - £16,599."