Italy provides some of the most beautiful, high-performing examples of naked extravaganza (at least in what motorcycles are concerned), machines that end up setting the trend in their category and which will undoubtably end up museum pieces once their era is gone (yep, that’s hard to believe for me too).
Two such machines are built by Aprilia, the Tuono 1000 R and the Tuono 1000 R Factory, and are claimed to be leaders of their class as a result of being derived from their superbike siblings, the RSV4 and the RSV4 Factory. While we haven’t yet tested these bikes, we must say that the performance numbers (139hp and 107 Nm) speak for themselves.
Aprilia offers the Tuono 1000 R as a base model and the Factory version is no more than a lighter one as a result of being fitted with Ohlins suspensions and different carbon fiber pieces.
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We rarely get to see an entirely new and truly amazing addition to the supersport category, but the year 2009 has been very bountiful from this point of view and, at least now, nobody has reasons to complain. While Japan carried on the refinement side, manufacturers in Europe concentrated on adding new, fierce competitors to challenge the old square in Japan. Ducati was already a strong player on the market, BMW introduced their all-new and extremely potent S 1000 RR and Aprilia comes with a unique recipe for success, one that is resumed by the RSV4 Factory model name.
Features such as the new 65-degree V4 engine displacing 999.6cc and the new ride-by-wire engine management system as well as the multi-adjustable perimetral aluminum alloy frame and Öhlins Racing suspension are sure to position the 2009 Aprilia RSV4 Factory on a well-deserved place in the top three greatest liter bikes on the market today.
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Aprilia has been producing the Mana 850 as an entirely naked bike only, but the Italian manufacturer now also produces the sport-touring version called the Mana 850 GT. At its base, the bike remains the same all-rounder with nothing more than a half-fairing and an adjustable windscreen that is new for 2009, but it is claimed to be a completely new motorcycling concept and that definitely raises a few question marks.
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For 2009, Aprilia decided to enlarge its success area from supermoto (SXV) and enduro (RXV) to motocross with the new MXV model. Don’t be fooled by the bike’s similar looks as Aprilia has spent a lot of time modifying the platform in order to prove efficient for motocross racing. The frame and fuel tank suffered radical changes while the engine has been worked on from airbox to exhaust.
In order to withstand to racing demands, the frame was strengthened and engineers made sure that it would lose a few kilos on its way to the bike. The fuel tank now found its place well down into the frame and further back, significantly contributing to a lower and centralized gravity center.
Modifications to the frame and gas tank also lead to repositioning the airbox in front of the tank, making it easier for the filer to be changed.
In what concerns the engine, that is used as a stressed member of the chassis, but, at its base, remains the same 77° v-twin which, for 2009, features a kickstarter instead of the starter motor. Lightened and able to rev as high as 12,500rpm, the engine oil is kept separately from the one in the clutch, allowing for extending servicing intervals.
The ECU, housed by the airbox, now features Full and Soft Power engine maps. Full Power means just that, while Soft Power implies a more docile character, perfect for accommodating with the bike in those first runs or during capricious weather.
Engine retuning for more low-to-mid rpm grunt was done through the titanium exhaust system, which, by the way, you will miss if you blink.
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Part of Aprilia’s continuous growing lineup is now the Shiver 750 GT, a half-faired, Shiver 750-derived model which intends on becoming successful not only on Europe’s winding roads, but on freeways too. The new model is designed like a veritable sport-tourer from the old continent as it features angular lines which are more aimed at increasing visual attraction rather than the bike’s aerodynamics.
The engine remains the same V-Twin producing 95bhp and 81Nm of torque, only that it will now have to move more than the previous 198 kg as the fairing and ABS system add significant weight to the new Aprilia.
Apart from the small fairing, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and three riding modes (sport, touring and rain), there’s no feature to distinguish the “GT” model from the previous, simple one. Sport mode delivers maximum power and torque, Tour mode reduces the throttle response a little bit, while during Rain mode, engine torque is being reduced with 25%. The three riding modes are possible due to fuel injection mapping set up which optimizes delivery to suit each individual mode.
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With 31 world championship titles, 250 MotoGP wins and 8 Superbike victories in the last sixteen years, Aprilia is a legend in modern motorcycling. Aprilia motorcycles have dominated circuits all over the world thanks to unconventional technical solutions, experimentation and innovation and, sometimes, by revolutionising technology thought to be unchangeable.
With this unique sporting heritage behind them, Aprilia is proud to present the RSV4, the bike with which Aprilia will return to the Superbike World Championship in 2009. This extraordinary machine has been conceived, designed and developed entirely by Aprilia Racing for competition use.
2009 Aprilia RSV4
The RSV4 will make its debut in the 2009 Superbike World Championship. With four cylinders, 999 cc and top of the class power in the race-ready version, this revolutionary machine is packed with innovative design and manufacturing solutions of the sort we have come to expect from Aprilia. A V-four engine with total electronic management, and an exceptionally light and compact chassis are just some of the features that make this bike unique in the world of motorcycling. The revolutionary design of the Aprilia RSV4 comes directly from Europe’s biggest and most successful racing team.
The road-going version of the RSV4 also benefits from the extraordinary technical know-how that Aprilia Racing has accumulated over two decades of success in MotoGP, and is packed with advanced solutions from GP racing. In short, the RSV4 stands alone as a exclusive, genuine, and in many ways unique racing replica.
2009 Aprilia RSV4 Street Version
The Aprilia RSV4 is powered by the most revolutionary and most powerful engine ever developed by Aprilia. This 65° V four unit is based on an architecture that is unique in the world of supersport motorcycles, and features refined engineering combined with prestigious materials and advanced electronic management solutions.
The new engine uses multi-mapping ride-by-wire technology, a solution that opens up new horizons in engine control, and offers virtually infinite opportunities for power delivery and traction control (present as standard on the racing version).
The choice of a narrow V layout has led to the development of an incredibly narrow engine. This in turn has permitted weight to be centralised and chassis performance dramatically improved (thanks to a short wheelbase and long swingarm). The narrow V-four configuration permits a longer stroke to be used, with clear benefits in terms of improved engine breathing. High engine speeds can therefore be reached without having to extend the width of the crankcase. This is fundamentally important to aerodynamics and manoeuvrability (two characteristics for which Aprilia motorcycles have always been universally acclaimed).
2009 Aprilia RSV4
The monobloc cylinder block features integrated liners for maximum rigidity and consistent efficiency. The air intake trumpets are variable in length. Each bank of cylinders has a servomotor dedicated exclusively to the operation of their two throttle bodies. The aperture of the four butterfly valves, and therefore the volume of air inducted, can therefore be controlled independently. This solution opens up new horizons in electronic engine and power management, resulting in truly advanced integral traction control. A cassette type gearbox and a slipper clutch demonstrate the racing character of this engine.
The Aprilia RSV4 has been designed and developed with competition in mind, and naturally offers all the adjustments normally found on racing machines. In particular, this most powerful Aprilia ever made stands out for its complete range of chassis adjustments. The variable geometry frame not only allows you to change parameters like headstock angle (thanks to interchangeable steering bushings), but even lets you adjust swingarm and engine position. Racing technology has been used for all aspects of construction. The RSV4’s aluminium frame and swingarm are constructed from a clever mix of thick-walled parts and variable section sheet.
All components are naturally of the highest calibre. They include an Öhlins fork, rear monoshock and steering damper, Brembo monobloc brake calipers and forged aluminium wheels.
The styling of the Aprilia RSV4 has followed the same approach as the rest of the design. The RSV4’s racing character is clear from every component, and from the absence of solutions chosen only for appearances. As a result the overall design of the RSV4 and the advanced technology of its component parts merge into a uniquely harmonious whole that is superbly functional on the racetrack – the natural habitat of this latest Aprilia.
2009 Aprilia RSV4
The fairing has been developed in the wind tunnel. Minimal in size, it in no way detracts from the stunning technology of the engine. The frame/engine system is fully visible and bulges like muscles beyond the fairing.
The triple headlight cluster makes the RSV4 instantly recognisable and unique from the very first glance.
The superbly lightweight tail slopes upwards to emphasise the dynamic nature of the Aprilia RSV4. Even when stationary, the bike simply exudes a desire for speed and competition.
With the 2009 RXV 4.5 – 5.5, Aprilia proves that development never stops as the world of racing is a continuous inspiration for road legal motorcycles such as the two previewed today. Featuring an even lighter chassis than the previous model year, the upgraded V-Twin motor and new design, these will become some of the most highly acclaimed enduro motorcycles of next year.
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Fresh out of the drawing board, Aprilia presents to us its latest Supermoto and Enduro 125cc models, the SX 125 and RX 125. Not new in the lineup, but radically improved, they announce a whole new kind of fun both on dirt tracks and on paved ones. Let’s see what their all about!
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Aprilia launched the new 2008 SXV, a motorcycle which had already made a name for itself as the first twin cylinder supermotard in the world. So it is understandable why designers and engineers constantly kept improving this motorcycle, delivering a leader for the class.
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With cities becoming more and more crowded, people start heading towards motorcycle showrooms and discover that a scooter would be more appropriate for their commuting needs. A good example is the Atlantic 250/125 which, no matter the cylinder capacity choose, it offers excellent comfort and efficient aerodynamics while still remaining incredible easy to ride.
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