Burn the Hell's Highway

APRILIA RSV4 FACTORY APRC SPECIAL EDITION 2011 HIGHLIGHTS

VEHICLE REVIEW

Ultra sophisticated electronic management – The APRC pack lets the rider freely adjust every single aspect of the bikes performance and handling as desired. 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 Special Edition 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 SE’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 the 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 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.

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 thethrottle

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 : Performance Ride Control

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.

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.

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 avoid 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 comtrol systems choosing from three settings to better meet rider requirements.

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 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. To optimise AQS performance, Aprilia engineers have fine-tuned power cut timing based on shifting RPM.

Motivate the Future

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. Select valuable materials, ultra-sophisticated suspension, APRC system, and a dedicated livery make the RSV4 Factory APRC Special Edition the most cutting-edgesport bike with unsurpassed track performance. The RSV4 Factory APRC Special Edition 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. This Special Edition, born at the end of an extraordinary season in which Aprilia dominated the WSBK, tops the refined structure and mechanics of the RSV4 Factory with valuable materials, lightweight design and APRC as standard equipment to enable professional dynamic control through an easy to use, 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 SE is the RSV4 at the nth power, direct descendent of the World Superbike winner.

RSV4 Factory APRC Special Edition 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

Special Tricolour livery

Powerunit 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 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

Gearbox: 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

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 & 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

OVERVIEW SPECIFICATIONS

Engine

Alternator Watts : 420
Bore (in) : 3.07
Bore (mm) : 78
Carburetion Brand : Weber-Marelli
Compression Ratio : 13:1
Cooling : Liquid
Cylinders : 4
Displacement (cc) : 999.6
Displacement (ci) : 61
Engine Configuration : V4
Engine Immobilizer : Standard
Engine Type : 4-Stroke
Fuel Injector : Yes
Fuel Injector Size (mm) : 48
Fuel Requirements : Premium
Fuel System Type : Fuel Injected
Ram Air Induction : Yes
Starter : Electric
Stroke (in) : 2.06
Stroke (mm) : 52.3
Valve Configuration : DOHC
Valves : 16
Valves Per Cylinder : 4

Performance

Engine Displacement to Weight (cc) : 2.53
Horsepower (bhp) : 180
Horsepower (kW) : 134.3
Horsepower RPM : 12250
Horsepower To Weight (hp) : 0.46
Redline RPM : 14000
Torque (Ft Lbs) : 84.8
Torque (Nm) : 115
Torque RPM : 10000

Transmission

Final drive ratio : 42/16 (2.625)

Gear Ratio (1) : 38/16 (2.375)
Gear Ratio (2) : 35/18 (1.944)
Gear Ratio (3) : 28/17 (1.647)
Gear Ratio (4) : 32/22 (1.455)
Gear Ratio (5) : 34/26 (1.308)
Gear Ratio (6) : 33/27 (1.222)

Primary drive ratio: 73/44 (1,659)

Gear lever with Aprilia Quick Shift electronic system (AQS)

Number of Speeds : 6

Primary Drive (Rear Wheel) : Straight cut gears and integrated flexible coupling,

Secondary drive : Chain

Clutch : Multiplate wet clutch with mechanical slipper system

Transmission Type : Manual / Automatic Clutch

Traction management

APRC System (Aprilia Performance Ride Control), which includes Traction Control (ATC), Wheelie Control (AWC), Launch Control (ALC), all of which can be configured and deactivated independently.

Frame & Suspension

Air Adjustable : No
Front Adjustable Fork Pre-Load : Yes
Front Adjustable Rebound Damping : Yes
Front Central Suspension Strut : No
Front Fork Diameter (in) : 1.7
Front Fork Diameter (mm) : 43
Front Suspension Brand Name : Ohlins
Front Suspension Type : Inverted Fork
Front Travel (in) : 4.7
Front Travel (mm) : 120
Number Rear Shock Absorbers : 1
Rear Adjustable Rebound Damping : Yes
Rear Adjustable Shock / Spring Pre-Load : Yes
Rear Suspension Brand Name : Ohlins
Rear Suspension Type : Twin Sided Swing Arm
Rear Swingarm Material : Aluminum
Rear Travel (in) : 5.1
Rear Travel (mm) : 130
Steering Damper : Yes

Wheels

Chromed : No
Front Wheel Diameter : 17
Front Wheel Width (in) : 3.5
Rear Wheel Diameter : 17
Rear Wheel Width (in) : 6
Tube / Tubeless : Tubeless
Wheels Composition F: orged Aluminum

Tires

Front Tire Aspect Ratio : 70
Front Tire (Full Spec) : 120/70 ZR17
Front Tire Speed Rating : Z
Front Tire Width : 120
Rear Tire Aspect Ratio : 55
Rear Tire (Full Spec) : 200/55 ZR17
Rear Tire Speed Rating : Z
Rear Tire Width : 200

Brakes

Anti-Lock Brakes : Not Available
Brake Brand Name : Brembo
Front Brake Diameter (in) : 12.6
Front Brake Diameter (mm) : 320
Front Brake Type : Dual Hydraulic Disc
Front Caliper Pistons : 4
Linked Brake System Front to Rear : Not Available
Rear Brake Diameter (in) : 8.7
Rear Brake Diameter (mm) : 220
Rear Brake Type : Hydraulic Disc
Rear Caliper Pistons : 2

Seats

Adjustable : No
Detachable Passenger Seat : Not Available
Grab Rail or Strap : Not Available
Heated Seat : Not Available
Number Of Seats : 1
Seat Backrest : Not Available
Seat Height (in) : 33.3
Seat Height (mm) : 845
Seat Location : Driver
Seat Material : Vinyl
Seat Rail : Not Available
Seat Specifications : Standard
Seat Tail Cover : Not Available
Seat Type : One-Piece

Bodywork

Adjustable : No
Belt Guard : No
Body Material : Carbon Fiber
Brake Caliper Cover : No
Brake Disc Cover : No
Brake Line Cover : Yes
Brake Rotor / Caliper Guard : No
Brush Guard : No
Carburetor Cover : No
Chain Guard : Yes
Choke Knob Cover : No
Construction : Standard
Drive Shaft Cover : No
Drive Shaft Guard : No
Engine Case Guard : No
Exhaust Guard : Yes
Exterior Covers : Standard
Exterior Guards : Standard
Floor Boards : Not Available
Foot Peg Location : Driver
Foot Peg Material : Aluminum
Fork Guards : Yes
Frame : Aluminum
Front Fender : Standard
Front Fender Material : Carbon Fibre
Front Fender Rail : Not Available
Front Fender Trim : Not Available
Hand Grip Material : Rubber
Hand Grips : Standard
Hand Guards : No
Heel Guards : Yes
License Plate : Standard
Light Guard : No
Lower Fairing : Standard
Rear Fender : Standard
Rear Fender Material : Carbon Fibre
Rear Fender Rail : Not Available
Rear Fender Trim : Not Available
Saddle Bag Guard : No
Sidecar : Not Available
Skid Plate : Not Available
Spoiler : Standard
Stand : Standard
Stand Type : Kick
Tire Valve Cap : Yes
Top Crown Material : Aluminum
Turn Signal Visor : Not Available
Upper Fairing : Standard
Valve Stems : Yes

Instrumentation

Clock : Standard
Digital Instrumentation : Standard
Fuel Level Warning : Standard
Fuel Level Warning Type : Gauge
GPS : Not Available
Lap Timer : Standard
Multi-Lingual Instrumentation : Not Available
Navigation System : Not Available
Oil Pressure Gauge : Not Available
Shift Light : Standard
Speedometer : Standard
Tachometer : Standard
Temperature Warning : Standard
Temperature Warning Type : Gauge
Trip Computer : Standard
Trip Odometer : Standard

Fuel Capacity

Fuel Capacity (gal) : 4.49
Fuel Capacity (l) : 17
Fuel Capacity Reserve (gal) : 1.1
Fuel Capacity Reserve (l) : 4

DIMENSIONS

Adjustable Handlebars : Not Available
Adjustable Levers : Not Available
Adjustable Throttle : Not Available
Capacities : Standard
Cassette Player : Not Available
CB Radio : Not Available
CD Player : Not Available
Comment : Standard
Cruise Control : Not Available
Cupholder : Not Available
Dimensions : Standard
Dry Weight (kg) : 179
Dry Weight (lbs) : 395
First Aid Kit : Not Available
Ground Clearance (in) : 5.1
Ground Clearance (mm) : 130
Handlebar Lock : Standard
Handlebar Pads : Not Available
Headset : Not Available
Heated Hand Grips : Not Available
Height (in) : 44.1
Height (mm) : 1120
Intercom : Not Available
Introduction Year : 2010
Keyless Ignition : Not Available
Length (in) : 80.3
Length (mm) : 2040
Limited Availability : Yes
Major Revision Year : 2011
Manufacturer Country : Italy
Manufacturer Recommend Minimum Age : 16
Manufacturer Type : Super Sports Bike
MIC Model Segment : ON-HWY Sport Bike Over 750cc
Power Outlet : Not Available
Previous Model Year Accessories : Yes
Radio : Not Available
Rake (degrees) : 24.5
Revision Status : Upgraded
Service Reminder : Standard
Speakers : Not Available
Special Package : Not Available
Trail (in) : 4.1
Trail (mm) : 105
Weight : Standard
Wheelbase (in) : 55.9
Wheelbase (mm) : 1420
Width (in) : 28.9
Width (mm) : 735