Aprilia RSV4: advanced sportiness and lots of strength [VIDEO]

Insistent and proactive, the sound testifies to the great power of the new one Aprilia RSV4 echoes through the hairpin bends of Misano Adriatico. The six-time world champion also appears in the video Max Biaggi, among those who have already climbed aboard the new sports car from the Noale brand.

Aerodynamic lines

A powerful vision. The aerodynamic details herald its character and the new RSV4, like the company's sportiest models, has been designed with the simple elimination of unnecessary elements in mind when taking to the track such as mirrors, passenger footrests and license plate holders. The matching colors are Dark Losail for the new RSV4, while the variants for the RSV4 Factory Lava Red e Aprilia Black.
The aerodynamic drag coefficient is contained and the protection from the air for the pilot is increased by 11%, keeping the shoulders and head more insulated, according to the information. Among the interesting aspects for ergonomics are not only the presence of a new 17,9 liter tank (with four in reserve) which promotes support, but also a new 9 mm lower saddle and footrests with footrests with superior and more grip low of 10 mm. The integration of the rider into the fairing is optimised, in light of greater space and a more decentralized position.

Among the distinctive aspects include: the front with an increase in air pressure in the airbox of 7% and above all the winglets, visible on the sides and integrated into the double-walled fairing. The containment of the side surfaces leaves the front wheel uncovered for the benefit of handling when changing direction, keeping in mind a concept used on the RS-GP in MotoGP.
Another new feature is the adoption of a triple LED front light cluster with perimeter DRL lights. Through a twilight sensor, the low beams are switched on automatically and the automatic turn-off directional indicators are integrated into the DRL profiles for a compact front section. The wheelbase reaches 1.435,8 millimeters and the saddle is placed at a height of 845 mm.

Technical and technological setup

The chassis part can be adjusted, managing not only the suspension but also the position of the engine in the frame, the inclination of the steering head, the adjustment of the swingarm pivot and the height of the rear axle. The centralization of the masses is highlighted with a tank developed so that a large part of the fuel is under the saddle, thus optimizing the balance.
The frame is made of aluminum with cast and molded elements, associated through welding for optimal levels of torsional rigidity, depending on the driving control. Also stands out is a new swingarm with a lower reinforcement truss simplified into just three elements, compared to the previous seven, reducing the unsprung mass figure by 600 grams. Considering the longer arms of the truss, as indicated, the transverse stiffness of the swingarm in the area where the wheel pin passes is increased by 30%, supporting traction.
The braking system of both versions includes a pair of Brembo Stylema® calipers which can be combined with the pair of carbon air ducts included among the original Aprilia accessories.
An interface is also highlighted OBTi (Objective Based Tuning Interface) on the instrumentation 5 inch color TFT allows intuitive operations, according to indications.
Suspension features on the RSV4 Factory Smart EC 2.0 from Öhlins, developed after targeted development work followed by Swedish and Noale technicians on circuits such as Imola and Mugello and also on the road, obtaining a refinement of the response compared to the same Öhlins suspensions with mechanical operation. The Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension management control unit has access to the different electronic systems of the model, identifying the different driving phases and adapting the calibration of the hydraulics of the fork, shock absorber and steering damper, as indicated, by setting up a algorithm obtained from the collaboration between Öhlins and Aprilia.

The specific technology related to suspensions semi-active Smart EC 2.0 allows the calibration of the fork and shock absorber with two intervention modes: semi-active mode and manual mode selectable via the handlebar buttons. Three maps are indicated A1, A2 and A3 respectively for the use of slick tires on circuits with regular surfaces; for the use of compound tires and tracks with rougher asphalt; then a third aimed at road use with hydraulics that are more free and suited to better absorb imperfections. Therefore in manual mode the three maps are instead M1, M2 and M3 for as many types of predefined calibrations without semi-active assistance.
They are then associated with the motorbike you are Riding Mode with an automatic tuning configuration, engine braking, ABS, traction control, wheelie control and other parameters. Three of these for road use: Street, Sport and a customizable User, then three others designed for track use: Race, Track 1 and Track 2 for greater customization. A new generation of Aprilia's active electronic control system was then highlighted APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control). A package of systems derived from competition experience associated with the action of a six-axis inertial platform with great computing capabilities. This fifth evolution is even more integrated with the electronic management connected to the full Ride-by-Wire throttle control, not requiring further components for the electronic management of the throttles, also obtaining advantages in terms of weight, as indicated.

Thruster

The new RSV4, like the RSV4 Factory, is equipped with a V4 engine. Compared to the previous heart, this unit features a new bore to stroke ratio, going from the previous 52,3 mm to the current 53,3 mm, with an unchanged bore of 81 mm. The crankshaft is also new with an increased crank radius. The displacement increases slightly from the previous 1.078 cc to 1.099 cc, favoring the torque from 122 Nm at 11.000 rpm to the new value of 125 Nm at 10.500 rpm. The peak power remains the same: 217 horses at 13.000 rpm. The new unit complies with the regulation Euro 5, considering a new exhaust system with ceramic matrix substrate catalyst, more robust and with lower thermal inertia as well as being lighter than the one previously used on the RSV4 RR.

Photos and videos: Aprilia