Aprilia RSV4 and RSV4 Factory: aesthetic and sporting evolution for 2021 [PHOTO]

An aerodynamic design, an advanced technical approach and technological solutions define new forms of power: the Aprilia RSV4 e RSV4 Factory.

Appearance and function

Aesthetics and performance are linked, following the brand's sporting experience. The result of refined work on aerodynamics, recalling for example the introduction of appendages already on the RSV4 RF LE in 2018 and again on RSV4 1100 Factory in 2019 and in last year. And always in line with tradition, 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, for example mirrors, passenger footrests and license plate holders.
Drawing inspiration from the lines of RS 660, the aerodynamic drag coefficient of the new RSV4 is contained for the benefit of performance and the protection from the air for the driver is increased by11%, as reported, keeping the shoulders and head more isolated. Speaking of ergonomics, the presence of a new fuel tank is highlighted 17,9 liters (with four in reserve) which promotes support, combined with a new saddle that is 9 mm lower and footrests with footrests with superior grip and are 10 mm lower. The integration of the rider into the fairing appears optimised, considering greater space and a more relaxed riding position. Ground clearance improves by 1,5° for each side, given a more essential appearance at the ends.

Also characterizing is the frontal setting which increases the air pressure in the airbox of the 7%, always to the benefit of performance. The winglets are especially highlighted, visible on the sides and integrated into the double-walled fairing. Two-dimensional elements that required intense study to combine overall design and functionality. Efficiency evaluated using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) calculation software, in the wind tunnel and also on the road and track. A development followed and fine-tuned by Aprilia Racing's aerodynamic engineers, using an approach similar to that used with racing bikes. There are benefits on stability thanks to the downward pressure of the channeled air, a decrease in the tendency to wheelie when exiting corners and also advantages for the cooling of the engine, diverting the flows of hot air from the rider, as highlighted. Furthermore, the containment of the surfaces of the sides leaves the front wheel uncovered for the benefit of handling when changing direction, considering a concept used on RS GP in MotoGP.

Together with the dynamic and bold shapes, another novelty is represented by the triple LED front light cluster with perimeter DRL lights. Using a twilight sensor, the dipped beam headlights are switched on automatically and the automatic turn-off directional indicators are integrated into the DRL profiles for a more compact front section, flashing in the event of emergency braking. A function that can be deactivated when you are on the circuit. While with the "bending lights" function the pair of additional headlights in the parabolas illuminate the inside of the curve, improving visibility when cornering. The wheelbase reaches 1.435,8 millimeters and the saddle is placed at a height of 845 mm.

Chromatic variants

As mentioned there are two versions. The specimens RSV4 e RSV4 Factory they are equipped with the same 4 cc V1.100 engine, but are distinguishable by some specificities, in particular the suspension part, in addition to the different colours. The first is proposed in the colour Dark Losail composed of the combination of gray and black. RSV4 Factory on the other hand, together with a more substantial set-up which also includes forged aluminum wheels, is covered with graphics Lava Red (a combination of purple and red recalling the RS 250 in the 1994 Replica Reggiani version in the two-stroke era) and Aprilia Black (glossy black and touches of red).

Technique and cycling

One of the interesting aspects of the bike is the adjustment of the chassis part, given the possibility of 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, optimizing the balance of the bike.
Il frame it is in aluminum with cast and molded elements, associated through welding for optimal levels of torsional rigidity depending on the driving control. Also highlighted is a new one swingarm with a lower reinforcement truss simplified into just three elements, compared to the previous seven, reducing the unsprung mass figure by 600 grams. Furthermore, considering the longer arms of the truss, the transversal stiffness of the swingarm in the area where the wheel pin passes is increased by 30%, supporting traction. Furthermore, the wheel pin position adjustment slot is extended, allowing a wider range of positioning of the rear wheel.

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.
THEOBTi interface (Objective Based Tuning Interface) on the 5-inch color TFT instrument cluster allows intuitive operation, according to indications. The operating logic responds to the rider's needs: "for example, greater support during braking if you want a more controlled sinking of the NIX fork, or greater support during acceleration if you want greater support of the TTX shock absorber when you open the throttle", as reported. There remains the possibility of manually adjusting the spring preload of the shock absorber and fork.
Talking about the RSV4 Factory Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspensions are worth mentioning, developed after targeted development work followed by Swedish technicians and those from Noale 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 through the development of an algorithm obtained from the collaboration between Öhlins and Aprilia, as indicated.

The specific technology linked to semi-active suspension 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. Then there are the three maps 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. In manual mode the three maps are instead M1, M2 and M3 for as many types of predefined calibrations without semi-active assistance. However, there remains the opportunity to customize the suspension calibration based on tastes and driving styles. The Öhlins steering damper is also electronically managed by the Smart EC 2.0 system and is always customisable.

Technological power

They are combined with the sports car 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 the customizable User. Three others designed for track use: Race, Track 1 e Track 2 for greater customization. There are new electric controls on the handlebars with four buttons and quick controls for managing the cruise control and traction control on the left electrical block. The aforementioned 5-inch color TFT digital instrumentation it is characterized by two selectable Road or Track screens, in any case with automatic night or day backlighting via the twilight sensor and, among the accessories, we also mention My Aprilia, the multimedia platform that allows you to connect your smartphone to the vehicle, expanding the functions of the instrumentation. The RSV4 models are equipped with a lightweight lithium battery.

Also highlighted is a new generation of Aprilia's active electronic control system 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.
Among the new features, AEB (Aprilia Engine Brake) also stands out, the adjustable engine braking control independent of the engine mapping. Various other solutions also appear: Aprilia Traction Control (ATC) on 8 levels; Aprilia Wheelie Control (AWC) wheelie control manageable on 5 levels; Aprilia Engine Map (AEM) with 3 maps; Aprilia Engine Brake (AEB), the 3-level engine braking control system; Aprilia Launch Control (ALC) manageable on 3 levels; Aprilia Quick Shift (AQS), the electronic gearbox with downshift function; Aprilia Pit Limiter (APL), the system that allows you to limit the maximum speed in the pit lanes on the tracks and Aprilia Cruise Control (ACC). Also reported is a multi-map Cornering ABS, created in collaboration with Bosch. The ABS works with Aprilia's RLM (Rear Liftup Mitigation) system, limiting rear wheel lift during heavy braking, as indicated. A solution adjustable on 3 intervention levels, which can be combined with the new engine maps.

Motor

The new RSV4 and RSV4 Factory are animated by a heart V4 with the same performance. Also noteworthy is the introduction of a new Magneti Marelli ECU 11MP control unit with superior calculation capacity.
Compared to the previous engine placed on the RSV4 1100 Factory, this evolved unit features a new bore to stroke ratio, going from the previous 52,3 mm to the current 53,3 mm, while the bore of 81 mm remains unchanged. The crankshaft is also new with an increased crank radius. The displacement has therefore gone from the previous 1.078 cc to the current one 1.099 cc, favoring the same torque from 122 Nm at 11.000 rpm to a new value of 125 Nm at 10.500 rpm. The peak power remains the same as the previous figure: 217 horses at 13.000 rpm. The new unit complies with the regulation Euro 5, given 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. The new RSV4 can overcome the actual 305 km/h barrier, according to information.

Photo: Aprilia