Aprilia RSV4 RF Factory Works: gives wings and more! [TRACK TEST VIDEO]

We tested the exclusive Aprilia RSV4 FW, a motorcycle with a racing nature and 215 horsepower ready to unleash on the Mugello circuit. The new Aprilia RSV4 Factory Works has a reputation based on its dominance on the track, thanks to a project developed directly by the racing department of the Venetian company.

The special kit, available for the seven-time world champion, the Aprilia RSV4, in the RR, RF 2017 and MY 2018 versions, is able to maximize the performance of the engine with its 215 HP, reduce the overall weight by as much as 10 kg and improve its aerodynamics thanks to the new wings on the fairing, just like a real MotoGP.

This technical package is able to maximize engine performance and reduce the overall weight, with the gem of the aerodynamic kit, mounted on the fairing, which helps to optimize the set-up without altering the balance of the bike, increasing the footprint ground of the tire and therefore the grip, especially on a tortuous but extremely fast and demanding circuit, like that of our test, one of the most beautiful and demanding circuits in the world, the legendary Mugello.

From 2009 to today, in the palmarès of this extraordinary Italian V4, seven world titles have entered in the Superbike World Championship and sharing the garage with us today is the 6-time World Champion Max Biaggi, who with the Aprilia RSV4 has achieved a double World Superbike laurel. Keeping him company is another Italian rider of absolute caliber, the great Loris Capirossi, 3 world titles, one of which with a motorbike from the Noale company. The two guests of the Aprilia Racers Days 2018 attracted quite a bit of attention, also because for Biaggi, in fact, it was a return to the track after the serious accident last year, after which he decided to stop riding motorbikes. The two did it quite seriously, lapping with the practically "standard" RSV4, only with compound tyres, therefore less performing than the RF Fatcory Works we tested, in 1.56 Loris and 1.58 Max. For a return after more than a year Biaggi has achieved an impressive time, close to that of Capirossi, who we instead asked for his opinions on the bike. He was able to confirm that the Aprilia Racers Days are a fantastic experience, during which he got back on the RSV4 (Aprilia made one available to him this year and it wasn't his first outing). A beautiful bike to ride, which offers an excellent feeling straight away, on which he finds advantages such as excellent handling and a good relationship with the accelerator knob, thanks to a powerful, yet docile and smooth engine. His words, before saying goodbye, were emblematic: “Try it and then you'll tell me”.

The Factory Works kit

And in fact, we will discover, he is not entirely wrong. But let's take a step back before telling you our impressions. The Aprilia RSV4 Factory Works gains an even more powerful engine, thanks to a kit that includes a set of single ring pistons, equipped with a surface treatment that allows for significant improvements (with these modifications alone there is an increase of 4 HP) the smoothness and reduce internal friction of this latest generation engine. And for those who are not satisfied with what the RSV4 offers as standard (fine palates, given that we are starting from an already excellent level), Aprilia Racing offers a distribution kit, with modifications to the head, with machined intake and exhaust ducts with numerical control machines. It doesn't end here, because the interventions also concern springs, valves and the related plates, which are also optimized to refine their performance in terms of power, while the camshafts gain a surface treatment which further reduces friction. The kit as a whole, together with the new control unit with dedicated map and the Akrapovic exhaust system (with a fantastic sound to say the least), allow you to reach a maximum power of 215 HP at the crank!

The increase in engine performance is accompanied by further refinement of the chassis, through targeted interventions in terms of handling, already very high on the "standard" RSV4 RF model, which we had the opportunity to test last year in Misano with our tester Matteo (here is his article and video), while the undersigned in San Martino del Lago (here is my article and the related video). To reduce the weight by 10 kg, targeted interventions were carried out, such as a new lithium battery, a new tank with the same shape, but with a manufacturing process that allows a weight reduction of 1,5 kg. Some parts in carbon fiber and the upper steering plate in aluminum alloy machined from solid wood, together contribute to making this Aprilia lighter. The Racing Factory Works kit then debuts the fairing with aerodynamic appendages, inspired by those developed for the RS-GP prototype of the MotoGP of Scott Redding and the Spaniard Aleix Espargaró. The program involves the creation of different versions of the Aprilia RSV4 "Factory Works", developed according to the regulations of the Superstock and Superbike championships of the different countries, with different levels of chassis, electronics and engine preparation. The maximum that Aprilia offers in this project is represented by the FW-GP version, equipped with the V4 engine with a bore increased to 81 mm and equipped with pneumatic valve distribution, similar to the one that raced in the 2015 World Championship in the MotoGP class, which guarantee a maximum power of over 250 HP and truly top-of-the-class handling. Furthermore, the Noale company assures those who purchase this version other details of no small importance, such as an Aprilia Racing branded leather suit for the track, an invitation to participate in an Aprilia Track Day, in which Aprilia Racing technicians can provide to adjust the bike's setup, to make the most of the mechanical and electronic potential of the RSV4 FW-GP and many other interesting surprises to pamper the customer in the best way.

Seeing is believing

After that invitation from Loris Capirossi to try this "special" RSV4, the desire to get on the saddle and hit the track was great. We are inside the pits of the Mugello circuit and here there is an air of novelty, also because in front of us are Loris Capirossi and Max Biaggi. In the Aprilia garage they thought of everything to get us out on the track in the best conditions and, under the tyrewarmers, we find Pirelli Supercorsa SC1s on the rear, SC2s on the front. The riding position is always the same, compact. The semi-handlebar-seat-footpeg triangulation, all the clutch, front and rear brake and gear controls are optimally adjusted to be able to ride in the best possible way around the curves of a track. A look at the line: this beautiful Aprilia RSV4 Factory Works is sharp and sharp, as you would expect from a bike of this kind. The front is characterized by geometries designed to optimize air flows and the triple headlight makes this RSV4 as recognizable as it is unique. Forged Marchesini rims and Öhlins suspension with a gearbox equipped with Quick Shift, for very quick changes without closing the throttle and without using the clutch, a fantastic sensation!

The Mugello track, which extends for 5.245 meters on the gentle slopes of the Tuscan hills, is capable of putting set-ups and performance to the test and for this reason it is certainly right for us. We leave the Aprilia garage and head towards the San Donato curve, the first after the start and the slowest on the circuit. Once we have taken the measurements on our Aprilia RSV4 FW, we launch after the Bucine, the longest on the track, with the throttle wide open on the starting straight, crouching behind the small fairing with a deep breath before tackling the hill, where it is necessary have the so-called “hair on the stomach”. On the hill the double-wing aerodynamic appendages on the fairings work really well, as the bike feels well planted on the ground and very stable. The sensation of lightness that the bike gives right away, even at low speeds, is very pleasant. You can feel the 10 kg less!

The upper area of ​​the rev counter reveals a fluid and very vigorous engine, with 14 horsepower more than the version without kit. The first corner, the San Donato, approaches quickly, and being the slowest on the track, our Aprilia RSV4 Factory Works is quick to descend into the bend and proves to be light and precise with the suspensions which rigorously copy even the most pronounced bumps of this circuit. We arrive at Borgo San Lorenzo, extremely demanding in the setup phase, fast on exit, but the RSV4 FW with the throttle in hand proves to be balanced and perfectly manageable. Also in this case the suspensions perform their task well without showing particular weak points. On the Casanova Savelli, one of the most fascinating points for us, characterized by a change of direction downhill to the left for the Savelli, we arrive too quickly, so we brake a little and go downhill. The low weight translates into a pleasant speed of action when cornering, especially when turning in and changing direction. We remember to stay "tight" to let the bike flow, keeping the throttle more open to tackle one of the "topic" points: Arrabbiata 1. This is the lowest point of the entire circuit, immediately afterwards we meet its older sister Arrabbiata 2, which has a radius and a variable altitude that leave you breathless, in which you have to interpret the best line as the exit is blind. With gas in hand and electronics that manage the important power, our RSV4 flies through the curves naturally and remains precise on the trajectory.

The electronics are extraordinary, they handle but don't cut, the LED on the dashboard flashes and warns us to change gear and the bike leads the way, a long way! We do Biondetti 1 and 2 without any effort and keeping the perfect line to face the challenging, but in our opinion beautiful, Bucine. Aggressive braking, down two gears and in, the RSV4RF closes the line perfectly, short acceleration, it's very fast, but it stays there, it closes the line with the front floating, but remains stable and precise. This bike manages to perfectly express the DNA it has, proving fast, lively and light. It amazes with its speed and sensation during insertion and gives the sensation of lightness of a smaller displacement motorbike. The four-cylinder stretches well up to 12.000 rpm, at medium speeds it is full, full-bodied and strong, it lifts the front even between fourth and fifth gear, like Lorenzo Savadori's real Superbike.

Everything has a price, to feel like pilots "with wings", you need 15.233 euros, plus the motorbike to which you can give this kit to bring the RSV4 to 215 HP and remove 10 kg of weight. If you prefer, each component part can also be purchased individually.

Tester clothing:
Helmet: KYT Espargaró Replica
Gloves: Dainese full metal 6
Shoes: Dainese R Axial Pro In
Suit: Dainese Kyalami
Undersuit: SIXS Carbon Underwear Integral