Aprilia RSV4 RF, the top version of the Venetian company proves to be the queen of the category [TRACK TEST]

Aprilia RSV4 RF - Seven world titles in six years e winner in the Superstock FIM Cup, a championship dedicated to very strictly production-derived motorcycles, this is Aprilia RSV4. Desired by every motorcyclist it is the point of reference for sportiness and performance, the best example of what is possible thanks to the precious experience of a Racing department as successful as Aprilia's which, in its young history, it has conquered 54 world titles.

An authentic vocation of Aprilia, which it has made of it the first manufacturer to adopt the multi-map Ride-by-wire accelerator as standard, But especially the first to patent the dynamic controls platform APRC, with the exclusive self-calibration and wheelie control functions, a system that now reaches new levels of effectiveness at the service of maximum performance. The Aprilia RSV4 is designed around a 4° V65 engine, never seen before on a production sports car, and a a chassis heir to a dynasty that has won 18 titles and 143 grand prix in the 250 GP, enhanced by the most modern electronic systems applied to the management of the engine and the dynamics of the bike.

Since its birth in 2009, it has been the best Superbike; thanks to the experiences acquired by the racing department it is able to transfer technologies such as the surprising e new full Ride-by-wire throttle control and APRC dynamic control package, further evolved. This fantastic operation acts on the throttle knob with a potentiometer which sends a signal to the control unit which in turn processes the signal and based on the data from other sensors placed on the motorbike, decides how much to open the throttle (4 48 mm Marelli throttle bodies with 8 injectors and latest generation Ride-by-wire management).

Obviously this system requires fine-tuning by true Carthusians, but we can assure you that the Venetian company was not caught unprepared. The work done on the engine, now compliant with the law Euro 4, without having lost anything in terms of power and usability, delivers the new RSV4 on average faster by more than a second per lap compared to the previous version and this also became the launch slogan.

During the development of the new Aprilia RSV4 both in the RSV4 RR and RSV4 RF versions the character that distinguishes this jewel from Aprilia is, as always, only one: being the fastest Superbike in the segment. Aprilia wanted to stand out thanks to the best Aprilia Racing technology, refining the already exceptional RSV4 from multiple points of view, such as electronics, suspensions and brakes. L'APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) it is the well-known package of control systems directly derived from the winning technology in the Superbike world championship that won two world titles for Max Biagi; in 2014 he also won both the drivers' title, with Frenchman Sylvain Guintoli, and the constructors' title. Progress has been possible mainly thanks to repositioning of the inertial platform which governs its functioning, permitting a better possibility of detection of the dynamic conditions of the motorbike and therefore to more effective electronic control strategies.

The fourth evolution of the APRC of Aprilia integrates best with the fine electronic management guaranteed by the new fully integrated full Ride-by-Wire throttle control, which allowed theelimination of any superfluous component for the electronic management of butterflies, thus saving 590 grams. This Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) system standard on Aprilia RSV4 RR and RF includes the new ATC, adjustable traction control while running without closing the throttle, willing on 8 levels thanks to the very easy operation positioned on the left side of the control, which gains high-performance and top-level interventions.

Il new AWC: Aprilia Wheelie Control, the wheelie control system (without closing the throttle), which is adjustable on 3 levels, thanks to much more precise operation. Wheelie control now becomes adjustable while running (repositioning of the inertial platform).
New ALC: Aprilia Launch Control, the adjustable starting control system for exclusive track use on 3 levels, takes advantage of new, even more effective operating strategies. Aprilia also boasts the QuickShift, electronic gearbox, for very quick changes without closing the throttle and without using the clutch, now also equipped with a downshift function, which allows you to downshift without pressing the clutch. The fantastic special function allows you to downshift with open throttle, a truly fantastic feeling!

New APL: Aprilia Pit Limiter, like real Superbike and MotoGP riders, is a system that allows you to select and limit the maximum speed allowed to proceed along the pit lanes of the circuits, or simply easily respect the speed limits allowed on roads open to traffic.
The new electronic management has made it possible to introduce an advanced management system cruise control, (ACC) Aprilia Cruise Control, very convenient during longer journeys, as it allows you to maintain the set speed without acting on the throttle control.

In addition to the fourth generation APRC system, Aprilia RSV4 RR and RF series adopt an advanced multi-map Cornering ABS which we were able to test during our track test in San Martino del Lago in the province of Cremona. This system helps to modulate the incredible braking power even when leaning and was developed in collaboration with Bosch to guarantee even more safety on the road and at the same time better performance on the circuit. The 9.1 system. MP is able to optimize braking and ABS intervention during cornering thanks to an algorithm that constantly keeps different parameters under control such as acceleration, lean angle, pressure exerted on the brake lever, modulating the action of the brakes to guarantee the best relationship between deceleration and stability.

The Cornering ABS, developed according to specific Aprilia indications, it is adjustable on 3 levels intervention and excludable. Each of the three Cornering ABS maps can be combined with any of the three new engine maps (Sport, Track, Race), allowing drivers of different experience and ability to find the best possible combination. The three maps are "full power" e they differ in the way they discharge the 201 HP to the ground of which the V4 Aprilia is capable, as well as for the percentage of engine braking dedicated to each of them.

The engine that pushes hard is now worse and is Euro 4

The main and unique characteristics of this jewel of Italian technology have made it possible to create the best Superbike ever. It's a High-performance narrow-V 4-cylinder, the most revolutionary and powerful ever built by Aprilia. An engine made unique and unmistakable due to the use of "total" electronics, for example its extreme compactness and for lightness, But also increase reliability and overall performance, without losing power and maximum torque which boasts superior extension capacity. The performance is of a high standard, with 201 HP at 13.000 rpm and 115 Nm at 10.500 rpm. The engine gains a new exhaust system with silencer equipped with double Lambda probe and integrated valve, while the engine control unit is new with superior calculation capabilities, capable of managing the increase in the maximum rotation speed, now 300 rpm. superior. In order to increase performance and reliability they were introduced new and lighter pistons, equipped with new segments that reduce the blow-by phenomenon. The valve return springs are also new, to guarantee reliability during the most demanding workloads. Furthermore, a honing treatment has been added to the connecting rod heads, further reducing friction, while the valves benefit from optimized valve timing, capable of increasing performance and reliability.

The price? It costs 23.220 euros

The dream chassis with new brakes and suspension. Aprilia, which can certainly be considered one of the best chassis manufacturers in the world, offers exclusive features, thanks to the exceptional possibility of adjustments that the standard chassis is able to offer. Aprilia RSV4 is indeed the only Superbike that allows you to adjust the position of the engine in the frame, the inclination of the steering head, swingarm pivot adjustment e the height of the rear axle (we lowered it in the third test session), as well as naturally the suspensions in all their functions. Just like a real racing bike.

The RF version of RSV4 makes money new and more sophisticated suspensions, finely adjustable in both hydraulics and spring preload, more performing and lighter than 800 grams compared to the previous ones: the fork is one unit Öhlins NIX of the latest generation as is theTTX shock absorber; the latter works by means of a new progressive linkage which increases the reaction speed of the shock absorber itself. There is also theadjustable steering damper, always supplied by Öhlins. The braking system fell to the Bergamo company Brembo, with the front which can count on a pair of new steel discs with a diameter increased to 330 mm and a thickness of 5 mm, on which the M50 monobloc calipers Equipped with new brake pads with a higher friction coefficient. The rims of this exclusive version are Aprilia aluminum alloy wheels with 5 split spokes, forged aluminum alloy, fully machined, front 3.5 X 17, rear 6 X 17.

Our test on the track: we are riding a real racing bike

The venue for our track test is the circuit di San Martino del Lago, 3.450 meters long, a complete and very technical track with a straight of almost 1 km in length, which allowed us to test the very powerful Aprilia engine and the excellent braking of this bike. The 4-cylinder from Noale shows up in the pits very compact, with a very crouched riding position: the footrests are very high, they seem tailor-made for my height (1.73). The riding position is natural, very focused on the front, but particularly suitable for taking to the track for the first session of the day. We take to the track with the Race mapping with traction control at +5, a well-managed power to become familiar with the "Apriliona". As soon as we face the first curves we perceive that this new Aprilia RSV4 RF gives its best between the curbs. Turns out easy to handle and responsive, with cornering like a true Superbike, with precise trajectories and front end stability that is always safe and well planted! By forcing the pace, the engine (201 horsepower) expresses its potential: the delivery is bad and full at all speeds, thanks to'top-notch electronics which allows even non-professional drivers to manage the throttle during acceleration.

After 4.000 rpm the music changes and the arrogance of the four cylinder begins to be felt; it is perceived a change in the intake and exhaust sound, both wonderful. The perfect weight distribution allows you to achieve high speeds when cornering without experiencing annoying swaying, thanks also toexcellent Cornering ABS system, developed according to Aprilia's specific indications, another evolutionary leap for this fantastic system. What really impressed us about this bike was its behavior in the big bend before the straight the very fast section, where you remain quite bent over; despite a few too many disconnections due to the imperfections of the asphalt, the RSV4 RF was stable, with a decision to open the throttle like a true protagonist of the track. Even during acceleration the bike has no anomalous reactions and, by quickly opening the throttle, the rear suspension (Ohlins) manages to keep the tire glued to the ground; the excellent Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC 1, mounted for our test, guarantee good control both in the center of the curve and on exit, a task facilitated by this highly refined electronics available. The antiwheeling also performed well and we can assure you that there is plenty of cavalry to spare.

As for braking, it is excellent, modular and powerful (thanks to the double 330 mm floating disc with lightened stainless steel braking surface), in particular we appreciate the sincerity of the front brake response. The precise gearbox works perfectly, has impressive speed and you just need to almost touch the lever to hear the gear go into gear. We had to change the way we use the gearbox, because we were used to squeezing the clutch both when downshifting and when engaging, but thanks to the Quick Shift we can forget about this. Its benefits are almost entirely attributable to extreme use between the curbs of a track and allow us to think only about driving. In conclusion, the Aprilia RSV RF turned out to be an extremely fun bike, the feeling with this bike is truly of the highest level, as are the lean angles between the curves of the Cremona circuit.

STAY ON THESE PAGES FOR THE VIDEO OF OUR TEST, AVAILABLE IN THE NEXT DAYS

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
Engine – Handling – electronics
We do not like it:
Finding any fault with this Aprilia is really difficult

Test clothing:
Helmet – KYT Replica
Glove – Alpinestars
Suit – Held Race-Evo
Boots – Stylmartin