Aprilia RSV4 RF, we put the MY2017 to the test in a track test [TRACK TEST VIDEO]

Aprilia RSV4 RF – Seven world titles in six years and winner of 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 sportsmanship and performance, the best example of what is possible thanks to the precious experience of a winning racing department like that of Aprilia which, in its young history, has won 54 world titles.

An authentic vocation of Aprilia, which made it the first manufacturer to adopt the multimap Ride-by-wire accelerator as standard, but above all the first to patent the APRC dynamic control platform, with the exclusive self-calibration and wheelie control, a system that now reaches new levels of effectiveness at the service of maximum performance. Aprilia RSV4 is designed around a 4° 65-cylinder V engine, never seen before on a production sports car, and a chassis heir to a dynasty that has won 18 titles and 143 grand prix in the 250 GP, enhanced by the most modern systems electronics applied to the management of the engine and the dynamics of the motorcycle.

During the development of the new Aprilia RSV4 in both the RSV4 RR and RSV4 RF versions, the character that distinguishes this Aprilia jewel 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. The APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) is the well-known package of control systems directly derived from the winning technology in the Superbike world championship which 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 was possible mainly thanks to the repositioning of the inertial platform that governs its operation, allowing a better possibility of detecting the dynamic conditions of the motorcycle and therefore more effective electronic control strategies.

The fourth evolution of Aprilia's APRC integrates best with the fine electronic management guaranteed by the new fully integrated full Ride-by-Wire throttle control, which has allowed the elimination of any superfluous component for the electronic management of the throttles, saving so 590 grams. This Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) system, standard on the Aprilia RSV4 RR and RF, includes the new ATC, the traction control that can be adjusted while riding without closing the throttle, arranged on 8 levels thanks to the very easy operation positioned on the left side of the control, which earns high-performance and top-level interventions.

The 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 starting assist system for exclusive track use, adjustable on 3 levels, benefits from new, even more effective operating strategies. Aprilia also boasts Quick Shift, the 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 the road open to traffic.
The new electronic management has made it possible to introduce an advanced cruise control system, (ACC) Aprilia Cruise Control, very convenient during longer journeys, as it allows you to maintain the set speed without acting on the throttle control. The standard Aprilia RSV4 RR and RF adopt an advanced Cornering ABS that can be adjusted to 3 intervention levels and can be excluded, which we were able to test during our track test. 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 under control different parameters 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.

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" and differ in the way they discharge the 201 HP of which the Aprilia V4 is capable of to the ground, as well as in the percentage of engine braking dedicated to each of them.
The engine is now meaner and Euro 4. The well-known high-performance narrow V 4-cylinder is the most revolutionary and powerful ever built by Aprilia. An engine made unique and unmistakable due to the use of "total" electronics, for its extreme compactness and lightness, but also to increase reliability and general performance, without losing power and maximum torque which boasts a superior extension capacity. Performance is high level, with 201 HP at 13.000 rpm and 115 Nm at 10.500 rpm. The engine gains a new exhaust system, while the engine control unit is new, with an increase in the maximum rotation speed of 300 rpm. In order to increase performance and reliability, new and lighter pistons have been introduced, equipped with new segments that reduce the blow-by phenomenon. The valve return springs are also new, to guarantee reliability during the heaviest 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, but also offers a dream chassis, with new brakes and suspensions. Aprilia RSV4 is also the only Superbike that allows you to adjust 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 (we lowered it in the third test session) , as well as of course the suspensions in all their functions. Just like a real racing bike.

The RF version of the RSV4 gains new and more sophisticated suspensions, finely adjustable in both hydraulics and spring preload, more performing and over 800 grams lighter than the previous ones: the fork is a latest generation Öhlins NIX unit as is the TTX 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 an adjustable steering damper, while the braking system gains new discs with a diameter increased to 330 mm, on which the M50 monobloc calipers equipped with new brake pads with a higher friction coefficient act.

The scene of our track test is the San Martino del Lago circuit, 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 appears very compact in the pits, with a very crouched riding position: the footpegs are very high, it seems 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 tackle the first corners we perceive that this new Aprilia RSV4 RF is at its best between the curbs. It is easy to handle and reactive, with cornering like a true Superbike, with precise trajectories and stability of the front end that is always safe and well planted! By forcing the pace, the engine makes you feel a bad and full delivery at all speeds, thanks to the very high level electronics that allow you to manage the throttle during acceleration even for those who are not professional drivers.

After 4.000 rpm the music changes and the arrogance of the four cylinder begins to be felt; you can hear a change in the intake and exhaust sound, both wonderful. The perfect weight distribution allows you to reach high cornering speeds without experiencing annoying swaying, thanks also to the excellent Cornering ABS system, developed according to Aprilia's specific indications, another evolutionary leap of this fantastic system. The thing that positively impressed us about this bike was its behavior in the big bend before the straight of 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 on the track. Even during acceleration the bike has no anomalous reactions and, by quickly opening the throttle, the Ohlins rear suspension 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 corners and on exit, a task made easier 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 the sincerity of the front brake response is appreciated. The precise gearbox works perfectly, is impressively quick and you almost only need to touch the lever to hear the gear go into gear. The benefits of Quick Shift can almost entirely be traced back to extreme use between the curbs of a track and allow us to think only about driving. In conclusion, the Aprilia RSV RF proved 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.

In our test we used:
Helmet – KYT Replica
Glove – Alpinestars
Suit – Held Race-Evo
Boots – Stylmartin.