Aprilia announced two new RSV4 models at the 2014 Milan Motorcycle Show: the RSV4 RR and RSV4 RF.
This comes just days after Sylvain Guintoli took the Aprilia RSV4 across the finish line first in both races at the World Superbike finale at the Losail track in Qatar, clinching the World Superbike Championship for himself, and also rewarding Aprilia with its third-consecutive World Superbike Manufacturers’ Championship.
Aprilia has made some changes to its championship-winning RSV4 model for 2015. The 65-degree V4 engine gets 16 more horsepower, for a claimed output of 201 hp, and it has more torque. It is 3.3-pounds lighter, has improved suspension, a redesigned fairing, and a slightly longer swingarm. A new version of Aprilia’s aPRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) technology package comes as standard equipment.
The RSV4 has a new air box, improvements to the fuel injection, and valves are now titanium. A new oil sump can handle extreme lean angles and rapid acceleration or deceleration. The exhaust system has revamped electronic valve management and is now equipped with two oxygen sensors. A more powerful ECU was put in to manage the increased power.
The chassis has some changes, too. The slightly redesigned front end was wind-tunnel tested to offer better aerodynamics. A reshaped headlamp is up front and an LED parking light was added to the rear. New mirrors have built-in LED turn indicators.
Aprilia lengthened the swingarm by 14mm to give the bike better traction and also to decrease its tendency for wheelies. Weight distribution is changed to handle the power increase. Another feature of the RSV4 is that the position of the engine in the frame can be adjusted (headstock angle, the swingarm pivot and the rear-end height), just like the pro racers do.
The second-generation aPRC includes traction control, wheelie control, launch control, quick shift (for shifting without closing the throttle or using the clutch) and Race ABS. The anti-lock brake system can be disengaged, and it is adjustable to three settings for track, street or diminished traction conditions, such as in wet weather. It also can be combined with any of the three new engine maps (Track and Sport and the new Race map), which have been refined to be more manageable and less aggressive than the previous versions.
Riders have the option to add on Aprilia’s Multimedia Platform (V4-MP), which allows users to connect their bikes to their smartphones, and, consequently, to the Web. With V4-MP, riders can change the settings on their bikes, as well as receive information in real time from the Adaptive Race Assistant, which can collect data to improve performance at the track. GPS can be used to automatically adjust the electronics (traction control, anti-wheelie, engine mapping, etc.) on the track.
Expected in May 2015, the Aprilia RSV4 RR will be available in two color schemes, both of them matte, on a black and gray base (Bucine gray and black Ascari). A Race Pack will also available that includes forged-aluminum rims and Öhlins suspension.
A limited-edition of 500 numbered units, called the RSV4 RF (above), will be available in a paint scheme called Superpole and it will have the Race Pack installed.
The MSRP has yet to be been announced.
For more Cycle News Sport Bike motorcycle reviews, click HERE.
For more Cycle News Aprilia motorcycle reviews, click HERE.
