New 2017 Aprilia RSV4 RR and RSV4 RF
Aprilia shaves another second off lap times with the 2017 RSV4 RR and RF
Born of Aprilia’s successful racing experience, the new for 2017 Aprilia RSV4 RR and RF models are now capable of more than one second per lap faster than ever before. Thanks to the new Öhlins suspension systems, a new braking system and the new APRC electronic package that includes Cornering ABS and Downshifter, the 201hp EURO4 compliant RSV4 combines seven-time World Superbike Champion chassis architecture and performance in a road bike.
The Aprilia RSV4 is the natural evolution of an innovative project, capable in just a few years of dominating World SBK, earning seven world titles in six years and winning in its début in the FIM Superstock Cup.
Acclaimed by critics and sought after by riders from every corner of the globe, the RSV4 has always been the undisputed segment representative, and a reference point for sportiness and performance. Skills honed on the track and transferred to the factory product to provide everyone with the same excitement that the motorbikes prepared by Aprilia Racing do.
The primary goal followed during development of the new Aprilia RSV4 (in both available versions, RSV4 RR and RSV4 RF) is, as always, only to be the fastest superbike in the segment. In order to achieve this, Aprilia drew from the best Aprilia Racing technology, refining the already exceptional RSV4 in many aspects, such as electronics, suspension and brakes.
Thanks in part to the work done on the powerplant, now compliant with the Euro 4 regulation, without sacrificing anything in terms of power and range of use, the new RSV4 is one second faster than the previous version on average at the track.
The 2017 Aprilia RSV4 RR and RF make perfect the already exceptional dynamic controls package designed and patented by Aprilia. APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) is the well known dynamic control suite derived directly from the winning technology in world Superbike.
This progress was possible mainly thanks to the repositioning of the inertial platform that governs the operation, improving accurate detection of the dynamic conditions of the bike, resulting in more efficient electronic control strategies.
The fourth evolution of Aprilia APRC fits in perfectly with the fine electronic management of the new full Ride-by-Wire throttle that has allowed all superfluous throttle body electronic management components to be eliminated, saving 590 grams.
APRC, standard equipment on the Aprilia RSV4 RR and RF, includes:
- New ATC: Aprilia Traction Control, adjustable on the fly, (without having to release the throttle) to eight settings thanks to a practical joystick, now has even more fine tuned and higher performance operating logic.
- New AWC: Aprilia Wheelie Control, adjustable to three levels, has new, much more precise operating strategies thanks to the repositioning of the inertial platform. Wheelie control can now be adjusted on the fly without closing the throttle, like the ATC, thanks to the new and more practical left side electric block.
- New ALC: Aprilia Launch Control, for use on the track only, with three settings, uses even more effective new operating strategies.
- New AQS: Aprilia Quick Shift, the electronic gearbox that allows shifting without closing the throttle and without using the clutch, now with the downshift function as well, to allow clutchless downshifting. Its open-throttle downshifting feature is exclusive.
- New APL: Aprilia Pit Limiter, the system that lets you select and limit the top speed allowed in pit lane at the track or simply to make it easier to comply with posted speed limits on the road.
- New ACC: Aprilia Cruise Control. The new electronic management has allows an advanced cruise control system to be introduced, very convenient on longer trips because it lets you maintain the set speed without touching the throttle.
In addition to the fourth generation APRC system, RSV4 RR and RF come from the factory standard with advanced multimap Cornering ABS, developed in collaboration with Bosch to guarantee not only extreme safety on the road, but also the best possible performance at the circuit.
The 9.1 MP system is able to optimise braking and the ABS intervention in corners, thanks to a specific algorithm that constantly monitors various parameters such as lateral acceleration, the pressure applied to the front brake lever, the lean, pitch and yaw angle, modulating the braking action in order to better guarantee the ratio between deceleration and stability.
The new ABS system works in unison with the Aprilia RLM (Rear Liftup Mitigation) system that limits the lift of the rear wheel during more abrupt braking.
Cornering ABS, fine tuned in accordance with Aprilia’s specific indications, is adjustable to three levels of sensibility and can be switched off. Each of the three Cornering ABS maps can be combined with any of the three new engine maps (Sport, Track, Race), allowing riders to find the best possible combination for their style.
The three maps are “full power” and differ in the way they unload the 201 HP of which the Aprilia V4 is capable onto the asphalt, in addition to the percentage of engine brake dedicated to them.
The total revamping of the RSV4’s electronics management is completed by the new colour TFT instrumentation, a true digital computer with exceptional display options.
The two selectable screen pages, Road and Race are standard equipment for the RSV4 RF (and optional for the RSV4 RR), while there is a new version of the V4-MP, the Aprilia multimedia platform that lets you connect your smartphone to the vehicle via Bluetooth.
This introduces for the first time a true corner by corner electronic settings calibration system with data that can subsequently be downloaded to your laptop (or displayed directly on the smartphone) for analysis, just like they do at the races.
The new V4-MP adds a new connection protocol that reduces smartphone battery consumption to a minimum, in addition to providing a larger range of circuits already mapped in which you can manage the electronic settings corner by corner, as well as user acquisition of a new circuit that is not in the list Aprilia has provided.
The V4-MP also includes the infotainment system, introduced by Aprilia for the first time on the new RSV4, to manage voice commands and incoming/outgoing telephone calls with your smartphone. These activities are also displayed and managed by the digital instrumentation.
The changes implemented in this evolution of the Italian V4 not only resulted in achieving the goals of Euro 4 approval, but also increasing overall reliability and performance, without sacrificing power and maximum torque (which remain at 201hp at 13,000rpm and 115Nm at 10,500rpm) or that inimitable sound that has always been a true soundtrack of the Aprilia V4 engines.
The powerplant earns a new exhaust system with a silencer that has a double oxygen sensor and a built in valve. The engine ECU is new, with superior calculating capacity able to manage the rise in maximum revs, now 300 rpm higher.
The engine now boasts an increased extension capacity and it was for this reason that the variable timing intake ducts were eliminated, no longer deemed necessary. This decision contributed to reducing the weight of the fuel system by 500 grams.
In order to increase performance and reliability, new and lighter pistons were introduced with brand new segments that reduce the blow-by effect. A honing treatment was also added for the connecting rod heads, further reducing friction.
The valve recall springs are also new in order to guarantee reliability during the heaviest operating loads, whereas the valves have benefited from optimized timing, capable of increasing performance and reliability. Last, but not least, the gearbox now has a linear sensor that guarantees impeccable gearshift operation.
A particularity which is still exclusive to the RSV4 RR and RF (and which has always been a characteristic of the previous generation RSV4 models) is the exceptional possibility of adjustments that the standard equipment chassis is able to offer. In fact, the Aprilia is the only superbike that allows the rider to adjust the engine position in the frame, the headstock angle, the swingarm pivot and the rear end height, naturally in addition to the fully adjustable suspension. Just like a real racing bike.
The RF version of the RSV4 earns new and more sophisticated suspension systems with fine adjustments both in hydraulics and spring preload. The fork is a latest generation Öhlins NIX unit, as is the TTX shock absorber and the latter is operated by new progressive linkage that increases the reaction time of the shock absorber itself. There is also an adjustable steering damper, also supplied by Öhlins.
On the new RSV4, Aprilia introduces important changes in the Brembo braking system, the front relies on a pair of new 5mm thick steel discs with diameter increased to 330 mm, gripped by the monobloc M50 calipers fitted with new superior friction coefficient brake pads.
The RSV4 RR incorporates all the electronic, engine and brake innovations introduced on the RSV4 RF. As standard equipment, it also has features which were once exclusive to the Factory version, such as magnesium external housings, oil sump and head covers and a wide range of chassis adjustments. The Aprilia RSV4 RR is available in two new attractive colour schemes, both matt, on a black and grey base (grigio Bucine and nero Ascari) with red wheel rims.
The Aprilia RSV4 RF is the exclusive version that uses new Öhlins suspension systems and lightweight aluminium forged rims as standard equipment. It stands out for the dedicated graphic that maintains the evocative name of the previous “Superpole” version, but has a different graphic pattern.
Aprilia has designed and developed a wide range of accessories so you can personalise your RSV4 RR and RF. High quality selected items to increase performance, make them more attractive or more comfortable.
These include: an Akrapovic slip-on exhaust or complete race exhaust system; Öhlins TTX shock absorbers (standard equipment on the RSV4 RF); Öhlins steering damper (standard equipment on the RSV4 RF); Carbon components: fairings, mudguards and heel guards, made in matt finished carbon fibre; Mirror plugs; License plate bracket cover; Frame guards; Racing rider footpegs; Racing semi-handlebar; Inverted racing gear lever; Forged rims (standard equipment on the RSV4 RF); Aluminium racing levers; Tank bag; Adjustable license plate bracket; Motorcycle cover; and the V4-MP kit: (standard equipment on the RSV4 RF).
2017 Aprilia RSV4 RR (RF) Technical Specifications
- Engine – 999.6cc, 65° V4-cylinder, four-valve, DOHC
- Bore x Stroke – 78×52.3mm
- Compression – 13.6:1
- Power – 201hp at 13,000rpm
- Torque – 115Nm at 10,500rpm
- Induction – Four Marelli 48mm throttle-bodies, eight injectors, RbW, APRC
- Gearbox – Six-speed, cassette-type
- Clutch – Multi-disc oil-bath, mechanical slipper system
- Chassis – Aluminium dual beam chassis with pressed and cast sheet elements, adjustable headstock position, rake, engine height, swingarm pin height, Double braced aluminium swingarm
- Front Suspension – Sachs 43mm forks, (Öhlins NIX fork with TIN surface treatment), fully adjustable, 120mm travel
- Rear Suspension – Sachs monoshock, (Öhlins TTX monoshock with piggy-back) fully adjustable, progressive linkages, 130 mm travel
- Brakes – Dual Brembo M50 Monobloc radial four-piston calipers, 330mm floating stainless steel discs (F),
single 220mm disc and Brembo two-piston caliper (R), Bosch 9.1 MP ABS, RLM - Rims – Aprilia aluminium alloy rims with three-split spokes (forged aluminium alloy, completely machined, five-split spokes), 3.50 x 17in, 6.00 x 17in
- Tyres – 120/70 – 17, 200/55 – 17
- Fuel capacity – 18.5L
