Premiere: Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC SE

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Premiere: Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC SE
Manufacturer

Premiere: Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC SE

The first series Aprilia with electronic assistance systems.

Content of

In the future, only those manufacturers will probably do good business who equip their super sporty bikes with sophisticated electronic driving aids. Aprilia is fully committed to this trend and has given the RSV4 Factory plenty of innovative electronics.

The pulse is racing. When the machine is at a standstill and first gear is engaged, the gas tap moves to the stop. This takes some effort, because normally motors yodel mercilessly into the limiter during this action. But the new one A.prilia RSV 4 Factory APRC Special Edition (what a name!) offers the so-called Launch Control, an electronic feature that should enable perfect racing starts when activated. Despite the fully stretched cable, the Italian now turns a maximum of between 10,000 and 11,000 rpm – apparently the ideal starting speed. With the shower completely open, couple it in slowly, off you go. The load pulls off evenly and with both wheels on the ground. If the clutch is engaged too quickly, however, the engine speed drops, and the pilot still controls the power transmission with the clutch lever himself. During the presentation on the Jerez circuit, the testers were only allowed to try the last two, relatively tame levels two and three. They limit the torque quite significantly when driving off; Experienced starters miss some punch in the first few meters. A test of the strictest level one follows. Promised!

The abbreviation APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) is a comprehensive electronics package that includes Launch Control (ALC), AQS (Aprilia Quickshifter), Anti Wheelie Control (AWC) and ATC traction control. The only thing missing is the ABS. "We’re working on it", says Aprilia Product Manager Francesco Polimeni, "We will equip the RSV4 with it by 2012 at the latest."

Until then, fans of hearty racetrack gyroscopes can let off steam with the traction control, which is the core of the APRC. The slip control offers eight levels. Full professionals put you in position one, pussies in eight. Using two control buttons on the left handlebar grip, switching is easy even while driving. After a few rounds, level four emerges as a good basis for heroic deeds. Here the traction control does not regulate too late and also enables cautious people to feel their way to the slip limit. How far the physical limit is from your own amazes even experienced hobbyists again and again: It’s amazing what acceleration is possible in an inclined position! With increasing courage, the rider has to direct the bike to ever tighter lines at the exit of the bend and needs more effort, since the full propulsion drives the load vehemently towards the curbs.


Manufacturer

The automatic switchgear (AQS) is part of the comprehensive APRC electronics package.

If level four is suitable for fast corners, the ATC regulates a touch too early in first-gear corners in this position. The set-up takes into account the higher tractive force on the rear wheel in the lower gears and takes power out of the drive early on. The first slides follow in third position, even at higher speeds. In theory, the patented system should allow gentle, controllable slides, but in practice the traction control sometimes surprised with an unexpected breakaway of the rear wheel. Once again, it is imperative to carefully target the system.

A clear advantage of the ATC is that it can self-learn to adjust to different secondary ratios and different tire rolling circumferences. Aprilia certainly calibrated the system in this way to the Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP, which is being launched in new sizes. The rear roller boasts a fat 200/55 dimension and offers more grip thanks to its larger contact surface. Pirelli matches the larger diameter with the special specification front tire "C." which also has a slightly larger rolling circumference. For the first time, the tire bakers have also given the rear rubber in the middle of the tire a different mixture than on the flanks. As before, the front tire is only available as a mono-compound, i.e. in a mixture. Despite the fat rear silt, the racy Italian loses little of its maneuverability, the RSV4 still sets the standard for superbikes in this discipline and in terms of accuracy.


Manufacturer

With a few further revisions in the engine area, the new RSV4 now burns even faster over the asphalt.

The Anti Wheelie Control is used on the straights. Depending on the selected mode, it allows a more or less rising front wheel. Like the traction control, the AWC supports the pilot during fast lap times, but it does not offer an anti-rollover function for wildly provoked wheelies. Each APRC system can be adjusted and activated independently of one another. With the "Special edition" Aprilia celebrates winning the Superbike World Cup 2010 in a noble three-color paint scheme and special stickers. The 22,490 euro racer is now available from dealers.

Conclusion: well done Aprilia! The factory’s electronic assistance systems are convincing, with them hobbyists can push their way to the limit in a first-class way. At the same time, the pilot must never feel completely safe, sensitivity is still required.

Technical specifications


Manufacturer

The new Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC Special Edition.

drive:
Four-cylinder 65-degree V-engine, 4 valves / cylinder, 132 kW (180 PS) at 12 250 / min *, 115 Nm at 10 000 / min *, 1000 cm3, bore / stroke: 78.0 / 52, 3 mm, compression: 13.0: 1, ignition / injection system, 48 mm throttle valves, mechanically operated multi-disc oil bath anti-hopping clutch, six-speed gearbox

landing gear:
Light alloy bridge frame, steering head angle: 65.5 degrees, caster: 105 mm, wheelbase: 1420 mm, inner fork tube Ø: 43 mm, spring travel v / h: 120/130 mm

Wheels and brakes:
Forged alloy wheels, 3.50 x 17"/6.00 x 17", Front tires: 120/70 ZR 17, rear: 200/55 ZR 17, 320 mm double disc brakes with four-piston fixed calipers attached to the front, 220 mm single disc brakes with two-piston fixed calipers at the rear

Weight with a full tank: 204 kg *, tank capacity / of which reserve: 17/4 liters super

Base price: 22 490 Euro (including utilities)

Changes in detail


Manufacturer

Changes like the new, lighter muffler with a changed setting of the throttle valves.

  • Electronics package APRC with:
    – Traction Control ATC
    – Launch Control ALC
    – Anti Wheelie Control AWC
    – Automatic switch AQS
  • new, lighter exhaust muffler with reprogrammed throttle valve control
  • narrower gearbox (gears 1 to 3 longer)
  • Secondary gear ratio 2 teeth shorter
  • revised combustion chamber
  • Balance shaft with roller bearings
  • modified oil circuit
  • optimized cooling water circuit
  • Rear tires in 200/55 ZR 17
  • Cockpit can be switched to street and racetrack display
  • Three-color paint "Special edition"

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