Superbike: Tracktest Aprilia RSV4

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Superbike: Tracktest Aprilia RSV4
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Superbike

Track test Aprilia RSV4

That was a premiere season at its best. After a cautious start, Aprilia established itself at the top of the Superbike World Championship. In the end, Max Biaggi’s RSV4 landed in fourth place behind the world champion Yamaha and two Ducati.

Of course, at the finale of the Superbike season, all eyes were on the duel between Spies and Haga. But behind the two protagonists there was also a fight worth watching. Those of the two newcomers BMW and Aprilia, who were still fighting side by side for top ten spots at the start of the season on Phillip Island.

But while BMW’s storm to the top of the world slumped in midfield over the course of the season, the RSV4 was fully involved in the fight for the podium from the middle of the season. In Brno, Max Biaggi even won the first run. This was followed by his second place in race two. From then on, Aprilia had reached the top and was a permanent contender in the fight for the top podium position.

Biaggi’s fourth place in the final bill, ahead of the Honda pack, is therefore the crowning highlight of a steeply upward curve that would not have been possible without a solid base. The Aprilia technicians have undoubtedly provided for this basis with the RSV4. And their experiences from the 250 World Championship were certainly an advantage when building the chassis.

The first impression that emerges after just two corners: This is never a 1000. Especially if you have recently sat on a Yamaha YZF-R1 or even a Suzuki GSX-R 1000.


Aprilia RSV4

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The Aprilia hugs the driver so small, petite and compact that one actually suspects a 600 under the buttocks. Especially since normally grown Central Europeans can find plenty of space. Amazing, since Biaggi is not exactly known as a giant. And doesn’t it actually do without the reversed racing gearshift pattern? The solution to the riddle: It is Leon Camier’s bike with Biaggis fairing, which can also be seen on the swing arm. Biaggi drove a heavier, stiffer specimen with a girder that was used to tackle chattering after attempts with chassis of different stiffness did not lead to success. But it doesn’t matter. On the one hand, Camier’s reversed gearshift is an excellent fit, and on the other, its RSV4 also amazes with its incredibly light-footed handling.

When it comes to superbike carp, the Aprilia is definitely the pike. Not even the fabulously balanced Ten Kate Honda achieves this agility. The Aprilia can be directed as light as a feather, decelerated far into the apex of the curve and then steered onto almost any line – no problem. The RSV4 is so agile that you almost want to spin your own front wheel. Ex-250cc champion Biaggi wanted a more nimble, 250cc turn-in and got it. In addition, the engine pushes gently and evenly in an almost unspectacular manner that you would never trust it to have 210 hp or more. But it gives it the spurs all the more freely, until the limiter catches it again very gently at around 15,000 rpm.

Nevertheless, there should be enough power, because the RSV4 was second fastest at the Superbike finale with 303 km / h behind speed king Ben Spies on his R1 (306 km / h), while the subjectively much more powerful BMW was measured with 289.

This is perhaps the secret of the Aprilia. Your serenity, plus the mobility, which, despite all the stability, traction and feedback, has an almost weightless feel. So sovereign, which means a lot can be expected for the next year.

Technical specifications

Hole to hole and still holds: the filigree fork bridge of the racing RSV.

Engine:
Water-cooled four-cylinder four-stroke 65-degree V-engine, four valves, wet sump lubrication, mechanically operated multi-disc oil bath anti-hopping clutch, bore x stroke 78.0 x 52.3 mm, 1000 cm³, compression 14.0: 1, 154 kW (210 PS) at 14500 rpm, 110 Nm, six-speed gearbox


Landing gear:
Light alloy bridge frame, Ohlins TTX-25 upside-down fork, Ø 42 mm, light metal two-arm swing arm and Ohlins central spring strut fully adjustable, double disc brake with four-piston fixed calipers at the front, Ø 320 mm, disc brake at the rear, Ø 220 mm, Marchesini magnesium wheels , 3.50 x 16.5 front, 6.25 x 16.5 rear

Measurements and weight:
Wheelbase 1435 mm, tank capacity 24 liters, empty weight 162 kg

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