Test: Aprilia RSV4 R and RSV4 Factory

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Premiere: Aprilia RSV4 R and RSV4 Factory

New surprises

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The idea of ​​competition sits deep in Aprilia’s soul, not just in racing. The manufacturer is now equipping its Aprilia RSV4 R and Factory superbikes with ABS and has modified the previous driving aids.

"The anti-wheelie control is in position 1, the traction control in level 5, and the ABS works in track mode." Aprilia tester Fabrizio Pellizzon explains the settings that he revised for the Portuguese slope at Estoril R.SV4 R and RSV4 Factory has moved out. "Each individual driving aid can be set independently of the others or can be switched off entirely." Mille grazie for the hints, sit up and go!

After a few laps of familiarization, the Aprilia RSV4 R is the first to really hit the road at the end of the start / finish. Oops, the ABS does not regulate, but the rear rises straight up. At this point the slope is slightly sloping, so the same thing again on a flat section of the route.

The same game here too: under good conditions – warm, grippy asphalt, tires with a lot of grip – increases in mode "Track" the rear end, and the anti-lock device does not come into the control tidy. In principle a good thing, after all, the system on the race should only intervene in an emergency. "For maximum delays, we have adjusted the ABS so that it regulates extremely late in this setting, "confirms an Aprilia spokesman.

So everything is fine? Not quite. Because the rear of the Aprilia RSV4 R looks a bit more restless than before, and the bike is now more prone to stoppies. Even though Aprilia did a lot to lower the center of gravity. The engine is now 5 millimeters lower in the frame, and the pilot is also 5 millimeters lower. And the Italians also lowered the pivot point by the same amount. Only a direct comparison can show whether the rear wheel actually lifts off earlier than on its predecessor, or whether the pilot unconsciously grabs the lever more strongly because of the ABS.

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The mappings of the on-board electronics

Manufacturer

New, prettier muffler with thicker inner pipe and without riveting on the Aprilia RSV4.

"The ‘Sport’ and ‘Rain’ modes offer lift detection for the rear wheel, so the system intervenes earlier", explains the Aprilia man.

That applies to the level "Sports" but only to a limited extent, because here the system works speed-dependent. The ABS regulates up to 80 km / h as soon as the rear wheel loses contact with the ground. The system allows a slight take-off from 80 to 140 km / h. Above this mark, it no longer intervenes, even if the wheel protrudes far into the air.

This mode is still a real recommendation for amateur pilots, especially on the slopes. Because thanks to the noticeable and not too early control impulses on the brake lever, the hobbyist can easily approach the maximum deceleration. However, he should always keep an eye on the 140 km / h limit – it’s not always easy when filing times. Braking drifters also have to adjust, because the ABS prevents lateral drift in every setting.

In order to better control the power out even from tight corners, the men from Noale modified the traction control. In addition to the previous parameters, the ATC (Aprilia Traction Control) now also takes the cornering speed into account, for example.

Unfortunately, in the short time we had – Aprilia only allowed two turns of 20 minutes each – we weren’t able to try every level. Nevertheless, one thing seems clear: The individual levels now allow more slip. Because with the predecessor, the ATC in position four intervened in good time before the box crossed. Now the electronics in position five allow so much slip that the stern sometimes swings out more than intended, which makes the pilot unsure about turning the throttle off before the system intervenes.

Wheelies and drifts

Manufacturer

For the first time ABS, new brake calipers with smaller pistons: the stoppers bite like hell and are very easy to dose on the Aprilia RSV4.

The bottom line is that the previous traction control seems a bit more predictable, the new one pilots have to focus more on. It helps that the individual levels can be easily adjusted from the handlebars in any driving condition, as usual.

In addition to the TC, Aprilia also reprogrammed the Anti-Wheelie Control (AWC). However, we deactivated this feature in order to be able to better assess the function of the traction control. Because in both systems, the electronics regulate the position of the throttle valves and, in extreme cases, set the ignition to advance. If you don’t get shocked when the front wheel lifts off, you can switch off the AWC, because the unicycle dance is now very good-natured, especially because of the lower center of gravity.

Noale teased four more ponies out of the unique 65-degree V4 propellant. New factory specification: 184 hp. The RSV4 owes half of the extra power to its exhaust muffler with its new interior and larger pipe diameter. The Italians generated the remaining horsepower by reducing the friction of the innards, reprogramming the ignition / injection system and optimizing the housing ventilation. That, too, is of course entirely in keeping with the idea of ​​competition.

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Differences between Aprilia RSV4 R and Aprilia RSV4 Factory

Manufacturer

Some changes apply to both models. However, they do "R." and "Factory" Version also has some differences.

Common changes
– for the first time ABS (three levels, can be switched off)
– Driving aids with new coordination
– new brake calipers front and rear
– smaller brake pump
– Pivot pivot, engine and seat position each lowered by 5 mm
– modified exhaust silencer
– Motor four HP more power
– Tank now holds 18.5 liters (plus 1.5 liters)
– R version rear tires too
    in the dimension 200/55

differences
There are differences in the paintwork. The basic variant “R” in matt black, yellow or white goes on the hunt, while the “Factory” still shines in a red and black dress. As before, there are further deviations for the spring elements. In the basic version, the fork and shock absorber come from Sachs, while the Factory uses Ohlins. In contrast to the R, the steering damper is adjustable in the noble version. The same applies to the pivot point of the arm, the motor position and the steering head angle. In addition, Aprilia equipped the Factory with elegant add-on parts such as carbon fenders or engine covers made of titanium. It also has variable intake funnels. One of the most important features, however, are the forged wheels from the Factory, which give it noticeably better handling. Prices: Factory 22,790 euros, R 17,390 euros.

PS data and judgment

Manufacturer

The Aprilia RSV4 still impresses with its fabulous design. Thanks to the ABS, it is now also technically up to date.

Aprilia RSV4 Factory [R version]

Drive: four-cylinder 65-degree V-engine, four valves / cylinder, 135 kW (184 PS) at 12500 / min *, 115 Nm [114 Nm] at 10000 / min *, 1000 cm³, bore / stroke: 78, 0 / 52.3 mm, compression: 13: 1, ignition / injection system, 48 mm throttle valves, mechanically operated multi-disc oil bath anti-hopping clutch, six-speed gearbox, chain, traction control

Chassis: light metal bridge frame, steering head angle: 65.5 degrees, caster: 105 mm, wheelbase: 1420 mm, Ø fork inner tube: 43 mm, spring travel from / h .: 120/130 mm

Wheels and brakes: Forged light metal wheels [light metal cast 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 at the front, 220 mm single disc with two-piston fixed caliper at the rear, ABS

Weight (full tank): 202 kg [207 kg] *
Tank capacity: 18.5 liters of super

Base price: 22,790 euros [17,390 euros] (each including ancillary costs) *

* Manufacturer information

PS judgment

The ABS significantly enhances the Aprilia RSV4 R and Aprilia RSV4 Factory variants. The system works perfectly, even if the rear of the superbike now seems a little more restless when braking at the limit and sometimes takes off quickly. The newly tuned traction control raises questions, the previous system was a little more predictable and coherent. Aprilia should make improvements here. Otherwise, the Aprilia RSV4 is a really hot grinder in both versions.

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