The final electronic aid the APRC offers is the only one I didn't like - ALC (Aprilia Launch Control). Ideally, the whole point of the system is that you should come to the line, wait for the lights to change while winding the throttle hard open and then just dump the clutch and let the electronics take care of dealing with the consequences. The APRC's launch control, like all other motorcycle offerings, simply holds revs at a set value until the clutch is completely let out and is not launch control in the accepted competition sense.
But that slight disappointment aside (on a program I doubt many owners will end up using), I have to say this APRC package is an extremely clever piece of empirical development taken from the racetrack to the highway - though I suspect most owners of these bikes are going to be track-day bound. At the stage you're spending that sort of money to buy a sportbike, you really can't afford not to spend another $1500 to get the benefits of this electronic wizardry, because the sum of its parts holds a great deal more than that in value. The Aprilia RSV4 Factory was already an exhilarating, exciting and rewarding bike to ride hard and fast on but the APRC electronic riding aids package makes it even more rewarding to ride - as well as a whole lot safer, too.
Like I said, racing improves the breed...
An extensive array of race parts are available for the RSV4, including the camshafts, dashboard and ECU shown here.
Specifications
2011 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC SE
MSRP: $22,499
Engine
Type: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke DOHC 65-degree V-four
Displacement: 999.6cc
Bore x stroke: 78.0 x 52.3mm
Compression ratio: 13:1
Induction: Weber Marelli EFI, 48mm throttle bodies w/variable length intake, two injectors/cyl.
Chassis
Front tire: 120/70ZR-17 Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP
Rear tire: 200/55ZR-17 Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP
Rake/trail: 24.5 deg./4.1 in. (105mm)
Wheelbase: 55.9 inches (1420mm)
Seat height: 33.3 inches (845mm)
Fuel capacity: 4.5 gal. (17L)
Claimed dry weight: 394 lb. (179kg)