Chassis
Aprilia bikes have always been world famous for the superiority of these chassis. RSV4 R raises the bar even higher with a totally state of the art chassis architecture which, drawing from the expertise accumulated by Aprilia in years of racing and victories, tames the explosive power of the V4 engine to offer the rider absolute control over the bike.
Quite simply, the RSV4 R is the best package available today for the rider demanding the utmost in performance in a bike that is as exciting as a track day machine as it is fun to ride on the open road.
Perfectly centralised masses is just one of the strengths of the RSV4 R chassis. To achieve this result, every single aspect has been optimised down to the tiniest detail. As on a racing machine, the fuel tank is positioned so that the majority of the fuel sits under the saddle optimising bike balance and cancelling out handling differences between full and empty tank conditions.
In keeping with consolidated Aprilia traditions, the aluminium frame of the RSV4 R exploits the strength and flexibility of cast and pressed elements, which are welded together in a structure setting new benchmarks in terms of balance and dynamic efficiency. The result is maximum torsional stiffness and flexional stiffness optimised for total bike control. This means that the Aprilia RSV4 R is not just a bike with devastating performance, but one whose greatest strength is precisely the incredible ease with which any rider can access its full potential. The swingarm also uses the same constructional technology as the frame and offers the same perfect balance between flexional and torsional stiffness to contribute to the extraordinary handling capabilities of the RSV4 R.
The unique construction technology of the frame and swingarm allows them both to proudly flaunt the naturally gleaming colour of aluminium, yet another feature that is increasingly rarer in production bikes that contributes to pure racing look of the RSV4 R.
Suspension
Completing the chassis is a superlative suspension layout - the upside down Showa fork has 43 mm diameter stanchions and features adjustable spring preload and hydraulic compression and rebound damping.
The Sachs rear shock was developed from experience learned directly on the track. This sock absorber boasts a piggy back nitrogen canister (separate and mounted on the body of the unit) and adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping and length, allowing the height of the rear end of the bike to be altered to modify the set-up to suit different riding styles and tracks.
Completing the package is a steering damper, also by Sachs, which ensures impeccable high speed stability and millimetre precision in setting the bike up for turns.
Brakes
The brake system is, without a shadow of a doubt, the best conventional motorcycle system currently offered anywhere on the market. The monobloc radial front callipers by Brembo currently represent the state of the art in racing brake systems. Literally the best you could possibly desire.
The dual 320 mm floating steel discs employ low profile rotors and asymmetric cross-drilling, shaving approximately 500 g from the front wheel and reducing unsprung mass. The floating retainer is fastened to the flange with 6 pins only in order to minimise inertia and weight.
The brake pump is the radial type to improve lever feel and response accuracy.
The Brembo rear brake system uses a 220 mm stainless steel disc with a two piston calliper mounted directly onto the swingarm
Components
A real Superbike is special not only as far as performance is concerned but also for the care it is built with. The details on the RSV4 R speak volumes of a bike built with an obsessive attention to every single aspect, both technical and otherwise.
The following are just some of the most significant class leading components used:
- Instrument panel: the mixed type (digital-analogue), it receives all the information from the CAN line and becomes an integral and crucial part of the self-diagnosis system as it is fitted with memory.This is a fully fledged on-board computer, with a dot matrix display set against a minimalist, ultramodern and compact design. Its functions have been improved and are all accessible from three easy to use buttons.
- Headlight: the triple headlamp layout is not just a reference to the legendary original RSVMille, but designed to offer total night time visibility.
- Electrical system: designed from the outset to offer maximum functionality and rationality with minimum weight. The result is an extremely clean and compact layout that makes for easier maintenance and is ready for track use, as all components relative to the lights and turn indicators are easily removable.