First Look
Aprilia recently released photos of both the street-legal and superbike racing versions of its new RSV4 that is slated to be the company's racing platform for the next decade.
The V-4 engine uses a 65-degree Vee angle like its RSV Mille V-twin predecessor, which Aprilia claims allows the benefits of "improved engine breathing" due to a longer stroke, better mass centralization, and excellent chassis performance by permitting a longer swingarm by way of the engine's compact size. The cylinders are described as "monobloc with integrated liners", which probably means they are cast into the upper case half similar to the Honda VFR800. Intake trumpets use a variable-length setup, and the ride-by-wire throttle system controls each bank (pair) of cylinders independently, with the "traction control" term used liberally. Gearbox is a cassette type, with a slipper clutch also used.
The aluminum chassis sports variable frame geometry, with the steering head angle and swingarm pivot adjustable via eccentric inserts. Interestingly, even the engine position is said to be adjustable with different mounts.
Because the RSV4 is meant to be a homologation model, it sports the usual high-end components, such as Ohlins suspension, Brembo monobloc/radial-mount brakes and forged aluminum wheels. No price or availability info was available at press time. -K.K.