The Aprilia RSV4, the bike that has amazed the world and set new benchmarks for sporting performance, both on the road and on the tracks of the World Superbike championship, is now available for a even wider range of bike enthusiasts thanks to the arrival of the R version.
The RSV4 R maintains all of the features that make the Aprilia RSV4 project unique: a 1000 cc, 180 HP, V4 engine, integrated Ride-by-Wire electronic management, twin injectors, racing-derived frame and cycle parts and an extremely compact size.
The RSV4R is the baseline Superbike in next year’s line-up. Priced at $15,999, it’s a Superbike for the everyday man, a machine that allows riders to experience the wonder that is its purpose-built 999cc liquid-cooled V-Four racing engine and compact GP-inspired rigid aluminum chassis, all wrapped in stunning, aerodynamically functional bodywork. Motorcycle USA was one of only two U.S. magazines invited to test this hotrod at Valentino Rossi’s favorite and beloved Mugello racing circuit near Florence, Italy, to see if the Italian’s succeeded.
2010 Aprilia RSV4R
Aprilia still had a couple of cards up its sleeve for 2010, which it played at the Imola round of the World Superbike Championship in Italy. One was Marco Simoncelli, reigning 250cc champion, replacing the injured Shinya Nakano on the second RSV4 entry. Second was the unveiling of the RSV4 R, a much more accessible version of the highly sophisticated RSV4 superbike—the R version is expected to be priced 25 percent under the limited-edition Factory model, though U.S. prices for the bikes have not yet been set.
2010 Aprilia RSV4R
Good news is that the 65-degree V-Four powerhouse is in exactly the same state of tune, R or Factory: two injectors fueling each cylinder and an engine-management system that offers three operational modes (Track, Sport and Road) to modulate the manner in which the engine delivers horsepower.
Where Aprilia saved money on the R is in the rolling gear. A Showa 43mm fork and Sachs shock replace precious Öhlins units front and rear. Frame geometry is not adjustable as on the Factory and rake is set at 24.3 degrees. Brakes are related to those on the RSV4, being Brembo all around—320mm twin rotors up front teamed to radial-mount, four-piston calipers, not monoblocs in this case but still a very reliable setup. Wheels are cast aluminum.
The RSV4 R is slightly heavier than the RSV4 Factory, tipping the scales at a claimed 405 pounds dry (with no battery). Still, the combination is one of the hottest on the market, and the lower price now makes it a lot more attractive in terms of price-to-performance ratio.
Tags: brake, brakes, cycle parts, engine management system, motorcycle, rotors, valentino rossi, world superbike championship