Aprilia RSV4 Unveiled

[Schneegz]

From Motorcycle Daily:

In front of a group of dealers in Milan earlier today, Aprilia unveiled its long-awaited RSV 4 -- the 1000cc v-four superbike which will form the basis for racing from 2009 onward. Here is a photo and the Aprilia press release.

MILAN, February 22, 2007 – The Aprilia RSV 4 “Race Machine” is unveiled for the first time.

The Aprilia Superbike, the bike which from 2009 will bring the Noale based company back to four-stroke racing, has been unveiled for the first time during the Piaggio Group Convention in Milan.

After the success in the 2007 World Championships with Aprilia riders and bikes dominating the 125 and 250 classes (winning all four titles, a repeat of the 2006 performance), the Veneto company gave a preview of the eagerly awaited RSV 4 “Race Machine”.

An extraordinary preview to a privileged audience of more than 1,200 dealers attending the International Piaggio Group Convention.

Four cylinders, 1000 cc, power of well over 200 HP in the race version, the new bike due to make its road debut by the end of 2008 will mark Aprilia's return to the World Superbike Championship in the 2009 season.

The Aprilia RSV 4 is driven by the most revolutionary and powerful engine ever built by Aprilia. A four-cylinder one litre 65° V engine -a layout making it unique among all the world's production engines -in which the most sophisticated engine engineering is combined with top quality materials and the most advanced electronic control technology.

The Aprilia engine in fact uses integral ride-by-wire technology, opening up new frontiers in managing such a powerful engine, with almost infinite possibilities for controlling power output and traction.

[DogBoy]

   That is one beautiful motorcycle.

[Outrace]

I can see the excitement in the audience.......  

[garry]

I would have expected a more modern exhaust. Something GP-style perhaps. That looks so 2002...

[DosEquis00]

Sharp looking bike and I like the exhaust note of the V4

[kurtw]

Fourono, anyone?

[thatguy]

I would have expected a more modern exhaust. Something GP-style perhaps. That looks so 2002...

This ain't a fashion show.

[Busy Little Whiner]

All reeeeeet Aprilia... I'm excited delighted and glad for your new V4...

Ok STN enjoy the V4 in your future... good luck keeping your butts out of jail... them V4s are
sneaky fast...

[falcofred]

I can see the excitement in the audience.......  

Yea, I don't see any riders or racers in the audience, I see bankers and lawyers. I'm sure the press release to moto journalists at a race track in some exotic location will be far more interesting.
I'm all for more competition in World Superbike. The first two races from Qatar are being broadcast on SPEED this afternoon. I've successfully avoided any internet sites announcing who won.

[Lon]

Wow, that thing's pretty!

Too bad I've got the itch for a new bike -- and it's more like a KLR than a VFR...  

[atadaskew]

"Mick, give him your wallet!"
"What for?"
"He's got a swingarm!"
"That's not a swingarm, *That's*a swingarm!"

[smileyman]

+1 on now one there being able to swing a hip over that Aprilia!

What's so great about a V4 anyhow

[veefer800canuck]

What's so great about a V4 anyhow

Uh-oh.......

[thatguy]

pssssssssssssssssssssssss

[spinalator]

I wonder if it passes California emissions. (giggle)

[Busy Little Whiner]

What's so great about a V4 anyhow

In other words a race bred V4 has 7 things going for it that an I4 Motor of Death can not match...

1) Cube-like crankcase are inherently more rigid than the longer,
beam-like case of an I4 engine.

2) Short V4 crankshaft weights less than an I4...

3)Short V4 crankshaft has less distance to travel and thus takes
physical effort to change direction than I4...

4) 90º V4 has perfect primary balance, a great improvement over
the buzzy, second-order vibration of an I4...

5) A narrow V4 affords up to a 35% reduction in aerodynamic drag over
the wide I4...

6) A V4 has less internal crank bearing friction and able to deliver
more rear wheel HP...

7) A V4 sports superior power delivery and able to achieve greater
tire grip...
 

[smileyman]

So know we know what spins your crank!  Aren't those square engine cases heavier and harder to locate in the frame though?  Perfect balance? I like a little "buzz" so other than basic harmonic durability what's the big advantage there? besides arent there plent of other engines that acheive perfect balance with a seperate shaft with acceptable BHP?

I love the VFR, think the RC30 was the dogs balls, apparently the RC45 went well so why aren't there more V4's?

[Busy Little Whiner]

So know we know what spins your crank!  Aren't those square engine cases heavier and harder to locate in the frame though?  Perfect balance? I like a little "buzz" so other than basic harmonic durability what's the big advantage there? besides arent there plent of other engines that acheive perfect balance with a seperate shaft with acceptable BHP?

I love the VFR, think the RC30 was the dogs balls, apparently the RC45 went well so why aren't there more V4's?

Because of their cube block construction V4s can be made lighter than either I4s or V2s...

You like buzz but your engine parts don't... because as RPM rise parts misaligned...

Separate shaft eats HP and is more complex...

There aren't more V4 because of cost...  


Quote Kevin Cameron... he ponders the reasons why Honda decided on the V4:

Honda's engineers obviously succeeded in finding a basis for long development in the V-Four concept
and the bikes that have been wrapped around it. The major themes in this long evolution are:

1) to relocate weight forward as needed to make an accelerating motorcycle steer;

2) to achieve quick handling through increased chassis and engine compactness; '

3) to raise engine capability through friction reduction, better breathing,more efficient combustion and
structural rigidity.

[smileyman]

Kevin Cameron is a pretty smart fellow. Been a fan of his Cycleworld articles, subscribed almost on his basis alone...Good stuff.

[Galo]

Fourono, anyone?

 

[keppyou812]

I would have expected a more modern exhaust. Something GP-style perhaps. That looks so 2002...

Could be worse..  They could have used the exhaust of the Kawi Z1000..  

No offense to anyone, of course..  

 

[kevin_stevens]

Cycle World test in the December issue.

Ups:

- Clean consistent fueling throughout
- Good steering lock for road use
- Stable chassis and responsive suspension

Downs:

- Two specimens recorded ~150 RWHP at two different dynos.  Aprilia is "looking into it".
- 10.04s 1/4 at 140mph and 178mph top speed back the dyno numbers up

KeS

[atadaskew]

Cycle World test in the December issue.
- Two specimens recorded ~150 RWHP at two different dynos.  Aprilia is "looking into it".

What's wrong with 150rwhp?
Less than a GSXR1K and ZX10 (by about 5)
Equal to CBR, Duc 1198
More than Yam R1
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/PhotoGallerys/63377639364321813809sbhp.jpg

[kevin_stevens]

What's wrong with 150rwhp?
Less than a GSXR1K and ZX10 (by about 5)
Equal to CBR, Duc 1198
More than Yam R1
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/PhotoGallerys/63377639364321813809sbhp.jpg

Nothing wrong.  Very nice!  The BMW has 180, though; and it seems a little soft for the whole next-gen power plant, that's all.  Like I said, the Aprilia guys seem a little perturbed, and they spent a couple of paragraphs on it in the review.

KeS

[atadaskew]

Does the BMW really have 180rwhp, or is that just a claim?

If it does, that's 25 more than it's next closest rival.  Which is huge.

[kevin_stevens]

Does the BMW really have 180rwhp, or is that just a claim?

If it does, that's 25 more than it's next closest rival.  Which is huge.

Their published advertising claim is 193 crank hp.

The demo bikes have been dynoed at various tuner shops on the west coast at between 179 and 181 at the rear wheel.  The owner of the local shop verifies that he got that on multiple runs (because he didn't believe it) and that it's the highest number he's see for a stock bike.

But I don't want to turn this into a BMW thread; it's just surprising that the test Aprilias are coming out a little low, as that is supposed to be one of their strong points (they are considered one of the strongest engines in WSBK).

KeS

[atadaskew]

150 rwhp of  1000cc V4 goodness sounds ok to me!
 

p.s. what was the Desmocedici's rwhp?

[kevin_stevens]

150 rwhp of  1000cc V4 goodness sounds ok to me!
 

p.s. what was the Desmocedici's rwhp?

I don't know.  Ducati says 200 at the crank with a race pipe.
http://www.ducati.com/en/bikes/my2008/popup_tech_spec.jhtml?modelName=D16RR-08&content=Bikes&sub_content=MY2008;
KeS

[Orson]

you'll never use more than 150 hp on the streets.

anything more is just dick wagging  

 

[kevin_stevens]

you'll never use more than 150 hp on the streets.

anything more is just dick wagging  

 

That's ok - the BMW has a "rain mode" switch that restricts the engine to only 150.   (seriously)
And I already have the t-shirt:



KeS

[Orson]

And I already have the t-shirt:

it's a brand new t shirt!

invalid entry.

protocol requires a picture of someone actually wearing the shirt  

[kevin_stevens]

it's a brand new t shirt!

invalid entry.

protocol requires a picture of someone actually wearing the shirt  

I'll post up from Ensenada in a couple of weeks.

KeS

[Busy Little Whiner]

Does the BMW really have 180rwhp, or is that just a claim?

RRW reported 181RWHP but is it a pre-production version without emissions or noise testing???

BMW S1000RR... the most furious... tempestuous... cammy hit I4 ever offered to the public... good for 16th place in WSBK...

[kevin_stevens]

RRW reported 181RWHP but is it a pre-production version without emissions or noise testing???

BMW S1000RR... the most furious... tempestuous... cammy hit I4 ever offered to the public... good for 16th place in WSBK...

It was a pre-production version - as in not production fit and finish on all parts, and it had the sensors for the ABS and DTC but not the module installed (a production bike would either have no sensors or the module installed).   Had a standard exhaust with cat intact and all the little servo valves working, because I looked at all of it in detail at the dealership to see what would be needed for the aftermarket manufacturers to replicate.  Not throwing any engine codes, either.

Nice try.

But this is the Aprilia thread, remember?  Anyone else get their Cycle World yet?

KeS

[Busy Little Whiner]

It was a pre-production version - as in not production fit and finish on all parts, and it had the sensors for the ABS and DTC but not the module installed (a production bike would either have no sensors or the module installed).   Had a standard exhaust with cat intact and all the little servo valves working, because I looked at all of it in detail at the dealership to see what would be needed for the aftermarket manufacturers to replicate.  Not throwing any engine codes, either.

Nice try.

But this is the Aprilia thread, remember?  Anyone else get their Cycle World yet?

KeS

So it's possible that to comply with the Feds the power of the production version may be less???

[MilleArp]

So it's possible that to comply with the Feds the power of the production version may be less???

No maybe about it!
However............. rest assured the aftermarket shops will be all over this, making goodies to bring it back up to snuff, just like they do with every other sportbike.

.

[tomek]

BTW,Cycle World has a test of production,EPA legal US market RSV4.Peak power is 146.5 hp @ 12500 and torque 71.2 @ 9900.
It is about 18hp less compared to previous test of Euro pre-production model.Different dyno thought.

BMW 1000 production was suppose to start in September,so those high 180 hp numbers were achieved on pre-production,no doubt blue printed,not necessarily EPAed  motors.Expect mid 160s in the real world.YMMV.

[Busy Little Whiner]

BTW,Cycle World has a test of production,EPA legal US market RSV4.Peak power is 146.5 hp @ 12500 and torque 71.2 @ 9900.
It is about 18hp less compared to previous test of Euro pre-production model.Different dyno thought.

BMW 1000 production was suppose to start in September,so those high 180 hp numbers were achieved on pre-production,no doubt blue printed,not necessarily EPAed  motors.Expect mid 160s in the real world.YMMV.

Which bike sports the lowest lap time is my main concern... HP numbers not...

[tomek]

Which bike sports the lowest lap time is my main concern... HP numbers not...

I thought it was top speeds that mattered,,,

[thatguy]

Checked out the RSV4 Factory yesterday.Now to weasel a ride on it.I will not buy one before riding it.I was afraid it would be too small for me from what I've seen on the 'net.Not so.Small bike with nice comfy (for a sport bike) rider ergos.Typical Aprilia.Fit and finish are also typical.Muffler is kinda funky but we'll be leaving that alone.Ride report when it happens.

[thatguy]

Quote from someone who's ridden both bikes concerning MR RC45 and the RSV4.

Normal, street riding in please do not arrest me mode was probably one of the most pleasant surprises of all. The sound is fucking great, the engine making noises so unique and distinct from the intake air and the exhaust flow that the aural assault alone seems worth the price of admission. The firing interval is about as even as possible considering the 65 degree V angle but still offbeat enough to be reminiscent of when Honda actually built cool homologation specials, like the RC45. The RC45 is actually about the only bike I have ever ridden that sounds as crisp and interesting, big difference though, out of the crate the RC45 was the sexiest pig I had ever seen at that time in my life but was so disappointing to ride, the RSV4 is on the completely opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to performance. I promise you that not even Hondas HRC Factory RC45’s EVER made the kind of power that an off the shelf RSV4 does. The new RSV4 is more streetable with the same comfort as the current generation Aprilia RSVR when ridden normally, once you tell the ecu to allow for power it delivers in a way that almost feels turbocharged in the last 3-4k revs. Just to be 100% fair I lugged it down to 1800 indicated rpm in top gear and in a couple of other gears and did roll ons to calibrate my ass dyno, it pulls seamlessly, with some shake through the engine at super low revs, some feeling of vibration up till about 5k rpm, almost V-twin like in that sense.

[Busy Little Whiner]

Quote from someone who's ridden both bikes concerning MR RC45 and the RSV4.

I promise you that not even Hondas HRC Factory RC45’s EVER made the kind of power that an off the shelf RSV4 does.

I don't think that person has never ridden an factory HRC RC45 with 191HP let alone one with bolt on kit parts...

[miles]

I got to sit on and fire up the new RSV4 Factory.  Aside from the exhaust it's a good-looking bike, but a bit overstyled for my taste.  The fins on the tail section are a bit much, but I could live with it.  Unfortunately the bike is too small.  It may not be quite as tiny as the current Daytona 675, but it's close.  It would be great for 20 minute track day sessions, but a quick 400 miles wouldn't work for me.

It sounds good, too- but only in gear.  It has some noise reduction valve in the exhaust that keeps it quiet when it's in neutral.  It spins up quicky, almost like a modern engine configured bike does.   Sadly I didn't get to ride the RSV4 Factory, just twist the throttle in the shop.  The Desmo has a much, much fiercer character than the Ape does- the RSV4 sounds like a Japanese bike in comparison.  Then again, the Desmo costs 3 1/2 times as much money...

Would I buy one?  No.  It's too small for me.  If I were jockey-sized, though, I could see myself on an RSV4.

[Busy Little Whiner]

I got to sit on and fire up the new RSV4 Factory.  Aside from the exhaust it's a good-looking bike, but a bit overstyled for my taste.  The fins on the tail section are a bit much, but I could live with it.  Unfortunately the bike is too small.  It may not be quite as tiny as the current Daytona 675, but it's close.  It would be great for 20 minute track day sessions, but a quick 400 miles wouldn't work for me.

It sounds good, too- but only in gear.  It has some noise reduction valve in the exhaust that keeps it quiet when it's in neutral.  It spins up quicky, almost like a modern engine configured bike does.   Sadly I didn't get to ride the RSV4 Factory, just twist the throttle in the shop.  The Desmo has a much, much fiercer character than the Ape does- the RSV4 sounds like a Japanese bike in comparison.  Then again, the Desmo costs 3 1/2 times as much money...

Would I buy one?  No.  It's too small for me.  If I were jockey-sized, though, I could see myself on an RSV4.

That noise reduction thing is to keep your neighbors happy...

You know Miles I've had great success custom fitting bar risers and rear sets to fit any size owner with
just about any size bike...

[miles]

That noise reduction thing is to keep your neighbors happy...

You know Miles I've had great success custom fitting bar risers and rear sets to fit any size owner with
just about any size bike...

Bar risers wouldn't help- bar forwarders might do the job, though!

[miles]

The silencer valves aren't there to keep neighbors happy.  They are there to keep DMV inspectors happy.  

On another note, the bike has a programmable ECU and there are flashes for all the various aftermarket exhausts- but if you install an exhaust the change in the ECU automatically voids the warranty.

[Busy Little Whiner]

Bar risers wouldn't help- bar forwarders might do the job, though!

Are you sure??? the RSV4 didn't feel anymore forward than Mr.RC45 and I'm 5'11"...

[Sign Guy]

Saw one in person a few days ago. If I had the $$$ and room in the garage....

The sound is great. When you pop it into gear a valve opens up and completely changes the tone. The exhaust is more GP like, not at all like what is pictured. Sitting on it feels a lot like sitting on a RS125 in both weight and size. Sexy bike!

[kevin_stevens]

RRW reported 181RWHP but is it a pre-production version without emissions or noise testing???

Ok, Larry, so the production version is actually 183.  
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/New-bikes/2009/December/dec0909-bmw-s1000rr-dyno-test-183bhp-at-wheel/

KeS

[Busy Little Whiner]

Ok, Larry, so the production version is actually 183.  
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/New-bikes/2009/December/dec0909-bmw-s1000rr-dyno-test-183bhp-at-wheel/

KeS

Whoa 183!!! that makes the new BMW the most furious cammy hit I4 ever to be released to the public... it should win everything that matters...

[kevin_stevens]

(shrug)  I posted the number; you questioned the number; I validated the number.

KeS

[atadaskew]

183 rwhp is insane.
Then again so is 150 rwhp in a 400lb package for street use.

But, ya gotta admire this engineering.  That little bike makes more hp than my gf's BMW 325i!

[kevin_stevens]

183 rwhp is insane.
Then again so is 150 rwhp in a 400lb package for street use.

But, ya gotta admire this engineering.  That little bike makes more hp than my gf's BMW 325i!

More headroom, too!  

KeS

[Busy Little Whiner]

(shrug)  I posted the number; you questioned the number; I validated the number.

KeS

Post the dyno chart... let's see if anybody is home at lower RPMS...

[DogBoy]

The MCN truth-o-meter shall not be questioned.

[miles]

The MCN truth-o-meter shall not be questioned.

Lee's Cycles here in San Diego dyno tested one and got 183 at the rear wheel as well.  Lee's is a top tuning shop, and they know bikes.  Lee told me that not only did it post an amazing peak HP, but the power spread was the best he's seen on a stock unmodified bike.

[DogBoy]

Lee's Cycles has a great rep and I'd be more likely to believe their dyno sheet than MCN. I thought "Lee" moved to Florida years ago after selling the shop to Jeremy Toye?    

[Busy Little Whiner]

Lee's Cycles here in San Diego dyno tested one and got 183 at the rear wheel as well.  Lee's is a top tuning shop, and they know bikes.  Lee told me that not only did it post an amazing peak HP, but the power spread was the best he's seen on a stock unmodified bike.

Good thing Mr.RC45 is modified...

[kevin_stevens]

Lee's Cycles has a great rep and I'd be more likely to believe their dyno sheet than MCN. I thought "Lee" moved to Florida years ago after selling the shop to Jeremy Toye?    

I posted the Lee's numbers months ago and Larry had a fit because the bike wasn't EPA certified, even though it had a production muffler on it.  We'll see what he comes up with next.

KeS

[atadaskew]

Good thing Mr.RC45 is modified...

And yet still makes 40-50 less hp than the BMW?
Imagine what happens when the BMW is modified...

[kevin_stevens]

So I got over to the local Aprilia dealer today, and got to sit on the RSV4.  I was surprised by the size; everything I've read mentiones how small it is, but the bike didn't seem to me to be any smaller than most of the other SS bikes; either in riding position or overall size.  

It was quite comfy, I really liked the tank "lip" to hook your leg under; peg distance was fine.  The only ergo thing was that the mirrors were beyond useless; I couldn't even do the chicken wing "peek under your armpit" move.  They seem like they might work fine if you were completely hung off the bike.  

Very nice bike; not one I'm interested in, but typically nice Aprilia.  

KeS

[kevin_stevens]

http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=196419

Aprilia has issued a recall for a number of Aprilia RSV4-R's and RSV4 Factories. The recall requires replacing the complete engine. While the information is still preliminary, we will update you with all the information available to us, as soon as we get it.

Aprilia Italy has issued the recall campaign, and Aprilia USA is expected to release the letter to dealers tomorrow, and mail letters to registered owners as well.

Aprilia USA has stated that there have been no failures and this is purely a precautionary recall so that there are not part failures in the future. We have not yet been informed as to what part is at issue.

We have also been informed that all bikes on the road in the USA will have engines available within the next two weeks, if not earlier.

 

KeS

[miles]

http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=196419

 

B2B would have posted the hell out of this if it were a BMW...

[Orson]

It's impossible tp bash Italians.

They're lovable.

[atadaskew]

Huh, I had a feeling that Piaggio  did use a few too many Vespa parts in that bike.

[Busy Little Whiner]

It's impossible tp bash Italians.

They're lovable.

Ah gee Orson... you say the nicest things...

[Tar Snake]

 The only ergo thing was that the mirrors were beyond useless; I couldn't even do the chicken wing "peek under your armpit" move.  They seem like they might work fine if you were completely hung off the bike.  

Very nice bike; not one I'm interested in, but typically nice Aprilia.  

KeS

On a bike like that, the mirrors are for checking out how cool you look, not for something as mundane as monitoring traffic.

[kevin_stevens]

On a bike like that, the mirrors are for checking out how cool you look, not for something as mundane as monitoring traffic.

The BMW mirrors actually work very, very well.  They're better than the K1300S mirrors.  I was very pleasantly surprised.

KeS

[atadaskew]

The BMW mirrors actually work very, very well.  They're better than the K1300S mirrors.  I was very pleasantly surprised.

KeS

That's to see what's keepin' that RC45..