Aprilia reveal finer details on new RSV4 Factory
The engine of the RSV4 Factory is a super compact 999.6 cc 65° V-four cylinder engine designed for maximum power (180 hp). Aprilia’s engine uses a Ride by Wire multimap system, a solution that Aprilia claims opens up new frontiers for engine management, with practically infinite possibilities for further development.
Besides the triple map Ride by Wire system, a sophisticated electronic injection system with two injectors and adjustable height ducts are fitted.
Aprilia RSV4 Factory has an adjustable geometry chassis allows parameters such as the position and inclination of the headstock, the height of the swingarm pin and even that of the engine to be changed.
The components are the state-of-the-art in motorcycling technology: Öhlins Racing fork, rear monoshock and steering damper, Brembo monobloc callipers, forged aluminium rims.
The needs of the optimised dynamic intake system feeding the V4 defined the strong-charactered front, with extra-large air intakes that not only develop considerable overpressure in the airbox (approx. 35 mb @ 280 km/h), but also completely separate the headlamps from the bottom of the fairing.
Smaller, lower and narrower than any 4 cylinder bike before, the RSV4 Factory’s extreme compactness is its strength, together with an almost obsessive pursuit of perfect ergonomics (crucial for perfect riding control), which has always distinguished Aprilia’s road going motorcycles.
Aprilia engineers have known for years that a narrow V engine layout is the ideal technical solution for obtaining a class-beating chassis architecture that emphasises the performance of the engine. Aprilia was able to draw from its extensive expertise gained in years of two-stroke racing to evaluate all possible solutions when designing a new four-stroke sportsbikes and arrived at a new 65° V-4 engine.
The narrowness of the engine allows for a very oversquare bore/stroke ratio and Aprilia claims the new engine design can rev beyond 14,000rpm. All valve covers and external housings are made from magnesium.
A unique timing system makes extremely compact heads possible (measuring only 250 mm high at the rear), especially in the area beneath the frame spars, which are thus much narrower than would otherwise be possible. The lateral timing chain drives the intake camshaft only and follows an optimised path for improved timing precision and chain durability. A gear pair at the centre of the cylinder bank transmits drive to the exhaust camshaft. This solution made it possible to obtain an extremely compact head in the exhaust area. The V4 is even more compact than the V60 Magnesium twin mounted on the RSV 1000 R. A countershaft dampens vibrations even more than in a 90° V engine. The crankcase is a monobloc configuration with integrated cylinder liners for maximum rigidity and consistent performance.
Aprilia’s RSV4 Factory engine features full Ride by Wire technology. There is no direct connection between throttle grip and the throttle valves, which are completely controlled by a latest generation Marelli control unit.
Each bank has a dedicated servo unit actuating the two relevant throttle bodies only. Hence the two banks, and subsequently the quantity of fuel injected, can be managed independently. While this solution has been tried and tested by Aprilia, it has never been applied before on such a powerful engine, thus opening up practically infinite possibilities for power delivery control. This technology immediately benefits the rider who, thanks to the triple mapping that can be controlled directly from the handlebar, can change the engine delivery mode and thus the motorcycle’s temperament at any time.
The fuel supply uses two injectors per cylinder: one injector is placed downstream of the throttle valve and a “shower” injector is placed in the airbox and starts working at high loads and revs. The technological excellence of the V4 engine is complemented by electronically controlled variable length intake ducts. At low revs and loads, the long duct favours torque and smooth power delivery. When top performance is required, the upper part of the intake duct raises, thus shortening the duct and leaving the engine free to express its full power potential. A butterfly valve in the exhaust further optimises power delivery.
A cassette style gearbox and multiplate wet clutch with a mechanical slipper system transmits drive to the rear wheel.
THE V4 ENGINE in Short
Engine capacity: 999.6 cc
Architecture: 65° V4
Power: 180 HP (132.4 kW) at 12,500 rpm
Crankcase: monobloc with integrated cylinder liners
Timing system: 4 valves per cylinder (Titanium and Nymonic) operated directly by a camshaft driven by a mixed chain/gear system (lateral timing chain, central gear train)
Fuel system: Magneti Marelli electronic injection with 2 injectors per cylinder and integrated independent Ride by Wire system for each bank. Three mappings selectable from handlebar. Electronically controlled variable length intake ducts
Antivibration countershaft
Maximum rpm: 14,100 rpm
Compression ratio: 13:1
Transmission: 6-speed direct-control cassette gearbox
Clutch: multiplate wet clutch with mechanical slipper system
Exhaust system: 4 into 2 into 1 headers with oxygen sensor and single silencer with integrated catalytic converter and butterfly valve.
• CHASSIS: Aprilia’s entire racing know-how
Perfect mass centralisation was a must when the RSV4 Factory frame was being developed. Everything was designed in order to achieve the best possible result, starting from the tank position (crucial for riding) with most of the fuel under the saddle in order to optimise motorcycle balance and eliminate any riding differences between full and empty tank. The RSV4 Factory has a 52%/48% front to rear weight distribution.
The RSV4 frame uses castings and aluminium pressings that are welded to create a far more rigid frame than that of the RSV 1000 twin. Notwithstanding the higher performance, the RSV4 Factory frame weighs almost the same as the RSV, at only 10.1 kg, a lightness matched only by racing frames. The special construction technology also allows both the frame and the swingarm to show the natural and shining colour of the aluminium, which makes the appearance of the RSV4 Factory very similar to that of a racing prototype.
Designed using the knowledge acquired during GP racing, the spectacular swingarm of the RSV4 Factory, like its frame, is made by combining castings (the internal part and the swingarm pin/wheel connection areas) with aluminium bent sheet elements (the external part) to form a very rigid but super light box section capable of minimising the moving masses, exalting the reactivity and sensibility of the motorcycle to the suspension adjustments. The asymmetric conformation, with an arch section on the right side and a reinforcing arch on the left, made it possible to implement an exhaust system with optimised internal volumes without penalising the rigidity of the swingarm. Here too, FEM modelling was used in the design process to optimise cross sections and thicknesses. The swingarm of the RSV4 Factory weighs only 5.1kg.
The multi-adjustable suspension, taken for granted on a motorcycle of this level, are combined with adjustments of the headstock position and rake (through interchangeable bushings), the rear end height, the swingarm pin height and – introducing a new capability exclusive to this bike – the engine position in the frame. The Aprilia RSV4 Factory is the most highly adjustable production motorcycle in the world, just like a real race bike.
Suspension
The Öhlins Racing upside-down fork has 43-mm stanchions and is titanium nitride coated to minimise friction. The wheel travel is 120 mm.
The Öhlins Racing rear shock absorber is equipped with a “Piggy Back” nitrogen canister and can be adjusted for spring preload, compression and rebound damping and length, thus allowing the height of the rear end of the bike to be changed to adjust the set-up to the different riding styles and tracks. The wheel travel is 130 mm.
The motorcycle is also equipped with an Öhlins Racing adjustable steering damper.
Brakes
Brembo monobloc radial callipers and 320mm stainless steel floating discs provide the stopping power. The brake pump is the radial type to improve lever feel and response accuracy. The rear braking system is Brembo “Serie Oro” with 220-mm diameter stainless steel disc and two-piston caliper, with racing-type pump and integrated tank.
The following components are worth pointing out:
– 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. It is a real onboard computer, fitted with a dot matrix display inserted in a minimal, extremely modern and compact design that provides all the information relating to the use of the motorcycle, including: shift light, engaged gear indication, indication of the engine map being used and chronometer with time storing memory. Its functionality was improved to reach a level that is even better than that of the best products available on the market, all use modes are controlled from the left hand switchgear unit so the hands can always remain on the handlebar.
– The electrical system was designed in order to achieve maximum functionality, rationality and minimum weight: the result is an extremely clean and compact layout that makes maintenance operations easier and is preset for use on the racetrack as the parts dedicated to the headlamps can be easily removed. Even the turn indicators – with the front indicators incorporated in the rear view mirrors and the rear indicators in the license plate holder – can be removed quickly for use on the track, the real hunting ground of Aprilia RSV4 Factory.
• ACCESSORIES
A complete range of accessories will be available for Aprilia RSV4 owners:
– Akrapovic racing exhaust system
– Öhlins TTX36 rear shock absorber
– adjustable footpegs
– racing half-handlebars
– fairing protection pads
– high top fairing
– fairing caps for rear mirrors
– rear stand pins
– license plate retainer cover
– motorcycle cover
– dedicated stand
– carbon heelrests
– tank cover with backpack
– tail fairing bag
– carbon exhaust system protection
– carbon fairing pullers.
APRILIA RSV4 FACTORY: Technical Specifications
Engine type Aprilia longitudinal 65° V-4 cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooling system, double overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder
Fuel Unleaded gasoline
Bore and stroke 78 x 52.3 mm
Total engine capacity 999.6 cc
Compression ratio 13:1
Maximum power at crankshaft 180 CV (132.4 kW) at 12,500 rpm
Maximum torque at crankshaft 115 Nm at 10,000 rpm
Induction and fuel system Airbox with front dynamic air intakes. Variable length intake ducts controlled via ECU.
4 Weber-Marelli 48-mm throttle bodies with 8 injectors and latest generation Ride-by-Wire engine management.
Choice of three different engine maps selectable by the rider with bike in motion – Track / Sport / Road
Ignition Magneti Marelli digital electronic ignition system integrated in engine control system, with one spark plug per cylinder and “stick-coil”-type coils
Starter Electric
Exhaust system 4 into 2 into 1 layout, single oxygen sensor, lateral single silencer with engine control unit-controlled butterfly valve and integrated trivalent catalytic converter (Euro 3)
Alternator Flywheel mounted 420W alternator with rare earth magnets
Lubrication Wet sump lubrication system with oil radiator and two oil pumps (lubrication and cooling)
Gearbox 6-speed cassette type gearbox
1st: 39/15 (2.6)
2nd: 33/16 (2,063)
3rd: 34/20 (1.7)
4th: 32/22 (1,455)
5th: 34/26 (1,308)
6th: 33/27 (1,222)
Clutch Multi-disc oil-bath, with mechanical slipper system
Primary drive Straight cut gears and integrated flexible coupling, drive ratio: 73/44 (1,659)
Secondary drive Chain: Drive ratio: 40/16 (2,5)
Chassis Twin-spar adjustable aluminium frame, with castings and pressings.
Envisaged adjustments:
• headstock position and rake
• engine height
• swingarm pin height
Öhlins adjustable steering dumper
Front suspension Öhlins Racing upside-down fork, 43-mm stanchions (with Tin surface treatment). Low profile forged aluminium radial caliper mountings. Completely adjustable spring preload and hydraulic compression and rebound damping. Wheel travel: 120 mm
Rear suspension Twin sided aluminium swingarm; mixed low thickness and sheet casting technology.
Öhlins Racing monoshock with piggyback with completely adjustable: spring preload, wheelbase and hydraulic compression and rebound damping. APS progressive linkages. Wheel travel: 130 mm
Brakes Front: Dual 320-mm diameter floating stainless steel disc with lightweight stainless steel rotor and aluminium flange with 6 pins. Brembo monobloc radial callipers with 4 34-mm opposite. Sintered pads. Radial pump and metal braided brake hose
Rear: 220-mm diameter disc; Brembo floating caliper with two 32-mm isolated pistons. Sintered pads. Pump with integrated tank and metal braided hose
Rims Aprilia forged aluminium alloy rims, completely machined, 5 split spokes.
Front:3.5”X17”
Rear: 6”X17”
Tyres Radial tubeless.
Front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear: 190/55 ZR 17 (alternative: 190/50 ZR 17)
Dimensions (default settings) Max. length: 2040 mm
Max. width: 735 mm (at the handlebar)
Max. height: 1120 mm
Min. height from the ground: 130 mm
Saddle height: 845 mm
Centre to centre distance: 1420 mm
Trail: 105 mm
Steering angle: 24.5°
Kerb weight 179 kg *
Tank 17 litres (4-litre reserve included)
*Dry weight, without battery and fluids.
The first shipment is scheduled to arrive in Australia in July and is sold out. The machine will arrive with a RRP of $31,198 plus on road costs.
– Aprilia RSV4 Desktop Wallpaper – Aprilia RSV Factory Detail Image Gallery
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