2017 Aprilia RSV4 And Tuono V4 1100 Previews
Two of MO’s favorite motorcycles are getting minor but notable revisions for 2017, as Aprilia today announced the RSV4 (both RR and RF) and Tuono V4 1100 (both RR and Factory) will be seeing a list of upgrades.
The bulk of the updates for both models centers around their APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) electronics suite, which sees a repositioned IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) for more precise readings of the motorcycle’s behavior. From there, Aprilia cleaned up its ride-by-wire system to eliminate any superfluous components, a measure the company claims saves 590 grams over the previous models.
As for the actual rider aides, the list of improvements is below:
- New ATC: Aprilia Traction Control, adjustable on the fly, (without having to release the throttle) to 8 settings thanks to a practical joystick, now has even more fine-tuned and higher performance operating logic.
- New AWC: Aprilia Wheelie Control, adjustable to 3 levels, includes more precise operating strategies thanks to the repositioning of the inertial platform. Wheelie control can now be adjusted on the fly without closing the throttle, like the ATC, thanks to the new and more practical left side electric block.
- New ALC: Aprilia Launch Control, for use on the track only, with 3 settings, uses even more effective new operating strategies.
- New AQS: Aprilia Quick Shift, the electronic gearbox that allows shifting without closing the throttle and without using the clutch, now allowing clutchless downshifting.
- New APL: Aprilia Pit Limiter, the system that lets you select and limit the top speed allowed in pit lane at the track or simply to make it easier to comply with posted speed limits on the road.
- New ACC: Aprilia Cruise Control. The new electronic management has allows an advanced cruise control system to be introduced, very convenient on longer trips because it lets you maintain the set speed without touching the throttle.
In addition to the fourth generation APRC system, both models now come from the factory standard with advanced multi-map Cornering ABS, developed in collaboration with Bosch. The 9.1 MP system is able to optimize braking and the ABS intervention in corners, thanks to a specific algorithm that constantly monitors various parameters such as lateral acceleration, the pressure applied to the front brake lever, the lean, pitch and yaw angle, modulating the braking action in order to better guarantee the ratio between deceleration and stability.
The new ABS system works in unison with the Aprilia RLM (Rear Liftup Mitigation) system that limits the lift of the rear wheel during more abrupt braking. Cornering ABS is adjustable to 3 levels and can be switched off. Each of the three Cornering ABS maps can be combined with any of the three new engine maps (Sport, Track, Race), to suit rider preference. The three maps all give full power, only differing in the way they unload the 201 hp (claimed) to the ground, while also differing in the percentage of engine brake dedicated to them.
The color TFT digital instrumentation is also entirely new. There is an optional new version of the V4-MP, the Aprilia multimedia platform that lets you connect your smartphone to the vehicle, introducing a true corner by corner electronic settings calibration system with data that can subsequently be downloaded to your laptop (or displayed directly on the smartphone screen) for analysis, similar to that of an actual race team.
The new V4-MP adds a new connection protocol that minimizes smartphone battery consumption, in addition to providing a larger range of circuits already mapped in which you can manage the electronic settings corner by corner, as well as user acquisition of a new circuit not pre-installed by Aprilia. V4-MP includes the new infotainment system, to manage voice commands and incoming/outgoing telephone calls with your smartphone.
Numerous little changes were made to the engines to help them comply to Euro 4 regulations while not sacrificing any power, at least according to Aprilia. In the process, the RSV4 engines get a 300 rpm rev ceiling increase, while the Tuono sees its redline go up 500 rpm.
On the suspension side, RSV4 RF models get the latest generation Öhlins NIX unit, as is the TTX shock absorber; the latter is operated by new progressive linkage that increases the reaction time of the shock absorber itself. There is also an adjustable steering damper, also supplied by Öhlins. The Brembo braking system is upgraded as well: the front gets new 5 mm thick steel discs with diameter increased to 330 mm, gripped by the monobloc M50 calipers fitted with new brake pads. Both Tuono models will get the upgraded brakes, while the Tuono Factory model will get the Öhlins NIX fork.
Aprilia RSV4 RR will be available in two new color schemes, both matte, on a black and grey base (Grigio Bucine and Nero Ascari) with red wheel rims. The RF version will get an updated version of the “Superpole” colorway, seen in the lead photo above. The Tuono V4 1100 Factory gets a similar look.
As for the Tuono V4 1100 RR, it will be available in two color schemes, Grigio Portimao and Nero Assen.
Troy's been riding motorcycles and writing about them since 2006, getting his start at Rider Magazine. From there, he moved to Sport Rider Magazine before finally landing at Motorcycle.com in 2011. A lifelong gearhead who didn't fully immerse himself in motorcycles until his teenage years, Troy's interests have always been in technology, performance, and going fast. Naturally, racing was the perfect avenue to combine all three. Troy has been racing nearly as long as he's been riding and has competed at the AMA national level. He's also won multiple club races throughout the country, culminating in a Utah Sport Bike Association championship in 2011. He has been invited as a guest instructor for the Yamaha Champions Riding School, and when he's not out riding, he's either wrenching on bikes or watching MotoGP.
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Hard to argue against the Tuono.
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