2009 Aprilia RSV4 - First Look

Motorcycle.com Staff
by Motorcycle.com Staff
Boasting 31 world championship titles, 250 MotoGP wins and 8 Superbike victories in the last 16 years, Aprilia certainly has an impressive racing resume. Hoping to add to that legacy is the new Aprilia RSV4, the bike with which they will return to the World Superbike Championship in 2009. The RSV4 has been conceived, designed and developed entirely by Aprilia Racing for competition use.

With four cylinders, 999cc and top of class power in the race-ready version, this revolutionary machine is packed with unique design and manufacturing components. A V-Four engine featuring electronic management and an

The Aprilia RSV4 was designed completely with racing in mind.
exceptionally light and compact chassis are just some of the features that make this bike exceptional. The road-going version of the RSV4 will also benefit from the same design and production techniques as the race version, in essence making it a racing replica.

Aprilia claims the RSV4’s 65 degree V-Four powerplant is the most powerful engine the company has ever developed. This new engine also uses multi-mapping, ride-by-wire technology for versatile power delivery options. Traction control is also optional while it comes standard on the racing version.

Weight has allegedly been centralized with chassis performance dramatically being improved thanks to a short wheelbase and long swingarm. The narrow V-four configuration permits a longer stroke to be used, which allows for improved engine breathing.

At the heart of the RSV4 is a 65-degreee V-Four engine.

The cylinder block features integrated liners for maximum rigidity and consistent efficiency, while the air intakes are variable in length. Each bank of cylinders has a servomotor dedicated exclusively to the operation of their two throttle bodies. The aperture of the four butterfly valves, and therefore the volume of air inducted, can therefore be controlled independently. This solution opens up new horizons in electronic engine and power management for advanced integral traction control. A cassette type gearbox and a slipper clutch demonstrate the racing character of this engine.

The Aprilia RSV4 has been designed and developed with competition in mind, and naturally offers all the adjustments normally found on racing machines. In particular, the RSV4 stands out for its complete range of chassis adjustments. The variable geometry frame not only allows you to change parameters like headstock angle, thanks to interchangeable steering bushings, but even lets you adjust swingarm and engine position.

Veteran racer Max Biaggi has been signed to race the RSV4 in the 2009 WSBK season.
Racing technology has been used for all aspects of construction. Other notable components include an Öhlins fork, rear monoshock and steering damper and Brembo monobloc brake calipers and forged aluminium wheels.

Unique features like the triple headlight cluster are recognizable from the very first glance meaning that the RSV4 will stand out whether on the street or track.

Related Reading
Biaggi signs with Aprilia WSBK team
Aprilia Unveils RSV 4 ‘Race Machine’ in Milan

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Motorcycle.com Staff
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