The 2010 Aprilia RSV4 Factory introduced by Aprilia is quite a biker’s dream. It has almost everything required for a super bike combined with excellent performance. It comes with the capabilities to give any top-of-the-class sports bike a run for their money.

The Italian super bike is a real treat to watch. It looks sexy in its black with a touch of crimson red. It is narrow-waisted and slim all-around with a comfortable seating. Its beauty is enhanced with silver frame with gold brakes and suspension and hints of carbon-fiber and magnesium. The pointed nose and tail are all glistening and shiny.

The incredible performance of the new Aprilia is the result of a 999cc 65-degree V-4 that was developed and built in-house at Aprilia. The V-4 powers the RSV4 Factory to a maximum of 180hp at 12,500 rpm. It was the result of the Noale, Italy-based bike maker’s determination to outdo its predecessor, the RSV1000. The Vee angle from 60 degrees on the RSV Twin was widened to 65 on the RSV4. It helps to make the right shape air-box for the staggering power of Aprilia.

Claudio Lombardi, chief architect of the Aprilia V-4 has designed a compact power-plant. This helps in a very oversquare cylinder layout that helps the engine achieve higher speeds using large bores and larger valves. The Factory’s engine will reach redlines only at 14,100 rpm. The brilliance in its engine design doesn’t end here. A “monolithic” configuration with integrated cylinder liners at the crankcase creates maximum engine rigidity.

There isn’t any lack of technology in the new high-horsepower lump. A Magneti-Marelli system effectively controls the ride-by-wire throttle and dual injectors for each cylinder. One injector is placed down the throttle valve and the next is placed in the air-box which starts working at high loads. The RSV4 Factory also makes use of the electronically controlled variable length intake ducts seen on Yamaha’s R1 and R6. It enhances torque and smooth power delivery at both low revs and top-end loads.

The RSV4 Factory offers three modes of ride- (T) Track, (S) Sport and (R) Road which are selectable via a starter button. The Factory features lightweight, multi-spoke, forged-aluminum wheels in Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires. A shocker set of Brembo mono-bloc calipers can bring the 395 pounds of fury to a rapid halt. The V-4’s immense power gets transmitted via a cassette-style six-speed gearbox mated to a slipper clutch.

The RSV4′s chassis is made of pressed sheet and cast aluminum and weighs just 22.2 pounds. The engine can be positioned to offer a racing experience as well as optimal chassis performance. Also, the swing arm pivot height, the steering head angle and the rear ride height can all be altered be suit the needs. The Aprilia offers acres of ground clearance as well. The Factory wears a fully adjustable Öhlins shock, a 43mm Öhlins fork and an Öhlins adjustable steering damper.

After a ride on the 2010 Aprilia RSV4 Factory, one should be convinced that it is here to stay.

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 damper

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)

http://www.aprilia.com