2013 Aprilia RSV4 R ABS / Factory ABS | Preview

Aprilia RSV4 R ABS; RSV4 Factory ABS

Though it was evident that Aprilia would offer its RSV4 with ABS for 2013, the details would have to remain hush until the EICMA in Milan, the motorcycle show that sets the stage for new bike releases.

And on Tuesday, the Noale-based Aprilia released all the information and photos of its new RSV4 models – the RSVR R ABS and the RSV4 Factory ABS.

These two Italian superbikes won’t need much to gain popularity, considering the RSV4 just took its second World Superbike title while the retiring Max Biaggi was at the controls.

But Aprilia didn’t only upgrade the RSV4 lineup with multi-map, switchable ABS – the 2013 bikes also get a revamped chassis, a four-horsepower increase for 184 hp, an increased fuel-tank capacity (up from 4.4 to 4.9 gallons), and even further refined Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC), which features Traction Control, Wheelie Control and Launch Control.

The newest addition is the ABS. Working closely with Bosch to calibrate the ABS 9MP ABS unit, the 4.4-lbs. system can be disengaged, and features three levels of adjustment:

• Level 1 Track: dedicated to the track (but also approved for street use), it acts on both wheels and guarantees maximum possible performance, even in the most intense braking situations at any speed. This setting takes nothing away from the pleasure and performance of “pushing the envelope”
• Level 2 Sport: dedicated to sport riding on the street, it works on both wheels and is combined with an advanced tip over system (RLM – Rear Lift-up Mitigation) which has progressive action based on the vehicle speed
• Level 3 Rain: dedicated to riding on surfaces with poor grip, it acts on both wheels and is combined with the advanced tip over system

Aprilia says each of these three ABS maps can be combined with any of the three engine maps (Track, Sport, Road), allowing the rider to tailor the settings to his or her riding needs.

As for Aprilia’s APRC, the electronics were further tweaked for optimal usage through input from the World Superbike Championship factory team. The APRC system, which is standard equipment on both the R ABS and the Factory ABS. Following are the attributes to each system:

• ATC: Aprilia Traction Control, the traction control system that can be adjusted on the fly, without closing the throttle, to 8 levels thanks to a practical joystick on the left handlebar, gains even higher performing and refined operating logic
• AWC: Aprilia Wheelie Control, which can be adjusted to three levels, has been recalibrated for better performance
• ALC: Aprilia Launch Control, for use on the track only, with 3 settings
• AQS: Aprilia Quick Shift, a system for extremely fast gear changes without shutting the throttle and using the clutch. The new APRC system integrates even better with the electronic full Ride by Wire multimap management of the powerful V4 engine

Aprilia also refined the chassis of RSV4 R ABS and Factory ABS chassis for more adjustability. Speaking of the superbike’s chassis, Aprilia says “The possibility of adjusting the position of the engine within the frame is a peculiarity which is usually reserved for racing bikes and which sets the RSV4 apart from all the other bikes in the segment. This, together with a different adjustment of the swingarm pivot, guarantees greater stability and control of the bike in more intense braking situations; at the same time, it allowed the height of the saddle off the ground to be lowered to 840 mm, to the advantage of riders of all sizes.”

One of the main differences between the R ABS and the Factory ABS is suspension. The Factory ABS gets top of the line Ohlins 43mm forks, while the R ABS gets a Sachs setup. Out back, the Factory ABS model also gets Ohlins, and the R ABS Sachs.

The braking system has also been updated on the 2013 RSV4 lineup. Up front, the RSV4 models receive a refined Brembo M430 radially-mounted monoblock calipers that squeeze 320mm discs. Out back, the Aprilia RSV4 lineup receives a refined Brembo twin-piston caliper that squeezes a 220mm disc.

As for the engine, the 65-degree V4 now produces 184 horsepower and 86.3 ft. lbs. of torque due to a redesigned exhaust system and a further tuning of electronics. Aprilia says the three distinct mappings (Track, Sport and Road), were matched to the new power and torque specifications of the V4 in order to obtain even more full and rich power output at any engine speed.

The big change in aesthetics arrives from the larger gas tank, up from 4.4 gallons to 4.9 to make room for the ABS control unit. Aprilia says the side panels on the fairings introduce lines that increase the rider’s feeling during braking and in turns. This solution was borrowed directly from the Aprilia RSV4 used in the World Superbike championship.

Additionally, the 2013 Aprilia RSV4 range has a new exhaust silencer bottom, a satin finish on the headlight assembly, and, on the R version, a new mudguard finish.

The Factory version retains its black/red paint scheme with gold wheels, but the previous R’s glamor white paint has been replaced with new graphics over a matte black finish. As for price, the MSRP has yet to be reported.

2013 Aprilia RSVR Lineup Specs [RSV4 R ABS information between brackets]:

Engine:

• Type: Aprilia longitudinal 65° V-4 cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooling system, double overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder
• Bore X Stroke: 78 x 52.3 mm
• Displacement: 999.6 cc
• Compression Ratio: 13:1
• Maximum Horsepower: 184 hp (135.3 kW) at 12,500 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 86.3 ft. lbs at 10,000 rpm
• Intake System: Airbox with front dynamic air intakes. Variable height intake ducts controlled by engine control unit [fixed ducts for the R version]
• Throttle Bodies: 4 Weber-Marelli 48-mm throttle bodies with 8 injectors and latest generation Ride-by-Wire engine management
• Engine Maps: Multiple engine maps selectable by the rider with bike in motion: T (Track), S (Sport), R (Road)
• Ignition: Magneti Marelli digital electronic ignition system integrated in engine control system, with one spark plug per cylinder and “stick-coil” type coils
• Exhaust: 4 into 2 into 1 layout, single oxygen sensor, new lateral single silencer with ECU-controlled bypass valve and integrated trivalent catalytic converter (Euro 3)
• Lubrication: Wet sump lubrication system with oil radiator and two oil pumps (lubrication and cooling)
• Transmission: 6-speed cassette type gearbox; Gear lever with Aprilia Quick Shift electronic system (AQS)
• Clutch: Multiplate wet clutch with mechanical slipper system
• Traction Management: APRC System (Aprilia Performance Ride Control), which includes Traction Control (ATC), Wheelie Control (AWC), Launch Control (ALC), all of which can be configured and deactivated independently.

Chassis/Suspension:

• Frame: Twin-spar adjustable aluminum frame, with castings and pressings. Envisaged adjustments:headstock position and rake; engine height; swingarm pin height.
• Steering Damper: adjustable Öhlins steering damper [Sachs non- adjustable]
• Front Suspension: Öhlins [Sachs] upside-down Racing fork, 43 mm stanchions with Tin surface treatment. Low profile forged aluminum radial caliper mountings. Completely adjustable spring preload and hydraulic compression and rebound damping. Wheel travel: 120 mm
• Rear Suspension: Double braced aluminum swingarm; mixed low thickness and sheet casting technology. Öhlins Racing mono-shock absorber with completely adjustable piggy-back in: spring preload, center to center length, hydraulic compression and rebound damping [Sachs adjustable in: spring preload and hydraulic compression and rebound damping]. APS progressive linkage. Wheel travel: 130 mm
• Front Brakes: Dual 320-mm diameter floating stainless steel disc with lightweight stainless steel rotor and aluminum flange with 6 pins. New Brembo M430 monoblock radial mounted calipers with four 30 mm horizontally opposed pistons. Sintered pads. New radial master cylinder and metal braided brake hose
• Rear Brakes: 220-mm diameter disc; new Brembo calliper with two 32 mm isolated pistons. Sintered pads. Pump with integrated tank and metal braided hose
• ABS: ABS Bosch 9MP, adjustable to 3 maps, equipped with RLM (Rear wheel Lift-up Mitigation) strategy and which can be disabled.
• Wheels: Aprilia forged aluminum alloy, completely processed, 5 split spoke [3 spokes in aluminum alloy]; front, 3.5″X17″ Rear, 6″X17″
• Tires: Radial tubeless. Front: 120/70 ZR 17 Rear: 200/55 ZR 17 (alternative: 190/50 ZR 17; 190/55 ZR 17)

Dimensions:

• Max. length: 80 inches
• Max. width: 28.9 inches at the handlebar
• Max. height: 44 inches
• Min. height from the ground: 5 inches
• Saddle height: 33 inches
• Center to center distance: 60 inches
• Trail: 4.13 inches
• Steering angle: 24.5°
• Dry Weight: 399 lbs [410 lbs] *
• Fuel Capacity: 4.9 gallons (1 gallon reserve included)

*Curb weight, without battery and fluids.