Aprilia RSV4 R-FW Factory Works Misano Superbike
As motorcycle enthusiasts, we live in some very interesting times. We’ve seen bikes like the Ducati Desmosedici and Honda RC213-V hit the market, allowing those with means race-tier motorcycles that the average rider can only dream of. But during the 2015 EICMA Milan Motorcycle Show, Aprilia’s Factory Works program upped the ante by announcing its race-ready variants of the very popular RSV4 Superbike.
What Aprilia had unleashed were five versions of the RSV4 R-FW (Factory Works). These are 230+ horsepower motorcycles that are basically spec’d for World Superbike Championship, and not too far from MotoGP-level machinery.
Why is this important? It’s a statement from a manufacturer that its commitment to racing is unabashed in every possible way. The R-FW superbikes are compliant with Superstock and Superbike Championship regulations around the world. If you’re a budding racer, this is a viable option as the bikes are loaded down to be race-ready out of the crate.
In terms of actual specs, no information has been made available but we can go ahead and compare the race-ready line up to the street version, which is more than enough for most of us; the 2016 Aprilia RSV4 RF ABS. Utilizing the same V4 engine, the street version puts out 201hp and 86 ft/pounds of torque. The claimed 30+ hp bump with the R-FW models is quite an improvement, not to mention the extensive additions in suspension.
Sold to the market directly by Aprilia racing, there are some serious perks that come with the bikes. So without further ado, here are the packages available as described by Aprilia Racing:
“RSV4 R-FW Stock1 MM Race
- An Aprilia RSV4 with Race Pack (Öhlins suspension and forged rims).
- Standard electronic system with an extra light lithium battery.
- ECU reprogrammed to Race version with race maps for engine and bike management, developed by Aprilia Racing.
- Settings reprogrammed for race use.
- Braking optimized and weight reduced, ABS removed
- Engine weight reduced without the water thermostat, with a simplified water tubes kit and secondary air system closed.
- Optional: Akrapovic exhaust kit, complete fairing kit, dedicated suspensions setting and complete engine optimization.
RSV4 R-FW Stock2 APX Race
- An Aprilia RSV4 with Race Pack (Öhlins suspension and forged rims).
- Simplified, lightweight, racing version electronic system with dedicated bike and engine wiring and a lithium battery.
- APX2 logic unit developed by Aprilia Racing: ignition and engine control parameters may be programmed with the included hand terminal.
- Data acquisition system allows logging of original sensors as well as optional sensors allowed by FIM Superstock 1000 rules.
- Special Aprilia Racing instruments.
- Special engine with Aprilia Racing preparation.
- Optional: Akrapovic exhaust kit, complete fairing kit, dedicated suspensions setting.
- An Aprilia RSV4 with Race Pack (Öhlins suspension and forged rims).
- Simplified, lightweight, racing version electronic system with dedicated bike and engine wiring and a lithium battery.
- APX2 logic unit developed by Aprilia Racing, complete with GPS module, ignition and engine control parameters may be programmed with the included hand terminal. The unit includes a data acquisition system with optional telemetry sensors kit.
- Special Aprilia Racing instruments with racing buttons.
- Electronic gearbox with assisted shifting (blipper).
- Special Aprilia Racing tools.
- Special engine with SBK preparation by Aprilia Racing.
RSV4 R-FW W-SBK
- Replica of the RSV4 Superbike used by the official Aprilia Racing Team in the SBK Wold Championship.
- Both the bike and the level of assistance may be tailor made in accordance with the budget and ambitions of each rider and team.
- It is the best that can be desired and allows one to have a star role in the Superbike world championship.
RSV4 R-FW “MISANO”
- The bike presented at EICMA is a demonstration of the level of preparation possible through the “Factory Works” program and is the entry level for the W-SBK line.
- In true Aprilia Racing style each component has been optimized to offer the best in performance while maintaining elevated overall balance and reliability.
- It is a bike that can do well at any competitive level, while remaining “within reach” of enthusiasts who desire an extraordinary bike to exercise their racing skills, knowing that nothing can come closer to the rush felt by SBK World Championship champions.
- The color scheme is a celebration of Aprilia’s first victory in a “road racing” competition and underscores the exclusivity of the model
The Factory Works program will include technical training as part of the price of each model. Such training will provide the information needed to best adapt the model to the rider and track. A test session on the track with Aprilia Racing’s “test team” is also included and will verify the validity of the training provided.
The Spanish champion provides an overview: “The RSV4, including the street version, is truly a race bike fit for everyday driving. I’ve tried it and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The racing versions are bikes optimized for the racetrack and for competitions. What Aprilia is offering riders and advanced enthusiasts is a rare opportunity, a chance to own a real race bike, one that is prepared for championship racing. The V4 is a full-fledged racing engine, one that even we members of the MotoGP team race against pure prototypes.”
Lorenzo Savadori won last season’s Superstock World Championship with the RSV4: “I raced in the Superstock 1000 World Championship with the Nuova M2 Racing team supported by Aprilia this year. My RSV4 RF was prepared by Aprilia Racing itself in compliance with Stock regulations. The standard version of this bike is exceptional in and of itself, but, with Aprilia Racing doing the preparation, the competitive level went up and we won the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup in our debut season! Who better to optimise this engine for a victory in any championship than Aprilia Racing?”
For additional information and further technical details about the RSV4 R Factory Works, visit Aprilia.