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2013 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC ABS SBK SE

2013 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC ABS SBK SE Review

2013 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC ABS SBK SE

From the time it appeared on the scene, it was clear to all its rivals that the Aprilia RSV4 was the bike to beat.

Unmistakeable in its design lucidity and applied technology, the RSV4 is conceived around a 65° V4 engine never before seen on a factory sport bike, a frame which is the heir to a dynasty that has won 18 titles and 143 Grand Prix races in the 250 GP class, enhanced by the most advanced applied electronics systems to manage the engine and the bike’s dynamic performance. This is a true vocation of Aprilia, which was the first manufacturer to adopt the Ride By Wire system as standard equipment (the multimap power management system), but above all the first to patent the APRC dynamic control system, still today the only one with the exclusive self-calibration and wheelie control features.

This technological first is consolidated today with the MY2013 range: Aprilia RSV4 R ABS and Factory ABS are the models which, for the quantity and quality of new content and improvements, undoubtedly represent the most important advancements ever made on this extraordinary model.

The new frontier in technology

The new Aprilia RSV4 R ABS and Factory ABS represent the cutting-edge of modern technology and achieve the objective of perfecting what was already top of the line in the previous versions, loved and appreciated by bikers and riders all over the world, not only because of their frame and chassis qualities, but also thanks to the advanced dynamic control systems adopted. APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) is the well known dynamic control suite derived directly from the winning technology in world Superbike, the most complete and refined of those currently available on the market.

On the new RSV4 R ABS and Factory ABS MY 2013 bikes, the APRC system has been further developed and refined in order to adapt even better to the specific needs of enthusiasts on the street and professional riders on the track. Now the behaviour of the system is even more uniform, guaranteeing a high level of support in turns and high speed without penalising traction coming out of slow turns.

2013 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC ABS SBK SE Key Features

The new APRC system, standard equipment on the Aprilia RSV4 R and Factory ABS MY 2013 includes:

– 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.

2013 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC ABS SBK SE Features and Benefits

The new APRC system integrates even better with the electronic full Ride by Wire multimap management of the powerful V4 engine.

In addition to the second generation APRC system, both the MY 2013 RSV4 versions come standard with highly advanced ABS, the antilock braking system designed and developed to guarantee not only maximum safety on the road, but also the best performance on the track. Aprilia worked in close cooperation with Bosch to define the best calibration of the ABS 9MP unit, which represents the maximum in refinement and technology currently available. The system, weighing in at just 2 kg, can be disengaged and adjusted to 3 different levels by easily accessing the sophisticated instrumentation control menu:

– 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.

Each of these 3 ABS mappings can be combined with any of the 3 engine maps (Track, Sport, Road), in order to allow riders with different experience and skill levels to find the best possible combination for their style.

In their details, the 2013 models in the new Aprilia RSV4 range can be distinguished by the different front mudguard finish (only the R version), a brand new satin-finish for the headlight assembly and the new exhaust silencer bottom.

The most evident aesthetic change has to do with the new fuel tank, which has been modified not only to facilitate placement of the ABS control unit, but also to increase riding range and to improve rider ergonomics: in fact, the total capacity went from 17 to 18.5 litres, while the side panels introduce lines which 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.

For the R version new graphics are provided, an aggressive matt black that enhances its technical nature.

Higher chassis and engine performance

With the goal of improving the already exceptional deceleration capacity of the RSV4, the new Aprilia RSV4 R ABS and Factory ABS models have a brand new front braking system, which is dressed up with refined Brembo M430 radial mounted monoblock callipers and the new radial master cylinder on the handlebar.

The rear brake calliper was replaced with a more advanced and more efficient one, perfecting the combination with the new front brake. In the braking phase, as delicate as it is important, optimum weight distribution is fundamental: for this purpose the RSV4 ABS engine benefits from different positioning within the frame.

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.

The close derivation of the Aprilia RSV4 R ABS and Factory ABS models from the racing world can be clearly seen in the engine specifications, the first high performance mass production narrow V4 in the world, the most revolutionary and powerful engine ever built by Aprilia. This is an engine which is made unique and unmistakeable thanks to the use of “total” electronics, thanks to its record light weight and extremely compact size.

2013 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC ABS SBK SE – USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $19,999 USD

Engine: Aprilia longitudinal 65° V-4 cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooling system, double overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder.

Fuel: Unleaded petrol

Bore x Stroke: 78 x 52.3 mm

Total displacement: 999.6 cc

Compression ratio: 13:1

Maximum power at the crank: 180 HP (132,4 kW) at 12.250 rpm

Maximum torque at the crank: 117 Nm at 10,000 rpm

Fuel system: Airbox with front dynamic air intakes. Variable height intake ducts controlled by engine control unit 4 Weber-Marelli 48-mm throttle bodies with 8 injectors and latest generation Ride-by-Wire engine management. 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.

Starting: Electric

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).

Generator: Flywheel mounted 420W alternator with rare earth magnets.

Lubrification: Wet sump lubrication system with oil radiator and two oil pumps (lubrication and cooling).

Gear box: 6-speed cassette type gearbox 1st: 38/16 (2.375) 2nd: 35/18 (1.944) 3rd: 28/17 (1.647) 4th: 32/22 (1,455) 5th: 34/26 (1,308) 6th: 33/27 (1,222) Gear lever with Aprilia Quick Shift electronic system (AQS)

Clutch: Multiplate wet clutch with mechanical slipper system.

Primary drive: Straight cut gears and integrated flexible coupling, drive ratio: 73/44 (1,659).

Final drive: Chain: Drive ratio: 42/16 (2,625) or 40/16 (2.5).

Frame: Twin-spar adjustable aluminium frame, with castings and pressings. Envisaged adjustments: • headstock position and rake • engine height • swingarm pin height

Front suspension: Ã–hlins upside-down Racing fork, diam. 43 mm stanchions with Tin surface treatment. Low profile forged aluminium radial calliper mountings. Completely adjustable spring preload and hydraulic compression and rebound damping. Wheel travel: 120 mm

Rear suspension: Double braced aluminium swingarm; mixed low thickness and sheet casting technology. Ã–hlins Racing mono-shock absorber with completely adjustable piggy-back in: spring preload, centre to centre length, hydraulic compression and rebound damping. APS progressive linkage. 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. New Brembo M430 monoblock radial mounted callipers with 4diam. 30 mm horizontally opposed pistons. Sintered pads. New radial master cylinder and metal braided brake hose Rear: 220-mm diameter disc; new Brembo calliper with two diam32 mm isolated pistons. Sintered pads. Pump with integrated tank and metal braided hose ABS Bosch 9MP, adjustable to 3 maps, equipped with RLM (Rear wheel Lift-up Mitigation) strategy and which can be disabled.

Wheels: Aprilia forged aluminium alloy, completely processed, 5 split spoke. Front: 3.5”X17” Rear: 6”X17”

Tyres: Radial tubeless. Front: 120/70 ZR 17 Rear: 200/55 ZR 17 (alternative: 190/50 ZR 17; 190/55 ZR 17)

Dimensions: Max. length: 2040 mm Max. width: 735 mm at the handlebar Max. height: 1120 mm Min. height from the ground: 130 mm Saddle height: 840 mm Centre to centre distance: 1420 mm Trail: 105 mm Steering angle: 24.5°

Dry weight: 181 kg [186 kg] *

Fuel tank capacity: 18.5 litres (4-litre reserve included).

Other: *Kerb weight, without battery and fluids.

2013 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC ABS SBK SE – Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $20,295 CDN