Aprilia Rsv4 R

Aprilia RSV4 R

ROUNDUP

QUICKRIDE

Same V-Four power for less cash

IN MANY RESPECTS, THE RSV4 R is the "real deal." It's the Aprilia superbike that will be more accessible to the masses at $15,999, while the $5000-more-expensive Factory version remains a “limited-edition” for those with deeper pockets. A bonus for individuals choosing to keep the extra 5K is that the two trim levels share the same 65-degree V-Four; so, the R should deliver performance similar to the 146-horsepower punch provided by our Factory test unit on the Cycle World dyno (December, 2009).

This has always been the case at Aprilia, the company opting to give buyers of both versions near-identical-engine performance while upgrading the chassis components for track-oriented riding on the premium models.

Only a few details differentiate the R and Factory engines: The R features pressure-die-cast cases and aluminum valve covers, while the Factory has sandcast cases and magnesium covers. More significantly, in terms of actual engine performance, the R’s throttle-body velocity stacks are set in a fixed position, whereas the Factory has ECU-controlled, dual-length intakes.

This difference is perceptible when the power-delivery mode is switched to the Track setting, where the R’s power seems to taper off more quickly above its 12,500-rpm peak compared to the Factory’s. Also, the R’s throttle response feels less flexible below 3000 rpm. In Road and Sport mode, the influence of the fixed velocity stacks is imperceptible.

More noticeable are the changes applied to the rolling gear. The twin-spar aluminum perimeter frame is the same on both, but steering geometry on the R is fixed at 24.5 degrees (the Factory’s is adjustable), and it rides on a 43mm Showa fork and Sachs shock in place of the other bike’s Öhlins units.

The R proved a superb mount during the press introduction at the Mugello circuit, situated atop the hills that surround Florence, Italy. Ergonomics are ideal even for this 220-pound rider.

The position of the tallish 33.3inch seat forced me to make a couple of suspension adjustments to optimize the front-to-rear weight balance.

With those made, the bike offered sharp steering response and excellent high-speed stability, providing total handling confidence, as did the Brembo Monobloc brake setup.

The wheels may appear to be the same Y-spoke units, but the R gets heavier cast aluminum versions in place of the forged OZ hoops on the Factory, contributing to the R’s 11pound heavier dry weight (the Factory weighed 430 pounds on the CW scales).

Of significant note: During the course of our day at Mugello, five of the 30 bikes supplied for the introduction blew their engines due to faulty connecting rods. According to Aprilia, the issue is isolated to the preproduction models used at the Italian launch. If so, Aprilia has delivered in function an equally impressive motorcycle in contrast to the Factory, for a significant savings.

—Bruno dePrato

“The bike offered sharp steering response and excellent high-speed stability, providing total handling confidence.”