The 2019 EICMA show in Milan is next week, and there we expect to see a bevy of new models, including a few from Aprilia, but those crafty Italian have gotten a jump on things, releasing today the 2019 Aprilia RSV4 Factory.
As we predicted, the new top-spec superbike is getting a displacement increase to 1,078cc on its 65° V4 engine (we wonder why), which gives the new Aprilia RSV4 Factory a class-leading peak power figure of 214hp (159.6 kW), and 90 lbs•ft (122 Nm) of torque.
Matching that substantial gain in power, the 2019 Aprilia RSV4 Factory gets a solid weight reduction, tipping the scales at 439 lbs when fully fueled. Helping cut the weight down is a lithium-ion battery from Bosch and a street legal titanium exhaust from Akrapovic.
For those doing the math, we will save you the trouble: the 2019 Aprilia RSV4 Factory weighs 11 lbs lighter than its predecessor, and makes 16hp more power, and 5 lbs•ft more torque as well. Win, win, win.
Carbon fiber winglets feature on the new Aprilia RSV4 Factory, which are an evolved version of what first debuted on the 2018 Aprilia RSV4 RF LE, and help keep the front wheel planted when accelerating.
The brakes on the new Aprilia RSV4 Factory also get an upgrade, and now feature the Brembo Stylema front calipers, which are lighter and more efficient than the outgoing M50 models. These are also mated to more aggressive brake pad, for better stopping power and feel. As such, you will note the inclusion of a carbon fiber air duct for the front calipers.
Suspension is handled by Öhlins NIX forks, which have 5mm more travel (125 mm total), which Aprilia says provides for better cornering. An Öhlins TTX rear shock and steering damper complete the package.
Other changes include a different base setting for the fully adjustable frame, which uses new steering bushings (+ 3mm both upper and lower), and sees the the inclination of the headstock decreases. The offset of the steering yoke also changes, and is now reduced by 2mm.
This results in a 4mm shorter wheelbase, and should make the Aprilia RSV4 Factory handle much better in side-to-side transitions. Aprilia has also stiffened the rear swingarm, with what the brand calls “a significant increase of yaw and torsion.”
Of course, the 2019 Aprilia RSV4 Factory comes with the APRC electronics system, which is in its fourth generation of production. Another class leader, the system is unchanged from the 2018 model year, beyond some refinements for the increased power and torque from the 1,100cc engine, as well as the chassis changes.
Obviously not race legal in most series, the Aprilia RSV4 Factory is aimed at providing the most to superbike enthusiasts, while the Aprilia RSV4 RR will be the homologation machine for the Italian brand. Of note, the RR is unchanged for the 2019 model year, beyond new graphics.
Source: Aprilia
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