2011 Aprilia RSV4 R APRC - WSBK Tech for the Masses

Fresh off its victory in the 2010 FIM World Superbike Championship, Aprilia is bringing its WSBK tech to the masses. Designated as Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC), The Italian company first debuted its 8-stage adjustable traction control, wheelie control, launch control, and a quick shifter package on the 2011 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC, which debuted at the 2010 EICMA show. Now the company from Noale is bringing that same electronics package to its more affordable Aprilia RSV4 R street machine as a standard feature on the 2011 Aprilia RSV4 R APRC.

Along with the added APRC system, the Aprilia RSV4 R APRC features an improved motor lubrication system, and the first three gears are spaced for better acceleration. The exhaust system has also been lightened by 2kg (just under 5 lbs).

The 2011 Aprilia RSV4 R APRC also comes with the same 200/55 x 17 dual-compound rear tire that’s found on the Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC. Other changes include lighter wheels, a fully-adjustable Sachs rear shock, better fuel consumption, and some new graphics. Pricing will be $16,999 in the United States, and £13,999 (exc. OTR) for our brothers in apex across the pond.

Putting the APRC system on the RSV4 R is a great move by Aprilia, and effectively sticks it to the rest of the liter bike manufacturers who don’t have a full electronics package available at this price point. For us here in the United States, this is mainly an assault on the Ducati Superbike 1198 segment position, which sits just several hundred dollars cheaper than the RSV4 R APRC, but without the launch and wheelie controls.

In the European markets though, the 2011 Aprilia RSV4 R APRC is increasingly more appealing when compare to the more costly Japanese models, which are still devoid of electronics packages like Noale’s APRC. Can it give the BMW S1000RR a run for its money in 2011? Only time will tell.

Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) cheat sheet:

Aprilia Traction Control (ATC) – the most advanced traction control system on the market. It’s the only motorcycle TC system that can be adjusted on the move instantly without shutting the throttle and automatically adjusts to suit if you change your tyres. Features 8 level settings, so you can turn it down for track use or up for wet road riding on the go.
Aprilia Wheelie Control (AWC) – Identifies the start of wheelie and controls it to maximise acceleration whilst keeping the front end down. Features 3 settings.
Aprilia Launch Control (ALC) – Optimises acceleration from a standing start. For track/race use, with 3 settings.
Aprilia Quick Shift (AQS) – for ultra-fast clutchless up-shifting.

2011 Aprilia RSV4 R APRC Technical Specifications:

Engine: Aprilia 65° V4, 4-stroke, liquid cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder.
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: 115 Nm at 10,000 rpm
Fuel system: Airbox with front dynamic air intakes. 4 Weber-Marelli 48-mm throttle bodies with 8 injectors and latest generation Ride-by-Wire engine management. Choice of three different 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, single silencer with engine control unit-controlled butterfly valve and integrated trivalent catalytic converter (Euro 3).
Generator: Flywheel mounted 420W alternator with rare earth magnets.
Lubrication: Wet sump lubrication system with oil radiator and two oil pumps (lubrication and cooling).
Gear box: 6-speed cassette type gearbox 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).
Frame: Twin-spar aluminium frame
Front suspension: Sachs USD 43mm forks. Fully adjustable. Wheel travel: 120 mm.
Rear suspension: Fully adjustable Sachs shock absorber. Wheel travel: 130mm.
Front brakes: Front: Dual 320mm floating stainless steel discs with lightweight stainless steel rotor and aluminium flange with 6 pins. Brembo monobloc radial 4-piston calipers with sintered pads. Radial pump and metal braided brake hoses.
Rear brakes: 220-mm diameter disc; Brembo floating 2-piston caliper with two 32mm isolated pistons. Pump with integrated tank and metal braided hoses.
Wheels: Aprilia forged aluminium alloy rims, completely machined, 5 split spokes. 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: 2040mm, Max. Width: 735mm (at the handlebar), Max. Height: 1120mm, Min. height from the ground: 130mm, Saddle height: 845mm, centre to centre distance: 1420mm, Trail: 105mm, Steering angle: 24.5°
Dry weight: 182kg
Fuel tank capacity: 17litres (4litre reserve)