2013 Aprilia RSV4 Factory WSBK Race Bike Debuts

Fresh from Italy, we get our first glimpse of the 2013 Aprilia RSV4 Factory WSBK race bike in its new livery. While the uniforms may look the same, the men wearing them have changed to some extent, and in many ways so has the Italian brand’s racing strategy.

Building its previous team around Max Biaggi, the previous incarnation of Aprilia Racing catered to every whim of The Roman Emperor — read into that as you will. But now with Biaggi’s retirement from motorcycle racing, Aprilia is forced to replace tried-and-true talent with two up-and-coming stars.

Out from behind Max’s shadow, Eugene Laverty is expected to impress this year, having shown himself a formidable rider on the RSV4 Factory last season with his sixth-place Championship finish. Seventh in the Championship himself, Sylvain Guintoli will join the Irishmen, after coming off a tumultuous season with Liberty Racing. With three race wins and six podiums, Guintoli made a definite impression, especially when he was on the slower Ducati.

With both of Aprilia Racing’s WSBK riders starting to come into their own, the Italian brand is showing a lot of growth potential in the premier production-motorcycle racing series. Time will tell on the results, but we expect a bevy of podiums from the Aprilia riders this year, and maybe a win or two. Mas photos after the jump.

Engine	Aprilia 4 longitudinal 65° V4 cylinder, 4-strokes, liquid cooling system, double overhead camshaft (DOHC), four valves per cylinder
Engine capacity	999 cc
Maximum rpm	15,500 rpm
Maximum power	230 CV
Fuel system	Variable-height intake ducts controlled by engine control unit, electronic injection with 8 injectors and latest-generation Ride-by-Wire technology.
Compression ratio	15:1
Transmission	Six speed cassette gearbox.
Clutch	Multiplate wet clutch with slipper system.
Electronic management	Aprilia Racing ECU managing ignition and injection, variable-height intake duct control, Ride by Wire system, traction control, anti-wheeling, turn-by-turn settings.
Chassis	Adjustable, aluminium dual beam with pressed and cast sheet elements. Aluminium swingarm.
Suspension	Front: Öhlins TRSP 25 – Rear: Öhlins RSP 40
Brakes	Brembo
Weight	165 kg