Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/830616
2017 APRILIA RSV4 RR & RSV4 RF FIRST TEST P116 had to consciously cover the shift lever with my toes before storming up the front strait as not to bounce off the rev limiter like some racetrack virgin. But boy, can she moan! The RSV4 is one of the sweetest sounding engines ever invented. "Bam, bam, bam, bam," the RSV4 RR fired noise out the back as I tapped the Aprilia Quick Shift (AQS) system, storm- ing up through the close-ratio six-speed cassette-type gearbox to terminal velocity. On down- shift it's a similar sensation, only the speed is going in reverse. "Ding, ding, ding, ding," on my APRILIA RSV4 TECH T he RSV4 has always been an amalgamation of sensors, algorithms and mathematical equations. The first commercially avail- able superbike with traction control, anti-wheelie, launch control and a quick shifter, the RSV4 gets all these systems improved for 2017 in both RR and RF form. The traction control (Aprilia Traction Control) system is new, with eight available settings (plus off) thanks to a practical joystick on the left side. This has always been one of the Aprilia's strong points, because you could tune the system in a race without having to stop like on many competitor bikes. The three-stage AWC's (Aprilia Wheelie Control) maps have been revamped with more precise operat- ing strategies thanks to the repositioning of the inertial platform. Wheelie control can now be adjusted on the fly without closing the throttle, like ATC, thanks to the new and more practical left side electric block. There's a new, three stage (ALC) Aprilia Launch Control program, new APL (Aprilia Pit Lane) speed limiter, ACC (Aprilia Cruise Control) system and the AQS (Aprilia Quick Shift) now allows up and down seamless gearshifts, with the added feature of being able to down-shift with the throttle wide open—a first for the category. The V4 engine hasn't been totally overhauled but still gets lighter pistons, new conrods, a revised exhaust for Euro 4 targets as well as a 300 RPM increased rev ceiling, while the top end has new valve springs and timing with the variable intake ducts now fixed. The brakes feature a new Brembo master-cylinder, and Brembo M50 monoblocs gripping 330mm discs—the same you'll find on the Kawasaki ZX-10R or Ducati Panigale—and the switchable ABS control unit is Bosch's 9.1MP Cornering System with rear wheel lift control. The higher priced RF gets new, fully adjustable 43mm Ohlins NIX30 forks and an Ohlins TTX36 rear shock, with Sachs taking care of the suspension for the RR version. The rider interface has been changed as well. The new TFT (Thin Film Transis- tor) display includes gear indicator, throttle meter, brake meter, lean angle indicator, shift light, pit lane speed, ATC, ABS, AWC, ALC, speed, RPM, clock, low fuel light, etc. The dis- play can be toggled for race track or street riding priority; i.e., larger speedometer or larger gear indicator, and the display background can be toggled black or white for daytime or night use. Aprilia has long believed in the power of the smart- phone and for 2017 they have revamped their V4-MP app that allows you to immerse yourself in virtual telemetry. This is basically a rider performance app and allows you to see where you're fast, slow, and the different lines you're taking around the racetrack. It also allows you to program your traction control settings cor- ner by corner, just like the MotoGP teams used to do! Drop over $20K on an RF and this will be your new office. 2017 APRILIA RSV4 RR & RSV4 RF FIRST TEST P116