Aprilia RSV4 FW-GP

KTM has been making headlines with its plans for an off-the-shelf version of its RC16 MotoGP bike. But Aprilia has just beaten the Austrian firm to the punch by revealing the RSV4 FW-GP.

The RSV4 FW programme has been running for a while now, creating race-ready versions of the Aprilia superbike. For 2017 the new FW-GP becomes the top option and includes an engine that’s basically identical to the V4 that Aprilia’s MotoGP bike used in 2015.

As well as an 81mm bore, right at the limit of MotoGP regulations, the V4 gets pneumatic valves. That must make it the first off-the-shelf pneumatic valved bike ever offered to the public.

Aprilia promises that every example of the FW-GP will make in excess of 250bhp. The pneumatic valve system replaces conventional springs to close the valves with air springs. These react faster than conventional springs and prevent valve float at high revs. That means more revs can be used, along with more extreme cam profiles.

The rest of the bike is race-spec RSV4, with no concessions to road use. Customers will have their bikes hand-delivered along with a set of Aprilia leathers and a paddock pass for a MotoGP weekend. They’ll also be invited to an Aprilia track day where engineers will help set the bike up and train the owner to make the most of its technical abilities.

A special phone number and email address will also give customers constant access to the factory to get support.

Romano Albesiano, Aprilia Racing Technical Manager, said: “Aprilia Racing has always competed in the most selective world speed championships, like MotoGP, in order to acquire experience and to develop technologies that we can also apply to the factory product. The RSV4 is the best example of the close collaboration between the racing world and production. With the Factory Works programme, Aprilia Racing now offers something more, something truly unique – the chance to own a true racing bike. Different levels of sophistication are available: it starts with an RSV4 optimised for the track, moving on to the SSTK version (exactly like the bike that dominated the 2015 Superstock 1000 FIM Cup) all the way to a true Superbike. For 2017 we decided to push farther, making an extreme RSV4 configuration available, fitted with an engine that has pneumatic valve timing. With the FW-GP, Aprilia Racing provides its customers, not only with the technology developed in MotoGP, but also with special treatment in terms of information, support and fine-tuning of the bike before, during and after the purchase, just like the riders have who race with Aprilia Racing, in order to allow them to take maximum advantage of this exceptional bike’s full potential.”

 

Other models in the ‘FW’ range include:

 

RSV4 R FW-SSTK1

Aprilia RSV4 with Race Pack (Öhlins suspension systems and forged wheel rims).

Standard electrical system with ultra-lightweight lithium battery.

Standard electronics ECU reprogrammed in Race version, engine control and vehicle dynamics map made in Aprilia Racing.

Reprogrammed instrumentation, predisposed for lap times if combined with the V4-MP system. This is the multimedia platform with which Aprilia introduces a telemetry system that provides, among other things, “corner by corner” adjustment of the RSV4’s electronic settings.

Optimised and lightened braking system with ABS eliminated

Lightened factory engine, with no thermostat and secondary air circuit, with simplified cooling circuit lines. Akrapovic exhaust kit, fairings kit and complete engine optimization.

 

RSV4 R FW-SSTK2

Aprilia RSV4 with Race Pack (Öhlins suspension systems and forged wheel rims).

Racing electrical system, lightened and simplified with dedicated vehicle and engine wiring harness and lithium battery. APX2 ECU made in Aprilia Racing, fully programmable in ignition and engine control parameters using the included palmtop terminal. The ECU includes the data acquisition system, with the possibility of using both original sensor or optional sensors available and permitted by Superstock 1000 FIM Cup regulations. Special Aprilia Racing instrumentation. Special engine with Aprilia Racing mods. Akrapovic exhaust kit and fairings kit. Maximum power reaches 204 HP.

 

RSV4 R-FW SBK

Aprilia RSV4 with Race Pack (Öhlins suspension systems and forged wheel rims).

Racing electrical system, lightened and simplified with dedicated vehicle and engine wiring harness and lithium battery.

APX2 ECU made in Aprilia Racing, fitted with GPS module, fully programmable in ignition and engine control parameters using the included palmtop terminal. The ECU includes the data acquisition system with a telemetry sensors kit available as optional equipment.

Special Aprilia Racing instrumentation with racing button panel.

Electronic gearbox with assisted downshift feature (blipper).

Special Aprilia Racing instrumentation.

Special engine with SBK mods ‘made by Aprilia Racing’. Maximum power reaches 215 HP.