[sportrider - features] - 2016 Aprilia RSV4 R-FW (Factory Works) First Look

[Ninjette Newsbot]

Aprilia's RSV4 R-FW MISANO is one of five R-FW options that are now available for purchase. Each bike, regardless of package, is built by Aprilia Racing Team.




It's no secret that production motorcycles are becoming more and more like their race counterparts every year. But what if close just isn't close enough? Well, in that case, here's Aprilia's 2016 RSV4 R-FW, a “Factory Works” bike that's built by the Aprilia Racing Team and available to anyone who wants their next race bike (or trackday bike, or collector's item, I guess) to be built and prepped by the same racing division that's earned 7 World Superbike titles, plus last year's FIM Cup Superstock 1000 title.

The RSV4 R-FW will be available in five packages that vary in specification for both the engine and electronics, with the top engine configuration providing something over 230 horsepower, according to Aprilia.

Here are the five primary options that you can choose from:

1) RSV4 R-FW Stock1 MM Race
• An Aprilia RSV4 with Race Pack (Öhlins suspension and forged rims)
• Standard electronic system with an extra light lithium battery
• ECU reprogrammed to Race version with race maps for engine and bike management, developed by Aprilia Racing
• Settings reprogrammed for race use
• Braking optimised and weight reduced, ABS removed
• Engine weight reduced without the water thermostat, with a simplified water tubes kit and secondary air system closed
• Optional: Akrapovic exhaust kit, complete fairing kit, dedicated suspensions setting and complete engine optimisation

2) RSV4 R-FW Stock2 APX Race
• An Aprilia RSV4 with Race Pack (Öhlins suspension and forged rims)
• Simplified, lightweight, racing version electronic system with dedicated bike and engine wiring and a lithium battery
• APX2 logic unit developed by Aprilia Racing: ignition and engine control parameters may be programmed with the included hand terminal
• Data acquisition system allows logging of original sensors as well as optional sensors allowed by FIM Superstock 1000 rules
• Special Aprilia Racing instruments
• Special engine with Aprilia Racing preparation
• Optional: Akrapovic exhaust kit, complete fairing kit, dedicated suspensions setting

3) RSV4 R-FW SBK
• An Aprilia RSV4 with Race Pack (Öhlins suspension and forged rims)
• Simplified, lightweight, racing version electronic system with dedicated bike and engine wiring and a lithium battery
• APX2 logic unit developed by Aprilia Racing, complete with GPS module, ignition and engine control parameters may be programmed with the included hand terminal. The unit includes a data acquisition system with optional telemetry sensors kit
• Special Aprilia Racing instruments with racing buttons
• Electronic gearbox with assisted shifting (blipper)
• Special Aprilia Racing tools
• Special engine with SBK preparation by Aprilia Racing

4) RSV4 R-FW W-SBK
• Replica of the RSV4 Superbike used by the official Aprilia Racing Team in the SBK Wold Championship
• Both the bike and the level of assistance may be tailor made in accordance with the budget and ambitions of each rider and team
• It is the best that can be desired and allows one to have a star role in the Superbike world championship

5) RSV4 R-FW “MISANO”
• The bike presented at EICMA is a demonstration of the level of preparation possible through the “Factory Works” program and is the entry level for the W-SBK line
• In true Aprilia Racing style each component has been optimized to offer the best in performance while maintaining elevated overall balance and reliability
• It is a bike that can do well at any competitive level, while remaining “within reach” of enthusiasts who desire an extraordinary bike to exercise their racing skills, knowing that nothing can come closer to the rush felt by SBK World Championship champions
• The color scheme is a celebration of Aprilia's first victory in a “road racing” competition and underscores the exclusivity of the model

Regardless of which R-FW package you opt for (err, which option your wallet allows you to go with), Aprilia Racing will offer up technical training to, "provide the information needed to best adapt the model to the rider and track," the manufacturer says. Even more, purchasing the bike through the R-FW program will grant you a test session on the track with Aprilia Racing's "test team".

For more information on the Factory Works program and the various packages that are available, or to simply be teased by what you're wallet can't afford, you can visit serviceaprilia.com/public/racing.

You can also check out more photos of the R-FW Misano below:















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