Aprilia Making RSV4 With MotoGP Technology Available To The Public
RSV4 R FW-GP comes with pneumatic valves and full factory support
Just in time for the holidays, Aprilia has announced it will be making its most advanced version of the RSV4 – the RSV4 R FW-GP – available to a select few (read: the uber-wealthy). In continuing with the Factory Works program Aprilia Racing launched last year to provide deep-pocketed customers with race-worthy RSV4s in both Superstock and Superbike trims to conform to national and international race organizations, the FW-GP represents the ultimate in Aprilia Racing technology that’s currently available to the public.
The RSV4 FW-GP builds upon the RSV4 R-FW SBK machine, itself fitted with top-shelf Öhlins suspension, forged wheels, racing electrical system with lightened wiring harness and lithium battery, race ECU developed in-house, electronic gearbox with clutchless shift feature in both directions, and select engine mods that pump power output to 215 hp. From there, the FW-GP sees bore grow from 78mm to 81mm, the maximum bore allowed in MotoGP (with stroke reduced to 48.5mm from 52.3mm to keep displacement at 999cc) and valve actuation is now pneumatic, borrowing from technology Aprilia developed on its MotoGP machines. In this trim, Aprilia says the FW-GP puts out more than 250 hp.
But that’s not all. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a FW-GP, then Aprilia will treat you like royalty, both before, during, and after the sale. Check out what perks FW-GP owners get treated to. From Aprilia’s press release:
These customers will receive truly special treatment: they are invited to the Aprilia Racing headquarters in Noale to stipulate the contract, partly so that they can select the ideal configuration for their needs and budget along with our engineers. During preparation of the bike, they will receive “live” images of the outfitting progress and they have a telephone line and address available for any other needs, both of which remain active subsequently in order to receive information or request support. The bike is hand delivered by Aprilia Racing engineers with pick up, if desired, at Noale. The customers also have the right to receive Aprilia Racing branded full track leathers and a paddock pass for an entire MotoGP Grand Prix weekend, in addition to an invitation to participate in an Aprilia track day, where Aprilia Racing engineers can adjust the bike’s settings based on their riding needs and provide the best possible technical tips to take full advantage of the RSV4 FW-GP’s mechanical and electronic potential. In any case, an Aprilia Racing engineer will always be at the track, any time the customer wants to use the FW-GP.
The Factory Works programme provides, included in the price of each model, technical training aimed and providing all the information required to best adapt the vehicle to the rider and circuit characteristics, as well as a test session on the track with the Aprilia Racing test team in order to ensure that the instructions are put into practice.
Now for two big questions. The first involves the pneumatic valves. They require compressed air stored on the motorcycle in order to operate. There was no mention as to the maintenance of the compressed air in Aprilia’s press materials, and we are currently awaiting an answer to this question from our Aprilia rep.
Second, there’s the price. As the saying goes when you’re dealing with premium equipment, if you have to ask then you probably can’t afford it. However, our Aprilia rep tells us a $200k price tag is a good starting point. That number can go up or down (probably up) depending on the options and features the customer decides to outfit the bike with. It’s definitely not chump change by any means, but when you consider the multi-millions spent on MotoGP motorcycles, the RSV4 FW-GP starts to sound somewhat reasonable.
For more information, visit www.serviceaprilia.com/public/racing.
Troy's been riding motorcycles and writing about them since 2006, getting his start at Rider Magazine. From there, he moved to Sport Rider Magazine before finally landing at Motorcycle.com in 2011. A lifelong gearhead who didn't fully immerse himself in motorcycles until his teenage years, Troy's interests have always been in technology, performance, and going fast. Naturally, racing was the perfect avenue to combine all three. Troy has been racing nearly as long as he's been riding and has competed at the AMA national level. He's also won multiple club races throughout the country, culminating in a Utah Sport Bike Association championship in 2011. He has been invited as a guest instructor for the Yamaha Champions Riding School, and when he's not out riding, he's either wrenching on bikes or watching MotoGP.
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Wonder if they'll send an engineer out to New Zealand each time I feel like doing a track day? Let's find out - where's me chequebook.
Just wanted to take the opportunity to say thanks Troy, to you, Kevin, and everyone else on the team for your brilliantly entertaining and insightful scribblings over the past year. Although many things American leave me baffled, your personable and playful approach has easily transcended cultural biases (my own) and tapped into the wellspring of the international motorcycle sisterhood. Unlikely as it may seem to the uninitiated, I think Motorcycle.com consistently produces some of the best writing on the net, easily the equal of many more august titles. Even the comments section can shine at times - although the contributors are less consistently joyful. All the best, guys, for the holiday season to you, your family and friends and I look forward to being dazzled, chuffed and gruntled again in the New Year.