News 21 Dec 2016

Aprilia puts MotoGP technology into customer superbikes

Aprilia to deliver 250hp, pneumatic valve RSV4 R FW-GP for 2017.

Source: Supplied.

Aprilia has delivered an early Christmas present with the announcement of its new RSV4 R FW-GP – the most powerful and technologically-advanced superbike in its ‘Factory Works’ model line-up.

Based on the RSV4 R FW-SBK, the Aprilia V4 engine – derived from the RS-GP 15 MotoGP racer – has a 81mm bore (taking it to 1050cc) and pneumatic valve timing to deliver more than 250hp.

The Aprilia Racing department – parent-company Piaggio Group’s most-advanced development, innovation and experimentation platform – launched the Factory Works programme in 2015 delivering the same technology developed for the WorldSBK race machines to its customers.

By creating RSV4 Factory Works machines, Aprilia has also developed a range of machines to comply with the Superstock and Superbike championship regulations in different parts of the world. With various levels of chassis, electronics and engine specifications the Factory Works range includes the SSTK1, SSTK2 and SBK catering for all types of track riders and racers. Now with the FW-GP Aprilia has taken things to a whole new level.

“Aprilia Racing has always competed in the most selective world championships, like MotoGP, in order to acquire experience and to develop technologies that we can also apply to the factory product,” said Aprilia Racing technical manager Romano Albesiano. “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.”

The range of exclusive services included with each FW-GP includes an invitation to the Aprilia Racing headquarters to get the bike set-up and built to each riders riding style and budget, a feed of ‘live’ images of the outfitting progress of each machine and a direct telephone line for information or support.

Each machine will be hand-delivered by Aprilia Racing engineers and buyers will receive Aprilia Racing-branded full leathers, a paddock pass for an entire MotoGP race weekend and invitation to Aprilia trackdays where Aprilia Racing engineers can adjust the bike’s settings based on each rider’s needs.

Numbers will be small and price hasn’t been mentioned, but if you do want to find out more information on the new machine head to www.serviceaprilia.com/public/racing to check it out.

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