IMAGE CREDITS: Karan Arora
“There is in the DNA of the Italians a bit of madness, which in the overwhelming majority of cases is positive. It is genius. It is talent. It’s the masterpieces of art”…… Matteo Renzi
The above statement might appear to be more of a self commendation by the current Italian Prime Minister, but if you go through the Italian history and culture over a long period of time, it’s somewhat hard to disagree with. There’s a reason why those Italian objects more often than not are longed and lusted for. When even imperfections add an alluring charm to a creation, you know it’s Italian.
It was, thus, natural for a humble mortal like me to jiggle up in joy when I got my chance to swing a leg over one of the finest machines from Repubblica Italiana. The sprinkling of garnish on this delectable proposition was that the motorcycle that I was about to ride was one of the limited 500 production units available worldwide. By far, the most desirable sportsbike I have ridden, my nerves pulsated as I looked forward to the rendezvous, somewhat woozy, split in two with the expectations and apprehensions one would naturally have about a product of this pedigree. Ride I did, though, and had an experience not to be forgotten for a lifetime.
Gentlemen, we bring to you the savage yet suave Italian beauty in our 2016 Aprilia RSV4-RF Limited Edition India review.
Styling, Features and Build Quality
The 2016 Aprilia RSV4-RF Limited Edition isn’t designed to please everyone. Those cuts and creases on the bodywork are engineered with the singular aim of allowing this monument on two wheels to go crazily fast while displacing the minimum possible volume of air. The 2016 Aprilia RSV4-RF, though, still manages to look exotic with its aerodynamic package blended in classily with a thoroughbred Italian theme.
The RSV4-RF appears as a manifestation of a rocketship from certain angles, but exudes that sensuous aura one expects from its Venetian roots. Every visible object on the motorcycle seems to have been crafted after putting in due thought, combining form and function in an exotic package wrapped in Superpole livery.
The radial mount of the front brake, the dual beam aluminium frame anchored to the two front cylinders, the confluence of the tank, seat, frame, the centre panel and the tail section is beautifully executed. The brushed aluminium heat shield hugging the gorgeous exhaust unit to even the pillion footrests, everything has been ideated and executed as a work of art. From the trademark triple headlights to the 10 point LED tail lights the RSV4 drips of style and substance. And it’s as fast as it’s seductive – the 2016 Aprilia RSV4-RF is a homologated motorcycle for World Superbike Competition. A thoroughbred race machine with Italian flair, not liking this temptress would be blasphemy.
Features
Aprilia states that the front end has been completely redesigned with a more protective top fairing after a careful wind tunnel aerodynamics study. The new design provides riders of all heights adequate shielding from the wind both on track and street.
The customary triple headlight is also new with modern touches with an LED parking light at the centre.
The analog digital dashboard is easy to read with the digital display throwing up every information, priority of which depends on the ride mode.
The aerodynamic mirrors too are a result of thorough wind tunnel study and come integrated with LED indicators.
New “Superpole” graphic package as standard
A gorgeous racy rear seat cowl to discourage friends from hopping onto the rear and spoiling your joy ride. Anyway, the seat provided is ridiculously tiny for any sort of comfort.
999.6cc 65° V4 engine welcomes the RSV4-RF to the 200 bhp club delivering a staggering 201 bhp. An increment of 16 bhp over the previous model, yet 2.5 kgs lighter.
Pressed cast aluminium dual beam frame that allows to adjust engine position (a first for any superbike)
The pressed cast double braced aluminium swingarm has been lengthened by 4 mm over the earlier model towards better traction and decreased tendency for wheelies during violent acceleration.
Ohlins fork with adjustable spring preload, hydraulic compression and rebound damping.
Fully adjustable APS progressive linkage equipped Ohlins racing monoshock with piggy-back gas reservoir with spring preload, wheelbase and hydraulic compression and rebound damping.
An Ohlins Steering damper to keep that headshake off the front, just in case.
Twin 320-mm diameter floating stainless steel disc with 4 piston Brembo M430 monobloc radial calipers.
Single 220 mm diameter disc with two piston Brembo caliper.
Bosch 9MP ABS adjustable to 3 maps equipped with switchable RLM (Rear wheel Lift-up Mitigation)
ELECTRONICS PACKAGE- Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC)
aTC Aprilia Traction Control
Two speed sensors using the CAN-bus communication system interact with the engine ECU to cut down power in case of slippage detected at the rear wheel.
AWC Aprilia Wheelie Control
The Aprilia patented three step Wheelie Detection System kicks in to cut power softly than a harsh chop for acceleration control.
AQS Aprilia Quick Shift
Aids fast electronic gear shifting without closing the throttle or using the clutch.
ALC Aprilia Launch Control
To be used only on the track, the Aprilia Launch Control comes with three settings ensures an instant start applying full power to the road. The rider needs to open the throttle wide and release the clutch as he usually would and shift up through the gears.
RbW Ride by Wire
An electronic throttle system communicating with the engine ECU aimed at deriving the best from the power band towards smooth acceleration across the rev range.
V4-MP Phone App
An advanced version of the Piaggio Multimedia Platform that allows the rider to connect to the motorcycle through the smartphone. The App (available for Android and iOS) transforms the smartphone into an onboard multifunctional computer acting as a link between the bike and the Internet.
The V4-MP system aids in “corner-by-corner” electronic management using the phone’s GPS feature. It recognizes the position of the bike and automatically changes the electronic adjustments (traction control and anti-wheelie) based on the settings the rider has selected, corner by corner.
Also it features an Adaptive Race Assistant compares rider performance to the best lap on the track in real time and assisting the rider in real time to gradually improve performance.
The V4-MP system also transforms the smartphone into and Advanced Telemetry Dashboard displaying information such as instant power sent to the driveshaft; instant torque sent to the driveshaft; percentage of available power; drive to the rear wheel; rear wheel slippage; longitudinal and lateral acceleration, lean angle etc.
Now that’s one really long list of features- or the longest set of features we have ever mentioned in our motorcycle reviews and it does make the 2016 Aprilia RSV4-RF Limited Edition a special machine.
Performance
An apogee of Aprilia’s superbike programme, the 2016 Aprilia RSV4-RF gets a 999.6cc 65° V4 engine bolted between the compact frame transmitting a ballistic 201 bhp to the rear wheel. And though it’s obvious to outright dismiss the possibility of putting all those horses to the road, the Aprilia RSV4-RF is a surprisingly easy going motorcycle. Thanks to the terrific electronics package on offer, every input on the brutally powerful RF gets channeled through the electronic aids in the most optimized manner. The drama unfolds with cranking of the V4 and even at idling the sound could best be rivaled by nothing less than a muscle car. It’s one of those motorcycles standing next to which you might have to scream to make yourself audible.
We swung our leg across # 486 out of the allocated 500 worldwide and the RF felt completely at home. The tall first gear does tend to make a task of the clutch needing frequent inputs to avert knocking when piloting around town, but settles down with a raucous rumble exhaust note levitating to a rasping V4 grunt once you get cracking on the throttle, shifting through the buttery smooth box. Missing the clutch isn’t a bother either, the Aprilia Quick Shift would get the power flowing without sacrificing engine spin. Except the momentum trying to bury your posterior right into the seat, you won’t feel any perturbing thing on the motorcycle. Even at the peak of its limits, the RF is poetically calm and composed. Get the needle to breach the 6000 rpm mark, and the Aprilia mutates into a warp portal. The acceleration is overwhelming and keeps getting stronger as the needle traverses its uphill journey. The pleasant distraction would force bystanders to twist their necks trying to figure what just flew past.
Even with the wheelie control engaged- going over 150 kays in third gear, the front wants to rise like an incensed cobra fervently wanting to spit venom at everything that comes in its way. Tunnel vision kicks in- the horizon creeps closer as the world besides slips in motion blur as you hug into the motorcycle clasping firm onto the handlebars. And while you’re experiencing new limits of what would be bona fide lunacy on any other motorcycle, that army of electronic minions works with fervour to make it all appear perfectly normal and within control. Thrills, sans the chills – that’s the V4 RF for you.
We didn’t fiddle much with the settings and rode the RSV4-RF in track mode on the sweepers of Kasara Ghat. Thanks to the Ride by Wire tech, the V4 stays glued to the road. Cliched as it may sound, the V4 RF stays glued to the road like a modern-day, super fast locomotive on rails while emanating eargasmic engine howls feeding your aural appetite. Typically, the extreme nature of such motorcycles would keep you from taking them to their extreme limits, you’ll develop cold feet much before you have reached even close to the limits. Not such inhibitions with this one. The reassuring poise and control exhibited by this Aprilia would egg you on to go on and test yourself. You really wouldn’t want to back off too much. Just a slight roll off the throttle, little squeeze of the brakes and the RF dips in, and powers out from even the most daunting bends with disdainful aplomb.
Our ghat sections might be a far cry away from professional racing circuits with surfaces which are a far cry from being smooth, but the RSV4’s frame shines here too. Riding at silly speeds over those rough patches, the RSV4 doesn’t exhibit an iota of bother. That chassis and suspension is absolutely phenomenal – being a race-bred machine, meant to demolish lap record, it’s astonishing how aptly the V4 handles our hostile road conditions without ever letting that friendly smile on its face vanish.
The suspension surprisingly feels pliant and reassuring for the breed the RSV4-RF belongs to. The factory setting on the bike was just perfect as not to rattle any bones in the body, yet providing ample stability to tackle even the more vicious undulations. The braking system is designed and built for Armageddon and comprises Brembo M430 Monobloc calipers in conjunction with three-level-switchable Bosch 9MP race ABS offering fierce stopping force to the RSV4. The leech like grip of the Pirelli Diablo SuperCorsa street legal racing tyres introduces you to the next level of traction. The feedback from the brakes was flawless, too and inspired great confidence. A single finger operation would slow down the bike as effortlessly as one can possibly think of. Brake harder and your crotch might slide up the tank, but the motorcycle would hold its line emphatically. The 2016 Aprilia RSV4-RF blew our caps with its stupefying performance.
Conclusion
It’s amazing that a maddeningly fast motorcycle could be so forgiving too. This Aprilia has to be one of the friendliest litre class performance machines out there. The electronics are so well meshed in with the engine, you’d actually take this motorcycle to its limits, while not once feeling overwhelmed or intimidated. At INR 24.80 lacs, the RSV4-RF seems an expensive motorcycle – but top drawer equipment, prodigious power, pace and performance with the exotic charm of Italian engineering does justify that stratospheric number assuringly. Ever dreamt of growing up to become a Superman during your kid days? Well, here’s your licence to fly.
2016 APRILIA RSV4-RF TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
IMAGE GALLERY: 2016 APRILIA RSV4-RF LIMITED EDITION
