2010 APRILIA RSV4 R BUDGET SUPERBIKE vs FACTORY

Still, the significantly cheaper RSV4 R’s Showa/Sachs suspension is fully adjustable and the engine still produces 180bhp (though we suspect it may not be able to rev as high and/or as quickly as the RSV4 Factory’s engine). Also, with its ride-by-wire electronics, the bike still has three ride modes – Race, Sport and Road – for optimised power delivery for whatever conditions you might encounter.

If you can live with plastic instead of carbonfibre trim, aluminium instead of forged magnesium wheels and a bit more weight (the R weighs 184kg, about five kilos more than the Factory), the RSV4 R just might be the Aprilia for you with at least 20% less expensive than the Factory

The RSV4 Factory and RSV4 R follow in the mold of the v-twin RSV 1000 R range; the Factory is the range-topping carbon, magnesium and Ohlins-equipped model sold in order to homologate the SBK racers, while the R is fitted with more realistic components and priced to sell in large numbers.

While the R retains the Factory’s basic frame and engine, both of those are modified to lower costs. The R’s engine ditches the expensive and lightweight magnesium engine covers in favor of aluminum items, while the chassis has lost its ability to adjust the swingarm pivot point, the steering head angle and the engine’s position.

Still present is the fly-by-wire throttle and its three switchable power delivery modes. “Race” offers the full 180bhp and 115lb/ft of torque, “Sport” delivers full power but limits torque in the first three gears and “Road” reduces power to 140bhp and also limits torque throughout the rev range and in all gears.

you can choose between black or white on the plastic panels. The cohesive finishes of the R — mostly silver or black mechanical components — actually look better than the confused look created by the magnesium and gold parts and red/black paint on the Factory.

Aprilia RSV4 R Price
The biggest goal that Aprilia pursued with this new approach towards the RSV concept was to be able to offer the bike for under $20K and the $19,600 MSRP says mission accomplished.

The Aprilia RSV4 R has been priced at £12,449 in the UK, £2,550 cheaper than the bells-and-whistles Aprilia RSV4 Factory. No price for either bike has yet to be announced for the New World. Should you save some money and go for the cheaper model? This photo will help you decide, it highlights the changes. Full specs below.

The bike is expected to cost about £11,800-12,400 in the UK, which would be around 20-24% cheaper than the higher-spec Factory version.

Aprilia RSV4 R specification:



Engine and Transmission
Engine type: Aprilia longitudinal 65° V-4 cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooling system, double overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder

Bore x stroke: 78 x 52.3 mm

Total engine capacity: 999.6 cc

Compression ratio: 13:1

Maximum power at crankshaft: 180 CV (132.4 kW) at 12,500 rpm

Maximum torque at crankshaft: 115 Nm at 10,000 rpm

Fuel system: Airbox with front dynamic air intakes. 4 Weber-Marelli 48-mm throttle bodies with 8 injectors and latest generation Ride-by-Wire engine management. Choice of three different engine maps selectable by the rider with bike in motion: T (Track), S (Sport), R (Road)

Ignition: Magneti Marelli digital electronic ignition system integrated in engine control system, with one spark plug per cylinder and “stick-coil”-type coils

Exhaust system: 4 into 2 into 1 layout, single lambda probe, lateral single silencer with engine control unit-controlled butterfly valve and integrated trivalent catalytic converter (Euro 3)

Lubrication: Wet sump lubrication system with oil radiator and two oil pumps (lubrication and cooling)

Clutch: Multi-disc oil-bath, with mechanical slipper system

Front suspension: Upside-down Showa fork with Æ 43 mm stanchions. Aluminium radial calliper mounts. Completely adjustable spring preload and hydraulic compression and rebound damping. Wheel travel 120 mm

Rear suspension: Double braced aluminium swingarm; mixed low thickness and sheet casting technology. Sachs piggy back monoshock with completely adjustable: spring preload, wheelbase, hydraulic compression and rebound damping. APS progressive linkage. Wheel travel 130 mm

Front Brake: Dual 320-mm diameter floating stainless steel disc with lightweight stainless steel rotor and aluminium flange with 6 pins. Brembo monobloc radial callipers with 4 Æ 34-mm opposite. Sintered pads. Radial pump and metal braided brake hose

Rear Brake: 220-mm diameter disc; Brembo calliper with two Æ 32 mm isolated pistons. Sintered pads. Pump with integrated tank and metal braided hose

Front Rim: Aluminium alloy with 6 split spokes – 3.5”X17”

Rear Rim: Aluminium alloy with 5 split spokes – 6”X17”

Front Tyre: Radial tubeless 120/70 ZR 17

Rear Tyre: Radial tubeless 190/55 ZR 17 (alternative: 190/50 ZR 17)