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Aprilia have announced the 2010 RSV4 R, a cheaper version of the RSV4 Factory. Instead of ?hlins suspension, the RSV4 R gets a Showa fork and Sachs shock, its 65-degree V4 makes do with aluminium parts instead of the Factory’s magnesium bits, and the chassis isn’t adjustable for swingarm pivot point, Steering Head Angle and engine position. Aprilia RSV4 R brings the technology and unique character of the V4 that redefined sports performance on the track within the reach of all enthusiasts. With the advent of the R version, the Aprilia RSV4 - the bike that took the world by storm and set new standards for sports performance, both on the road and on the circuits of the SBK World Championship - is now accessible to an even broader group of enthusiasts. RSV4 R maintains the same features that make the Aprilia RSV4 project so unique: the narrow 180 hp V4 engine, Ride-by-Wire integrated electronic management, dual injectors, race bred frame and suspension and extreme compactness. Christened by Max Biaggi, the Aprilia RSV4 R is the latest product of the project that has brought Aprilia back to the pinnacle of the motorcycle world, both on the world's circuits and on the road. A revolutionary project - starting from a blank piece of paper and drawing from the marque's unparalleled success on the racetrack - that led to the inception of the RSV4 SBK, the bike that Biaggi rode straight to victory in the World Superbike Championship, and a production bike which, in its Factory guise dedicated to circuit racing professionals, redefined the limits for the supersports genre. Aprilia now presents the RSV4 R, a bike born from the same project in a new, more accessible guise, conceived to bring this fantastic machine within reach of expert riders who want to experience its technological supremacy. To offer you the same sensations as you carve a perfect line from apex to apex that Max Biaggi experiences on the track in the World Superbike Championship, the Aprilia RSV4 R maintains all the features that make the superbike project so unique: ? COMPACTNESS: Minimised dimensions and weight, a 65° V4 engine as narrow as a twin, a chassis architecture defined around the engine and an effective but essential fairing. ? ENGINE PERFORMANCE: Class leading power, the torque of a twin, combined with the smooth power delivery and flexibility of a four cylinder, and dual injectors per cylinder. Technical and architectural solutions worthy of a genuine race prototype. ? ELECTRONICS: Second generation Ride by Wire with multiple maps (track, sport and road). ? CHASSIS ARCHITECTURE: Class beating solutions true to Aprilia traditions. The aluminium frame is built around the engine for maximum effectiveness both on the track and on the road. Suspension is completely adjustable. ? ITALIAN DESIGN: The unique style of the RSV4 R is the product of a painstaking design process and was conceived and developed in Aprilia's own design centre. The styling solutions enhance the bike's class beating compactness, which is further emphasised by the spectacular, ultra-short tail fairing. For those who can live with Showa/Sachs (instead of ?hlins) suspension, aluminium (instead of magnesium) components, plastic (instead of carbonfibre) parts in the bodywork, and a non-adjustable chassis (instead of one that allows you to change the swingarm’s pivot point, Steering Head Angle and even the engine position…), the Aprilia RSV4 R is probably a brilliant deal. You still get the same sharp styling, the same 180bhp V4 engine, and the same ride-by-wire electronics as the higher-spec RSV4 Factory, but at a price that’s about 25% lower. The R version’s 65-degree V4 remains unchanged and still produces the full 180bhp at 12,500rpm – the same as the RSV4 Factory. Dual injectors per cylinder, 48mm throttle bodies, ride-by-wire electronics, and tri-mode mapping – it’s all there. And while the chassis doesn’t permit you to change the engine’s position or alter the swingarm pivot, it’s still beautifully finished, and the 43mm Showa fork and Sachs shock are fully adjustable. The RSV4 R definitely doesn't need to make any excuses for its performance... In the end, the Factory is a ferret and in terms of handling, remains the absolute benchmark in its segment. The RSV4 Factory is small, slim and compact, changes direction very quickly and often feels like a 600 in the way it handles. The R model makes you work a bit harder to go as fast, but ultimately the R is also a bit easier to control than the rather more explosive Factory. Road Test For those who can live with Showa/Sachs (instead of Ohlins) suspension, aluminium (instead of magnesium) components, plastic (instead of carbonfibre) parts in the bodywork, and a non-adjustable chassis (instead of one that allows you to change the swingarm’s pivot point, Steering Head Angle and even the engine position…), the Aprilia RSV4 R is probably a brilliant deal. You still get the same sharp styling, the same 180bhp V4 engine, and the same ride-by-wire electronics as the higher-spec RSV4 Factory, but at a price that’s about 25% lower. A lot of people may actually like the RSV4 R more than the Factory, since the former is more street-friendly, while the latter is definitely a bit more track-oriented. The two bikes have their own unique personalities – the R is a bit more stable under hard braking while the Factory accelerates out of corners harder. Coming to the two bikes’ ride-by-wire electronics, the R’s electronics seem to work a bit better than the Factory’s, which is understandable since Aprilia have had a few months to fine-tune and optimise the system. The R’s V4 is blessed with perfect fuel-injection and even its gearbox feels just a bit smoother than the Factory’s. The only thing we’d like changed is low-rpm response in ‘Track’ mode, which is currently a bit too aggressive. Milder response in the first quarter opening of the throttle would probably work better.
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