In their category, they are unique.
Simply because of their inner architecture.
Indeed, the Tuono and the RSV4 are the only roadster and the only sport bike powered by a V4 engine.
So we were urging to try them out and have a closer look on such a particular shape for a motor.
Let’s start with the sport bike. Regarding the others beasts we had in Magny-Cours,
the Italian is the closest from a competition bike.
Her size is compact, the position once you drive it is radical
and the feeling she gives back to the rider is unbelievable.
The soundtrack of the V4 is throwing you instantly in the racing universe.
Paradoxically she is the easiest to handle and without any doubt the most instinctive to ride.
She follow your eyesight, she engage in curves
and benefits of one of the most regular power curves
compared to a violent Panigale
or a power monster such as the ZX-10R
Of course the Aprilia is not free of problems, like the windshield offering barely no protection
and the new EURO 4 exhaust valve that provokes voids under 5000rpm.
I loved the stability she offers in curves, especialy in the between Grande Courbe (first corner) and Estoril
The bike is stable when you brake but she is shy to go to the apex.
When you put the gas back the bike is doing well,
she takes advantage of her good power curve and punch you out of the corner.
But it miss something when you are low in the RPM, especialy in the slow parts
But over all the bike is fine, it's easy , great balance. it's a great bike!
It’s the only one with a V4, does it change a lot of thing between her and the 4 in line or bi-cylinder in L?
Yeah, sspecially in the revive parts and more specicifically between the 180° and the Imola chicane.
You have the feeling that you can fully wring the throttle and still have a stable bike.
In fact she is the easiest of the seven bike when it comes to riding phase,
when you need to pass all the power to the ground.
In the top of that the electronic is awesome, especially the traction control,
is really enjoyable, knowing that the whole power is handled properly.
It’s true that when you speak of electronic assistance,
the Aprilia RSV4 Racing Factory 2017 is on the top of the very best tools available.
The TFT dashboard, the upshift/downshift are new and the ride-by-wire throttle is enhanced for a better feeling
Whiout forgeting all the assistance, ABS, traction control, anti wheeling, launch control, 3 mapping,
and even a pit-limiter to control tour speed in the stands
Don’t forget about the huge brakes discs of 330mm in complete harmony with the M50 callipers,
the Öhlins suspension and the 3 color paintjob, exclusive to this RF version.
To put further the racing experience, the RSV4 geometry can be adjusted,
such as the steering column, the swinging arm and the engine anchor points
Everything have a cost and this one is spicy: 20 999€ !
But wait wait! There is one bike that is another level higher than this one, the RSV4 FW GP
A replica of the bike of the WSBK championship bike, with more than 250 hp and cost more than 160 000€.
For the Italian firm, there is no limit for the sports bike.
Fact that we checked when we headed to Aprilia France for more intel on the V4.
When Aprilia decide to remplace the RSV 1000, why did they choose the V4?
The first objective was to win with the bike in WSBK and after we produced the bike in mass.
It's the most able engine design to build a frame aroud and develope a race bike
Interesting, it means the idea of a V4 comes more from the frame and what you could do with such an engine
that from the power alone?
Exactly!
Manufacturing a 1000cm3 every brand can do it.
What’s more exclusive is how you will make the engine work with the frame and chassis.
The possibilities are connected to the racing spirit
and that’s Aprilia’s DNA.
Why is it connected to racing? Because of the narrowness of the engine?
Yes, because of the narrowness.
Also because of the center of gravity who is very precisely placed,
also because of the masses in movement who are centered.
Nowadays the interests are multiples, we have a very rare engine behaviour,
with always two pistons who are not in high neutral point in the same time,
this specification gives us a balance that explain the linear power distribution.
A V4 is a non-stop working engine, that’s the opposite of a 4 in line who does have timeout.
During his quest for victories in World Superbike, Aprilia did a pretty good job.
First with the world champion tittles of Max Biaggi in 2010 and 2012.
Then Sylvain Guintoli in 2014.
To bounce on Emmanuel response concerning the potential of a V4 in competition,
let’s check the best bikes of the world.
you realize that it’s not an error if the V4 is powering most of the Moto GP bikes.
Honda, Ducati, Aprilia, and even the new kid KTM. All those brand decided to use a V4
We made our point on track, but what’s up on the open road?
You could think that the Tuono RR is just a naked RSV4 but a bit more complex.
Indeed the bike is now 1100 cm3 and produces only 175 hp
The idea is offering more torque,
raising up to 12 mkg and changing the temper of bike a bit more road friendly.
Road friendly, easy to say! Because the Tuono is clearly a sport bike.
Even radical in some point.
Under 5000rpm the v4 offer no comfort at all.
He growls, and swear!
But one you passed this barrier this engine push like nothing else.
It push hard and with linearity, with the sound and the well working shifter,
you could think you on the Isle of Man during the TT.
The massive bonus of the bike is his chassis, the front is clear to understand and surgically precise.
And don’t forget about the brakes, which offers power and feeling due to the M50 callipers.
“I can assure you, on the road with the Tuono, it's sporty!
It is certainly one of the most sensational roadster but also one of the most difficult to master.
The bike is quite rigid and pretty alive during angle changes,
so on the small Morvan’s roads who are bumpy and not very clean,
I tell you, you need to handle the beast.
It slides and jump but when you see the equipment, you understand the sport origin of the bike.
Like the RSV4, the Tuono is a laboratory.
We find a full electronic set :
engine map, ABS, Traction Control, and some widget on the dashboard, like an angle, brake and gas indicator.
On our test model the suspension come from Sachs, it’s a 43mm diameter.
For the lucky ones who will choose the Tuono Factory, they will have Öhlins pieces.
But the RF is at 17 999€ against 14 999€ for our RR test bike.
Riding the burgundy roads with some V4 mix in the ears is truly amazing.
We enjoy this charming engine and this super agile chassis.
But the Tuono is designed for the sports roadster fans with some experience.
Versatility is not the highlight of the Italian and the Sunday ride is way too calm for her.
Consider yourself warmed!
Here we are! Now you know everything you have to know about the V4.
Why the brand chose this architecture, all the technical data.
The behaviour on track and on racetrack.
I think deserved a good nap...