2015 Aprilia RSV4 RR Review

Описание: Given that 200 horsepower bikes (or more) are now becoming common in the superbike category, some may think it difficult for the heavily updated 2015 Aprilia RSV4 RR to stand out from the crowd. But an absolutely glorious engine that pulls heavily no matter what and a chassis that is quite possibly second to none mean that Aprilia continues to punch well above its weight.

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It's sometimes easy to forget that Aprilia only made its first literbike back in 1998, being the RSV Mille, a V-twin superbike. Since 2009, their premier bike has been the V-4 powered RSV4 which powered Aprilia to three World Superbike world championships and four constructors championships. While the 2015 Aprilia RSV4 RR might not look that different from the previous model it is heavily updated with almost nothing from the previous model carrying over.

Aprilia has completely redesigned the front end, modifying the cowl and fairing for better aerodynamics and wind protection. Headlights have been slightly redesigned and the mirrors (which do little to help you see behind) are also new and include built in LED indicators.

The biggest change is probably to the engine. The RSV4 was always underpowered in comparison to the competition but that was never really an issue when it came to racing due to how well the bike handled. But unfortunately, horsepower figures do factor into people's purchasing decisions and Aprilia needed to follow the dollars. Not that we're complaining mind you - what was already a good engine is even better.

Not only does the new engine produce 16 more horsepower, it's actually 2.5 kilograms lighter than before. Peak power is now 201 hp, but it has been improved across the range while torque is now 115 Nm which is reached at 10,500 rpm. While those are impressive figures, what is really great is how the engine delivers the power. Even at low speeds, throttle response is perfect and there's virtually no abrutpness about it. It continues to perplex us that learner bikes have jerky throttle response by comparison when putting out a small fraction of the power available here.

At high speeds power delivery is just as good. No matter what gear you're in or the speed you're going, power comes on smooth and predictably. Only at speeds below 30 km/h does the bike really not feel comfortable but that's hopefully a pace you won't normally be travelling at. The ease at which power is transferred from the engine to the rear wheel is a combination of the bike's brilliant chassis and the electronics package on offer.

Called Aprilia Performance Ride Control (or APRC for short), Aprilia's software has been developed in conjunction with their WSBK team. It provides traction control which has eight settings of intervention, wheelie control (three levels) and launch control which allows you to spin the engine up to around 10,000 rpm and let the clutch out and have the computer do the work for you.

Read the rest of the review at http://www.therideadvice.com/2015-apr...