Aprilia RSV4 R APRC 2012

Aprilia RSV4 R APRC 2012

 Aprilia RSV4 R APRC 2012

  Aprilia RSV4 R APRC 2012

  Aprilia RSV4 R APRC 2012

  Aprilia RSV4 R APRC 2012

  Aprilia RSV4 R APRC 2012

  Aprilia RSV4 R APRC 2012

  Aprilia RSV4 R APRC 2012

  Aprilia RSV4 R APRC 2012

  Aprilia RSV4 R APRC 2012

 Aprilia RSV4 R APRC 2012 

  Aprilia RSV4 R APRC 2012

 Aprilia RSV4 R APRC 2012

Starting with the Aprilia, its 65-degree V-Four engine is the centerpiece of an overall design that focuses on mass centralization and is placed as forward as possible within the lithe chassis. The fuel tank’s smallish exterior appearance is because the rest of it is hidden underneath the seat. This gives the rider a very close relationship with the bars, and the extremely tiny tail section further exemplifies this compact feel.

Ironically, the Aprilia has a slightly longer wheelbase than the Yamaha, coming in at 55.9 inches, 0.2-inch longer than the R1. Power was not the RSV4’s strong suit last year as our test bike made 149.5 hp to the wheel at 12,800 rpm and 70.2 ft.-lbs of torque at 10,100 rpm. Both numbers at or near the bottom of our 2010 literbike combatants. This dyno deficit was largely forgiven once in motion, as its supremely agile chassis allowed the rider to choose lines with complete precision, and the standard Brembo monobloc brakes and 320mm discs were rated highly.