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RSV 1000 R = raised to the 10th power = RSV 1000 R Factory
When I first got on this “monster” about
a month ago, and turned on the ignition, I knew I would be in for
the ride of my life; I knew that it would probably be one of the
fastest bikes I’ve tested in a while…
It was a beautiful, sunny South Florida day, and before I hit third
gear, my grin had grown into a 12-inch beam, my brain was jumping
for joy, and my heart was asking for forgiveness. The new RSV 1000
R Factory – and the word ‘Factory’ has always been
a magical word that immediately invokes the world of racing and special
bikes for special riders who fully appreciate the excitement of sports
riding. This beast is without a doubt, the top of the 1000 R range,
and a refined superbike that is successful on the track all over
the world.
This latest Aprilia bike is a far superior version of the RSV 1000
R that brings together a twin V60 Magnesium engine which pumps out
139-horsepower at 9,500 rpm and new RSV 1000 R goodies such as radial
calipers, fully adjustable Öhlins Racing fork, adjustable shock
absorber, steering damper fitted as standard, forged aluminum wheels,
a rider's saddle with non-slip racing seat and carbon parts, all
this together with special ultra-light materials and quality production
components to bring this Factory model up to track-riding standards.
The Factory R comes with the same double banana swing arm and light
frame as the RSV 1000 R. The 43 mm upside-down Öhlins Racing
fork is titanium nitride coated to optimize smoothness. The wheel
travel is 120 mm. Like the racing models, the fork rebound, compression
and preload are adjustable. The forged aluminum brake caliper mounting
bracket allows the new radial calipers to be fitted, perfectly in
line with the latest GP and world SBK trends.
   
The rear Öhlins Racing shock absorber originates
directly from experience on the track. It is fitted with a separate
piggyback nitrogen cylinder built into the body. It has adjustable
rebound, compression, preload and length in order to lift and lower
the rear axle and adjust the suspension to different riding styles
and different race tracks.
A continuous tire pressure monitoring system that keeps the alignment
under complete control according to the settings and suspension is
among the optional components. The radial clamp front braking system
was developed by Aprilia together with Brembo to deliver more effective
braking and better responsiveness. The system reduces "elasticity" because
the radial mounting prevents any movement of the caliper itself and
increases pad life, as well as enhancing stability and reducing the
difference between hot and cold performance.
Aprilia paid immense attention to detail throughout the entire machine;
it is so evident by the extensive use of carbon components to make
the motorbike lighter and more refined. Even the mudguards and several
parts of the fairing are made of extremely light woven carbon composite,
and the RSV 1000 R Factory headstock shaft is made of aluminum, not
steel. Very impressive architecture, with amazing final results.
One of the most distinctive parts of the bike, the exclusively designed
wheels, are forged from aluminum using an 8,000 ton hydraulic press.
The unique process used by Aprilia produces wheels without defects
or the porosity which may result from the casting process. The weight
saving is brilliant: close to 25% less for each wheel compared with
the lightest wheels on the market made using the traditional aluminum
casting technique, thus inertia is 25% lower than for the cast aluminum
alloy wheels found on all other superbikes.
And if this wasn’t enough, the wheels are also anodized and
not painted, leading to a further weight saving on this essential
component and ensures they keep their characteristic color for the
life of the bike. The quest for less weight also extends to the technical
wheel data, which is carved into the wheel itself rather than embossed
(which would add more material to the wheel).
The result is truly impressive in terms of design and manufacturing
quality. The RSV 1000 R Factory stands apart not only from other
twin-cylinder machines, but from all other superbikes. The Factory
is the perfect balance between quality, technology, high-tech components
and finish.
The saddest part of this whole test was the day I had to
return it back to Aprilia in Atlanta, GA. Yet I feel confident in getting
on that ‘beast’ soon again, for I glued a small picture of
my house on the side of the seat in hopes that the bike will find its way
back to Miami really, really soon! I could always purchase one for $17,899.
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