Meet the RSV4 FW-GP, Aprilia’s Answer to the Honda RC213V

For a lucky few ultra-wealthy individuals, Aprilia is offering up some seriously trick RSV4 track bikes. Last year Aprilia Racing launched its "Factory Works" program that essentially allowed consumers to buy WSBK-spec bikes straight from the factory race shop. Evidently the program did well enough that Aprilia has not only decided to continue it, but expand it.

For 2017 Aprilia is offering a fleet of up-spec, track-only bikes running the gamut from the RSV4 R FW-SSTK1 (that's a base RSV4 RR with the abbreviations for "Factory Works SuperStock 1" slapped on the end) with Öhlins suspension, forged wheels, a lightweight lithium-ion battery, and upgraded electronics, all the way up to mac-daddy MotoGP-based RSV4 R FW-GP.

That bad boy is derived from the RS-GP 15, the bike Aprilia raced in MotoGP in 2015. It's said to make 250 hp thanks in no small part to pneumatic valve actuation. Compared to traditional coil-spring valve control, pneumatic valves offer more precise valve control but more importantly greater valve lift. That adds up to an insane redline as well as absurd power, and this is the first bike you can buy that offers this incredible technology. Pneumatic valves are one of the things Honda refused to include in last year's RC213V, much to many enthusiasts' disappointment given the setup's position as the technology for choice in MotoGP.

Last year’s Superbike-based track bikes were a surprise, so something this sophisticated is unprecedented. As per Romano Albesiano, Aprilia Racing’s technical manager: “For 2017 we decided to push farther, making an extreme RSV4 configuration available, fitted with an engine that has pneumatic valve timing. With the FW-GP, Aprilia Racing provides its customers, not only with the technology developed in MotoGP, but also with special treatment in terms of information, support, and fine-tuning of the bike before, during and after the purchase.”

Pricing the packages hasn’t been announced, and this is certainly one of those scenarios where if you have to ask, it’s likely too much. Below are descriptions of each of the four Factory Works bikes offered, as listed in Aprilia’s press materials. All of the versions are built off the 2017 Aprilia RSV4 RR Race Pack.

RSV4 R FW-SSTK1
* Aprilia RSV4 with Race Pack (Öhlins suspension systems and forged wheel rims).
* Standard electrical system with ultra lightweight lithium battery.
* Standard electronics ECU reprogrammed in Race version, engine control and vehicle dynamics map made in Aprilia Racing.
* Reprogrammed instrumentation, predisposed for lap times if combined with the V4-MP system. This is the multimedia platform with which Aprilia introduces a telemetry system that provides, among other things, "corner by corner" adjustment of the RSV4's electronic settings.
* Optimized and lightened braking system with ABS eliminated .
* Lightened factory engine, with no thermostat and secondary air circuit, with simplified cooling circuit lines. Akrapovic exhaust kit, fairings kit and complete engine optimization.

RSV4 R FW-SSTK2
* Aprilia RSV4 with Race Pack (Öhlins suspension systems and forged wheel rims).
* Racing electrical system, lightened and simplified with dedicated vehicle and engine wiring harness and lithium battery. APX2 ECU made in Aprilia Racing, fully programmable in ignition and engine control parameters using the included palmtop terminal. The ECU includes the data acquisition system, with the possibility of using both original sensor or optional sensors available and permitted by Superstock 1000 FIM Cup regulations. Special Aprilia Racing instrumentation. Special engine with Aprilia Racing mods. Akrapovic exhaust kit and fairings kit. Maximum power reaches 204 HP.

RSV4 R-FW SBK
* Aprilia RSV4 with Race Pack (Öhlins suspension systems and forged wheel rims).
* Racing electrical system, lightened and simplified with dedicated vehicle and engine wiring harness and lithium battery.
* APX2 ECU made in Aprilia Racing, fitted with GPS module, fully programmable in ignition and engine control parameters using the included palmtop terminal. The ECU includes the data acquisition system with a telemetry sensors kit available as optional equipment.
* Special Aprilia Racing instrumentation with racing button panel.
* Electronic gearbox with assisted downshift feature (blipper).
* Special Aprilia Racing instrumentation.
* Special engine with SBK mods 'made by Aprilia Racing'. Maximum power reaches 215 HP.

RSV4 R FW-GP
* The starting point is the top of the range RSV4 R FW SBK, but the Aprilia V4 engine, derived from the unit in the RS-GP 15, has 81 mm bore and pneumatic valve timing to guarantee maximum power of more than 250 HP.
* These customers will receive truly special treatment: they are invited to the Aprilia Racing headquarters in Noale to stipulate the contract, partly so that they can select the ideal configuration for their needs and budget along with our engineers. During preparation of the bike, they will receive "live" images of the outfitting progress and they have a telephone line and address available for any other needs, both of which remain active subsequently in order to receive information or request support. The bike is hand delivered by Aprilia Racing engineers with pick up, if desired, at Noale. The customers also have the right to receive Aprilia Racing branded full track leathers and a paddock pass for an entire MotoGP Grand Prix weekend, in addition to an invitation to participate in an Aprilia track day, where Aprilia Racing engineers can adjust the bike's settings based on their riding needs and provide the best possible technical tips to take full advantage of the RSV4 FW-GP's mechanical and electronic potential. In any case, an Aprilia Racing engineer will always be at the track, any time the customer wants to use the FW-GP.

For more information, visit serviceaprilia.com.