Aprilia RSV4 X Superbike Preview

The folks at Aprilia have upped the ante of super-exclusive, superexpensive motorcycles with their latest creation, the RSV4 X ex3ma. For the paltry sum of just $88,955, 30 well-heeled volunteers can buy bragging rights to the first-ever production motorcycle with ground-effect aerodynamics pulled straight off a factory MotoGP machine.

The aero package on the RSV4 X ex3ma (that’s pronounced “extrema” with a lisp, in case you were wondering) was developed by Aprilia’s own Noale Racing Division, and was exclusive to Aprilia’s RS-GP MotoGP racing prototypes prior to this announcement. The full-carbon kit is even made by Pan Compositi, the very same Modena-based composite specialists who produce all the bodywork for Aprilia’s MotoGP racing efforts.

Aprilia says the package comes in three distinct parts. There’s the large, swooping “front wing” at the nose, the “underwing” that sits beneath the swingarm (also known as the “spoon”), and the cornering wings, which are those juicy carbon bits on the underside of the front mudguard.

The combined effect of all that aero amounts to a fivefold increase in vertical air pressure compared to Aprilia’s previously released XTrenta model, dramatically improving straight-line stability and anti-wheelie performance. As for the new cornering wings, Aprilia claims the X ex3ma gets three times as much downforce when leaned over, significantly improving cornering grip at speed.

Related: Aprilia RSV4 XTrenta First Look Preview

“Participating in the development of a bike like the RSV4 X ex3ma was like being at the test sessions of a real racing prototype. On the track, it was an explosion of emotions—you could feel the downforce from the ground effect fairing in fast corners, a wonderful sensation.” —Max Biaggi, two-time World Superbike champion

Speaking of Max Biaggi, the limited RSV4 sports a special Perla Nera livery, which Aprilia says pays homage to the iconic RS250. This is the very same bike that Biaggi won three consecutive world championships on between 1994–1996, so it’s only fitting that the man himself had a hand in its testing and development.

In addition to the cutting-edge aero, the new RSV4 X ex3ma also comes with a hopped-up version of the brand’s beloved 65-degree V-4 engine, which has been tuned by Aprilia Racing to produce around 230 hp at the crank. That tune also takes advantage of a higher compression ratio, a high-permeability air filter, and a dual-exit titanium and carbon exhaust from SC-Project, all of which is managed by the latest version of Aprilia’s APX ECU.

Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes, and full carbon wheels up the ante even further, as do a host of CNC-machined parts from the crankcase to the uniquely numbered triple clamps. All in all, the X ex3ma tips the scales at just 363.7 pounds before fuel and fluids, a full 2 pounds lighter than its XTrenta predecessor.

“This motorcycle is undoubtedly the bike that most closely delivers the riding experience of a modern MotoGP machine.” —Romano Albesiano, technical director of Aprilia Racing

Owners of the new premium RSV4 will also receive a rear stand, a personalized bike cover, and a dedicated carpet to park the bike on when it’s not in use. Aprilia is also throwing in a Yashi laptop with each of the 30 units sold, which comes preprogrammed with everything owners need to manage and fine-tune the ECU software themselves.

The Aprilia RSV4 X ex3ma is available to order now through the Aprilia Factory Works website.