Greater
aggressiveness and performance for the Aprilia "single-seater". A
no-compromise motorbike, extra high powered potential for track use, and now
even more powerful and effective, featuring the sophisticated and innovative
technology used in the Superbike world championships
APRILIA
RSV Mille R (Year 2001 Model)
The
aggressiveness, skill and experience of a rider like Troy Corser have
contributed to Aprilia’s sporting development, such that the company is now an
uncontested leader also in the Superbike world championships. A dream
which seemed impossible just one year ago, is today the reality rewarding
Aprilia’s efforts, allowing the transfer of the valuable experience
acquired on the race track to ever more expert and demanding users.
The Aprilia
RSV Mille R represents the maximum expression of this motorcycle
manufacturer’s technological/sporting heritage.
A project
aimed at all those looking for a motorbike for track use. A "single
seater" capable of expressing the racing potential of every rider and
adapting to all individual and specific needs in terms of settings, performance
and, obviously, excitement, offering an unrivalled price/equipment ratio.
Updated,
modified and further improved as
a result of constant technological evolution and the experience acquired on the
race track, the Aprilia RSV Mille R "2001" is a new, even
more powerful, effective and high-performance version.
The
over 200 changes involved
in the 2001 upgrade of the RSV Mille basic version, have also been exploited for
this more extreme version, creating a real technological gem. The Aprilia RSV
Mille R is fitted with the best components from around the world (weight
reduction being one of the factors), with many solutions and components
borrowed from racing bikes.
An
important design and production achievement which makes the RSV Mille R
a new reference point for competitors, with this motorbike representing the
perfect balance in terms of quality, technology, components and finish at an
absolutely competitive price.
Briefly,
the new Aprilia RSV Mille R features:
- more power (130 HP to
the shaft)
- better handling: easier
to enter into curves and hold trajectory
- lighter weight (183 kg
dry)
- a more attractive and
aggressive design
- more effective braking
(new Brembo system)
- improved silence
- better aerodynamics and
greater protection
- more effective setting
of the professional Ohlins Racing suspension
The APRILIA
RSV Mille R uses standard components of the highest possible level. This
represents much more than a simple assembly operation. Indeed, everything has
been optimised, designed and produced as a whole, tested, set-up and
modified technically so as to achieve the balance of technology and
performance and riding efficiency that have become Aprilia’s traditional
trademark and the distinctive characteristic of every Aprilia product.
The bike
is available in two brand new colour schemes, "devil black/fluo
red", with "replica superbike" graphics taken from
Troy Corser’s world championship racing bike, while the second combination, flashy
yellow/black, is equally attractive and exclusive.
DESIGN
As
in the case of the new RSV Mille, the R version has been subject to an
almost complete restyling, without however breaking with the lines and
constructive philosophy of a motorcycle whose personality, originality and
character immediately convey to the rider a sense of ease and confidence.
Aerodynamics
remain the point of reference (as
confirmed by wind tunnel tests: raising performance, protecting the rider and
eliminating all annoying turbulence which, as well as being tiring, disturbs the
ride of the bike), yet the design is now defined by more aggressive and
marked lines, with the rider even more perfectly integrated with the machine.
The
following are the main aesthetic changes
(in respect to the previous model):
- new,
lower tank, shortened and improved to better accommodate the rider
and facilitate movement on the saddle
- ergonomically-improved
and more comfortable rider saddle, integrated with the new design
- front fairing and
windshield (in the R version made from heat-formed scratch-proof glass for
longer life and the total absence of visual distortion) further
improved aerodynamically, and now also made more aggressive by the new
design
- new side fairing and
side air ducts
- undersaddle side
panels with
air outlets
- new rear fairing and
taillight support
- new headlight
- new turn indicators
ENGINE
The APRILIA
RSV Mille R engine incorporates a number of the new features and
technical solutions designed for the RSV Mille "year 2001
model". The powerful and reliable longitudinal 60° V twin -
with four valves per cylinder and double camshaft in the head, controlled by a
mixed chain and gear system - has been significantly modified to improve
efficiency, range of use and performance, with power increasing from 128 to
130 HP to the shaft, while maintaining smooth and progressive
delivery, and further reducing noise and vibrations.
The choice
of the 60° V twin guarantees a light and compact engine and allows the
development of mechanical components of the highest level, with optimum weight
distribution.
As a
result, the new version features all the technical characteristics of the
Aprilia twin that have helped the RSV Mille (both the standard version and the R
version) reach a series of important sporting and commercial objectives:
- longitudinal 60° V
twin engine, timing
with 4 valves per cylinder and double cam shaft in cylinder
head controlled by mixed gear/chain system;
- electronic
fuel injection (modified and updated)
- CDI type ignition with
a TSI (Twin Spark Ignition) system, using 2 spark plugs per cylinder.
Ignition is controlled by the engine’s integrated control system, which also controls injection.
- dry crankcase
lubrication,
using a second recovery trochoidal pump and an external oil reservoir (as
well as a radiator located in front of the engine). As a result, the engine
block is more rigid and compact than with a "wet crankcase"
system, totally eliminating the risk of poor engine lubrication during
sudden acceleration/declaration or wheelies;
- mixed gear/chain
timing. The
pair of gears (one for each timing chain) in the engine block enables the
size of the cylinder heads to be reduced;
The
sophisticated twin is completed by a number of exclusive Aprilia patents:
- the AVDC (Anti Vibration Double Countershaft) double balancing
countershaft
- power-assisted
hydraulic controlled clutch covered by the patented PPC
(Pneumatic Power Clutch), to control rear wheel bounce during hard braking.
The
many modifications made
to the engine include a radical overhaul and optimisation of the head and
piston of the engine:
- the intake camshafts have been modified, raising the cam lifts by 0.8 mm
- the diameter of the intake
valves has been increased by 2 mm
- the intake pipes
have been completely redesigned around the new cams and valves
- the pistons have
been redesigned in profile, to both accommodate the new intake valves and
optimise performance
- the dynamic flows in
the filter housing have been modified according to the changes in the
cylinder heads and pistons
- the new intake hose,
now made from rigid material, housing a resonator designed to reduce intake
noise, has allowed the diameter of intake manifold of the filter
housing to be increased from 38 mm in the previous version, to the current
58 mm
- clearly new is the injection
mapping, with considerable care having been paid to improving smooth
operation at low engine revs
The result
of these changes sees maximum power increased from 128 to 130 HP (to the
crankshaft), power which is always ready to be exploited, being delivered
fully and smoothly at all engine revs.
The clutch
now has a new spring drive (with an activation curve which is no longer
linear, but rather progressive, according to engine torque applied), with the
aim of improving smooth operation and noise levels above all at low engine
revs. The internal shape of the support surfaces of the disks and the
lubrication of the entire clutch assembly has also been modified, in
order to improve adhesion, activation and life-span, and to reduce the force on
the lever.
MECHANICAL
COMPONENTS
A constant
in this specialist version is the splendid aluminium alloy box-type double
beam frame, which has characterised the Aprilia twin since its first
appearance.
Despite
being aesthetically similar to the previous version, fundamental
modifications have been made:
- higher engine mount
positions. The new engine position, 5 mm higher, has meant an
improved concentration of weight around the motorbike’s centre of gravity,
as well as better handling and speed of entry into curves, making it easier
to hold the set trajectory.
- swingarm pivot
raised by 3 mm
over the previous version, in order to optimise chain tension and, as a
consequence, improve traction
- completely
redesigned frame plate to
allow the higher position of the engine on the frame and accommodate
the swingarm pivot, raised by 3 mm over the previous version
- the steering angle
has been changed from 24.5° to 25° , to ensure correct weight distribution
and the right distance between the centre of the wheel and the centre of
gravity of the engine
- new stand attachment
position
(higher), to increase the distance from the ground when hanging-off
The
saddle mount has been modified to take account of the bike’s single seater
format. Made from aluminium, this specific configuration further reduces the motorbike’s weight.
The two-seater kit is available as a spare part.
Using a
new linkage system (both single and double conrods), the exclusive differentiated
arm rear swingarm actions a professional Ohlins Racing single shock
absorber with piggy-back nitrogen cylinder (separate and incorporated in the
body), adjustable in rebound, compression, preload and length, in order
to raise or lower the rear of the motorbike according to the preferred trim,
rider’s preferences and other adjustments made.
The
upside-down front suspension,
Ohlins Racing, naturally, has 43 mm diameter sleeves treated with titanium
nitride to improve smoothness. Wheel travel is 120 mm,
The
external hydraulic system
for adjusting damping, rebound, compression and preload is fast and efficient.
he
adjustments and settings are also completely new, as a result of the new
linkages
The
brake calliper attachment pin is made from a single block of forged aluminium to improve rigidity and
thus also stability during braking, in line with the latest Grand Prix and SBK
world championship experience.
The
relative flexibility of the whole front end of the bike has been studied in
depth with a view
to achieving the perfect absorption of uneven surfaces, even when leant over,
drawing on the Grand Prix and Superbike experience of recent years. An important
achievement in terms of exclusivity, technology and efficiency.
The
front brakes are completely new, Brembo "Gold Series".
This is undoubtedly the most prestigious and technologically advanced production-approved
system currently available on the market. Featuring 320 mm diameter
stainless steel double floating disk, reduced braking band (to reduce weight and
inertia) and exclusive Aprilia designed six spoke centring.
Also
new are the four-pot callipers,
34 mm in diameter with 4 separate pads (a solution used for racing), made
from sintered material and extremely rigid (thanks to the central connection
above the pads).
An
effective and highly reliable system, meaning significantly reduced stopping
distance, great feel and gradual action, and resistance to wear.
The
rear brakes are also Brembo "Gold Series", with 220 mm diameter stainless steel disk
and two-pot calliper, 32 mm in diameter.
Brake
pads made from sintered material and metal braid brake lines, based on
aeronautical technology, are
used for both the front and rear brakes.
COMPONENTS
This
exclusive APRILIA RSV Mille R version stands out for the care and
attention paid to even the smallest component and part. Attention which has
increased performance, feel and ridability, while reducing weight and
considerably improving the quality and finish of the product.
The new
petrol tank is
made from special resins. A precise choice which has made it possible to
considerably reduce the weight of the tank. This is an excellent material for
track use in that, as well as being lighter, it is also more resistant than
metal to small knocks, scratches, etc.
The
adjustable steering damper,
obviously from the specialist Ohlins Racing line, fitted as standard,
has an exclusive double chamber configuration.
Carbon
elements make this
motorbike even lighter and of higher quality. The dashboard cover, front and
rear mudguards, ram air ducts and windshield baffle are produced using this
high technology and exclusive material.
The glass
of the front fairing is heat formed and scratch-proofed for optimum
visibility and transparency, to guarantee a long life and a complete absence of
visual distortions.
In terms
of components, the following are new features in respect to the previous
version:
- new aluminium rider
footrests,
redesigned to increase grip
- digital-analogue
multi-function dashboard incorporating injection auto-diagnosis and
40-memory chronometer, operated by the passing signal (flash of the
headlight), featuring
- new graphics and
amber lighting (easier to read in different light, and a decidedly
sporting look)
- new turn indicators,
more clearly visible and already approved for the US market
- new, lighter battery
- the headlight,
made from plastic to ensure lightness and optimum weight balance in a
critical zone for ridability, has been modified aesthetically and seen
the addition of the internal parabola frame. New H7 bulbs and
internally redesigned parabola. The functional characteristics remain
the depth and width of the light beam, together with the excellent intensity
and homogeneity of the illumination.
The
exclusive RSV Mille R wheels deserve special mention. This is one of the distinctive, exclusive
and specific elements of this motorbike.
In
collaboration with OZ, Aprilia has designed and developed specific wheels with
the aim of producing the best aluminium wheel for a high performance
motorbike.
After
in-depth analysis of the products available on the international market, the
design parameters were established on the basis of the know-how acquired by
Aprilia and OZ during their respective activities in the racing world.
In a
wheel, the most important requisites and parameters are associated with rigidity
and the weight of the wheel itself.
During
use, the wheel is continually subject to torsional and lateral stress. If the
wheel is not sufficiently rigid, the trim of the motorbike may be compromised,
upsetting the balance and thus reducing the grip of the tyres on the asphalt.
The weight
is also important, as the wheel represents a mass in movement on the motorbike
which must be constantly accelerated or braked. A reduction in weight
produces a corresponding reduction in the energy/power required to move and
steer the motorbike, with an immediate effect on ridability, both on the road
and on the track.
Reducing
the weight also means further reducing inertia and modifying the gyroscopic
forces determining the balance of the vehicle as a whole.
To satisfy
the ambitious objectives set by Aprilia in terms of weight and rigidity, the
best available materials and production techniques were used. The wheel is
made from Anticorodal 5051 forged aluminium using an hydraulic forging press
with a power of 8000 tonnes.
This
technology (known and applied to date only in Formula One, Formula Sport, Rally and similar cars) enables the production of
wheels
free from porosity - a possible defect during casting - and made from a material
with exceptional mechanical characteristics.
A finite
element analysis then enabled the best possible design to be identified
and, after testing various models, a version with six spokes dividing towards
the edge of the channel was chosen.
The choice
was not made exclusively on the basis of aesthetic criteria. This structure
in fact permits optimum lateral and torsional rigidity (thus maintaining the
trim of the suspension stable).
The
weight saving is exceptional: about 25% less for each wheel compared to the
lightest wheel on the market using the more traditional cast aluminium
technology.
Inertia
has also been reduced by 25%
with respect to traditional cast aluminium alloy wheels.
Exclusive
components used for the RSV mille "R"
- optimised injection mapping
- "Ohlins Racing" front suspension,
treated with titanium nitride to increase smoothness and specific settings
- brake caliper attachment pin made from a
single block of forged aluminum, to improve rigidity and thus also stability
during braking
- "Ohlins Racing" rear suspension,
with specific setting and optimised for single-seater use, adjustable in
length (as well as pre-load, rebound, and compression)
- "Ohlins Racing" double chamber
steering damper
- heat-formed, scratch-proof windshield,
optimised for greater transparence and better visibility
- carbon fibre front mudguard
- carbon fibre rear mudguard
- carbon fibre dashboard cover
- carbon fibre ram air ducts (left and right)
- carbon fibre windshield baffles (left and
right)
- stainless steel oil tank
- forged aluminium front wheel (exclusive to
Aprilia)
- forged aluminium rear wheel (exclusive to
Aprilia)
- lighter single-seat saddle mount