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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

 

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