Aprilia RSV 1000 R, The Fastest Production V-Twin Thanks Largely to Light Alloys - News Item

The Aprilia RSV 1000 was the fastest production twin cylinder bike on the track. It was also regarded by many as the benchmark in performance. However, it has been surpassed  by the Aprilia RSV 1000 R, which has improved on track performance.

The performance gains are compliments of lighter weight materials and new design concepts.

At the heart of the RSV 1000 R lies the all new V 60 Magnesium. The V 60 Magnesium is a 60 degree V-twin engine which displaces 998cc and punches out 102kW (138hp), capable of propelling the machine to a top speed of 280km/h. The use of magnesium also extends to the cylinder head and clutch covers. While performance figures for the V 60 Magnesium are up on the RSV 1000’s V990 motor, weight has also been decreased through extensive use of magnesium resulting in more on track gains for the new model.

The frame of the bike also benefits from a light alloy construction using aluminium silicon and die cast Peraluman 450 components. The new frame is 5% stiffer and 600g lighter thanks to extensive finite element deign work. Other parts such the swing arms have benefited form light alloys and computer aided re-design work to reduce their weight.

Other innovations that have resulted in performance gains include:

•         Air intake positioned in the middle of the windscreen where dynamic pressure is greatest, combined with a completely re-designed intake system

•         New cylinder heads, camshafts and valve springs

•         Optimised ignition-injection system mapping

•         An overall smaller, slimmer, lower design

•         Integrated turn signals for improved aerodynamics

•         Compact rear LED light

Posted September 2003