We have been hearing that to challenge KTM, Italian versatile two-wheeler manufacturer Aprilia is going to enter India. Low capacities Aprilia 125s or 200s may turn into reality sooner or later, but their bigger sibling are currently being sold in India through Piaggio commercial vehicle dealerships as CBUs. We visited such a dealership in Pune to find out what Aprilia has to offer in India as of now. You’ll be stunned to see the type of bikes displayed over there, from World Superbike Championship dominator RSV4 Factory to innovative tourer Mana 850 GT. There are total 8 versions of 4 bikes Aprilia has to offer for us – RSV4, Tuono V4, Dorsoduro 1200, Mana 850 GT. Let’s find out the details.
Dordoduro 1200: A single look is enough to understand why Aprilia gave birth to this beast. It’s basically a motard bike similar to BMW’s Hyper motard bikes. Some say that BMW copied the design language from Aprilia, we better not get into it! With bare minimum body panels and parts to show off, everything on this beast is meant to support the function of pure performance. First thing which popped up in my mind when I first saw the bike was how one could ride it? Because it has its seat located almost 3 feet above the ground! Broad handlebars, long wheelbase and transverse mounted suspension, all it boasts is performance with comfort. The mixed frame design, constructed with a sturdy tubular steel trellis mated to lateral aluminum plates, is highly acclaimed by both enthusiasts and experts. It achieves the perfect balance between agility and precision being directly connected to the road. It has solid casted aluminum swing arm connected to side mounted cantilever type Sachs monoshock at rear.
Highlights of the Dorsoduro 1200
• 90° V2 engine with four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshaft, liquid cooling and twin spark ignition;
• Automatic gearbox with Triple map Ride by Wire technology (with Sport, Touring and Rain modes)
• Electronic fuel injection;
• Mixed gear/chain valve timing system;
• Exhaust system with three-way catalytic converter and oxygen sensor;
• Ultra-light modular frame made from tubular steel trellis combined to aluminum castings offering outstanding torsional stiffness;
• Aluminum saddle mounts;
• Solid cast Aluminum swingarm with lateral shock absorber;
• Fully adjustable 43 mm upside-down front fork and piggy-back design rear monoshock;
• Brembo racing brake system with radial callipers;
• New lightweight three split spoke wheel rims.
RSV4 Factory APRC
Technology meant to rule the roads has been brought on the roads by Aprilia with RSV4 Factory. We are well aware about dominance of Aprilia in the world of racing; you can feel the same in the RSV4 Factory. First look will impress you with razor sharp lines, detailing, aerodynamics and the compact size even after being a 1000cc super sport bike. Aprilia has used many ground breaking technologies in it, but below are few patented technologies.
The new features introduced in the Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC
APRC Aprilia Performance Ride Control, the electronic management package including:
– ATC: Aprilia Traction Control automatically adjusts to different types of tyres, with 8 settings conveniently selectable while racing from a joystick on the left handlebar without turning down the throttle;
– AWC: Aprilia Wheelie Control with three settings;
– ALC: Aprilia Launch Control, for use on the track only, with 3 settings;
– AQS: Aprilia Quick Shift, for ultra-fast shifting without closing the throttle or using the clutch.
Sounds interesting!
What makes this bike a hit amongst the racing world is the Aprilia 65° V4 engine, we’ll see the short description of it:
– Engine capacity: 999.6 cc
– Architecture: 65° V4
– Crankcase: monobloc with integrated crankcase liners
– Timing system: 4 valves per cylinder (Titanium and Nymonic)
– Fuel system: Electronic injection with 2 injectors per cylinder and integrated independent Ride by Wire system for each bank. Three mappings selectable from handlebar.
– Anti-vibration countershaft
– Compression ratio: 13:1
– Transmission: 6-speed direct-control cassette type gearbox
– Clutch: Multiplate wet clutch with mechanical slipper system
– Electronic management: Magneti Marelli control unit managing ignition, injection and Ride by Wire system, and variable length intake ducts
– APRC system for dynamic control
Grandson of this beast is also available worldwide that could make it to India (RS4 125). It’s a bike which shares looks with RSV4 with affordable engine.
TuonoV4 APRC: The naked version of RSV4. I think that’s enough to describe the Tuono V4 APRC.
Mana 850 GT: It’s tourer from the house of Aprilia.
– Half-fairing with adjustable windshield;
– Sportgear transmission: electronically controlled sequential gearshift with two shift modes: seven speed manual or Autodrive with three different mappings: Sport/Touring/Rain;
– Helmet compartment with non-scratch lining for a full-face helmet, with mobile phone holder, toolkit/glove-box and 12V-power socket;
– New latest generation 2-channel Continental ABS system as standard
– Lateral shock absorber easily adjustable with the hand grip in preload and extension;
– 90° V engine with four valves per cylinder, Euro 3 homologated;
– Brakes with radial calipers;
– 43- mm upside down fork;
– Steel trellis frame with single piece aluminium swingarm;
– Under-seat fuel tank.
Aprilia Specification Sheets
