Kiwi Rider October 2024 Vol.1 | Page 13

Aprilia Racing has been busy tinkering with the RSV4 ... and have produced what is probably the most aerodynamically advanced motorcycle ever made available to the public . The RSV4 X ex3ma uses technology from the company ’ s RS-GP MotoGP racer , specifically bodywork that employs ground-effect aero tech . Before we get into the aero stuff , the new bike makes a whopping 230hp and comes in at just 165kg . Aprilia describes it as the pinnacle of technology and a true bridge to MotoGP . As such , it ’ ll set you back a cool € 80,000 ( plus sales tax ). Oh , and there are only going to be 30 of them , all numbered of course . These are to mark the 30th anniversary of Aprilia ’ s maiden 250cc GP World title , secured in 1994 by Italian racer Max Biaggi . This is the fourth chapter of Aprilia ’ s X Project , which began in 2019 with the RSV4 X , followed by the Tuono X , and progressed in 2022 with the more advanced RSV4 X Thirty . Aprilia says these models , marked by an ‘ X ’, represent the pinnacle of technology and performance available to the public . Romano Albesiano , Technical Director of Aprilia Racing , said , “ This motorbike represents the most extreme evolution of the programme we initiated to deliver cutting- edge technology directly from our racing division to our customers . The transfer of racing technology to the public is often talked about , but at Aprilia Racing , it is a tangible reality . “ Our engineers have created something far beyond an evolution of the already exceptional RSV4 . This is most evident in the aerodynamics , featuring innovations typically reserved for a MotoGP bike . The ex3ma is the first motorbike on general sale with a complete ground effect package , increasing lateral load by three times compared to the previous X model . “ The stepped fairing and cornering wings are innovations Aprilia first introduced in MotoGP . The front wing , a true MotoGP design , is 550mm wide and generates five times more downforce than the previous X Thirty model , which already surpassed the road version , delivering exceptional acceleration . Significant advances lie beneath the surface , starting with the renowned APX racing ECU , which has been extensively upgraded to enhance performance and userfriendliness . Many components , both visible and hidden , are new or optimised to reduce weight . This motorcycle is undoubtedly the bike that most closely delivers the riding experience of a modern MotoGP machine .” Aprilia says the specific shape of the moulded fairing exploits air pressure between the ground and the bike during cornering , increasing grip . The entire aerodynamic package includes the newly designed front wing , the under wing ( commonly known as the ‘ spoon ’) under the swingarm , and the cornering wings on the lower part of the front mudguard . The fairing is made entirely of carbon fibre , crafted by PAN Compositi using the same techniques as MotoGP . Compared to the already advanced X

Trenta , it increases vertical air pressure five-fold in a straight line , improving stability and precision while reducing wheelies . In corners , it triples the downforce , significantly enhancing grip . Max Biaggi was involved in the track development and final tuning of the RSV4 X ex3ma , “ Participating in the development was like being at the test sessions of a real racing prototype .
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