Aprilia's new RSV4 Obscure Spe.Ed. is a 500-bike numbered edition built around weight reduction and circuit setup. BST carbon wheels, carbon bodywork and mechanically adjustable Öhlins suspension are the main hardware changes. The most conspicuous addition is the pair of Leg Wings, derived from Aprilia's MotoGP aerodynamics.
The V4 and the weight savings
The 1,099cc, 65-degree V4 claims 217hp (161.8kW), at 13,000rpm and 127Nm at 10,800rpm. Claimed kerb weight is 201kg, three kilograms below the RSV4 Factory. The carbon wheels account for more than two kilograms of savings compared with the Factory's forged aluminium set, reducing rotating mass as well as the total on the scales.
What the rear wings require
The rear Leg Wings are intended to increase downforce over the back wheel; Aprilia claims a 20% gain. They join the existing fairing aero rather than replacing it. The bike is road-homologated and comes with passenger equipment, but the passenger seat and footrests have to be removed to fit the wings. That is a configuration choice, rather than a promise of two-up use with the full track layout.
Mechanical suspension and track controls
Öhlins NIX forks and a TTX shock use mechanical adjustment for compression, rebound and preload. Aprilia has chosen that approach to give riders direct setup control for circuit use. Carbon also appears on the mudguards, side panels, footrest guards and brake-cooling intakes.
The electronic package includes an IMU, six riding modes, cornering ABS and the standard Track and Race packs. Launch control, a pit limiter and predictive rear-slip control sit alongside corner-by-corner settings for traction, wheelie control and engine braking. GPS lap timing and fourth-generation MIA connectivity are included too.
The exhaust option and prices
An optional full ART exhaust with an SC Project carbon silencer brings separate manufacturer claims of 196kg and 220hp (164.1kW). Those figures apply to that accessory configuration, rather than the standard road bike. US and Italian retail prices and dealer arrival dates have not yet been confirmed.
US and European pricing is still to be confirmed.