Derived from Aprilia's press release, except from the paragraph comments.


     State of art technology
     This new technology is brought together in the APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) package, basically the state of the art in dynamic performance control, a multi-patented system that makes Superbike winning technology available to professional racing riders and hobby riders alike. All this comes in an easy to use, intuitive package.
     Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC SE's improvements are not limited to the electronic management system. The 65° V4 engine offers improved lubrication and closer spaced gears for better acceleration. The new, lighter exhaust features an advanced butterfly valve management system to suit the Ride By Wire mapping for improved breathing and efficiency throughout the RPM range.
     In addition, the Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC SE is the first super sport bike sporting the homologated new-generation extra performance dual blend 200/55 tyres developed in collaboration with Pirelli based on the expertise gathered on World Superbike racing circuits.

     All new features of the Factory Special Edition The new features introduced in the Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC SE in detail:
-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.
-Dual display mode for instrument panel display: ROAD and RACE;
-New exhaust is lighter and offers improved performance;
-Optimised gear ratios for the utmost track performance;
-Improved engine lubrication;
-New, exclusive 200/55 dual blend rear tyre.

     The APRC package uses an automotive inertial sensor platform with two gyrometers and two accelerometers allowing the ECU to recognise the dynamic conditions of the bike and adapt the engine management parameters accordingly. The rider can adjust any component of the APRC system independently at will.

     ATC: the traction control system of the future
     The ATC- Aprilia Traction Control undoubtedly is one of the greatest strengths of the APRC package. This is a fully innovative traction control system developed from an Aprilia patent, mainly focussed on helping the rider improve his lap times. Thanks to the inertial platform and the Ride By Wire pioneered by Aprilia, the ATC not only reduces torque when the rear wheel slips but lets the rider control tail sliding when exiting a bend, giving him a better feel for throttle control, depending on lean angle.
     Aprilia ATC is quickly, easily activated from the instrument panel menu and offers 8 settings. When the ATC is enabled, the rider can change setting in an instant at any time using a joystick on the left handlebar to suit track, pavement or tyre conditions, without closing the throttle and keeping his hands on the handlebar, as in professional motorcycle racing. This way, the system can adjust to every single bend of any track so as to meet the specific requirements of any rider, including the most expert ones.
     The other incredible achievement of Aprilia technology is the system's "learning capacity". Current traction control systems are designed and optimised for a single size and type of tyre. This limit frequently cancels the benefits of traction control. Aprilia Traction Control (ATC) has overcome this limit: a procedure activated by the rider enables the system to learn the tyre radius and final ratio adopted on the bike to obtain fine-tuned traction control.

     AWC: stability at top acceleration
     Exploiting the full power of modern superbikes down to the very last HP is every rider's dream.
     Aprilia's AWC (Aprilia Wheelie Control) has achieved extraordinary results. Thanks to the exclusive Aprilia patented Wheelie Detection System, the AWC is able to “tell” when a wheelie begins and ends and kicks in to smoothen wheel contact with the road. Smooth, soft wheelie management avoid harsh power cuts or pick-up, providing perfect acceleration control. Again, the AWC system is activated from the instrument panel and can be adjusted independently from other control systems choosing from three settings to better meet rider requirements.

     ALC: the best holeshot
     The perfect start is yet another racer's dream, because a good start frequently means you're half way towards a victory. When the lights go out, handling the huge power of modern superbikes is no easy task. Unless the bike handles it itself to offer its best starting performance.
     The ALC (Aprilia Launch Control) system ensures an instant start as the lights go out, applying full power to the road to assist the rider in this critical moment of the race. All the rider needs to do is give full throttle and release the clutch as he normally would and shift gears. The ALC has three settings that can be selected from the instrument panel menu, then it must be “armed” at standstill, by squeezing both traction control buttons on the left handlebar joystick at the same time.

     AQS: record-breaking shifting
     When you're after the utmost lap performance, you can't afford to waste even one thousandth of a second in an apparently simple operation like shifting. RSV4 Factory APRC SE is the first Aprilia bike that comes with the Aprilia Quick Shift as standard. Basically, the quick shift shortens spark advance for an instant and then gradually restores it, making for super-fast shifting with no need to close the throttle or use the clutch. The system works hand in hand with the new closer spaced gearbox to limit RPM drop during shifting for faster lap times.
     To optimise AQS performance, Aprilia engineers have fine-tuned power cut timing based on shifting RPM.

     Select valuable materials, ultra-sophisticated suspension, APRC system, and a dedicated livery make the RSV4 Factory APRC Special Edition the most cutting-edge sport bike with unsurpassed track performance.
     RSV4 Factory APRC Special Edition highlights:
• APRC fitted as standard
• Fuel system with variable length intake ducts
• Advanced exhaust butterfly valve management
• 3-point adjustable chassis
• Öhlins fully adjustable front fork
• Öhlins fully adjustable shock absorber
• Öhlins adjustable steering damper
• Wheel rims in forged aluminium
• Carbon parts
• Special Tricolour livery

     CHASSIS
     The bike retains the unique chassis and swingarm solutions that make it the world's first “race ready” V4 superbike. In order to boost chassis performance and make it match the rider's tastes, or features of the track, Aprilia RSV4 Factory ensures a combination of adjustments that are pretty much infinite. The multi-adjustable suspensions, taken for granted on a motorcycle of this level, are combined with three chassis adjustments: headstock position and rake (through interchangeable bushings), rear end height, swingarm pin height and - introducing a new capability exclusive to this bike - the engine position in the frame.

     Suspension
     The Öhlins Racing upside-down fork has 43-mm diameter stanchions and is titanium nitride coated to minimise friction. The wheel travel is 120 mm. As on a racing bike, the fork allows millimetre-precise adjustment for hydraulic compression and rebound damping and spring preload.
     The Öhlins Racing rear shock absorber was developed from experience learned directly on the track. It features a piggy back nitrogen canister (separate and mounted on the body of the unit) and adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping and length, allowing the height of the rear end of the bike to be altered to modify the set-up to suit different riding styles and tracks. Wheel travel is 130 mm.

     Price RSV4 Factory APRC SE – 22.400€ (Retail price, including VAT 23%).

     APRILIA RSV4 FACTORY APRC SE: Technical Specifications
Engine type Aprilia longitudinal 65° V-4 cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooling system, double overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder
Fuel Unleaded petrol
Bore and stroke 78 x 52.3 mm
Total engine capacity 999.6 cc
Compression ratio 13:1
Maximum power at crankshaft 180 HP (132.4 kW) at 12,250 rpm
Maximum torque at crankshaft 115 Nm at 10,000 rpm
Fuel system Airbox with front dynamic air intakes. Variable length intake ducts controlled via ECU. 4 Weber-Marelli 48-mm throttle bodies with 8 injectors and latest generation Ride-by-Wire engine management. Choice of three different engine maps selectable by the rider with bike in motion: T (Track), S (Sport), R (Road)
Ignition Magneti Marelli digital electronic ignition system integrated in engine control system, with one spark plug per cylinder and “stick-coil”-type coils Starter Electric Exhaust system 4 into 2 into 1 layout, single oxygen sensor, lateral single silencer with engine control unit-controlled butterfly valve and integrated trivalent catalytic converter (Euro 3)
Alternator Flywheel mounted 420W alternator with rare earth magnets
Lubrication Wet sump lubrication system with oil radiator and two oil pumps (lubrication and cooling)
Transmission 6-speed cassette type gearbox 1st: 38/16 (2.375) 2nd: 35/18 (1.944) 3rd: 28/17 (1.647) 4th: 32/22 (1,455) 5th: 34/26 (1,308) 6th: 33/27 (1,222) Gear lever with Aprilia Quick Shift electronic system (AQS) Clutch Multiplate wet clutch with mechanical slipper system Primary drive Straight cut gears and integrated flexible coupling, drive ratio: 73/44 (1,659)
Secondary drive Chain: Drive ratio: 42/16 (2.625)
Traction management APRC System (Aprilia Performance Ride Control), which includes Traction Control (ATC), Wheelie Control (AWC), Launch Control (ALC), all of which can be configured and deactivated independently.
Chassis Twin-spar adjustable aluminium frame, with castings and pressings.
Envisaged adjustments:
• headstock position and rake
• engine height
• swingarm pin height Öhlins adjustable steering damper
Front suspension Öhlins Racing upside-down fork,  43-mm stanchions (with Tin surface treatment). Low profile forged aluminium radial caliper mountings. Completely adjustable spring preload and hydraulic compression and rebound damping. Wheel travel: 120 mm
Rear suspension Double braced aluminium swingarm; mixed low thickness and sheet casting technology. Öhlins Racing mono-shock absorber with completely adjustable piggy-back in: spring preload, wheelbase, hydraulic compression and rebound damping. APS progressive linkage. Wheel travel 130mm
Brakes
Front: Dual 320-mm diameter floating stainless steel disc with lightweight stainless steel rotor and aluminium flange with 6 pins. Brembo monobloc radial callipers with 4 34-mm opposite. Sintered pads. Radial pump and metal braided brake hose
Rear: 220-mm diameter disc; Brembo floating calliper with two 32mm isolated pistons. Pump with integrated tank and metal braided hose
Wheel rims Aprilia forged aluminium alloy rims, completely machined, 5 split spokes.
Front:3.5”X17” Rear: 6”X17” Tyres Radial tubeless.
Front: 120/70 ZR 17 Rear: 200/55 ZR 17 (alternative: 190/50 ZR 17; 190/55 ZR 17)
Dimensions (default settings) Max. length: 2040 mm Max. width: 735 mm (at the handlebar) Max. height: 1120 mm Min. height from the ground: 130 mm
Saddle height: 845 mm
Centre to centre distance: 1420 mm
Trail: 105 mm
Steering angle:24.5°
Kerb weight 179 kg *
Tank 17 litres (4-litre reserve included)
*Dry weight, without battery and fluids.

     Comments: The electronics era has come. Changes to be seen will be vast, superbikes will be a lot easier motorcycles to ride fast in the future.
     Aprilia’s aim isn’t absolute horsepower numbers, just drivability.
     ABS would help on low friction track riding or riding on the road. Consequently there are many electronic systems controlling the engine performance, none for the brakes, even as optional.