Aprilia RSV4-R

Aprilia's newly positioned road racer, the RSV4-R, has been officially announced, delivering the raw power of the RSV4 Factory without the price tag.

John Sample Automotive, the local Aprilia importers, expect the 2010 RSV4-R to arrive in Australia in late February or early March, but no price has been fixed yet.

It could be priced some $6,000 under the RSV4 Factory's $32,490 price point (not including government or delivery charges), but with currency fluctuations and other mitigating factors, it's too early to tell.

Compared to the top-spec RSV4 Factory, the new RSV4-R loses some of the exotic features, such as the adjustable engine position mount and the front and rear Ohlins suspension components.

It also misses out on a lot of carbon fibre trim (replaced with plastic parts) and the magnesium engine cases are now aluminium, all of which adds to the Aprilia's kerb mass.

The 184kg overall weight is some 5kg heavier than the Factory model, which is also affected by new aluminium wheels, which are used in lieu of the more expensive and lighter forged magnesium rims.

But on the flip side, the bike will be more affordable when it lobs in early 2010 and will probably drive more interest in the model as a result.

While the fancy body work and Ohlins suspension may have been scrapped, the Aprilia RSV4-R still gets the 180hp V4 engine. This 999cc mill keeps all the good bits of the Factory ride, such as the twin injectors per cylinder and if the rumours are to be believed, improved throttle response to boot.

The choice of three engine calibrations are also retained on the cut-price RSV4-R -- road, sport, and track -- giving riders more flexibility.
 
And despite the omission Ohlins bouncy bits, the new Italian litre-class sportsbike still gets fully adjustable front and rear suspension in the form of 43mm Showa forks and a Sachs shock absorber for the rear end.

Available in two colours, black or white, the new Aprilia RSV4-R will be on sale in Australia from the first quarter of 2010.