If 250bhp isn’t enough, what you need is an Aprilia RSV4 R FW-GP

Dear Father Christmas…

I don’t necessarily need an RSV4 R FW-GP in my life - I wouldn’t be that greedy but if I could just have a go on one that would be great.

Thanks very much,

Michael from Peterborough, age 37.

Ducati have the Superleggera, Honda offer an RC213V-S and BMW have promised a HP4 RACE but if you bleed Aprilia and fancy trumping the lot then the RSV4 R FW-GP is not only a potential scrabble winning hand but also the name of the company’s new, MotoGP derived project. And what a project it is!

The RSV4 “Factory Works” project was introduced last year and promised customers advanced technology developed in compliance with the Superstock and Superbike championships for those who fancied racing or whipping their mates at a track day.

Now, in time for 2017, Aprilia have taken the programme to the next level by introducing an even more powerful version of the RSV4, called the FW-GP.

The most super of superbikes is fitted with the V4 engine with the bore taken to 81 mm and pneumatic valve timing included, a configuration similar to the one that Aprilia raced in the 2015 MotoGP world championship at the hands of Alvaro Bautista and Marco Melandri.

Aprilia say price depends on final spec and is available on application but the Piaggio-owned marque has confirmed the details of a full range of services before, during and after the sale including a factory visit to spec the new bike, live updates while its being built and a special track day with dedicated engineers to set the bike up.

Meanwhile, closer to reality, the new-for-2017, road going, straight-out-of-the-dealership version of the RSV4-RF gets upgraded suspension, brake and electronics though a price has yet to be confirmed yet. The 2016 version came with a price tag of £18,236 as well a claimed power figure of 201bhp however.

Romano Albesiano, Aprilia Racing Technical Manager said, “With the FW-GP, Aprilia Racing provides its customers, not only with the technology developed in MotoGP, but also with special treatment in terms of information, support and fine-tuning of the bike before, during and after the purchase, just like the riders have who race with Aprilia Racing, in order to allow them to take maximum advantage of this exceptional bike's full potential.”

All of the following versions of the Factory Works bikes begin with the 2017 Aprilia RSV4 RR Race Pack:

RSV4 R FW-SSTK1

• Aprilia RSV4 with Race Pack (Öhlins suspension systems and forged wheel rims).

• Standard electrical system with ultra lightweight lithium battery.

• Standard electronics ECU reprogrammed in Race version, engine control and vehicle dynamics map made in Aprilia Racing.

• Reprogrammed instrumentation, predisposed for lap times if combined with the V4-MP system. This is the multimedia platform with which Aprilia introduces a telemetry system that provides, among other things, “corner by corner” adjustment of the RSV4's electronic settings.

• Optimised and lightened braking system with ABS eliminated

• Lightened factory engine, with no thermostat and secondary air circuit, with simplified cooling circuit lines.

• Akrapovic exhaust kit, fairings kit and complete engine optimisation.

RSV4 R FW-SSTK2

• Aprilia RSV4 with Race Pack (Öhlins suspension systems and forged wheel rims).

• Racing electrical system, lightened and simplified with dedicated vehicle and engine wiring harness and lithium battery.

• APX2 ECU made in Aprilia Racing, fully programmable in ignition and engine control parameters using the included palmtop terminal. The ECU includes the data acquisition system, with the possibility of using both original sensor or optional sensors available and permitted by Superstock 1000 FIM Cup regulations.

• Special Aprilia Racing instrumentation.

• Special engine with Aprilia Racing mods.

• Akrapovic exhaust kit and fairings kit. Maximum power reaches 204 HP.

RSV4 R-FW SBK

• Aprilia RSV4 with Race Pack (Öhlins suspension systems and forged wheel rims).

• Racing electrical system, lightened and simplified with dedicated vehicle and engine wiring harness and lithium battery.

• APX2 ECU made in Aprilia Racing, fitted with GPS module, fully programmable in ignition and engine control parameters using the included palmtop terminal. The ECU includes the data acquisition system with a telemetry sensors kit available as optional equipment.

• Special Aprilia Racing instrumentation with racing button panel.

• Electronic gearbox with assisted downshift feature (blipper).

• Special Aprilia Racing instrumentation.

• Special engine with SBK mods 'made by Aprilia Racing'. Maximum power reaches 215 HP.

RSV4 R FW-GP

The starting point is the top of the range RSV4 R FW SBK, but the Aprilia V4 engine, derived from the unit in the RS-GP 15, has 81 mm bore and pneumatic valve timing to guarantee maximum power of more than 250 HP.

Customers will also receive:

• Invitation to the Aprilia Racing headquarters in Noale to stipulate the contract, partly so that they can select the ideal configuration for their needs and budget along with our engineers.

• Live images during the bikes’ preparation with a dedicated ‘phone.

• The bike is hand delivered by Aprilia Racing engineers with pick up, if desired, at Noale.

• The customers also have the right to receive Aprilia Racing branded full track leathers.

• A paddock pass for an entire MotoGP weekend.

• An invitation to participate in an Aprilia track day, where Aprilia Racing engineers can adjust the bike's settings based on their riding needs and provide the best possible technical tips to take full advantage of the RSV4 FW-GP's mechanical and electronic potential. In any case, an Aprilia Racing engineer will always be at the track, any time the customer wants to use the FW-GP.

Right, I’m off to pack my riding gear just in case Father Christmas answers.