APRILIA V4 DAY
A GREAT OCCASION
In their respective segments, the Tuono and the RSV4 are the maximum to which a true biker can aspire, the peak of a motorcycling career; two sophisticated, exclusive vehicles, whose technology is still unmatched by competitors. It’s a privilege to ride them, confided some of the journalists at the event; a privilege Aprilia wanted to extend to the general public by organising a one-off opportunity for an absolutely free test ride, in the total safety of a race track, on one of its two “top bikes”.
Organised in cooperation with the ENI energy company, the three-day event was held from 9 to 11 October on the San Martino del Lago track near Cremona: the recently built 3,500 m circuit provides a varied route, including a splendid 900 m straight, for riders to test the various technical features of the bikes.
It was at this circuit that the Aprilia RSV4 Factory ABS easily won the comparison test of supersport models organised in April 2013 by the prestigious Italian motorcycling magazine Motociclismo (a success repeated the following day at the Misano Adriatico track), confirming once again that this is the superbike to beat. An achievement to be added to the long list of victories won by the RSV4 in similar trials, at global level, irrespective of the track or the rider.
For the international press present during the first two days, Aprilia V4 Day was also an opportunity to try out for the first time the new Tuono V4 R ABS, the true queen of the event.
The journalists took their turn on the Tuono V4 R ABS, available both in the original configuration and in a version without mirrors, turn indicators and licence plate holder. Two different outfits reflecting the dual soul of the new Italian supernaked model, the perfect companion on bikers’ favourite routes, but also an exceptionally effective kerb performer, outclassing many trumpeted supersport models from competitors.
In this context, the RSV4 ABS, a range familiar to and admired by the trade press, was a special guest: after the test rides on the Tuono V4 R ABS, the journalists were given the chance for another ride on the model from which the four-times SBK world champion was derived. The RSV4 R ABS and RSV4 Factory ABS were sporting their 2014 colours, including a striking new matt black that entirely envelops the R ABS and most of the Factory ABS.
The chorus of approval for both the Tuono V4 R ABS, and the RSV4 ABS range was unanimous. It was a standing ovation for the intuitive rigor of the compact chassis, the personality of the engine, the outstanding effectiveness of the electronics, the fun afforded by the Tuono’s high handlebar and the all-out sportiness of the RSV4. From the professional rider to the journalist/tester, all the participants, whatever their level of skill, were immediately struck by the rapport established with the Tuono and the RSV4 from the very first lap. Apart from the fulsome compliments paid to both bikes, the real proof of the impact they made could be seen by observing the participants’ behaviour: requests to have another test ride; stopping to look carefully over the bike after the ride; people waiting for their turn with their helmet already strapped in place minutes ahead of time. The weather conditions were not ideal: an overnight storm that left the track wet for part of the morning meant that special Pirelli rain tyres had to be mounted. Yet the precarious road surface underscored the quality and effectiveness of the new package of APRC electronic controls, which, together with the racing ABS, ensure a safe ride under all conditions, and maximum effectiveness when full throttle is possible.
Given the RSV4 and Tuono’s close relationship with the Superbike world champion bike, two warmly welcomed guests at Aprilia V4 Day were the riders with the Aprilia Racing WSBK team, Sylvain Guintoli and Eugene Laverty. Accompanied of course by the Superbike world champion RSV4 Factory bikes in 2010 and 2012 and the model being ridden by the two Aprilia standard bearers as they compete for the 2013 title.
The last of the three days was open to the public. Sunny skies and a temperature of around 16°C made perfect conditions for the lucky participants at Aprilia V4 Day, some of whom had come several hundred miles by car or on their own bikes for this exceptional occasion. After a technical briefing, the participants were able to try out for themselves the dynamic qualities of the Aprilia V4, with a close escort of instructors on the track. The 128 test rides went on from early morning until dusk, confirming the great public interest in the two bikes. Once again, the response to the Tuono and the RSV4 was one of maximum satisfaction, reflected in the smiles and thanks of the participants, and also in the excellent assessments of both Aprilia models on the test sheets provided for the participants after their ride. The day was also an opportunity to meet up with other bikers with a passion for two-wheelers, especially the more sporty models, and to take part in an exclusive event. The success of Aprilia V4 Day demonstrates that people’s infatuation with motorbikes is as strong as ever and that the Aprilia Tuono and the RSV4 are the bikes of people’s dreams. A dream that, this time, Aprilia turned into an exciting reality for all concerned.