For 2018 Aprilia have unveiled new colours for the RSV4 RR and RF models, as well as for the Tuono 1100 V4 Factory edition, while the big news is the availability of the Racing Factory Works Kit, and an update to the SR 50 R scooter.
Also updated but not available in Australia at this time are the SX 125 and RX 125 offerings.
Aprilia Racing Factory Works Kit
Aprilia Racing Factory Works is a unique programme that expands in 2018 thanks to the introduction of a special kit available for the Aprilia RSV4 – in the RR and RF MY17 and MY18 versions – capable of maximising engine performance, reducing overall weight and improving aerodynamics.
The kit includes a set of four single-groove pistons with a surface treatment to guarantee smoother action. These components alone ensure about a 4hp increase in maximum power. In order to further increase performance, a cylinder heads kit is also available which replaces the original heads with new ones that boast numerically controlled machined intake and exhaust ducts in order to improve fluid dynamics; the springs, valves and related caps have also been optimised to fine-tune performance, while the camshafts have a surface treatment that further reduces friction. Overall, along with a new ECU that has a specific map for the Akrapovic exhaust, the complete kit lets you reach a maximum power of 215hp at the shaft.
There’s also a number of targeted lightening operations, primarily to the advantage of handling, consisting of a lithium battery and a new fuel tank with the same shape and material as the original, but made using a refined production method that reduces the weight by about 1.5 Kg. The complete Akrapovic exhaust system, the various carbon fibre details and the billet upper steering plate reduce the overall weight of the RSV4 by about 10kg.
The new Factory Works kit can be further enriched by a set of side fairings with winglets, the aerodynamic appendages that contribute to producing benefits in terms of bike stability. This is technology that Aprilia Racing developed on the RS-GP prototype used in the MotoGP World Championship and which, for the first time ever, is now also available to Factory Works customers.
In the special web area www.serviceaprilia.com/public/racing, riders, collectors and teams can access the exclusive world of the Aprilia “Factory Works” racing bikes and receive further information and more technical details on the RSV4 machines prepared by Aprilia Racing.
2018 Aprilia RSV4 RR & RF, Tuono 1100 V4 Factory
The Aprilia RSV4 RR is available in 2018 in two attractive colour schemes, both matte, on a black and grey base (Bucine grey and Ascari black) with red wheel rims.
The Aprilia RSV4 RF is the exclusive version that comes standard with latest generation Öhlins suspension systems and lightweight aluminium forged rims. It stands out for the new dedicated graphic that maintains the evocative name of the previous “Superpole” version, but has different colour patterns in which black and red dominate for 2018.
The Tuono V4 1100 RR is available in two attractive colour schemes, grigio Portimao and nero Assen, where the Tuono V4 1100 Factory’s new Superpole graphic has been revamped with a colour scheme where black and red now dominate.
2018 Aprilia SR 50 R
The Aprilia SR 50 has been a supersport scooter for more than 20 years, a tradition that continues today courtesy of a completely revamped range, built around a modern and technological 50cc two-stroke engine.
Clearly inspired by the sportier bikes, the Aprilia SR 50 R benefits from technical content derived from many years of experience in the design of motorcycles with powerful engines. Unique design, exceptional performance, low fuel consumption thanks to the 50 cc Hi-Per2 Pro single cylinder engine. The sophisticated frame makes for motorcycle style riding, the high quality suspensions provide smoothness and support, and the 13″ wheels (always a prerogative of the SR) with low-profile tyres confirm the technological performance of the SR 50 R.
As well as the Hi-Per2 Pro engine Aprilia SR 50 R MY18 comes with:
• New air filter
• New exhaust cover
• New number plate bracket
• New graphics
2018 Aprilia SX 125 and RX 125
Heirs of Aprilia’s history of success in off-road competitions, the updated SX and RX 125s boast a sophisticated design, powerful performance and advanced technology that makes them bikes for people who want to stand out from the crowd right from the start of their two-wheel career.
The wheels fitted with 17″ sports tyres, make the SX one of the most effective 125s on mixed runs; nippy and lightweight offering the performance of larger engined motorcycles, but keeping to the power limit of their class, also due to their sophisticated and generous engine performance. The double section handlebars in black anodised aluminium are a distinctive feature of the new design.
The single cylinder 125cc is the heart and soul of the new Aprilia. A modern engine, with these bikes Aprilia has perfected the four-stroke engine to bring it in line with the strict Euro 4 standard without detracting from performance.
Safety on the Aprilia RX and SX is provided by advanced suspensions and a new top level braking system with ABS that provides great power and modulability. Increased safety, better efficiency, Aprilia is the first to introduce the Bosch ABS system with anti roll-over mode in this market segment, which adjusts the lifting of the rear wheel in the heaviest braking. The SX’s 300mm front disc with double piston floating calliper is assisted by a 220mm rear, also with floating calliper.
The RX instead comes with two beautiful wave discs, 260mm front and 220mm rear. The sturdy double cradle steel frame is coupled with oversized suspension: the powerful 41mm upside down telescopic fork offering wheel travel of 240mm.
At the rear, the long steel swingarm optimises traction, with a wheel travel of 200 mm, connected to the frame and shock absorber with progressive linkage. Aprilia RX uses prestigious spoked wheels with new anodised black hubs. The Aprilia SX adopts 17-inch spoked wheels with wide channel and generously sized sports tyres – 100/80 – 17″ and 130/70 – 17″ to provide maximum grip in any conditions.
Aprilia SX 125 will be available in the graphic variations Red Fun and Black Drift, while the RX 125 will be available in Red Fun in selected markets.