Aprilia Unveils Select 2016 Models/Pricing at Daytona Bike Week

Evans Brasfield
by Evans Brasfield

Manufacturers love to reveal new models at big events, and motorcycle events don’t get much bigger than the 74th Annual Daytona Bike Week. Aprilia took the opportunity to unveil three pre-production examples of the 2016 model year Aprilia RSV4 RF, Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory, and Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally. Not only were these models shown off to attendees, but also the pricing and availability dates were publicized.

2016 Aprilia RSV4 RF – The early release 2016 Aprilia RSV4 RF is to hit showrooms this June and will feature Superpole graphics that are sure to drop your lap times. The MSRP is set at $21,999. As we noted in our EICMA coverage, Aprilia is offering a limited-edition run of 500 of bikes based on the RSV4 RR called the RSV4 RF. The bikes come equipped with the Race Pack (lightweight forged aluminum wheels and more sophisticated Öhlins suspension). When we consider that the press releases for the RR said it was “most important and profound advancement ever made” to the RSV4, we can’t wait to see how the RF performs in the world outside of the spec sheet. Until then, just consider that the 65° V-Four is claimed to have bumped the crank output to 198.5 hp at 13,000 rpm with 84.8 lb-ft. at 10,500 rpm. Other goodies include CNC milled heads, the exhaust cam being gear-driven off the intake cam, 33mm titanium valves, and trick oval section valve springs on the intake side. Add to that an effort to reduce the mass of all rotating parts in the top end reduced the parasitic drag in the system.

Chassis architecture, with its adjustable engine position, remains unchanged as are the adjustable headstock angle, swingarm pivot and rear ride height. However, in an effort to reduce the bike’s tendency to wheelie during hard acceleration, the swingarm was lengthened 14mm. Aprilia Performance Ride Control (aPRC) system continues its advancement for easier on-the-fly traction control adjustment, wheelie and launch control. As you would expect, an Aprilia Quick Shifter allows for clutchless upshifts. Hauling the RF down from speed can be done with confidence because of the Bosch Race ABS system. We can’t wait to see what else is hidden away in the 2016 Aprilia RSV4 RF.

2016 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory – Also receiving the stylish Superpole graphic option, the 2016 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory will arrive in showrooms a in May at a MSRP of $16,299. The Factory differs from the Tuono V4 1100 RR in its upgraded Ohlins suspension and and Ohlins steering damper. Similarly, Brembo M432 monobloc radial-mount calipers with sintered pads squeeze 320mm flanged aluminum front discs instead of the stainless steel on the RR model. Read about both models in our EICMA coverage.

2016 Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally – For riders who want to get their rally on, the 2016 Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally will sport a spiffy Matte Green Color option along with its touring credentials such as panniers, crash guards, and LED auxiliary lights. Have your $15,699 ready for a May arrival. Read our man, Tor Sagen’s first impressions of the 2015 Caponord Rally here.

Evans Brasfield
Evans Brasfield

Like most of the best happenings in his life, Evans stumbled into his motojournalism career. While on his way to a planned life in academia, he applied for a job at a motorcycle magazine, thinking he’d get the opportunity to write some freelance articles. Instead, he was offered a full-time job in which he discovered he could actually get paid to ride other people’s motorcycles – and he’s never looked back. Over the 25 years he’s been in the motorcycle industry, Evans has written two books, 101 Sportbike Performance Projects and How to Modify Your Metric Cruiser, and has ridden just about every production motorcycle manufactured. Evans has a deep love of motorcycles and believes they are a force for good in the world.

More by Evans Brasfield

Comments
Join the conversation
Next