Aprilia RSV Mille R Tuono Limited Edition (2002)

[Makiavel]

The RSV 1000 shows its muscles in an exclusive "naked" version Preview of a numbered limited series.

Having launched the Blue Marlin prototype which has been so well received by press and public alike they've decided to put it into production, Aprilia have launched 2 new 1000cc prototypes, and along with many other novelties presented these yesterday at the Bologna Motorshow.

First up is the RSV Mille R Tuono. The RSV 1000 R, top of the Aprilia range, the most exclusive and high performance version of the legendary Noale twin, has stripped off the veils and showed its muscles. The result is an essential "naked", where technology combines perfectly with the aggression of an extreme product with the originality of a no-compromises design. The technical specifications are a 60° V Twin 1000cc engine with maximum power of 130 CV (93 kw) and using a six ratio gearbox.

The RSV Mille R Tuono represents an important interpretation of the version in the limelight during the Superbike championships, an evolution highlighting all the distinctive characteristics of this exceptional product, transforming it into a super-exclusive and high performance dream bike. The characteristics of the engine are the same as those of the high performance RSV 1000 R, its 140 hp making it the highest performing and fastest standard twin on the tracks.



A version able to take the concept of power and performance to extremes, using sophisticated materials such as carbon fibre, titanium, ergal and carbon-kevlar for an exclusive product aimed at a demanding and competent clientele, on the lookout for new thrills. We loved the matt folds on the tank, the gold Ohlins, the use of carbon-fibre with metal mesh air intakes, we hated the wind buffeting pillion seat, though the twee back rest makes up for it and it is all non-slip material!

Aprilia's press release waxes lyrically about 'The power of the 60° V Aprilia 990 twin engine can give the rider intense emotions. This sensation is amplified in every way by the wind, by speed as a physical sensation and by the visual impact with the engine this version has to offer, showing off not just its muscles, but also its...heart. The Aprilia Tuono is the synthesis of emotion, taking all concepts and all elements to the extreme to give a sense to the word motorcycle - lean, speed, performance, acceleration – inducing almost a reverential awe.'

'Performance, technology – but also greater rider control over the bike, enabling him to enjoy the technology and performance to the full. Fun, comfort, control and safety are concepts which, despite appearances, are identified with the RSV 1000 R Tuono.' Er hang on a minute - him? Obviously Aprilia don't reckon that women ever ride their superbikes!

Aprilia have raised the handlebars and brought them noticeably nearer the rider's chest to offer improved handling, better control of the bike and certainly less effort and tension. An important element inducing a greater sense of safety in the rider, improving the feeling with the bike and reducing the effort on the back and arms in a hyper-sporty ride. Despite the distinctive features of a genuine "naked", particular attention has been paid to the aerodynamics of the bike and, consequently, to rider comfort. The front fairing, more than just a simple dashboard cover, gives the Tuono a remarkable coefficient of penetration and effective protection from air and turbulence, influencing the stability of the vehicle and enabling long distances to be covered at high speeds.

The APRILIA RSV 1000 R Tuono is characterised by a series of features and exclusive components:



New front fairing in carbon fibre, smaller and fastened to the frame
New dashboard cover with indicator mounts
New heat-formed front fairing
New small carbon-kevlar side fairing, also acting as a coil cover, with two small metal mesh air intakes
New carbon-fibre pillar for improved stability at high speeds and to compensate for the reduced front load due to raising of the handlebars
New anodised fork plate machined from solid block
New anodised handle mounts and U-bolts machined from solid block
New anodised ergal handlebars (single piece)
New rear-view mirrors with ergal clamps
New two-piece carbon-fibre rear fairing with two metal mesh air intakes
New carbon-kevlar radiator guard
Nylon side skid guards
Double saddle with new non-slip passenger seat
Air intakes with double carbon-fibre shell with grill fixed in sandwich
New metal braid front brake and clutch pipes
Ergal/titanium screws, nuts and bolts

Together with the aluminium frame and swingarm, the front and rear Ohlins racing suspension and exclusive six-spoke aluminium alloy wheels are also taken from the RSV 1000 R.

The Aprilia RSV 1000 R Tuono will be produced in a limited numbered series.

APRILIA RSV Mille R Tuono - Technical Specification

ENGINE TYPE
Engine type: Four-stroke, longitudinal 60° V twin, with anti-vibration double countershaft (AVDC patent)
Cooling: Liquid cooled with three-way pressurised circuit. Double radiator Circuit capacity 2.6 litres
Bore and stroke: 97 x 67.5 mm
Total displacement: 997.62 cc
Compression ratio: 11.4 : 1
Timing: Double cam shaft in cylinder head controlled by mixed gear/chain system, four valves per cylinder
Max. power to shaft: 96 kW (130 hp) at 9,500 rpm
Max. torque to shaft: 10.3 kgm (101 Nm) at 7,250 rpm
Fuel injection: Integrated electronic engine regulation system. Indirect multipoint electronic injection
Diameter of throttle bodies: 51mm
95 RON lead free petrol
Ignition: Digital electronic with two spark plugs per cylinder (TSI Twin Spark Ignition), integrated with injection
Starter: Electric
Lubrication: Dry crankcase with separate oil reservoir
Double trochoidal pump with oil cooling radiator
Stainless steel oil tank
Primary transmission: Straight tooth gear, transmission ratio: 60/31 (1,935)
Gear box: Six ratio, transmission ratio
Secondary transmission: Chain, transmission ratio: 42/17 (USA: 42/16)
Clutch: Multiple disk in oil bath with power-assisted hydraulic control (PPC patent)
New metal braid friction pipe

FRAME - MECHANICS

Frame: Aluminium alloy box-type double beam frame. Adjustable double chamber Ohlins Racing steering damper with single block mount
Max length: 2070 mm
Max width: 800 mm (at handlebars)
Max. height: 1,220 mm (at front fairing)
Saddle height: 820 mm
Handlebar height: 990 mm at external points
Wheelbase: 1,415 mm
Trail: 99 mm (with "/ 70" front tyre), 97 mm (with "/ 65" front tyre)
Steering angle: 25°

SUSPENSION

Front suspension: Upside-down Ohlins fork, 43 mm diameter titanium nitride treated sleeves, wheel travel 120 mm. External hydraulic system for regulating rebound, compression and preload
Rear suspension: Swingarm in aluminium alloy, progressive linkage with APS. Ohlins Racing hydraulic shock absorber with piggy-back, adjustable in extension, compression, pre-load and length. Wheel travel 135 mm

BRAKES

Front brake: Stainless steel 320 mm diameter Brembo double floating disk. Four-pot callipers, 34 mm diameter and 4 pads in sintered material. Metal braid brake pipe
Rear brake: Brembo 220 mm diameter stainless steel disk Two-pot callipers, 32 mm diameter. Metal braid brake pipe and pads in sintered material

WHEELS
Rims: forged aluminium alloy
Front.: 3.50 X 17"
Rear: 6.00 X 17"
Tyres: tubeless radial;
front.: 120/70 ZR 17 (alternative: 120/65 ZR 17)
rear: 180/55 ZR 17 (alternative: 190/50 ZR 17)

ELECTRICS
Voltage: 12V
Battery: 12 V 10 Ah
Alternator: 400W

WEIGHT
Dry weight: 181 kg dry weight

TANK
Capacity: 18 litres (including 4 litres reserve)