Most of the technology that we almost take for granted on superbikes today, like launch control, slide control, lean-sensitive ABS, and even holeshot devices, has all trickled down from MotoGP. But there's one system I never thought we'd see, especially not on the Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1100.
Of course, the Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1100 is about as superbike as superbike gets, beating out the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and Ducati Panigale V4S as the most powerful production bike in the world, with its 217 horsepower.
But, due to its 1,103 cc engine, it can't race in the World Superbike Championship (WSBK). So when the latest iteration came out with this MotoGP technology that's not yet seen on any other sportbike, it was a shocker.
The Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1100 has a system whereby all the electronics can change from corner to corner on a race track. Everything from the power delivery, ABS, TC, wheelie control, and how firm or soft the semi-active front forks and rear shock are can change as you move to different sections of the track. The whole system works via GPS, which knows exactly where you are on the track at all times.
So, as you progress with the track and find limitations with the bike or ways you could improve, whether you're bottoming out the front suspension into turn one or wheeling too much as you get on the gas before the main straight, you can adjust it to your taste. Once you've dialed the circuit into the RSV4 Factory 1100, you can adjust the bike's turn-by-turn settings from a laptop or an app on your phone.
This comes directly from MotoGP technology. Although MotoGP riders can change settings manually while riding, the bike also has pre-programmed settings that change via GPS while racing.
In the past, we've even seen the GPS get corners wrong sometimes, and riders who expect a certain level of TC get far less and end up crashing. But, for the majority of the time, riders can rely on this system to let them give their all and know the motorcycle's electronics will have their backs.
Is this the ultimate electronic evolution for track day riders? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
