The RSV1000R Factory is $17,999, that's about $6500 more than a new GSXR-1000, so throw a set of Ohlins forks ($2000), Ohlins shock ($1500), Brembo master cylinder and forged monoblock calipers ($1250).....leaving you another $1750 to throw at whatever you please (full system and custom map perhaps). The OZ rims and carbon fiber bits still don't have the bike weighing less than a GSXR (about 30-40 lbs heavier wet).
The forged OZ rims cost over 2k on their own and greatly reduce unsprung weight. Losing 3-4 lbs per wheel is more important than somewhere above the suspension. It makes a big difference for turn in, braking and inertial forces. When you buy a Factory, you're getting the upgraded parts a lot cheaper than what you'd pay separately, on your own.
I'm interested to see what the new Aprilia RSV4 will bring to the table, but I'm pretty sure cost effectiveness won't be one of them.
This bike will have desmosedici RR #s, for 1/3 the price. I think 200-210 crank hp and 420lbs wet is a good estimate.
Aprilia maybe more expensive than Suzuki, but there is good value for the money, especially compared to Ducati. The RSV4 will go like hotcakes. But this time of year, you can find RSVRs for thousands less than MSRP. Around 12k for an RSVR and 15-16k for a new Factory.
BTW...don't even bother comparing the RSV to a modern liter bike. It's more appropriate to compare it to the Gixxer 750, as the mags did all the time several years ago.
If I remember correctly, I think it was back in 2001 where they had a Mille that couldn't catch a 750 on any strech of a racetrack.
I agree, the outright performance potential is more like a gixxer 750 than a liter I-4. V-twin 1000s can't compete anymore. Unlike the 98-03 bikes, the 04-08 Aprilias never raced in SBK. Ducati needed a displacement bump to stay in the game. It was costing them a fortune to stay competitive with only 1000cc.
In the 2001 Masterbike competition in Jerez, the
overall final came down between the RSVR and the GSXR-
1000. Suzuki won. But the Aprilia was turning faster lap times than all of the 600s, the GSXR-750, even R1s etc with 30+ more hp. Why ? Superior suspension, lots of usable torque, and an easy to ride character. It had the highest average rider score (9) of all the bikes tested.
I just looked at the article, best time on the GSXR1k was 1:50.10, best on the RSVR was 1:50.18 !!
Some of the other times were
R6 1:53.68
RC-51 1:53.04
996R 1:51.46
GSXR-750 1:51.82
the V4 will walk on the rest in 2009
Agreed, it's really going to shake things up. I don't know how it will fair in SBK racing. But off the show room floor, it should exceed the latest gsxr, r1, zx-10, cbr1k specs on paper. It's a much bigger jump than the 04-08 bikes were over their predecessors. The 04-08 model is more of an update to the originals than a new blank sheet.
Like you said, the RSV4 is a totally new design with one of the hottest warrantied motorcycle engines available. I read they were testing in 180, 200, and 220hp configurations. We'll find out in about a week when it's officially announced. I don't think the USA will get any until next year.
It'd be sweet if they made a homologation "special" like in '99. Probably won't happen though. Back then you only needed 300 units. Now it's 1000 and goes up to 3000 (I think) in the year 2011.
Well, that's a pretty logical way of thinking unless you are buying the bike to park it outside of Starbuck every weekend.
Looking strictly at the #s is logical if you're a competitive racer. For street riding and casual track days, not so much. If someone is really that good of rider, that an Aprilia RSVR 1000 holds back their potential, I take my hat off to them.
