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2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory: Ten Things You Should Know

Didi Resources launched the 2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory today.
It’s the most powerful normally-aspirated and non-race homologation superbike.
It’s also the lightest of the lot.

Didi Resources launched the 2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory today. The price is from RM 159,900 but Didi Resources will include the optional carbon fibre front brake ducts worth RM 4,000 for the first batch of buyers.

While eyes are on another Italian bike, the 2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory promises to be even faster and focused on outright performance.

But rather than bore you with a long write-up, here are ten things you should know about this bike.

1. 10^th Year of the RSV4

The 2019 RSV4 1100 Factory actually commemorates the 10^th year of the Aprilia RSV4. The 2009 bike won a number of accolades including Best Sportbike of the year not only for its power and performance but also the groundbreaking APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) electronic suite.

2. Most powerful sportbike

The RSV1100 Factory is 100cc up from previous models. The 1078cc 65-degree V-Four powerplant sees the increase of 16 hp and 6.8 Nm to 217 hp at 13,200 RPM and 122 Nm of torque at 11,000 RPM. That makes it the most powerful normally-aspirated and also non-homologation special sportbike.

3. New APRC package

The APRC rider aid package has been expanded to include extra features to rein in those 217 horses. Together, they are Aprilia Traction Control (ATC), Aprilia Wheelie Control (AWC), Aprilia Launch Control (ALC), Aprilia Quick Shift (AQS) and Aprilia Pit Limiter (ALC). These features were brought over from the RSV4 RR.

4. The lightest

It is also the lightest among its peers (apart from the race-homologated Panigale V4 R). The RSV4 1100 Factory weighs 5 kg lighter than its predecessor, resulting in a lithe 199 kg, fully fueled and ready to ride.

5. Weight-loss regiment

A Bosch lithium-ion battery and Akrapovic exhaust system contributes to the low weight.

6. Special Akrapovic exhaust

Speaking of the exhaust, the system was specially designed developed together with the famed maker, Akrapovic. The new system is not only responsible for the power increase but also yielding smoother power and torque curves.

7. Redesigned frame

The aluminium frame has been redesigned for even more cornering prowess that Aprilias are famous for. New steering bushings steepen the rake angle by 2-degrees. Additionally, there is a 2mm less offset of the triple clamps for less trail. The changes to the steering geometry results in a 4mm shorter wheelbase. Aprilia also stiffened the swingarm. These changes ought to make the bike even more nimble.

8. Öhlins, of course

The bike is suspended by fully-adjustable Öhlins NIX forks and Öhlins TTX rear shock. The forks have 5mm more travel. They are non-electronic, however.

9. “Stylo” Brembo Stylema

Hauling the RSV4 1100 Factory down from speed are Brembo’s latest Stylema brake calipers. These are smaller, lighter yet stiffer for a better feel at the lever. (Make sure you secure them!) As we mentioned earlier, owners can fit the optional carbon fibre ducts to channel cooling air to the calipers.

10. MotoGP-inspired aerobody

There are two spoilers mounted on each side of the fairing. They generate up 8 kg of downforce at 300 km/h to keep the front tyre on the road.

Danilo Petrucci Confirmed at Ducati in 2020 MotoGP

Ducati confirmed that Danilo Petrucci will ride for the Ducati factory team in the 2020 MotoGP season.
The decision follows his consistent podium finishes and victory at Mugello.
Jack Miller will likely continue with Pramac Ducati.

Ducati confirmed that Danilo Petrucci will ride for the Ducati factory team in the 2020 MotoGP season, continuing his partnership with Andrea Dovizioso.

Petrucci did not have the expected start to the 2019 MotoGP season, hence rumours started circulating that Pramac Ducati rider Jack Miller may replace him for the 2020 season. Then everything took a 180-degree turn and Petrucci scored a victory at manufacturer’s home ground in Mugello. It was an emphatic first MotoGP win for the cheerful Italian.

It’s also a great thing for the team to continue with Petrucci’s services since continuity allows for easier development of the Desmosedici. As all riders ride differently, a new rider will only introduce a set of variables to the motorcycle’s development. And given MotoGP’s freeze of too many development throughout the season, the affair will turn into a difficult task.

Having Petrucci also opens up more funds for the factory and team. As reported by Asphalt and Rubber, Petrucci is earning between € 700,000 and € 1,000,000 per season, compared to the king’s ransom of € 12,500,000 paid to Jorge Lorenzo. That extra moolah could well be used for research and development, plus other things.

Jack Miller will like continue with his present team as well as Pecco Bagnaia. The duo will also receive the Desmosedici GP20 next year.

Shell Malaysia Launches Two New Variants of Shell Advance AX7

Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd has launched two new variants of Shell Advance AX7 semi-synthetic motorcycle engine oil.
They are the Shell Advance AX7 10W-30 and Shell Advance AX7 15W-50.
Both are priced at RM 33.90 for a 1-litre pack.

Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd has launched two new variants of Shell Advance AX7 semi-synthetic motorcycle engine oil.

The new Shell Advance AX7 10W-30 and 15W-50 are both priced at RM33.90 per 1-litre pack (recommended retail price) and complement the existing Shell Advance AX7 10W-40.

According to Shell Lubricants Marketing General Manager May Tan, the popular Shell Advance AX7 now offers three viscosity grades (in addition to the Shell Advance AX7 10W-40).

“This enables motorcyclists to choose a premium semi-synthetic engine oil from Shell Advance that best suits their riding needs,” she said.

All three grades feature Shell’s proprietary Active Cleansing Technology that provides complete protection for your bike. The benefits include:

33% cleaner engine;
29% better protection at high temperatures;
3 km further in travel distance per litre of fuel;
36% better wear protection against industry limit; and
No power loss even after 12,000 km of travel.

The new, thicker Shell Advance AX7 15W-50 promises smoother power delivery and better protection for engines that run for long periods under high stress conditions.

The new and thinner viscosity Shell Advance AX7 10W-30 provides excellent engine protection and offers better fuel economy, enabling your motorcycle to go for up to 3 km further compared to mineral oils.

The existing Shell Advance AX7 10W-40 has a well-balanced formulation that meets the needs of almost all types of motorcycles in daily riding conditions. It is ideal in providing the necessary protection for frequent stop-and-go traffic conditions.

However, it is advised that consumers follow OEM recommendations on the viscosity grade and quality rating of engine oils, as stated in the respective owner’s manual for optimal performance.

The new products are blended and packed in Malaysia and come with ‘Made for Malaysia’ front labels that identify them as genuine Shell Advance products meant for sale in Malaysia.

The new front label can be peeled to reveal a unique QR code for quick product authentication, while the label at the back features product information in English and Bahasa Malaysia.

“This is part of a strategic investment by Shell Malaysia to protect the interests of both motorcyclists and trade partners by enabling them to clearly identify official and genuine products. The presence of counterfeit and unauthorised products in the market is affecting customer confidence. The on-going introduction of the new ‘Made for Malaysia’ Shell Advance range is a key step to address this issue,” added Tan.

For information on the new Shell Advance AX7, visit www.shell.com.my/advance or call the Shell Customer Service Hotline at 1300 88 1808.

Hafizh Syahrin to Use Carbon Fibre Swingarm on his KTM in Germany

Hafizh Syahrin will be the next recipient of the carbon fibre swingarm for his KTM RC16.
The change will take place at the German MotoGP round in Sachsenring.
It’s hoped that the new swingarm with have the flex characteristics to enable better cornering.

Hafizh Syahrin will be the next recipient of the carbon fibre swingarm for his KTM RC16. The change will take place at the German MotoGP round in Sachsenring.

It’s no secret that Hafizh is finding it difficult to adapt to the KTM after his Tech 3 team switched over from Yamaha to the Austrian manufacturer. Hafizh is not alone in his suffering, though. His ex-teammate and two-time Moto2 champion Johann Zarco is also facing a difficult prospect.

However, the carbon swingarm seems to yield better results for the other three KTM riders, namely, Pol Espargaro, Johann Zarco and Miguel Oliveira. Oliveira, Hafizh’s Red Bull KTM Tech 3 Racing teammate had gone well in the early parts of this season, but has now dropped down the order. He finished just ahead of Hafizh in succession in the past number of races. Hafizh, meanwhile, has finished in the points twice thus far.

The carbon fibre swingarm is both strong and light at the same time. More importantly, however, is the amount of tuned flexure especially when the bike is leaned over into corners. A bike’s suspension works best when it’s straight up, but its performance starts to drop off until about 45 degrees off vertical. MotoGP riders, on the other hand, constantly lean more than 50 degrees. Something has to give in order to absorb the bumps in midcorner. Engineers will need to “tune” the frame and chassis for this. It is believed that the RC16’s steel-lattice framework is too stiff, hence riders like Hafizh and Johann find it difficult to turn the bike.

Let’s hope to see Hafizh improve on his results throughout the year.

Another Case of Wire Strung Across Motorcycle Lane

Another motorcyclist had his finger cut by a wire strung across a motorcycle lane.
The location is at the entrance from Taman Greenwood to the DUKE highway.
A same occurrence happened at the same location last year.

In September 2018, a motorcyclist was almost beheaded by a wire strung across the motorcycle lane. Since then, another motorcyclist almost met the same fate at the same location.

Harian Metro reported two days ago that 28-year-old Mohamad Syazwan Mohd. Jelani, was riding from Sri Gombak to Kuala Lumpur when he encountered the booby trap. The location of the trap was at motorcycle lane entering the DUKE Highway from Taman Greenwood.

Syazman recounted that he felt something on his face which then travelled downwards to his neck. He almost lost control of his motorcycle at the time, but managed to grab his neck out of reflex. His fingers found a piece of wire. He managed to push it above his head and helmet, but the offending material cut into his fingers, almost taking it off.

“The motorcyclists behind stopped to help and one of them told me it could be a kite string,” said Syazman. “But there weren’t any kites flying and it didn’t snap when I pulled on it. Instead, it cut into my fingers.”

He has since reported the case to the police.

In the same incident last year, Mohamad Afiq Izwan Ismail suffered a cut on his neck when it came into contact with fishing wire strung across the bike lane.

We urge the authorities to act before something serious happens.

Source: Harian Metro

2020 Husqvarna FS 450 supermoto, Sexy in its Purity

The 2020 Husqvarna FS 450 supermoto has been unveiled.
It is the only race-ready supermoto direct from the factory.
Updates are in the suspension department, using WP’s top-of-the-line components.

Here’s the 2020 Husqvarna FS 450 supermoto – make that the ultra-sexy factory supermoto.

In fact, it’s the only ex-factory and read-to-race supermoto in the market. On the other hand, other brands of supermoto bikes taking part in competition were invariably modified from motocross or enduro bikes. As such, on could say they lack the FS 450’s purity.

However, changes on the 2020 FS 2020 are in the suspension department, since Husqvarna had done plenty of upgrades for the 2019 bike.

The new bike features 48mm WP XACT forks and rear shock and doing away with the WP AER items. Compared to the AER it replaces, the XACT forks units combines two of WP’s best technologies. Whereas the AER are air forks, the XACT forks use both cone valve damping and air spring systems.

As a race-ready supermoto, the bike is fitted with a 16.5-inch front and 17-inch rear Alpine wheels. The Bridgestone racing slicks are standard.

The engine is carried over from last year. It produces 63 hp of teeth clenching power. That doesn’t sound a lot to road riders but try riding one of these babies and you’d soon understand that big horsepower stands for naught. The Husqvarna FS 450 weighs only 102.8 kg dry, after all.