Revolutionary Aprilia Performance Ride Control Explained in Dramatic Action Video NEW YORK, NY June 15, 2011 Motorcycle performance is being revolutionized and, for the first time, this new era heralds increased rider control and safety as much as it does more power and less weight. At the forefront of that revolution is Aprilia USA with its advanced new Performance Ride Control system. Unlike rivals, APRC isn’t just a safety net, but instead works to enhance rider control, allowing RSV4 riders to wring the maximum possible performance from their motorcycle. The individual components of Aprilia Performance Ride Control (Launch Control, Wheelie Control, Traction Control and Quick Shift) are explained in this video (see below). Developed for and proven on Max Biaggi’s World Championship-winning RSV4 superbike, APRC combines four individual components “” launch control, wheelie control, traction control and quickshift into one seamless system. The rider can program individual levels of intervention or disable each system individually, but in action, they’ll only experience greater control and increased confidence. Aprilia Launch Control works with both Wheelie Control and Traction Control to facilitate the fastest possible race starts. Three rider-programmable modes make this accessible to everyone from novices to experts. Once set, the rider only has to hold the throttle wide open and modulate the clutch to launch the RSV4. Launch Control holds revs at maximum torque “” with programmable rpm thresholds from 9,500 to 10,000rpm “” while preventing the wheelies and wheel spin that could limit performance. Once the RSV4 crosses 100mph and 2nd gear is selected, Launch Control disengages. The Aprilia RSV4 is the first street-legal motorcycle to ever be equipped with Launch Control. Aprilia Wheelie Control APRC uses multiple data points including acceleration, attitude and throttle position to determine if a wheelie is actually occurring. Rival systems are much less sophisticated, simply comparing the differences in wheel speeds. All that data allows APRC not just to cut power when a wheelie is detected, but to incrementally modulate the height of that wheelie, maintaining maximum acceleration in safety. This advantage is especially felt while cornering, enabling the front tire to maintain contact with the track as the RSV4 drives out of corners. Aprilia Traction Control allows riders to intuitively select eight different levels for different corners on the same track. In addition to comparing wheel speeds, APRC consults a gyroscope to determine lean angle and an accelerometer to determine acceleration. Unlike rival traction control systems, this enables APRC to maintain rather than simply cancel slides. Since maximum acceleration is achieved beyond the threshold of complete grip, this makes motorcycles equipped with APRC faster. While in that controlled slide, APRC also allows riders to determine their own angle of slip using the throttle. More throttle equals more slide and vice versa. Because all this occurs while the RSV4 is prevented from spinning out of control is indicative of how sophisticated APRC is. Aprilia Quick Shift also brings novel functionality. Like other systems, RSV4 riders can use it to upshift without closing the throttle. APRC can complete shifts in just 40 milliseconds. Unlike rivals, Aprilia’s solution will bring benefits away from full-throttle too. APRC evaluates the ride mode selected, throttle position, gear position and acceleration to determine how to deliver the smoothest possible shift. RSV4 riders will most appreciate this while riding at the limits of adhesion, shifts will no longer have the potential of crudely breaking grip. Combined, APRC works to increase rider safety in the same way as rivals. But where their traction and wheelie control systems can do only that, APRC seamlessly facilitates enhanced rider control. APRC is the only traction control system that allows for re-calibration to different tire sizes, as no other manufacturer offers this. For more information on the 2011 RSV4 Factory APRC SE and 2011 RSV4 R APRC or the entire Aprilia model lineup, visit www.ApriliaUSA.com. Be sure to check out other Roadracing World feature videos. Video provided by ~http://www.apriliausa.com~ and ~http://www.YouTube.com~